TPBM #98 - XCVIII

TPBM will be happy to post on the new thread.

Yes I would.

The person below me will describe their current weather.

Hot and humid in the Delaware Valley with thunderstorms whenever!

TPBM will describe weather on the "other" coast!

Well, it's better than here! Where ever we are.

TPBM makes due.

Diligence is my middle name. Sometimes. Most of the time, my middle name is Procrastinate.

TPBM will come up with a TPBM because I'm procrastinating...

Happy to oblige.

TPBM

Is waiting with bated breath for TPBM to come up with a better

TPBM

TPBM is a natural born pedant (and so pleased by 'bated')

now that I've looked up the definition of "pedant", then yes! I think something similar but using a different word showed up in my last work performance review.

TPBM is just picky.

LEPT! But my reply still fits! :-Þ

It depends on the situation. When it comes to work, most definitely. I've been doing my job over half my life, and learned the tricks to make the job go easier but too many people I've worked with can't be bothered adopting any of them, even if they do make the job easier. They basically look at me as "the cranky old man who needs to let us do it how we want to."

TPBM has had a revelation.

Do you mean 'And I looked and beheld a shining city on a hill' kind? Or the 'people who drive SUVs seem to like to tailgate' kind?

TPBM lives in the desert on locust and wild honey.

Palmetto Bugs and Corn Syrup?

TPBM also lives in a cultural desert. But Tweets.

Yes, I live in a cultural desert (probably not the worst, but pretty lacking). No, I do not Tweet. We do have the capability to Tweet, I just choose not to. It's my prerogative!

TPBM is a big time Tweeter.

Absolutely not! I've become quite the curmudgeon over the past couple of years, and there already so much stupid s**t being put spewed on the tweet screens that I don't want to be associated with it.

Reminds me of a verse from a John Gorka song:
There's addition and subtraction but division overall
Hope, once in fluid motion has slowed behind a crawl
Oh, the images are strong now the words are pretty good
But there's more fiction out of Washington than out of Hollywood

TPBM knows how to keep a story straight. (It's simple, really.)

Once upon a time _________________________________________________________________________________

TPBM will continue.

there was a decisive black line.....

TPBM has the next part.

That was definitive and clearly marked and you were either on the one side or the other. The only trick to it was that it shifted constantly, so that people were never really quite sure where they stood.

TPBM has the next part.

No.

TPBM is kind to animals.

Despite my reputation, yes I am.

TPBM is also NOT an Pet Person.

I am very much a pet person. But having been pet-less for a few years now, I find myself reluctant to burden myself with pet mess anymore.

TPBM thinks I'm heartless.

For a while now you've clearly been pet-less
But also you've clearly lacked pet mess
Does this mean that I think that you're heartless?
Why no, what a thought, oh my goodness!

TPBM is a poet but doesn't know it.

Not only don't I know it, but neither does anyone else.

TPBM sings the body electric.

Close, i would like to whistle the Lana Del Rey-version

TPBM plays the Rime of the Ancient Mariner

yes, but it's the Captain Dan and the Scurvy Crew version. (pirate hip-hop is a thing!)

TPBM is lost at sea.

//Tiger Lillies 'Living Hell' from the album Rime of the Ancient Mariner. I love these guys, although they are very dark.//

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H54qEy4hrqs

Well I went to sea in a beautiful pea green boat but returned to shore before the honey ran out.

TPBM is lost in space.

(edited for spelling)

I t h i n k t h a t m a y b e t r u e. H o w d o I g e t b a c k ?

ETA: damnation, what happened to my careful use of THREE spaces between each word???

TPBM is lost somewhere else, and will tell us exactly where...

// I think one must put (e.g.) ** instead of the second spaces to reach a bit of that effect, i never managed to get more than one space-width as gap at LT.

The same with lines//

>28 EMS_24: //Thanks!//

From time to time / now and again / off and on, when(ever) / if i want to/would look for a proper replacement for a Dutch idiom or proverb into English and when i want / like / wish to make long sentences / lines, i 'm Lost in Translation

TPBM is Home Alone

>25 SomeGuyInVirginia: quirky . (nice word btw)

///>27 Tid: >28 EMS_24: It's an HTML thing. It just tosses out empty spaces. Sometimes you can get around it by using the code for a non-breaking space, but sometimes it doesn't work.///

No, the abbess is here too and her sister will be here tomorrow.

TPBM finds it increasingly difficult to refrain from being 'political'.

If nominated I will not accept, if elected I will not serve.

TPBM has it in the bag.

Yep!

TPBM has a rosy outlook.

Getting rosier all the time, now that I might have an offer on Mom's house. Plus, I'm reading some good books right now, not in the book doldrums like I was a couple of weeks ago.

TPBM is reading what just might turn out to be their best book of 2017.

I just finished A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Leguin, which is the best one so far. Quite a lot of 2017 left to go!

TPBM is taking a break from books right now.

No way! In fact I just scored a bunch from a thrift store and a recycling center. The problem is finding just the right one to read next.

TPBM sometimes has that problem.

I used to but now I just go to the top of a pile, grab it and start reading. The problem is "which pile?!"

TPBM has an elegant way to decide which pile!

I did at one time -- the one that seemed most likely to topple first. But since the odds are even on all such piles, it's moot.

That being said, for the past couple of years, I haven't read-for-pleasure at all, it seems. My current-read is a mere 150 pages and interesting as hell, but I started it 8 months ago, and I'm on p70. There's been way too much on my get-it-done-yesterday list. You'd think that by isolating myself from all outside-the-home activities (besides geocaching,) I'd have more time for reading. I don't. Haven't picked up that book in three weeks. I want to, which is a hopeful change for me, but I have too much else to do. Even visiting here on LT is a luxury I can't afford time-wise, but I've given me a 15-minute break, and this is how I use it.

TPBM reads magazines end to end.

Only if I keep them in the bathroom.

TPBM has another strategy.

I quit buying magazines a long time ago, so no, no strategy here. However, I started receiving Oprah magazine in the mail about 6 months ago and have no idea why I am getting it. I thought the first one was some kind of promotional thing, but they just keep coming.

TPBM has also received something they didn't order.

I got a shipment from Walmart that appears to be stock for their gift wrapping department - matching gift bags, ribbons, invitation cards, thankyou cards, and tissue paper, each in big packs with store stocking info sheets taped to them.

I tried to return the stuff, figuring someone at the store is looking for it, but it turns out that they can't help you return something you didn't order. I talked to four different people at different levels of the service department, and each of them only offered to help me track my order. At no point did I manage to reach anyone who seemed to understand that I didn't order it, nor do I need to track it since I know where it is. Nor could anyone explain how it got a shipping label with my name and address and home phone number, which is the question I really wanted answered.

I finally just donated it to a church rummage sale.

TPBM has better luck with customer service departments.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Mostly yes, as I find that if I treat the Customer Service rep with respect, even if the situation is awful, they are least nice even if they can't help me. Recently I got 4 dinner plates from Replacements, Inc. One of them was clearly inferior - faded pattern - and the guy on the phone said don't worry about sending it back, don't bother sending photos, we'll just send you a new one. And they did.

TPBM is amazed at how often it takes to actually get a human being on the phone when calling Customer Service.

Yes, it can be really frustrating. I agree with you, though, I never give the rep grief because whatever's wrong isn't their fault. If they're incompetent or crabby I just tell them I'll call back.

TPBM whistles past grave yards.

My word SGiV where did you get that from!? I thought it was only an old, old custom from England. Did it really transfer to Virginia?

