Lounge Lizards / Misfits / Free Thinkers / Bohemians & the Forgotten :: Young at Heart Only

[LovesButtercups]

Guess what The Rat did today?

I got on that big Exmark mower and cut my grass, trimmed and edged all by myself and it was wonderful. I had a little difficulty getting it backed out of the shed. It is packed and there is only a couple of inches on each side.

I have never driven a zero-turn anything but it did not take long to get comfortable maneuvering it. I did not go 13 miles an hour as dad could do but I got the job done and I gave myself an "Attagirl". heehee

Hope everyone's week is off to a good start. to all!

You were a busy rat! “Attagirl”, indeed - I have never driven a zero-turn anything myself…I’m sure there’s a pretty big learning curve involved, but it sounds like you nailed it! The company that mows our lawn at work uses the big mowers where they just stand on the back. I get nervous sometimes thinking they will hit a bumpy spot and bounce themselves right off but they zoom around and get it done in no time. One of the lawn guys is particularly easy on the eyes, and when he‘s on our “route”, I sure enjoy those two seconds it takes for him to speed past my window.

 

[DavidOck]

Morning, all.

Scattered showers persist, and we're loving it Late start to the "season", but at least it's finally here.

I did not go 13 miles an hour as dad could do but I got the job done and I gave myself an "Attagirl". heehee

Hey, Mario Andretti didn't start driving at 200 mph, either. Just need more practice.

Uh, house hunters, beware!

 

[Uncle Willie]

Hola ..

I dropped into contemplation mode last night, which, for me, is a dangerous place to be .. my thoughts swirled around the School Shooting experienced in St Louis yesterday and the upcoming elections, of all things ..

As far as the shootings, it was the same tired rhetoric from all sides, which I think I have just heard way too often .. it almost seems as if a playbook has been developed .. in fact, you folks may not even have heard of that shooting, since 'only 2' + the shooter were killed .. kudos to the STL PD for a speedy and brave immediate response .. they saved some lives ..

Politicians want to keep us divided .. it's ingrained in what they do .. both sides ..

Yet, for all the good it's done, I believe the Web has done more to divide us as a Nation than anything else .. you would think the opposite would be true .. it's given a voice to the voiceless and the ones that bellow the loudest get the most attention ..

Of course, that still goes back to 24 hour news channels ..

What's that old saying .. ?? 'If you lie long enough, people begin to believe it must be true ..'

Some days, I just feel wore out anymore .. like the fire is dwindling down to an ember ..

 

[MikeE3]

Hola ..

I dropped into contemplation mode last night, which, for me, is a dangerous place to be .. my thoughts swirled around the School Shooting experienced in St Louis yesterday and the upcoming elections, of all things ..

As far as the shootings, it was the same tired rhetoric from all sides, which I think I have just heard way too often .. it almost seems as if a playbook has been developed .. in fact, you folks may not even have heard of that shooting, since 'only 2' + the shooter were killed .. kudos to the STL PD for a speedy and brave immediate response .. they saved some lives ..

Politicians want to keep us divided .. it's ingrained in what they do .. both sides ..

Yet, for all the good it's done, I believe the Web has done more to divide us as a Nation than anything else .. you would think the opposite would be true .. it's given a voice to the voiceless and the ones that bellow the loudest get the most attention ..

Of course, that still goes back to 24 hour news channels ..

What's that old saying .. ?? 'If you lie long enough, people begin to believe it must be true ..'

Some days, I just feel wore out anymore .. like the fire is dwindling down to an ember ..

I won't even get into the news channels except to say .... where can you find one that brings the facts of the story without a biased presentation. I've read some cons about Walter Cronkite ... but every journalist should read one of his 'noted' lines every morning on the way to work.

"There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free. A journalist covering politics, most of us are aware of the necessity to try to be sure we're unbiased in our reporting. That's one of the fundamentals of good journalism."

And the internet, I agree; is one of the big dividers of this nation. The social media sites and bloggers run wild (on both sides). And so many of today's younger people depend on the internet (Like Facebook ... ugh!) for a lot of their news.

I'm not trying to single out Twitter but these stats were readily available, Could be very similar for other social media sites on both sides of the aisle (except maybe for popularity).

One quarter of US adults use Twitter
42% have a College Education
85% of Twitter’s audience earn more than $30,000 and 34% earn $75,000 or above
Twitter is the world’s 7th favorite social media site
…. The site ranks above Messenger, Telegram, Pinterest, and Snapchat
…. WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform followed by Instagram and Facebook

So 25% of adults use Twitter and only 25% of them make 97% of the posts. If I do my math right 25% of 25% is 6.25% of the population is contributing theirs views, opinions, philosophy, politics, etc. on Twitter and what trends on Twitter can have a significant impact on what and how we're told about current events.

Ban Social Media - Except ECF

 

[Nermal]

Well, maybe that 6.25% is real, real smart.

