REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

In the garden, and RAIN!!! (2)

POSTED BY: SIGNYM
UPDATED: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 23:12
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VIEWED: 210979
PAGE 134 of 134

Monday, February 16, 2026 2:39 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


Oh hey, SIX ...having scrolled up ... No worries.
I just got busy. Well, as busy as an old lady has energy for!

I'm finally getting to bed consistently around 0100. I alway wake up at stupid o'clock but I just roll with it, drink a half cup of coffee with milk and sugar, play computer games for a bit and dive back into bed. Up at 10, coffee, kitchen chores, taking the dog out to the backyard with me so she can be a dog and I can do 30 minutes or so of yardwork.... and it just goes on from there!

Cooking and dishes always features, as does family time watching TV. Sometimes Dr appts, sometimes front yard yardwork, sometimes catching up on legal or budgeting and stuff, housecleaning, planning the new landscape or bathroom remodel (I have a hard time visualizing ... it takes me forever!), sometimes decluttering... There's always something. I'm usually tired at the end of the day but then - I sleep well!


-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Monday, February 16, 2026 4:08 AM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Sounds great Sigs. Thanks for checking in.

Sounds like maybe you're finding some balance of your own. Good for you.



--------------------------------------------------

Be Nice. Don't be a dick.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 4:18 AM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Oh... hey...

I found out that my aunt got scammed with a medicare fraud scheme. She and my dad's brother were on a Cobra plan until they both got old enough to get on it, and I don't know the whole story or what happened, or whose advice they followed, but ultimately she missed out on the sign-up period because of this after paying two months of premiums to a total scam, and last update I heard things were not going well.

This comes while I'm starting to see YouTubers all over advertise for some company I think is called Chapter Medicare. I'm not saying that they're related at all, but I'm getting a little worried about that outfit because I see their ads popping up all over the place as direct sponsorship ad reads for a lot of content creators out there and I'm just a little concerned about the legitimacy of it.

I can only imagine how much they're paying for these sponsorships since they are popping up like weeds everywhere. Seems odd for a company that makes claims that their help is "free" and how much they care, while hitting all those buzz words that put people's guard down. Everyone's got to remember that the advertizers on YT don't need to adhere to FCC regulations or at the end of the day are really ever going to be held accountable for any deception they pull off. At least up until now, I think SBF and his crypto-empire is the only one who ever got more than a slap on the wrist, or maybe shut down at worst. I think SBF is probably the only advertiser on YouTube that has ever gone to prison for their deception, and with how many people from foreign nations can make ads and use AI to make them even better, you just really have to keep a sharp focus on that stuff since it just becomes more and more prevalent the longer we let these foreign scammers get away with making $10's of Billions off of US/UK and Canadian seniors every year.

I'm going to ask my old man if he can get me more information about what happened.

Just be careful out there.

I know Brenda's out in Canada and probably doesn't have to worry about any health insurance coverage type of stuff, but everyone just watch your backs.



--------------------------------------------------

Be Nice. Don't be a dick.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 8:56 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


OMG that's terrible, but I can sure see how that would happen. Every end of year we get get blizzarded with ads for this and that 'Medicare Advantage Plan', many from companies I never heard of, some claiming to be nonprofit.

I read an interesting article about all the scams just for seniors, and the older you get, the more there are. Some of them perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or trusted family lawyers, accountants, or trustees.

Damn, but ya gotta keep your head on a swivel!


"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Monday, February 16, 2026 2:03 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by 6ixStringJack:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
No worries. I managed to get that through before the other troubles.

My dad just didn't want me to get hurt out on the ice. I did fall down but I didn't hurt myself at least.



Oh... I think the lesson was a lot deeper than that, even if you don't realize it yourself. Kid's are physically resilient. He probably knew if you fell and busted your ass that you'd be crying and remember that bad experience, but he also knew you would have gotten back up, healed really quick at that age, and tried even harder the next time you went out on the ice.

I'm quite sure you took the lesson he was really imparting and as he intended it too, even if you were too young to realize it at the time he gave you the advice. I don't know you in person, so even though it's impossible to truly judge anyone's character, being online makes it all that much harder to do, but you got the lesson.

Anybody who ever tells you that they've achieved perfect balance is a liar or a charlatan. And I know that you have also mentioned your own struggle with and desire for balance in life. But from the outside looking in, me to you, Brenda, I have to say that you are the most even-keel personality that I've ever had any dialog with online in my life.

