Mixed Up Friday Chat

Jewlieee

I hope the fireworks are done. I know I sound like a scrooge but the homes are close together in my neighborhood and when people let off fireworks the sound vibrates off all the homes and shakes walls.

Same in our neighborhood.  Last night my DH kept going outside to check because it sounded like they were setting them off in our front yard.  Poor Gabby learned to be afraid of them from Twister.  Why she couldn't have emulated Rex or Belle I don't know.  Neither of them are bothered by the fireworks.  I gave Gabby some Valerian but it didn't seem to help much. 

Today is an ozone action alert day here.  The sky looks so hazy and ugly.  It looks like LA on one of it's worst days. 

I wish I had taken the day off because I think we're going to be super slow since it's not that hot.  Maybe I'll leave early if things stay quiet. 

M80s are hillrod fireworks. If it only makes noise and doesn't sparkle, it's not a firework, IMO.

Had a good day off. I don't technically have to work today, but came in for a few hours to stay on top of stuff.

agree about the sparkles! noise only making fireworks are stupid.

I'm procrastinating packing up my trailer. I need to get my kayak saddles on top of the truck and I'm procrastinating that too! 

sharismom

If it only makes noise and doesn't sparkle, it's not a firework, IMO.

The temps are noticeably lower this morning so I have the whole house fan running and it feels great. We're not supposed to break 100 today - yay!!

I think the heat wave has broken!  It feels more like mid 60s now instead of the mid 80s it was yesterday at this time. For at least one day of the 7 day forecast it's supposed to hid the high 80s.  Oh joy!!

Max hid behind a chair in a corner when the fireworks started, then he disappeared from that spot.  Most likely he moved to his favorite hiding place behind the TV but I didn't have the energy to make him come out.

I discovered that standing for longer periods is much more tolerable if I stand with my feet apart (shoulder width) instead of together, so have actually managed, with a bit of help from DS #2, to get dinner ready. Poor DS is back on poop duty again, but he doesn't seem to mind that little task.

Joyce

Agree 100% with everything you all said about fireworks.

We had a fun time at our neighbors' BBQ - a ton of delicious food, including some of the best grilled salmon I've ever eaten.  DH brought Ruby over to say hello after we'd been there a couple hours, but he didn't stay long.  She was trying to jump on everyone and starting doing her "Chewbacca" noise (as we call it).  Our neighbor's daughter (who's about 6) likes her, but she's a bit afraid of her since Ruby makes so much noise and is so jumpy.  DH gave our neighbor some treats and was telling her how to make Ruby sit, down, shake, etc.  By some miracle, Ruby complied a couple times, so that made our neighbor (and us) very happy!

We got home before the worst of the fireworks started, but even with the TV blaring and a fan going, the house felt like it shook a few times (very appropriate description, Julie!).  Ruby kept wanting to go outside, but she'd just bark, running around the yard.  We put her on a leash and sat out there with her for a few minutes, giving her treats, but she was clearly nervous.  I hate thinking about all the outdoor cats and dogs being fearful, not to mention the wildlife.  There are a lot of deer and coyotes around here -- I'm sure they don't like the noise either.

Not sure what I'll do on my day off.  A friend from out-of-state is passing through town and spending the night, so we'll go out for dinner and do some catching up, which will be nice.

Joyce, glad you've got some relief from the heat and that you've found a way to be on your feet a little more comfortably.  Don't overdo it, now!  :-)

tacran

She was trying to jump on everyone and starting doing her "Chewbacca" noise (as we call it).

DH asked me to look for his last book of checks while he went for a ride. That meant going through the only room I haven't touched and that's the office. We had a built-in desk with shelves and cupboards at the other house, but we don't have a thing here, so I hadn't unpacked anything. I just went through about 10 boxes and can't find his checks, so I'm going to suggest he just order some new ones. Our address has changed, so it only makes sense, right? :)

Joyce, I was whining the last few days because I had a head cold.  Here you are with recent hip surgery fixing meals. 

Ruby, you'd be welcome at my house anytime.  Cwazy antics and Chewbacca noises are nothing new around our house.  We call Gabby our chimp because she makes noises that sound just like a chimp. 

I am barely working.  Good thing I'm not paid by what I produce or I'd have a big fat zero for today.  I had a sort of funny call a few minutes ago from a commercial customer.  He told me the problem and then he asked if I'd have the tech swing by McDonalds and pick up something for him when he came out.  He said it so straight that I was speechless.  He finally chuckled and I realized he was kidding.  I think. lol

Jackie, that phone call was funny, whether the guy was kidding or not!  But I sure hope he was kidding!  I guess you could tack on a food delivery charge to his service bill, right?!

I think Ruby would love to come visit you and your fur crew.  Maybe the sound Gabby makes is something similar to Ruby's noises.  There is a bit of chimp-sound in it, but it really sounds a lot like the noise that Chewbacca makes in the Star Wars movies.  We called it that from Day 1, but several other people who've heard her do it have said, "Hey, she sounds like a Wookie from Star Wars!" 

It's hard to describe, but it's kind of a gargling/growly/howl sound that goes up and down the note scale.  And the more frustrated or excited she gets, the louder and higher pitched it gets.  It's not all that pleasant sounding, and coming from a nearly 60 pound pitbull mix, most people (strangers to us) who hear it have a rather negative reaction.

Cathy, I know what you mean about feeling embarrassed by the jumping and meeting people behavior.  I feel like it's a reflection on me.  I imagine people saying to themselves, "Can't you control your dog??"  If there's a bright side for you, it's that Shane is so gorgeous and doesn't look intimidating.  Many people assume that a dog who looks like Shane is a good dog, but a dog that looks like Ruby is a bad one. 

I did a load of laundry, some ironing, and cleaned the hall bathroom.  Now I'm trying to get motivated to take a walk.

I went to Big Lots and bought a few things but mainly just enjoyed wandering mindlessly around. DH said he was going to relax after his bike ride but is instead working to organize the garage. Poor guy is going to be really glad to go to work tomorrow and have 2 days to rest.

Cathy, that's too funny!  I'm picturing something like the scenes in those movies where people are coming out of different doors in a hallway at different times, missing each other.  I guess you can give up your treadmill and cancel any gym memberships.  Sounds like you'll get your 10,000 daily steps done just moving around your house!  Even running the vacuum will burn plenty of calories!

When we got our first house, it felt huge compared to the 2-bedroom apartment we had before (and the ones I grew up in).  It was about 1,700 square feet and 2 stories.  Forgetting something in the bedroom as I was dashing out to work in the morning meant running up and down the stairs, taking a few minutes and making me late.  In the apartments, everything was nearly in arm's reach of the front door! 

We just got back from a walk with Ruby.  Low 70's and sunny -- perfect.  But there was so much firework debris at many driveways.  We had to keep her from trying to eat it.  Why can't people sweep up their mess?  The noise is bad enough, but the debris is an added nuisance.  Yes, I'm a grumpy old lady!!

Tracy, I'm so jealous of your nice weather.  Same here with all the fireworks debris.  I guess the same people who break the law shooting them off in the city limits are the types that don't care about the mess they leave.

DH was off yesterday (me too) and today.  I did laundry yesterday and a little cleaning.  Today he did nothing all day except watch Wimbledon and mess with his broken treadmill.  I can't help but feel irritated that he didn't take any initiative to do some chores that needed doing.  Oh well, it's not the worst fault a husband can have so I'll let it go. I did make a sarcastic remark but it sailed over his head.  We're off to a place called Rosario's.  It's been around a while but the area it's in has been experiencing a resurgence of development and it's considered a new hip area.  Hope we don't feel too old. lol