TPBM whistles through book shops.

Only Waterstones Piccadilly branch, and only when taking a short cut from Piccadilly to Jermyn Street when it's raining, and often not even then. I can only whistle through book shops with my eyes closed and that is rarely practical.

TPBM can remember when book shops didn't provide sofas

I think some always did, but I do remember when one had the luxury of selecting from a number of independent and specialty bookstores, with or without comfy chairs, when one was on the hunt for something. Heck, I used to own one. No, we didn't have a sofa.

TPBM has been in the book business.

Only as a copy editor, and a reader.

TPBM is adept at the art of book restoration.

Only if there is actual magic involved.

TPBM actually won the lottery.

Only if you count the $5/$10 scratch off ticket wins. And at least as far as the California and North Carolina Lotteries go, they are a huge rip off. Each touted supplementing the Education budget, but ended up replacing some of it. I don't contribute any more.

TPBM has played a super lottery.

Yes, I've played but never won anything. No, wait I think I got something like $14 once.

TPBM is in a good mood.

Yes! The check engine light did not come on this morning. It had come on last evening on the way home from work.

TPBM knows why.

You have vapor pressure in your gas tank that lessened overnight.

TPBM has a different reason.

You live on a hill and in the morning you drive downhill.

TPBM drives downhill all the way

No, pretty much uphill in all directions. Especially when I am walking, it seems.

TPBM walked uphill to school everyday in the snow.

For 12 miles with no shoes!

TPBM had a party line growing up.

Yes. And the first three digits of the phone number were BRoad4.

TPBM's phone still connects to a wall socket.

Our landline does. We need a landline to get satellite. Too far out in the boonies for cable. We've also got cell phones, and wifi available through our landline.

TPBM still has a flip phone.

She used to but our carrier removed their G2 radios so it became a door stop for chipmunks. Now she has one that takes pictures!!

TPBM didn't know a phone could take pictures (or doesn't want to know!)

I'm just waiting for my smell flone to become sentient and kill everybody, me first.

//Darth is right, 2wY, it really could be something as simple as a vapor lock (fairly common). Take your gas cap off and put it back on, making sure it's securely fastened. I hope that's the trick!//

TPBM keeps it simple.

>60 SomeGuyInVirginia: //Done and done!//

Yes. Or no.

TPBM is more complex.

There are so many ways to approach that statement.

//>45 John_Vaughan: Sorry John, I thought I'd replied to this. Two things the South reveres: Our dead and England. There are tons of carry-overs.//

TPBM is streamlined.

No, but I've started back on The Zone. I really need to lose weight. *smile*

TPBM has never had to worry about their weight.

I never met a woman who didn't worry about her weight at some time in her life. And probably a few men.

TPBM worries about ______.

Bloody Brexit!

TPBM has other fish to fry.

No, exactly the same one!

TPBM really does have other fish to fry.

Naw, the fish at the farmers market was way to expensive. I could buy an awful lot of vegetables for that $24.95/lb.

For TPBM, money is no object.

That's right, it's more of a figment of my imagination.

TPBM has an imaginary friend.

Great! You just outted yourself. Now everyone knows.

TPBM is a surrealist.

And the unicycle I rode in on!

TPBM has seen Star Wars more than 50 times.

That would be unconstitutional...Cruel and Unusual....

//Just finished My Name Escapes me wherein Sir Alec Guinness implores a young lad not to go to see the film(s) again. "Promise me?' he says over the boy's mothers protests!//

TPBM sends their "imaginary friend" instead.

You know about my "friend" ? Hmm. I didn't think anyone else knew about her.

TPBM will celebrate Friday with a drink tonight.

What an excellent idea!

TPBM will raise one in a toast to this thread.

That's a great idea!

TPBM will join me.

yep! Friday night is Beer & Pizza Night!

TPBM is also having pizza.

Had it yesterday. It was West Coast pizza and it made this Chicago girl sad.

TPBM isn't so fussy.

>77 PhaedraB: //is that the kind that is on a big cracker? i like deep dish//

// >78 Darth-Heather: I live for deep dish, but I can't get it unless I go home. West Coast pizza has thin sauce, less cheese, light toppings (usually weird ones) and no noticeable Italian flavor. It's far worse than when I lived in New York. In the PNW, the few good pizzas are New York-ish. Which makes a Chicago girl sad. Selling by slice makes me sad. The classic was up in Portland where they had slices that were red sauce topped with nutritional yeast. Vegan pizza. Jeez, at least add some vegetables. Oh, and they fold the slices and dip them in ranch dressing.//

This PBM is quite fussy. At least that is what it says in my first grade report card, and that kind of stigma follows a person for a long time.

TPBM is more accomodating.

//>79 PhaedraB: you have my sympathy... Pizza can be hit-or-miss here in NH, but we are close enough to Boston to be able to get the good stuff in the North End.//

I try to be so.

TPBM is back from their weekend away.

Back to my get-to-be-alone-in-the-house-while-husband-goes-to-work weekday routine.

TPBM has plans for a fall trip.

No, but I bet with all the rain we've gotten that it will be beautius.

TPBM is traveling right now.

I'm on my way somewhere peaceful and serene and when I get there I will have no responsibilities or cares....oops I was traveling in my mind again. I'm really sitting in front of a computer with a long day ahead of me.

TPBM has a better day planned.

Sitting in front of the computer waiting for the temporary maintenance man to unstop the kitchen sink. If I'm lucky, he'll also hang the vertical blinds and fix the ceiling fan, both of which I'm hoping for since it's supposed to be over 100 for the next week.

TPBM expects something other than 111 in the shade.

yes, I expect mosquitoes in the shade. And I got what I expected, with some additional deerflies thrown in.

TPBM is plagued by something else.

Moths. Small moths that hide and eat your clothes. I HATE THEM!!!
(I should point out here that I don't mean moths that hide your clothes - there's nothing anyone can do about them. Perhaps there should be a comma after "hide"?)

TPBM has a cure for moths that doesn't involve nuking your house.

I wish I did. I've been working on a moth invasion for months now. And I'm a knitter!

The person below me can help us with our moth problems.

I suggest nuking it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

TPBM has a less destructive suggestion

When we had an invasion of moths (turned out to be from Indian Corn that I was storing!) I just kept vacuuming them up and throwing away the bags. Between that and throwing out the Indian Corn once I identified that as the source, we did fine.

TPBM has had a more unusual home invasion.

Last year we had Hunter and Rain spiders. This moth black ants. At least the bears and deer stay outside!

TPBM suffers from human invasions.

yeah. Damn. Those things are all over the place...

TPBM observed something interesting while people-watching.

Right now I'm trying to figure out what the ramifications of 'phone zombies' will be on relationships. I think people who walk around glued to their phone screen are fascinating. Not necessarily a good thing.

//>92 Darth-Heather: I know! I put down traps and more still turn up!//

TPBM looks death in the eye.

Truth be told, twice already. Organ failure. (True) I got passed it because I worked for an organ builder back in 70s, and had experience.
But I'm older now, and have absolutely nothing on a bucket list. Next time, I'll do that dance; no regrets.

TPBM is shocked.

Sympathetic, not shocked.

Perhaps TPBM is shocked?

not now that we fixed the wire in the conference room lightswitch that wasn't grounding properly.

TPBM has had a hair-raising experience.

I find in the hotter weather I always keep my hair up and off my neck. Up here on the "wet" coast, we rarely have really hot weather. We are breaking records this week for heat as well as poor air quality due to the forest fires.