Quote:

One lesson he walked out on to the ice to help me and the teacher had to ask him not to do that. And he wasn't in skates just his regular shoes.


To emphasize my point... Do you remember what happened next? After the teacher came on the scene and asked him to get off the ice?

I'm 99.9999% sure that he apologized, and got off the ice, while still making sure you heard his voice and that he was there and everything was going to be fine. I don't know how old you were when this memory happened, but I've seen enough kids in my family have a fall or somehow otherwise kinda-sorta bump themselves and immediately go to crying because they know it will get them attention. But that wasn't you. You just right back up, just like he already knew you would.

And while you were busy doing that, he was busy teaching you another lesson on not being a hothead and realizing where he was and what he was doing when your teacher snapped him out of his instinctual need to rush to save the day when he already knew is girl was fine and the teacher could sort it out...

Am I warm?????




Quote:

I could do that as I got older on ice that forms when the temperatures go real low and if there is a big puddle it completely freezes. Local 7-11 back when I was in high school had a big puddle freeze over in the parking lot. I was with a group of friends going there for lunch and forgot what my dad had taught. I went down and landed on my back. Ow! That hurt for sure. Everyone wanted to help me but I said no. They just stood back and watched me get to my feet and carefully finish walking across the lot. Same thing coming out of the store after eating. I got across the ice with no problem.


That's what I mean too... You learned some good lessons early on. Probably a little too independent in the end, but I can only say that because I know what I am and I can sense these things about other people. I know you've seen some shit in your life, Brenda. But even if you hadn't shared as much of your own history here as you have over the years I'd still sense it on you. You're kind of a badass, but you'd never even admit to that let alone going around and bragging to everyone in real life or online that you were. A lot of people talk everyday about "independence" and "being independent", but hardly any of them really walk the walk.

Your old man really did teach you to stand on your own somewhere along the line. He knew and/or dreamed that there would be a time where you wouldn't need to. But he didn't ever want to leave you unprepared for a potential future where you did need to manage things on your own.

And you take things in stride... the little day to day things that can turn into even mini-emergencies don't really phase you much because you've seen 'em all before. You've been through worse.

I have nothing but respect for the way you carry yourself online, with complete anonymity, when you could at any point in time just break down and behave as badly as most of the rest of us do all the time here. You'd be well within your right, but I don't think that is something that interests you.

You're too busy letting the ice take you where you're supposed to go to dirty your nice skating digs with any of the shit we're flinging at each other everyday.



Maybe I'm wrong, and maybe I'm just romanticizing the role your old man really had in your life.. but that's the way I see it.

--------------------------------------------------

Be Nice. Don't be a dick.



I didn't cry when I went down but I did wonder what happened as I knew I was up on my feet. Guess I went too far away from the boards and boom.

Yeah, I think I did too. My dad also recognized my stubborn streak. So, yeah he knew I would be alright the next time I got out on the ice.

I'm far certain he would have apologized to the teacher and then walked off the ice. Think he told me that he had to go home and the teacher would look after me. I would have been somewhere between 8 or 9.

I like to think I am even-keeled. But some times I am not so sure.

Yeah, not being a hot head was one of his big lessons. He knew that wouldn't get me anywhere. I think you are pretty warm.

Oh, I know he did. I may not like it but I can't do much about it but get on with things. I have sort of learned to let things go that I can't do anything about. I hope. I have a friend like that and it drives me buggy but I just let her ramble on. I love her dearly and she wouldn't listen to me anyways and she hasn't over the years.

Thanks SIX. I've got too much to think about right now to get into it with Second and THG.

No, I don't think so. He thought his lessons were important and he was right. I might not have had to use many of them when I was younger but now it is a different story. As I've said he was a smart man. Not much book learning like I have but what used to be called street smarts.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 2:06 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Oh, heya guys.
All good at this end, I just stopped wasting my time with SECOND and THUGR.

I've gotten onto a schedule that doesn't leave much time for anything else. But I see you guys have a great conversation going. I'll have to scroll up and catch up.




-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



Hey Sig. Great to see you. Glad everything is good at home.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 2:07 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Oh, heya guys.
All good at this end, I just stopped wasting my time with SECOND and THUGR.

I've gotten onto a schedule that doesn't leave much time for anything else. But I see you guys have a great conversation going. I'll have to scroll up and catch up.