 

[Rat2chat2]

The Rat got her security system running today. She also set it off by mistake for the first time too. If Amazon had not delivered my package (I bought my friend a present for trimming my bushes) after 8 o'clock it would not have happened. I got my notification and was so excited I danced to the front door and the alarm did not even cross my mind. That is until I opened the door and the siren darn near caused me to soil myself. I had plenty of time to get to the keypad and put in my code to disarm it. No biggie. Maybe I will just say I was making sure it was working properly. heehee It was!

How boring would your day be if I did not botch, bungle or blunder? You gotta admit I can be rather entertaining. heehee

 

[Rat2chat2]

I’m sure there’s a pretty big learning curve involved, but it sounds like you nailed it!

Thank you. I did! But to be honest. . . it's not that difficult. I have done maintenance on it for 7 years. I was not allowed to drive it but it was okay for me to sit on the concrete driveway on the hottest day of the year replacing a 7 foot-long belt looped around fifty-eleven pulleys while getting what felt like a 1st-degree burn on my ..... Sheesh! I think I'm experiencing PTSD.

Oh well, the point of my story is that an orangutan with a drinking problem and a swollen testicle could drive a zero-turn. They are pretty fun.

Happy Wednesday to everyone!

 

[Nermal]

Sure glad you're back with us, Rat.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Sure glad you're back with us, Rat.

Awww, thank you so much. Y'all are some special people being able to put up with me.

 

[DavidOck]

Morning, loungers.

Lots more rain overnight, but maybe a break today. Snow level down to about 4500", a nice start. Nicer if it stays that way!

Yet, for all the good it's done, I believe the Web has done more to divide us as a Nation than anything else .. you would think the opposite would be true .. it's given a voice to the voiceless and the ones that bellow the loudest get the most attention ..

Yes, a true double edged sword.

So 25% of adults use Twitter and only 25% of them make 97% of the posts. If I do my math right 25% of 25% is 6.25% of the population is contributing theirs views, opinions, philosophy, politics, etc. on Twitter and what trends on Twitter can have a significant impact on what and how we're told about current events.

As, or more disturbing to me is that so few vote.

Voter turnout in United States presidential elections - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Approximately 240 million people were eligible to vote in the 2020 presidential election and roughly 66.1% of them submitted ballots,

So, about 2/3ds voted, ergo just over 1/6th determines the country's course... and, it seems, the other 5/6ths complains about it. And that was a Presidential, not off year, election.

Maybe I will just say I was making sure it was working properly.

Yep, gotta test those systems! Just like smoke detectors.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Had a pretty uneventful day (which is fine with me). Hard to find excitement in washing windows. I do love the windows that tilt for easy cleaning though. Oh my gosh. They are wonderful. If I had had those at my last residence, I would not have had mini-blinds.

Had to move either the washer or dryer so I could wash those windows. Wish I had picked the washer because I pulled the dryer vent off and it took 3 times to get it tight enough to stay on.

Hugs to all.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Looks like I'm going to be saying "Good night" and "Good morning" to y'all. heehee I personally cannot think of a better way to start or end the day but I realize not everyone thinks like me.

I slept well for the 2nd night in a row, woke up, made my bed, and got dressed for the day. I don't think that has ever happened. I am drinking my coffee with clothes on. I am starting to wonder if I have been abducted by aliens and my mind altered. If so, they need to come on back because I have a lot more changes to make.

I think I am going to make some calls today and see if there are any places I can donate some of the stuff that is in the formal storage area (dining and living room). I always take my stuff down to the church's Outreach Center but it is not a huge place and I am not sure what they would do with all I have to donate. That is what's on the agenda today.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday eve.

 

[DavidOck]

Morning, all.

Scattered showers continue, and the snow level dropped to about 4500', a good start. Hope it keeps up.

 

[FranC]

Good late morning to the young at heart

 

[Janet H]

@Janet, I thought it was just me and old age but they can't get fingerprints from me either. Took forever to get a concealed carry permit and tried every which way for prints. No luck. I have had FBI try to get them for a particular license once, they couldn't get them either.

Geez, we'd leave no evidence if we were inclined to be criminals. Just remember not to leave any dna.

Hola ..

I dropped into contemplation mode last night, which, for me, is a dangerous place to be .. my thoughts swirled around the School Shooting experienced in St Louis yesterday and the upcoming elections, of all things ..

As far as the shootings, it was the same tired rhetoric from all sides, which I think I have just heard way too often .. it almost seems as if a playbook has been developed .. in fact, you folks may not even have heard of that shooting, since 'only 2' + the shooter were killed .. kudos to the STL PD for a speedy and brave immediate response .. they saved some lives ..

Politicians want to keep us divided .. it's ingrained in what they do .. both sides ..