TPBM is breaking other records.

We had the wettest July on record. Much needed rain and really helped with the many, many wildfires. I am, however, in the process of moving my record albums to the new house and have my fingers crossed that they make it safely.

The person below me still has record albums.

A few, but since my Pye Black Box gave up the ghost I can only play them on a cheap little turntable through my computer.

TPBM still has shellac 78 rpm records, and maybe a wind-up gramophone on which to play them.

My sister has the 78s, but I have a few 45s and of course both my and my husband's record collections. No wind-up gramophone, alas, but an old turntable that needs a new needle cartridge.

TPBM has Beta tapes, VHS tapes, laser discs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs or a subset of them.

Some (VHS) but I'm an audio guy and let's not talk about how many cassettes I have. Thank goodness I never got into 8 track. I'm transcribing some things but audio on cassettes to mp3 is a real time function and takes FOREVER!

TPBM is in the same conundrum but has a trick (not including caffeine).

Is cocaine off the table?

//>98 xorscape: XOR!!!//

TPBM is all natural.

//102 SGiV: Yeah, I got distracted. I still love this game and can't believe how long we've been playing it!//

//101 ulmannc: I just bought a little doohickey to transfer my books on cassette to something less bulky. I've moved and can't believe how many of these books I have stashed! And no one wants them. I'm just saving a few, Rex Stout, etc.//

All natural. Well, sort of. No hair dye, no new parts yet even if they are in my future. But I do need glasses. Does that count?

The person below me has a project that he or she is just dreading.

//>63 SomeGuyInVirginia: The 2cnd page of Hillbilly Elegy ..."Because honey, we're hill people. And we respect our dead." As told by SGiV in 63!//

//>104 John_Vaughan: Oh! I've been meaning to read that. Dad is a flatlander, but Mom is a highlander. That's a culture unto itself, very distinct characteristics.//

Yes! I'm in a temporary office while mine is being renovated. I'm dreading the move back.

TPBM is looking forward to ___________.

The weekend.

TPBM has been to a reunion of sorts lately.

yes, I just got back from my annual family camping weekend - this was the 24th year. My uncle built a cabin up in the Great North Woods and we all go up there every summer for lots of food, laughs, and good times. And usually a group project - this year we moved the outhouse.

TPBM has never used an outhouse.

Au contraire! Nineteen years as a Cub/Boy Scout leader, I've built, moved/used them often, probably more often than I've used a Port-o-San. Plus, I have a friend in Arkansas, and yeah, she lives a fairly rustic lifestyle. Always nice to see her, though.

TPBM feels indoor plumbing is overrated.

God no!!! Because I've used outhouses, too!

TPBM is thoroughly modern.

I'm in the newest wave - waterless toilet.

TPBM will be ready when the power goes out.

Yup. Candles, matches, and torch within easy reach. Of course, if it goes out permanently I'll have to wake and rise with the sun, and go to bed with the night (or knight...)

TPBM dreads the 'power cut - freezer' problem.

I've lined my freezer bottom, sides & top with ice packs so I'm good for at least a week in hot weather.

TPBM has another McGyver 'power cut' recommendation.

I keep expensive frozen stuff wrapped in the freezer-pack bags that my sister gets from Blue Apron. If the power goes out, I bring it all to the freezer at work. I don't worry about popsicles and veggies, but am careful not to waste meat.

TPBM has a better idea.

Dominos delivers.

TPBM fears nothing, even fear itself.

I could refer you back to my >94 WholeHouseLibrary:, but it doesn't cover this response adequately.
I've got lots of fears, like: is the pain from a recent back injury ever going to abate? Doesn't seem likely, but I persist.

TPBM knows a good chiropractor. (I'm not looking for one at this point; just curious.)

>115 WholeHouseLibrary:, you know what curiosity did to the cat don't you?? (I couldn't help myself being able to reference a "pet" while responding to WHL)hehe

TPBM has a curious cat.

Inara Starbuck. If I have a closet open, she's in it. If I open the guest bedroom door, she runs in there. I can't tell you how many times she's been locked in a closet or closed up in the guest bedroom. We'll all of a sudden think "We haven't seen Inara recently." Then I go back to what I had last open and usually she zooms out, hungry and thankful.

TPBM has an unusual pet.

Not a pet, but I have a few Triturus vulgaris in the cellar.

TPBM has an unusual cellar.

Salt cellar? Unusual spelling?

TPBM will correct my bad.

I would, but I'm not sure what I would be correcting.

//>117 karenmarie: My Mattie cat is exactly like that. It's all fun and games sneaking through open doors until she's stuck in there until someone hears her crying.//

TPBM is more enlightened than I am and knows what Tid is referencing.

Maybe she is thinking of a celebrity sea-shell seller in a cell eating celery with celerity.

TPBM has at least seven dictionaries within arm's length

Of course! In fact, within a finger's length.

TPBM knows what I mean.

I do use the online Thesaurus when searching for a word, but I still like paper dictionaries. I sometimes flip one open at random and learn about a new word.

TPBM has a good word for today.

Rotunda.

TPBM may have another.

Penultimate. . . not new to me but I really like it.

OK, back to it. TPBM really has a good word for today.

FRIDAY!!!! Happy day!!

TPBM has a fidget spinner.

What is a fidget spinner?

TPBM skips rocks across a pond as do I!

Not lately, believe it or not, a fidget spinner works a lot like skipping rocks across a pond. When done properly, both can bring about a sense of calm and allow certain types of people to concentrate more. The big difference is that a fidget spinner is supposed to remain in your hand, whereas, when done right, you never get the rock back.

TPBM doesn't get creeped out with the concept of premarital interdigitation.

Au contraire, I wanna hold your hand.

TPBM lends a hand.

It makes a wonderful crumb catcher. Except at work I'm mobile, so I only use a crumb catcher between 9-5.

TPBM is exact.

Not really. Often I adhere to my former boss's sentiment when finishing up a task. "It's good enough for government work."

TPBM is capable.

Thank you!

TPBM is goluptious.

Why thank you, how kind of you to notice.

TPBM is perspicacious.

nope, I have shower-fresh scented anti-perspicacious on today.

TPBM is clean as a whistle

My whistling is only so-so, so draw your own conclusions.

TPBM whistles while _________

I pass graveyards. Or Congress. Either.

TPBM heard angles singing.

Right. I may be obtuse though.

TPBM has acute hearing.

Huh? What'd you say, young whippersnapper? And get off my lawn!

The short answer is: No. I played in too many (and loud) garage bands in the late 60s.

TPBM is sensitive.

Of course I'm bloody sensitive! Actually, not very. But somehow, whenever I'm in the dentist's chair...

TPBM is sensitive elsewhere.

No, pretty much everywhere.

TPBM is made of clay.

Given that I was born in the Navy Base in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey which is composed entirely of mud and clay; probably.

TPBM was born on rocky ground.

No, in a hospital. My mother hasn't mentioned anything about it being particularly uncomfortable, so I'm willing to assume it was a bed.

TPBM has a bed of roses.

I beg your pardon?

TPBM never promised me _____________

a little sunshine, because there's gotta be a little rain sometime.

TPBM makes it rain.

I'll schedule a picnic.

TPBM knows that if the weather reports says it is going to pour, it really. . . .

... is RAINING MEN, ALLELUIA

TPBM prefers cats and dogs

Over men? It depends on the man.

TPBM has a preference.

Why do you keep setting me up?

TPBM is reading a book of the ______________ genre.