-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



Hey Sig. Great to see you. Glad everything is good at home.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 2:12 PM

BRENDA


No health insurance for me. But people get it for travelling in case.

Federal dental plan will cover my dental appointment on Thursday which will be a load off of my mind. Don't know where they are starting. Cavity or root canal.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 2:12 PM

BRENDA


Out in a bit holiday Monday up here.

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Monday, February 16, 2026 6:16 PM

BRENDA


Got back in the rain.

Ran into the lady who used to come in and look after my mum. She is fine and all her children are. But her husband has single cell lung cancer. They aren't sure how long he had before the outside symptoms started showing like swelling and bumps on neck. He's had an MRI done on his brain to make it hasn't gone that far and thank goodness it hasn't. He's been CT scanned as well. He's four rounds of I think she said chemo and now they are trying immune therapy. Doctors aren't sure about anything. Her adult daughter has been bringing over herbs and such that are suppose to be good for cancer patients and better foods for her father.

I still have this stupid cough so she had to back away from me and I totally understood. We exchanged email addresses again.

It was so good to see her but not good news. Said she's been the mall a couple of times but we must have missed each other.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 9:42 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


It's good that you ran into your mom's carer, BRENDA. But, like you said, not great news. Still, they have those biologics - most likely Monoclonal AntiBodies, "mabs"- that do a great job attacking any cells that chemo may have missed. And altho they aren't without side effects, they're a lot easier on the system than chemo! And then there's radiation, so his situation is not without hope. Fingers crossed that he goes into remission.

*****

A week ago we were sweltering at 90F, and yesterday's rainstorm was just a hope on the meteorological horizon.

Yesterday we got a lot more than predicted! Up until then, the storm was what I call "The Great Disappearing Rainstorm"

First prediction in the 10-day forecast: It's coming! It's gonna be BIG! Three and a half inches in four days!
Then: Three inches in four days!
Then: The storm broke into three bands! Two inches in two days and showers on the fourth.
Then: would you believe two inches in two days.

But the storm, instead of partially evaporating, roared in. Downpours! Tornado warnings! Flash flood warnings! Thunderstorms!

My rain gage overflowed, I have no idea how much rain we actually got, but for a while the backyard was boggy and the street was running full. Crazy weather!

The storm hit pretty much the full coast of California. Good thing too because the Sierra snowpack was looking pretty meager for this time of year.

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:38 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
It's good that you ran into your mom's carer, BRENDA. But, like you said, not great news. Still, they have those biologics - most likely Monoclonal AntiBodies, "mabs"- that do a great job attacking any cells that chemo may have missed. And altho they aren't without side effects, they're a lot easier on the system than chemo! And then there's radiation, so his situation is not without hope. Fingers crossed that he goes into remission.

*****

A week ago we were sweltering at 90F, and yesterday's rainstorm was just a hope on the meteorological horizon.

Yesterday we got a lot more than predicted! Up until then, the storm was what I call "The Great Disappearing Rainstorm"

First prediction in the 10-day forecast: It's coming! It's gonna be BIG! Three and a half inches in four days!
Then: Three inches in four days!
Then: The storm broke into three bands! Two inches in two days and showers on the fourth.
Then: would you believe two inches in two days.

But the storm, instead of partially evaporating, roared in. Downpours! Tornado warnings! Flash flood warnings! Thunderstorms!

My rain gage overflowed, I have no idea how much rain we actually got, but for a while the backyard was boggy and the street was running full. Crazy weather!

The storm hit pretty much the full coast of California. Good thing too because the Sierra snowpack was looking pretty meager for this time of year.

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



It was good. I'm sure that I've mentioned before that she is a lovely lady and she was so good with my mum. She's finally retired because of her husband and I totally understand that. Yeah, it's been back and force to the hospital. I know about the immune therapies and I do hope they work. He was with her yesterday but quiet tired as you can imagine as he had to go upstairs to have an ultra sound done. I know how bad chemo can be on the body. Think they may even have tried radiation as well. 4 rounds of either one. Wish I remembered better. I hope it does go into remission. She is hooked up with a lot of things up here that can make it easier for her. There is a volunteer group that will take cancer patients to their appointments, so they are hooked up with that. And having worked for Fraser Health herself as a care giver she is hooking up with her former employer to get the same help that she gave to my mum.