Yet, for all the good it's done, I believe the Web has done more to divide us as a Nation than anything else .. you would think the opposite would be true .. it's given a voice to the voiceless and the ones that bellow the loudest get the most attention ..

Of course, that still goes back to 24 hour news channels ..

What's that old saying .. ?? 'If you lie long enough, people begin to believe it must be true ..'

Some days, I just feel wore out anymore .. like the fire is dwindling down to an ember ..

Yes, I did hear about the shootings. It's amazing more people weren't killed especially since there wasn't anyone to shoot back until the police arrived.

The web is a wonderful tool. The problem is people just take the first thing they read and think they know all there is to know and don't bother to think for themselves, ask any questions or look any further.

Politicians are always looking to do or promise something to justify voting for them again. It's the best argument I've come up with for term limits. A lot of the laws that need changing were put there by votes in the first place. They're not interested in uniting Americans because then we'd have nothing to vote against.

I agree with you about being worn out. It's exhausting trying to sort through it all. Sure would be nice to hear some good news for a change. Oh wait, there is some good news. We're having a gorgeous Fall day here. The trees that still have leaves on them are showing their brilliant colors while the sun is shining and the skies are finally blue. Perfect!

OK, that was my happy announcement for today. Back to sorting and packing.

 

[Rat2chat2]

I was so busy yesterday. I got up 5 more bags of clothes to take to the church. I had kept the following 2 sizes for when I gain again but I decided to just get rid of them. When I gain, I will go buy more. I like this attitude. heehee

My dad had an inexpensive desk that had two drawers. I drug it out to the enclosed back porch along with his oversized Lazy Boy recliner. Everything that I could find a place for I took out there.

I was going to take apart the desk and try to box it up to take to the church but I got agitated and unleashed the beast that resides within and it ended up in pieces. But looking on the bright side, it made it a lot easier to take down to the burn barrel and it is out of the house. My barrel was full of all the storm waste and bush trimmings but I got it all burned.

I wanted to take what I was drinking down to the burn barrel so I tucked it in my bra like I do everything else when I need both hands. I forgot I put it there and bent over to pick up more boards to throw on the fire and poured it all down my front. I wonder if the neighbors see me come out and decide to sit down and watch me because they know I always do something YouTube-worthy.

The enormous recliner (the one my feet did not even touch the floor) is now in the back of the truck. I have not decided what I am going to do with it. At least I did not burn it. I figured that one out when I burned all the old pillows and carpet from the bathroom. I was very grateful that the fire department did not take this opportunity to visit me.

Well anyway, I had a productive yesterday. A closet that has turned into crafts storage and a happy sunroom. And I did it all by myself without having to get out my medical toolbox. Yes, with dad, I had to make a box for quick emergencies I could take out in the yard. EMS has nothing on me.

No more setting off the sirens. Of course, I always try to find a way to help myself. I made a small label to go over each deadbolt lock in the house that simply says "ALARM". I am so clever at times that I scare myself. heehee Not sure what I am going to get into today. There really is no telling, but you know I'll tell you about it.

Happy Friday all.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Fran, another re-run. heehee



My friends Paula and Gary want me to come camping with them this weekend. I told her I would have to get back to her. The other time I went it was just me and her. Their camper is pretty big and the couch is a sleeper. With her hubby and 3 dogs, I am not sure it would be as relaxing as I require. heehee I love her dogs but I have not been around a puppy for a long time and best I remember, they are wild. Back in August, Walker was a cute little thing. Two short months later. . . And Walker is all puppy judging from what Paula yells to him while on the phone with me. heehee

I may just stay at home in my pajamas and read. Who knows. But I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have the choice to do whatever I want to do. Life is good.

 

[Rat2chat2]

Okay, y'all have to read enough from me for now. My coffee is gone and there are things to do! heehee

Have a fun day.

 

[FranC]

Fran, another re-run. heehee



My friends Paula and Gary want me to come camping with them this weekend. I told her I would have to get back to her. The other time I went it was just me and her. Their camper is pretty big and the couch is a sleeper. With her hubby and 3 dogs, I am not sure it would be as relaxing as I require. heehee I love her dogs but I have not been around a puppy for a long time and best I remember, they are wild. Back in August, Walker was a cute little thing.View attachment 983607 Two short months later. . . View attachment 983608And Walker is all puppy judging from what Paula yells to him while on the phone with me. heehee

I may just stay at home in my pajamas and read. Who knows. But I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have the choice to do whatever I want to do. Life is good.

Whatever you choose, I hope you have fun.

 

[DavidOck]

Morning, all.

Another nice soggy day here

I wonder if the neighbors see me come out and decide to sit down and watch me because they know I always do something YouTube-worthy.

Well, when they do you have to post a link

Did get the summer's burn pile down to ashes Tuesday, only about 15 cubic yards this time. Nope, no plastic or rubber Of course, between rains, more cuttings propagate, but at least I have a place to put them.