Mystery. My favorite genre, although since joining LT almost ten years ago (Oct 2007!), I've branched out.

TPBM will tell us their favorite genre.

My favorite is mathematical research, but the most common genre is cheesy mysteries.

TPBM was last astonished by the book ______________.

This Is What You Just Put In Your Mouth?.

I now deeply regret any times in my life where I ingested Slim Jims.

TPBM regrets a different food.

//>152 SomeGuyInVirginia: One day at work I was talking about cannibalism with the guy who ran my department. He knew everything, but was the kind that you wouldn't know he knew everything until you started talking with him and he could talk about anything. He asked me if I'd ever eaten human flesh and I said 'Certainly not!!' The he asked if I'd eaten beef jerky and when I admitted I had he told me that if so, I'd eaten people. I don't know if he was kidding or not, but I don't think he was. I've never been able to even pick up a package since then.//

I regret my first (and last) taste of Oreos, but I'm not sure if you can class those as food.

TPBM keeps on dancing, and breaks out the booze.

And has a ball.

TPBM knows if that is all there is.

First hand. There is no dress rehearsal, so be good to each other. We're all watching.

TPBM groks it.

Utterly, completely, and in every way.

TPBM does too.

Um, excuse me, I didn't mean to. (*blush, blush*)

TPBM is eating fresh veggies from the garden.

Vegetable are those green things, right?

TPBM has thrown rotten tomatoes.

Only at politicians.

//SGiV you know you can get them delivered right? In cardboard too.)

TPBM is either a rotten apple or a black sheep.

>160 Jenni_Canuck: I told you those things off the record!!!

TPBM has nothing to hide.

{_______________}⛄︎

TPBM wants to know what I'm hiding.

OK, I want to know! Am I first?

TPBM does too!

I only want to know if it involves the tiny snowman.

TPBM can guess.

I have a confession to make. Yes, it's a tiny snowman but it is also the nearest symbol I could find that resembles a padlock.

TPBM feels let down.

Only when they don't show the monster in movies.

TPBM is completely in the dark.

Not me.

TPBM is eagerly anticipating totality.

I'm eagerly anticipating 93% here in central NC. Husband made me a cardboard viewer, bless his heart.

TPBM has already experienced a total eclipse of the sun.

No, just a total eclipse of the heart. Are they similar?

TPBM has their glasses for the eclipse ( or a homemade gadget).

Got 'em! ISO approved.

TPBM has their colander at the ready.

Plus a sign that reads 'Welcome alien overlords.'

TPBM thinks it's all a gimmick.

yeah, the aliens are fooling you. Really, they don't want the thankless job of governing us.

TPBM has seen a total solar eclipse before.

Yes! In Cornwall, 1999. Quite something to experience. And it actually occurred, despite being predicted by scientists...

TPBM has also been 'totalled' (eclipse-wise)

No, but my husband has, twice, and today in the 90%s.

TPBM has had a car totaled by the insurance company.

Just this past spring. And before that, one in the spring of 2001. I was driving in the former incident, and my ex was driving (my car) in the latter incident. At least I wasn't in the car one of the times.

TPBM has had the airbags deploy.

At every business meeting I ever went to. It amazes me how people who have no working knowledge of something becomes the people who say they can make it better.

TPBM can handle a 3-point turn easily. (MrsHouseLibrary takes at least seven turns to back straight out of the garage and head off 90 degrees from that direction. It boggles the imagination!)

Yup.

TPBM could, if the need arose, double-declutch.

Is that anything like double dutch? I used to be able to double dutch, probably not now though.

TPBM drives a stick shift.

Started in '64 ad continued until about 5 years when m left knee stared going south.

TPBM can back that 40 ft trailer into the lading dock with ease.

No, I have nothing but admiration for people who can manage that.

TPBM goes full tilt boogie.

No idea what that means, other than possibly dancing into a pinball machine, causing a foul. In that case, no, I don't dance. And really, disco sucks.

>179 SomeGuyInVirginia: Yes I can, and it's simple: place one hand on the inside bottom of the steering wheel to make course corrections, and take it slow.

TPBM can gap a spark plug.

I could once! but if there was a tall dark stranger within call, I pretended I couldn't.

TPBM remembers the days when car engines were just pieces of metal that moved without any software help.

Yup. And they didn't spy on you either.

TPBM is getting closer and closer to unplugging from all these lovely, addicting, annoying devices.

No, but they do worry me. I think one day people will revolt against the machine.

TPBM is revolting now.

Nah, maybe tomorrow, I'm kind of busy today.

TPBM goes to local fairs.

Festivals and outdoor concerts, yes. My favourite part of summer. The fair not so much. Too much fried food and rides that make you regret the fried food.

TPBM is going on a ride soon.

yep, leavin on a jet plane...

to visit my dad. I believe his plans involve taking me to eat fried food at the Minnesota State Fair. I will probably skip the rides though - the Paul Bunyan rollercoaster doesn't appeal to me.

TPBM likes rollercoasters.

Not really. I rode them as a kid because of peer pressure and sibling tauntings (you know, "you're just a big fat chicken" kind of thing). I no longer have to prove myself and am confident (most of the time) so I don't ride them anymore.

TPBM has siblings.

Four of each.

TPBM is an only child.

One day, God willing.

TPBM was been on Walton mountain.

Is Pearisburg close enough?

TPBM lived/lives in Giles Country

//190 LOL, Larry. During some of the horrendous mess with my sister regarding the settling of my mom's estate, I had a fervent desire to be an only child!//

Oh for years and years until he died. He was the only thing worth getting the Daily Express for.

TPBM also remembers Giles with affection.

ACK! Preempted in my reply, but strangely, it still seems to fit! (Yea me!)

No idea where that may be, although, back in 1977, ThiMs (my ex) and I bicycled from northern NJ to Pensacola, Fla. It's possible we bicycled through it. Maybe not.

>190 ulmannc: I'm so there with you!

TPBM has actually won a lottery.
One of my sisters just did; with three others. After taxes, she'll still have more money than MrsHouseLibrary and I have earned in the past four years. Did I mention that she was my most favorite youngest sister?

Not yet!

//>192 Tid: I understand completely.//

//>194 SomeGuyInVirginia: Your sister sounds like a wonderful, charming (and dare I say beautifully captivating) woman.//

TPBM really can eat just one potato chip.

If I walk rapidly away from the bowl and hover dutifully near the veggie and dip platter for the rest of the evening. I don't keep the tempting dangers in my house.

TPBM is resisting another temptation.

Yes, to go out and do something. I'm on the tail end of a mild stomach flu and was only out for a hour yesterday to get my hair cut. I'll prolly stay in because the next two weeks at work are going to be hellish.

The TPBM's dance card is full.

Tossed mine away. But there's still a lot on my plate.

>195 carod: My sister is all that and more. Apparently you've met her in a previous life.

TPBM counts the carbs (or crabs if you happen to be near the shore, which for Texas, is now San Marcos.)

No, I'm just trying to guess what to wear with such a forecast:


TPBM has an idea that'll get rid of Trump and Harvey at the same time.

Have a Battle of the Blowhards?

TPBM has another.

Myxomotosis (spelling?), assuming that Harvey refers to a giant rabbit, and that Trump sometimes looks like one.

TPBM has yet another idea for removing Trump.

Amendment 25, Section IV. Although unfortunately that would put Pence in power. I honestly don't know which is worse - the bloviating orange gasbag or the repressed and repressive pence.