Rain again down here where I am and more snow in the mountains which like you is a good thing. Our snow pack isn't great.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:40 PM

BRENDA


Out to get a couple of things done before I go to the doctor about this cough. It was much better yesterday but I have a dentist appointment on Thursday and just want to make sure things are okay.

Still have a problem with the kitchen sink. Got a sink drainer but still a problem. Have to get one of those plastic things you can stick down it.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:40 PM

BRENDA


All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:52 PM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



Great to hear on the diagnosis, Brenda.

And good for you for fixing your own drain problem too.


I've been a little under the weather with a bug for a few days myself. Haven't felt awful or anything, but I'm either going through a pretty nasty bout of bronchitis or (hopefully not) pneumonia.

Been catching up on sleep, staying mostly away from coffee and getting as much sleep as I can for the last 48 or so hours, along with drinking plenty of water. Haven't really felt like giving your last reply to me the time I want to spend on it, but I will.

Glad to hear that medically you've got nothing major to worry about in the meantime though.



--------------------------------------------------

Be Nice. Don't be a dick.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 6:54 PM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



I could use one of those things to clear some drains. What's it called?

-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 11:23 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by 6ixStringJack:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



Great to hear on the diagnosis, Brenda.

And good for you for fixing your own drain problem too.


I've been a little under the weather with a bug for a few days myself. Haven't felt awful or anything, but I'm either going through a pretty nasty bout of bronchitis or (hopefully not) pneumonia.

Been catching up on sleep, staying mostly away from coffee and getting as much sleep as I can for the last 48 or so hours, along with drinking plenty of water. Haven't really felt like giving your last reply to me the time I want to spend on it, but I will.

Glad to hear that medically you've got nothing major to worry about in the meantime though.



--------------------------------------------------

Be Nice. Don't be a dick.



That is what I needed to hear from the doc. I was hoping that I wasn't dragging myself in too late and develop a problem. I've had pneumonia once and I do want to repeat it. But with all the coughing I was doing my diaphragm was starting to hurt.

I am so glad to have it working again. Now, I just have to get the bathtub drain working. I will get to it.


Be careful as bronchitis can be as dangerous as pneumonia. Sleep is good and plenty of water. I am sure you will be over it in a few days. Don't worry about it. Your health is more important than an answer to a post.

Yeah, like I said to him. I have a dentist appointment on Thursday and was wondering if I should go or not. If I had walked out a prescription I wouldn't go but since I didn't I think it is safe enough.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 11:28 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



I could use one of those things to clear some drains. What's it called?

-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



The packaging calls it "Master Plumber". Wouldn't know about the US. It's yellow and has little hooks on it that grab what is over stuck so you can pull it out.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:24 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



I could use one of those things to clear some drains. What's it called?

-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



The packaging calls it "Master Plumber". Wouldn't know about the US. It's yellow and has little hooks on it that grab what is over stuck so you can pull it out.



Ok, I'll look for that, thanks!

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:34 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.


The weather got kinda scary for a bit. Gentle rain suddenly turned into a downpour with violent wind. The avocado trees were getting blown around so badly I was afraid that with the recent heavy rain they might topple. And of course it was very tornado-ish. And just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. It'll be interesting to see how much rain came down. The previous rainstorm dumped at least 2.5".

The 10-day forecast says one more band of heavy rain, then a three day break, then more rain. Such crazy weather! But I appreciate the rain, we need it.

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:37 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
Quote:

Originally posted by Brenda:
All done on a dry but cold day. Doctor confirmed what I figured. I got caught somewhere between a cold and allergies. He checked my ears because that is where it seemed to start then my throat. Then he listened to my lungs. All clear. Told him I sound way better than I did last week. All he could suggest is come back if the cough lasts until the beginning of March. Still a bit of crud coming up but that is good.

And I caught the kitchen drain to work again. Yay! me. Had to buy one of those plastic things that pull hair out of tub drain. Food got stuck when I thought I had gotten out. But it is fixed and that is all I care about.



I could use one of those things to clear some drains. What's it called?

-----------

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



The packaging calls it "Master Plumber". Wouldn't know about the US. It's yellow and has little hooks on it that grab what is over stuck so you can pull it out.



Ok, I'll look for that, thanks!

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



No worries and I hope you can find it down there.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:39 PM

BRENDA


Quote:

Originally posted by SIGNYM:
The weather got kinda scary for a bit. Gentle rain suddenly turned into a downpour with violent wind. The avocado trees were getting blown around so badly I was afraid that with the recent heavy rain they might topple. And of course it was very tornado-ish. And just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. It'll be interesting to see how much rain came down. The previous rainstorm dumped at least 2.5".