TPBM can see parallels between The Flood and what's happening in Texas.

Everything's bigger in Texas!

TPBM is sound.

No, but I'm safe.

TPBM wonders where the summer went.

We had it yesterday and today (first really fine August Bank Holiday in ages) and that's probably it. I blame Trump .....or Brexit.

TPBM has alt-Scapegoats

Any scapegoat will do in a storm.

TPBM is for it.

No, I'm against it! Wait, what was it again? Can't stay long, office is in the middle of an audit. shhhh...

TPBM is in the middle of ___________.

Taking it easy today. We passed our audit and I just finished reviewing 90 files for the summer review season yesterday. Taking a breath until the next onslaught.

TPBM can't shake a feeling.

No, nor a decent cocktail either.

TPBM is "stirred" by _________

looking at birds through my new Gosky scope. It is way cool.

TPBM loves looking at birds but doesn't have a clue as to what particular birds they are.

I have a bird book but either my eyesight or my attention to detail is lacking, because I have a heck of a time deciding what I'm looking at. Although, this past week I saw a peregrine falcon. I'm sure that's what it was because an experienced birder looked it up!

TPBM understands the pain of LBBs.

Oh man no and I hope to never. I had a pinched nerve that was corrected with a series of shots but the pain was awful. I hope all sufferers recover and find relief.

TPBM races.

Only so that I may rest.

TPBM hurries up and waits.

Yes, and you think I would know better because I Hate waiting!

TPBM is looking forward to the holiday weekend.

Yup. SWMBO has been visiting London with a friend all week. But Sunday I get to meet her at the airport. Imsh Allah!

TPBM dreads cooking and cleaning when their boss is away.

//At least she had a day or two of good weather. It was the best August Bank Holiday for half a century, they say.//

I enjoy cooking and do most of it anyway. As to cleaning, my usual blind eye and take the flak.

TPBM knows that into each life a little rain must fall.

It's taking its time around here. I've been looking at dense wildfire smoke for a month or more now. I judge whether I should wear the filter mask by how much I can see of my balcony view. The rainy season doesn't start here properly until October, so lots more smoke in my future.

TPBM likes __________ season.

I like fall and winter, although I've come to regard October as haunted. Both good and bad, but a lot of one or the other.

TPBM would be happiest __________.

Independently wealthy. I would be really good at being rich. Work starts up again on Tuesday and I didn't quite finish my summer to do list. Life would be so much easier if it wasn't interrupted with the need to earn my keep.

TPBM would be satisfied with ________.

Just enough to supplement my social security but not enough that I'd have to leave my lovely low-income senior apartment.

TPBM has grander plans.

No, but I do have some plander grans growing in my fantasy flowerbed, which must be fed every Thursday with torn up bingo cards or they will quickly die.

TPBM thinks "Oh it's nonsense time, therefore __________ "

I'm back at work and summer's over...sob, sob, sniff, sniff...It's not only nonsense, it's bulls***.

TPBM accepts their lot.

Usually. Mostly. Right now things are going well, but whining does occur when things get weird or bad.

TPBM knows how lucky they are.

I have luck with only one thing - good weather. Can't imagine any better luck to have.

TPBM is worried about flooding.

Not here. I'm worried about fire. The wildfire smoke has pushed our air quality into purple for several days in a row now. The fires aren't even that close, but at the end of the valley where I am, bad air gets trapped.

TPBM is worried about another potential disaster.

Brexit, the likelihood of a seriously left-wing administration under Jeremy Corbyn when Theresa May gets her deserved come-uppance, what else do I need? I really cannot believe that Kim Jong Un really wants to end his days in a deep shelter so I don't worry about Armageddon. Trump, on the other hand.......

TPBM remembers Randy Newman's Political Science -

They all hate us anyhow
So let's drop the big one now
Let's drop the big one now

No, but I do remember Country Joe and the Fish Cheer

And it's 1, 2, 3 what are we fighting for?
Don't ask me, I don't give a damn
Next stop is Viet-nam
And it's 5, 6, 7 open up them pearly gates
Oh there ain't no time to wonder why
Whooppee we're all gonna die

TPBM has a similarly cheery song

//>226 Tid: I sang that song to my husband on the way home from dinner Saturday night. Couldn't remember all the words, but remembered most of them!//

Well his one isn't similar, but it is cheery


Shine on me sunshine
Walk with me world, it's a skippidy doo da day
I'm the happiest girl in the whole U.S.A.

TPBM is in a good place.

Boy, howdy! A cool front came through last night, and the temperature is in the low 80s. Kind of makes me wish I had delayed all that lawn-and-shrubbery work I did yesterday. Two truck loads to the recycling center in 100+ degree searing heat. On the bright side, the yard looks much better and the shower was absolutely delightful.

Looks like we'll be having a house guest soon. A few months ago, my mother sold her place in Venice, Fla and moved into a multi-tiered assisted-living facility. She's in the check-on-me-maybe-once-a-month tier. They had a meeting this morning, and was told that if there was any way the residents can leave, get the heck out NOW. She's 93, but still has the energy of a teenager.

TPBM has a Plan B.

Yes, smoke and drink too much and sheer off those last years I'd be in a diaper.

TPBM's body is sacred.

I wish. Sometimes I can't believe what I've done to this temple. But I'm with you. My mom lived to 103 and I sure don't want to. And she was healthy up until the end, playing bridge three weeks before she died!

The person below me trusts doctors.

Only up to a point. Especially since the Internet became easily accessible, I have a healthy and researched skepticism and challenge my doctors if I think that what they say about me doesn't match what I know about me.

Having said that, in the last several years I haven't had to challenge any of them - dentist, doctor, or eye doctor.

TPBM wants to get a new doctor but it isn't easy.

I wanted to a year or so ago, but now I just go along with what she says. She does listen a little better.

TPBM hopes all our Florida friends weather Irma safely.

Nasty one this. but then y'all might get some too!

TPBM already had their head down.

>230 SomeGuyInVirginia: >235 SomeGuyInVirginia: Yes! Good lord be safe and well!

I always have my head down, welcome to the Beeg Pomegranate.

TPBM struts.

no, I did that already. Next I need leaf springs.

TPBM strolls.

Not in over 45 years! Since a motorcycle accident nullified most of the sciatic nerve in my right let, the best I can do is a well-camouflaged lock-kneed gimp. I have run short distances occasionally, but it usually ends in in me taking a nosedive.

TPBM rides a bicycle.

Another negative - not any more. No health issues as a reason, just laziness and not currently having an appropriate bike.

TPBM has a fool-proof method of exercising that they love and are able to pursue happily.

Hacking away at the shrubbery. Waded into the thicket yesterday and took down the trees that are encroaching on my view.

TPBM knows who stocks electric chipper/mulchers. (I just need a smallish unit. $200 or so. And I HATE shopping online)

My guess would be big-box hardware stores, and possibly Sear or Walmart. Why don't you just rent one?

TPBM has another idea.

Nope. Think you covered it. Buy or rent.

TPBM has watched a classic movie recently and forgotten how much they liked it.

Well I don't know if it's considered a classic, but I watched Dead Poet's Society and cried even more than I remember the first time. Such a good movie, and Robin Williams was great in it.

TPBM is facing a challenge.

Yes, and I manage it by spending half my time in furious activity and the other half recharging my batteries.

TPBM goes along to get along.

Cleaning up after Irma. Mind we started that at 4 ack emma with a huge puddle across the dining area. Trees down and branches everywhere, But, in essence for Central Florida, WOLF again.

TPBM is also thankful this morning.

I am thankful over again every year on Sept 11th that my uncle missed his plane. He lost three coworkers, but we are thankful to still have him.

TPBM is also thankful today.

Thankful that John and SWMBO have got through Irma (and still have broadband, already)

TPBM marvels at what modern science and technology can do.

Yes, it's a world of wonders.

TPBM believes the age of miracles is upon us.

This is the age of miracles and wonder.

TPBM has reason to believe they will be received in Graceland.

Easily, but it has been renamed memphismansion.dk. Anyway it is just a few minutes drive from here.

TPBM will enter Trump Tower.

Not in this life.

TPBM would consider entering Trump Tower.

Feet first, in a manure coffin.

TPBM would consider entering ______________

A haunted house.

TPBM has a true ghost story.

Frankly, that seems to be a contradiction in terms.

TPBM begs to differ.

I wasn't the only one who saw the ghost cat.

TPBM begs for mercy.

Seems to have worked with Irma.

TPBM begs (but has a street licence spot).

not me, I'm a chooser.

TPBM is a giver.

Please don't make me tell!

TPBM learned everything they need to know about people by riding the subway.

I don't really understand people. Look at the last election.

I've been on a subway but not many. Arizona doesn't have any, even though I have ridden quite a few buses. We are building trams again.

The person below me avoids mass transit.

I bought an electric bike, so to some extent yes.

TPBW avoids riding a bike

yeah, but I need to get back to it, otherwise I'm forced to buy bigger pants.

TPBM loves riding their bike.

No, I'm more of a walker.

TPBM has a favorite charity.

I have several but the one I volunteer at most often is kiva.org

TPBM hasn't opened a book in the last 48 hours.

I have not, but I've been listening to audiobooks.

TPBM is an open book.

Definitely -- the kind you have to fill in or connect the dots.

TPBM has been book once or twice.

I've never been a book - it's a bit of a "turn off" though my life is an open page. 😊

TPBM has been booked at least once.

Definitely not! And whatever you heard is not true. They couldn't prove a thing. Deny, deny, deny.

TPBM lives by a code.

Yes, and that's why I have all these super difficult passwords that I can never remember.

TPBM lives by the book.

If you count my spreadsheet of websites/usernames/passwords pasted into the back of my desk calendar, then yes. I rarely use the same password and frequently change them, so keeping up is critical.

TPBM schedules what they're going to read in a month before each new month.

Nope. I wing it with the exception of the book for the book club I'm in.

TPBM will tell us something to keep this thread going.

Sometimes, I see people replying to their own TPBM messages, and it scares me.

TPBM tries to avoid conflict.

I have been told that I do not. Ahem.

TPBM is conflicted about ____________.

Doctors. How do you find a competent one?!

The person below me watched the Emmy's, and if so, actually saw a show that won one.

I did, and no. Except for Modern Family, I haven't watched a single show that was even nominated for something.

TPBM knows someone named Emmy.

Does Emma count? What's an Emmy(sic)?

TPBM doesn't know either. Now the Proms on the BBC is more my line!!!

I know it's an award for TV or movies or something, but I don't watch award shows so...

TPBM will clarify what an Emmy award is.

Something to keep non-readers off the streets for a night.

TPBM serves the people.

Not anymore. I'm gloriously retired! Yay! Best thing I ever did. I may do some volunteer work if I can get my gimpy leg under control.

The person below me is happy today because ___________.

The dream I had just before I woke today was just a dream - large construction equipment strapped to commercial planes and dropped in my vicinity. yikes!

TPBM analyzes dreams.

I just want to sleep long enough to have a dream.

TPBM has been on a cruise.

Two, actually. And MrsHouseLibrary has been on six -- all since we did the pronounced-as-mister-and-missus thing.
I tend to get seasick if I have to walk across a dewy lawn to pick up the newspaper, but, for the most part, I hardy noticed.

TPBM gets a newspaper delivered.

I get the Times (of London) every weekday and the Financial Times on Saturday. No bulky Sunday paper, though. It is an expensive habit and the Times under Rupert Murdoch is not the sober, thoughtoful paper it once was. I'd miss the crossword. The FT, now owned by Chinese, is a model of responsible and intelligent journalism.

Maybe I should just walk to the paper shop on Saturdays. Healthier and cheaper.

TPBM subscribes to an on-line newspaper.

I have paid the occasional donation to The Grauniad (who at least make all their articles free to view, unlike the oiks at the Telegraph who give you the opening paragraph, then fade it out above a box inviting you to subscribe - "It's for your protection, guv, signed R Kray").

TPBM has donated to Wikipedia.

Sadly, no. I tend to donate more to local charities where I know the CEO isn't raking in most of the donations.

TPBM is getting an iphone 8.

It is not even in the universe of possible things. Apparently Apple has switched their marketing strategy from 'Insanely great' to 'Insanely expensive' as a reason to buy their products. It will be interesting to see if people will buy something just because it's more expensive.

TPBM gets their point across just fine.

//>282 Tid: I am jealous. I cancelled our daily because it became a total-local.

Doctors say its best to start a day with a smile, >283 morningwalker: reminder that it Reggie and Ronny want to "protect' us caused me big grin and chuckles!//

//>285 John_Vaughan: : I'm just about to buy my first ever iPad, the so-called "iPad 2017" - basically, it's the iPad Air2, with an inferior screen but a faster processor. £369 - they just made me an offer I can't refuse! And my sister just bought a refurb iPhone 6 Plus from Apple which she is very pleased with.//

Well I like to think so, but things that seem perfectly clear and obvious to me are apparently not so clear to others.

TPBM also has to work with people who frequently miss the point.

ETC spallin' n sich

Everyone I work with is smarter than I am, it makes it easy for me.

//>287 carod: Apple products are remarkable, especially those influenced by Steve Jobs. I've had a love/hate thing with Apple ever since I got an iPod years ago. The machine is great, the iTunes service is hugely disappointing. Amazon is falling for some of the same flawed business models. I'm sure you're going to love your iPad, it's supposed to be the best there is. Tablets rule!//

TPBM climbs every mountain.

Not today. I'm pretty busy with LT Talk Like a Pirate treasure hunt. It's driving me crazy!!!

TPBM knows a few pirate words.

haharrrr, not me matey.

TPBM walks the plank.

Yes, I have a wodden floor.

TPBM is over the hill.

No, but I am at the top. (And the view is just grand!)

TPBM had a personal relationship with a tree in their youth.

My degree is in Forestry. It qualified me to work with mainframe computers, which I did for over thirty years. Does that count?

TPBM doesn't need a calculator to perform most math functions.

True. I have a computer :D - mind you, I still remember my 2x 5x and 10x tables. All else requires my trusty Mac.

TPBM believes there are multiple maths out there, not just one...

no, I think there is just one true math, but we don't have it yet.

TPBM disagrees.

Well, there's always base 8. Tom Lehrer's New Math

TPBM studied different base-math in school. (I studied it in 5th grade. It became useful when I was coding in hexadecimal in college.)

No, I was terrible in math at school and stopped taking it as soon as I was able. I didn't become interested in it until I began reading it on my own.

TPBM knows whereof they speak.

I like to think so, until someone tells me something very complex with which they think I'm perfectly conversant and I have no idea what they're talking about. Of course, my expertise is in the occult, so my fall-back position is the other party doesn't really know what they're talking about, either. Not unusual in my field.

TPBM is outstanding in a field.