The 10-day forecast says one more band of heavy rain, then a three day break, then more rain. Such crazy weather! But I appreciate the rain, we need it.

-----

"It may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."- Henry Kissinger



That's what the weather from Washington state said about California. All the rain right now is hitting you.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 1:41 PM

BRENDA


Out soon for a walk on what appears to be a cold day. Will let the dentist know I am coming tomorrow. I hope they do the cavity first as it is simple.

Will put my scarf on when I head out.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5:53 PM

BRENDA


Back and done on a slightly cold day.

Got a call from my dentist office this morning reminding me of my appointment that I thought was tomorrow. It is actually Saturday. So a little switcheroo for me.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:50 PM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Still quite a bit under the weather, although it doesn't have me feeling too bad once I'm up and about. Been doing a bit of spring cleaning in between all the sleep. Hoping to have my old man over by the weekend, assuming I'm not sick anymore and don't feel like I'd be putting him in danger of getting sick.

Even though I feel lousy, just living in a cleaner house feels really nice. I really have to stop letting that get so far away from me when it gets cold outside. Two winters in a row now where I've let it get pretty rank, and I don't want to do it a 3rd time.

I'd really like to get this house ready to sell. Not that I'm ready to leave yet, and I'd really want to spend some time investigating things and picking the right time to move, but I can't do that if I'm not ready when it's time to strike.


As much as the value of my home has increased, not just due to the house prices going up everywhere, but because of how cheap I got it during the housing bubble burst of the late aughts, there are 3 potential major upgrades we may be seeing here in the near future.

The first is that the Chicago Bears might be moving to Whiting, IN, or somewhere else very close. They're done with Chicago, and JB Pritzker put the kibash on them moving to Arlington on the property they bought years ago to move (which used to be the Arlington Horse Race Tracks many moons ago). We're also supposed to be building a railroad that will connect to Chicago's railway system, and span far east of NWI. And there has been a lot of increasing murmurs of a renessance for Gary, IN and a new wave of industrial might there if what Trump has been doing ends up in more factory jobs.

If any of these three things happen soon, my value goes up quite a bit. If all 3 of them happen, I'll be sitting in a house that's worth at least half a million, if not $600k or more.

I don't want to be paying those property taxes at that point any more than I want to be stuck in this house as an old man. Need to get it all wrapped up so I can pull the trigger at just the right time, and then get myself into some small 800 sq. ft house away from any big cities and high prices, with a full basement and/or a big garage for my workshop. And a nice little 5,000 sq ft lawn that takes 15 minutes to mow instead of 2 hours.



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Be Nice. Don't be a dick.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:27 PM

6IXSTRINGJACK


Bathroom and kitchen are almost clean. Boy... so much nicer to live like this.

Even though I probably should have been spending most of that time working the last few days sleeping instead, trying to get rid of whatever it is I've got, I couldn't lay around and not take advantage of our 3-day 60+ degree warm spell.

I sure move a lot easier when it's 80 degrees warmer than it was just a few weeks ago.



It will be cold again by the time Dad comes by, but I'll turn the heat up a bit for him. I was thinking about having him over on Sunday, but I might do it on Friday. He's going to be down visiting my brother next week, then he's gone for almost 2 weeks on the east coast visiting one of my other brothers. I haven't seen him in a while with the crap weather and me burying myself deep in my project again, so it would be nice if I could eek out two visits before he goes.

The weather overall doesn't look too bad going forward. We've still got maybe 5 or so days in the 30's but looks like the lows don't really drop below 20 and I'm seeing mostly 40's or even 50's for the high on the extended forecast, so here's hoping I get my power bill for the month and it's not too crazy and we can do something about gas/electric prices by next winter and it's a long time before I see another $350 power bill like I had last month.



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Be Nice. Don't be a dick.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:10 PM

BRENDA


Sounds like you've got some ideas for when your dad comes and visits. That'll be good as long as another storm doesn't it. Eastern Canada is getting nailed again with snow.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:12 PM

BRENDA


Off to mah jong tomorrow. Ladies will be surprised to see as I ran into one of them today and I said I wouldn't be there. She seemed awfully happy when I told her that.
I swear there are times I wonder why I bother will them.

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