Not right this minute, as I'm inside the house, but I very often am out standing in a field.

TPBM is outstanding in another kind of field.

During my first marriage, it seemed like I was standing in a proximity-mine field.

TPBM has a swell day.

No, I have a crappy day, but it does include a free lunch!

It's quitting time for TPBM

I wish! Yesterday the office got new computers, new software, more security measures to learn. help...

TPBM keeps things simple.

It's complicated.

TPBM was recently in a conga line.

Yes, but they ran out of congas before I got to the front.

TPBM is all wet.

The air is so dry my lips are cracking. At least it rained enough to get the wildfire smoke out of the air.

TPBM waits for the rainy season.

Hah! Tell me when, in the UK, it ISN'T the rainy season?

TPBM watches the weather forecast daily, and believes it.

Nope, almost never. If it's important they'll make a Special Announcement.

>305 PhaedraB: I don't...I mean I just...BWAHAHAHA!

TPBM was in Morocco in the 60s.

The words "Moroccan" and "70s" probably don't quite sum up the image TPAM intended?

TPBM really has been to Morocco.

Only on the road to Morocco with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. I loved those movies!

TPBM has a favorite movie they could watch over and over again.

Favorite? The one that popped to mind was Damn Yankees, but there many that I could watch over and over again.

TPBM also has a favorite movie they could watch over and over again.

I have watched The Magnificent Seven* many, many times and surely will again.

TPBM knows (without IMDB) what Britt (James Coburn) replies when Chico says that his shot was the best he had ever seen. Or what Lee (Robert Vaughn) says when he catches a fly.

*1960 version, of course!

Sorry, that was a thread-killer!!

TPBM will share a favourite line from any movie, any one at all.

What we've got here... is failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. (of course my accent isn't nearly as good as Strother Martin's)

TPBM has another.

When hell is full the dead will walk the earth. (Not just pretty words.)

TPBM will recite a pome at the drop of a hat.

I would say Macintosh apple, but I don't see any hats dropping anywhere.

TPBM swears occasionally.

Only between breaths.

TPBM makes all things plain.

hell no - most things I make are spicy and/or topped with cheese.

TPBM makes things easy.

Sure. You have one thing, break it, and now you've got two things.

TPBM has another way.

Buy the newest version and you have three things. Often, none of which work.

TPBM always buys the extended warranty.

We used to. Husband insisted on it for techie stuff. But recently we have either just taken the standard warranty or bought whatever via a vendor who will supply additional warranty for free or if you buy in a certain way (like credit card over debit card.)

TPBM keeps all those little user manuals for appliances, gadgets, and tech gear and NEVER gets rid of any of them, even after said appliance, gadget or tech gear is no longer in the house.

>320 ulmannc: Have you been looking in my basement filing cabinet again?

TPBM gave up on paper and stores just the pdf - takes up less space and can be found!

I do, but now I can't remember where I saved the pdf.

TPBM has a wiggle in your walk.

And a giggle in my talk.

TPBM had a fine lunch.

Actually yes. I met some Boletaceae on my way home and invited them for dinner.

TPBM shudders at the thought.

// >320 ulmannc: and catalogues them in their LT library.

You are a braver man than I. Although, considering I'm not a man, that statement would be true in a variety of contexts.

TPBM can put it in context.

Of course -
Din! Din! Din! 80
You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din!
Tho' I've belted you an' flayed you,
By the livin' Gawd that made you,
You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

TPBM is craving something pumpkin.

why, yes I am, thanks for noticing, cupcake :)

TPBM is praying for rain.

No need! When the hurricanoes have blown the Caribbean and Florida to bits they cross the pond and quietly dump their remaining tropical 'moisture' on us. I think it's Maria this weekend.

TPBM listens to shipping forecasts

Nope, but I love the intro music, Sailing By. I even remember a story NPR did on it a few years ago.

TPBM doesn't own an umbrella.

I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I'm happy again

TPBM is so glad we have returned to memorable film lines and will contribute one...

//>327 abbottthomas: okay, are you calling me cupcake (**blush, blush**), or do you want a cupcake? It's so hard to tell such things on social media...//

>331 Darth-Heather: //my niece and I call each other pumpkin and cupcake, so apparently that makes you one of us :D//

One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don't know.

TPBM will contribute another.

She's a drag, a well-known drag. We turn the sound down on her and stay rude things.

Hey, it was memorable to me.

TPBM remembers something else.

Well I don't know why but for some reason the Farmer in the Dell song was going through my mind on my morning walk.

//>332 PhaedraB: sounds good Pumpkin.//

TPBM knows the character order in the Farmer in the Dell.

I don't. We never had those kinds of kid's records at home. I had the Disney sets, and was supposed to make do with those and with my parent's albums- Jackie Gleason, Pink Floyd (aka Purple Albert) and Bach just fine. Which explains a lot. Mom loved the Rolling Stones but would never keep their music at home (just junkies, dear), so we listened to them on the local rock/blues station, or better yet soul.

TPBM remembers the old Reader's Digest song collections.

Yep. My family had several when I was a kid. I think I may have a few on CD, but being as disorganized as I am, who knows where in the apartment they may be.

TPBM remembers the late night TV ads for various song collections.

I think those collections are the reason that my brother and I know the words to "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport", "Big Black Hat" and "What Did Washington Say When He Crossed the Delaware". Of course the most fun part was playing them on the wrong speed - for some reason, that amuses.

TPBM has a record collection.

I do, I do!
It's somewhat eclectic, but it's all good. I used to have a weekly (and whenever else I felt like filling dead air) show at my college's radio station. Occasionally, others would come by and do live sets, but most of the time, I'd start with a random song and follow it up with a somehow-related song, either by subject or a single word; kind of like how this thread works. Occasionally, I'd give out a prize if someone guessed what the common thread was.

TPBM sees a common thread in the TPBM series.

Could it be that we are all misfits of one kind or another?

TPBM sees a different common thread.

no, I see the same one, but I think you spelled "smartasses" wrong.

TPBM does see a different commonality.

We're all on a book cataloging site?

TPBM can do better.

We all rule on a book cataloging site?

//I am dying, Egypt, dying! Some kind of heinous stomach owie. Why, WHY, do I always get sick on a Friday? I've got two gallons of Gatorade, a rotisserie chicken, medicinal bourbon, and a TBR pile so I'm good. If I don't get the the dry cleaner by Monday I'll have to iron my own clothes. Can I heat up a brick in the microwave?//

TPBM subsists on platefuls of fresh air.

I did this afternoon when I sat outside for a while in the hammock. Book, cell phone, and binoculars. I studied a female hummingbird for probably 2-3 minutes before she flitted away. Gorgeous.

TPBM subsists on platefuls of pasta.

Pasta, mushrooms and salad, yes. Now I need to find the camera you seem to have somewhere in my livingroom :-)

TPBM prefers something with gills.

Only if it's an underwater cow. I really don't like almost all fish.

TPBM saw Paree and went back down on the farm.

I did move to just outside NYC, then moved back to North Carolina to live on a farm 10 miles outside of Pittsboro, population 2000. I worked for a year in Manhattan, and I'm glad I did so I can be sure about what I didn't like. After Pittsboro, I moved to Oregon, which isn't exactly as far away as you can get from Manhattan, but it's far enough.

TPBM knows that what happens on one side of the Rockies tends to stay on that side of the Rockies.

I've always heard that "Sh*t Rolls Downhill", so yeah, I guess so.

TPBM declines to investigate that claim.

Yeah, I'll pass on doing any myself, but based on what reading I've done about it over the years, I'd say how well it rolled would depend on it's attributes.

TPBM is prepping for Halloween.

NO WAY! It's bad enough that Xmas preparations are beginning to appear. Whatever happened to Halloween being the preparation to the main event, Bonfire Night?

TPBM has a penny for the guy.

I've just paid the monthly bills so that's about all I've got.

TPBM wishes pennies were still YUGE in size. Very cool.

Yes, and I wish I had a handful or two of them, so I could test something I read about how you can make U.S. pennies land the way you want. (google "pennies conway gardner" if you want to know of what I speak).

TPBM would use a handful of pennies in a somewhat different way.

1909S VDB in mint state (MS+). A large handful and they could pay off my mortgage.

TPBM collects coins.

I collect them and then I spend them, and then I collect them, and then I spend them, and then...

TPBM wants to shut the world out today.

Pretty much.

TPBM is exhausted.

Perpetually. I get exited about naps.

TPBM, on the other hand, is revved and ready to go.

yep, all dressed up with noplace to go.

TPBM is a fancypants.

Since when was wear a tutu fancy? Sometimes you just want to look pretty. And get a seat to yourself on the subway.

TPBM is dour with it.

Yeah, SomeGuy, 'dour' I like. It's an undemanding sort of demeanour with a satisfying greige Calvinist overlay. Suits October.

TPBM prefers something frothier.

I prefer SGiV's frothy tutu, but it won’t provide much warmth for October, so I’ll settle for some nice frothy hot chocolate.

TPBM prefers a different autumnal tipple.

//On this horrible day, a little white magic.//

Unpasteurized apple cider. Unfortunately it's very hard to find, and if you do, it costs about $8-$10 a gallon.

TPBM has gone on a hayride.

You know, I think I have. Back when I was in middle school. Or maybe it was just a dirty cab?

//>358 SylviaC: "satisfying greige Calvinist overlay". Nice!

TPBM is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.

Who, me?

TPBM tugged on Superman's cape.

No, but I've spit into the wind (not a good idea when the wind is blowing toward you!!).

TPBM will make up their own because I'm tired this morning.

Since I just got home from work three hours ago, I'm on the tired side myself.

TPBM had some cheerful news recently that they can share with us.

I don't lie, except to temporarily keep a pleasant surprise a secret, but, no, I have nothing cheerful to report.
In fact, I'm expecting some quite negative news toward the end of next week.
Regardless, I remain optimistic that I'll deal with it in a productive manner.
As John Gorka said in a song, "I'm from New Jersey. I will adjust; I will adjust."

TPBM, on the other hand, has some actual good news to share.

Only 9 weeks and 2 days left before The Last Jedi is in theaters!

TPBM has better news.

Only 27 days till Halloween, which means only 28 days until Nov 1st, the best shopping day of the year!

TPBM has similar plans.

Love Halloween, but not much of a shopper.

TPBM has started shopping for Christmas.

no, I'm with Phaedra - November First is "candy on sale" day. Everything else will have to wait.

TPBM actually HAS started shopping for Christmas.

Nope! It's been years since I've wasted my time with that.
It interferes with the preparations for Festivus.

TPBM doesn't see shopping and gift-giving as a waste of time.

I'm retired, all I've got is time. But shopping can be a bit stressful when you're on a budget.

edited to add: TPBM has a strategy.

Yes, sometimes I tell myself that this is a great day and other times I tell myself that I'll go to bed early and tomorrow will be better.

TPBM is cut from a different drummer.

Well, I'll let you decide: This week...
- I've had my bathroom converted to a wetroom
- I'm going away on Saturday but my lift fell through and I've spent days trying to arrange alternatives
- my mobility scooter has suddenly developed a fault just before going away

TPBM hopes troubles come only in threes.

They do, but fortunately consolation comes in six-packs.

TPBM has found a blessing in disguise.

More than one.

TPBM had the mountain come to them.

Yep! An avalanche.

TPBM has implemented Plan B.

And C and D. Things got rough, but I got through.

TPBM is a planner.

Very much so, but non-practicing.

TPBM is practicing ...

... buying books because I don't have enough. Friends of the Library book sales are dangerous; I bought 57 books.

TPBM has a weakness for book sales, too.

Ouch. I just added two book sale events on Local, and wonder how many books I'll end up buying.

TPBM needs no practice.

No, I just need to cancel my credit card. Amazon has me on speed dial. I posted a negative review of a Kindle Fire and they contacted me within minutes. Kind of spooky.

TPBM is totally wired.

I had to cut back on the caffeine because of rapid heart rate. I has a sad.

TPBM is wired differently.

Nope, I use WiFi now.

TPBM likes rainy day Mondays.

No, they always get me down. Especially since I have to WORK TODAY!

TPBM is still asleep.

I'll sleep when I'm dead.

TPBM hasn't yet filed his/her income taxes for 2016. (Extension deadline is a week from today.)

Oops, that could be me. I filled out the forms and printed and signed, but I might not have mailed it.
S'alright. They owe me a tiny amount.

TPBM is holding really good cards.

Yes, I have my library card and my Walgreens card.

TPBM is making plans for the weekend.

Just an eye appointment for husband and normal errands on Saturday. No Panthers or Dallas football, so the weekend is gloriously plan-free.

TPBM has more exciting plans.

MrsHouseLibrary and I are driving to San Angelo to attend a reunion -- teachers she worked with forty years ago.
The excitement part is that there's a lot of geocache hidden between here and there, and we're stopping every half hour to find some.
The normally four-plus hour drive will take eight, I imagine.
The other interesting aspect of this is that more than half of the teachers are cancer survivors.

TPBM is a vegetarian.

No, and I eschew all modes of thought that might even bring eating nothing but grass to the fore. If God wanted me to be a stem nibbler he wouldn't have made cows tasty and slow. Beef, ham, crabs, all bountiful gifts of a benevolent creator. Open wide and say 'aaahh'.

TPBM's mind is open.

Not saying.

When one reveals that s/he has an open mind, all manner of self-righteous people, regardless of intent, want to fill it with all kinds of nonsense.

TPBM knows what I mean.

I probably don't, but this guy does:



TPBM knows more.

I know nothing!

TPBM is bereft of reason.

Right now I am. I slept in and didn't get my morning walk and feel groggy. The good news is I'm taking tomorrow off from work and going to visit a friend for the weekend.

TPBM is tired of the headlines.

Yes. I've cut way back on news reading on my cell phone. I've never watch TV news except if passing through the living room when husband's watching and something catches my eye and only turn NPR on occasionally now.

We Will All Go Together When We Go

Who's Next?

So Long, Mom (A Song for World War III)

And, re the dotard and Rocket Man, TPBM is reminded of Tom Lehrer's songs "Who's Next?" , "So Long, Mom", and "We Will All Go Together When We Go".

Yes, I have The Fear. I wonder if it's the haircuts? Bad haircuts=bad behavior? I'm done with the princes of this world.

TPBM has a cabin in the woody woods,

No. Being out there would only increase my chances of knowing that it's coming and I'd feel it. I'd rather be vaporized before my brain receives the first sense of pain.

TPBM is aware of the implications of today's executive order.

Unusually, I'm on LT before reading the news. Thanks for the shot of existential dread before I finished my first cup of coffee.

TPBM knows it's still morning here.

I do. Well, I did. It was morning where you are when you posted even though it was afternoon already out here.

TPBM is glad that I'm going to start the new thread. (wait for it.....)