The person below me, twenty three (23), the eighth or ninth prime number

The person below me came from this thread.

Well, yes, in a manner of speaking, yes, I did....

The person below me enjoys reading screenplays of movies s/he has seen.

Yes, especially when playing on another site...we have a "favorite movie quotes" thread going there...it's amazing how much wisdom there is in movie scripts that we miss while we're everything going on during the film!!!!

TPBM has a favorite movie quote they'd like to share.

"No." -- From Silent Movie.

TPBM has another.

*eta: Thanks appydo1....

"When I goes shoppin’ and I sees the label stamped, ‘irregular’ or ‘seconds’ then I know I won’t have to pay so much for it. But you’ve got yourself some irregular seconds folks and you’ve been paying more’n top dollar for them, so jest don’t go a-wishing for what ain’t nevah gonna be” --Ruth, the African American housekeeper, in "Summer of My German Soldier," talking about the young Jewish girl's parents after they've turned in an escaped German prisoner befriended by her and have treated the young girl meanly.

WholeHouse...from?????

TPBM????

I really just want to mark the new thread ;-)

TPBM does too

Only if I create it... other than for that reason, it's none of my business, really.

We used to go to 400 or more before we made a new thread. I say that purely from a historical perspective; not complaining.

TPBM never throws away maps.

No, but they disappear. I had a map that put my area at the center and the antipodes at the rim that is unavailable now and that I would dearly love to have.

The person below me is content on the map front with thumbing through an atlas at a friend's house.

No, no, no. I love maps, charts, atlases etc. Real ones and ones from fictional lands too.

TPBM can navigate from a map.

As well as the next person, I suppose. I actually prefer maps to the printed instructions from mapquest or such. I've never used a GPS and but I don't suppose I'd like it because I like to have the full context of something first rather than just the step by step instructions.

TPBM uses a GPS.

No. I worry about the lag time on such systems with regard to construction closures, etc. I also wonder if they don't sometimes direct one the long way.

The person below me knows more about the arcane magic of GPS and can explain why I'm mistaken in not trusting the systems.

On the contrary, while I have found the GPS a useful tool, you have to keep your head about you, too. I use GPS, printed mapquest instructions, a map when I have one, and common sense (and not necessarily in that order).

On a recent trip, by the time I got to NC, I tried to follow my GPS instructions as it was already dark. But it was confounded by the recent construction of a bypass, that was not in its map. From its perpective, we wound up flying across a field, and there were no friendly exits with gas stations for direction-asking (yes, I'm a girl). I finally found a hopeful-looking interchange and did eventually wind up in an area the GPS recognized. No harm done, not even much lost time.

But I've heard of an experiment that was televised, where the GPS nearly drove someone off the edge of cliff.

TPBM pursues geocaching as a hobby.

Here we go again. I think I've already confessed to my lack of knowledge especially relating to more current terminology. I don't even know what geocaching is. Chasing small cars?

The person below me pities my poor attempt at humor and can either provide a real definition or do a better guess.

edit: I looked it up. Cool. Quote from Wikipedia: "those not familiar with geocaching are called "geo-muggles" or just muggles, a term popularised by the Harry Potter series of books." I guess I'm a geo-muggle.

Hey! That was my guess too! And, for the record, there's plenty of documentation here on LT that I've done far worse as far as jokes go.

TPBM will tell us how many 'for Dummies' and/or 'Idiots Guide' books s/he has.

I think 2.

There is an HTML one back from the days when I created a web site all by myself (with frontpage) when my son let me down. That was about 10 years ago, and if the book is still around, it is my (younger) son's room, as I haven't looked at it since.

Then there is one about Catholicism in my Theology collection as a quick reference. My other son (between the other two) has the Knitting for Dummies, which he really likes, and I my get now that I am really knitting.

TPBM thinks I should save my money.

Maybe...as you could probably do as well, at least to begin, by googling for free instructions.

#12 - My husband has been a geo-cacher for years...I am looking forward to getting serious about it with him.

TPBM has a hobby they enjoy doing with a significant other.

Alas, I have several hobbies, but no significant other. I used to do a lot of RPG-ing (Dungeons & Dragons, mostly; but also Hackmaster, Mutants & Masterminds) with my then- and now former-boyfriend. He's a great GM, but I moved away.

TPBM likes eating in (a) restaurant(s) of an uncommon ethnic variety, and will tell us what it is.

Yes -- American. It's uncommon here because I live in Texas.

TPBM is in a great mood and will tell us why.

Well, because of the inauguration of course! I cried all day watching the coverage. Beautiful.

TPBM didn't like Michelle Obama's outfit today.

No, I didn't. I prefer sensible clothes and couldn't stop thinking about how cold she must have been.

The person below me prefers to spend Friday nights at home.

Preference would be to go out, but I work 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tues. through Sat....no choice but to stay home, as that is also where I work!!!!

TPBM has an odd work schedule, too.

That would be me. I currently contract to three different
State Government Departments, and have a continuing "guru" contract with a manufacturing company.

They fight for my attention, and I don't even charge very much?!?!?

TPBM has also never turned a ceiling fan on faster than "slow".

If at all. I hate fan air moving on me. Big bone of contention in our household. But my husband does keep it on low in the living room most of the time. Yesterday he used the woodstove's heat as an excuse to make it go faster to get the warm air circulating. I'll make sure it's low again today.

I do love natural breezes coming into the house, though - spring and fall.

TPBM is excited about the last half season of Battlestar Galactica.

Not a sci-fi fan, although I'm sure most of my siblings are looking forward to it; I seem to remember them talking about that show at Christmas time.

My brother and, I think, 3 of my sisters like sci-fi, and one tells me she enjoys reading "speculative fiction".

TPBM will have an example of that genre.

I'm still a bit fuzzy on the definition, but I think I've seen The Handmaid's Tale given as an example. Or was it the Thursday Next series?

The person below me can defuzz the definition for me.

In my library spec fic is sci-fi and fantasy.

The person below me sometimes forgets to turn the calendar page at the beginning of a new month.

The place mat calendar on my desk still says January 2007... Seriously.

TPBM takes forever to write the new year correctly.

It's retraining the fingertips on the keyboard that is hard. If I'm actually writing the date, I do better.

The person below me is experimenting with new coping mechanisms in dealing with irritating little daily occurrences.

Yeah, counting carbs, checking myself 4 times a day, jabbing myself.... such fun!
It's the meds/meal timing issues that are the big nuisance.

But it's working. I'm fairly stable, eating less and dropped 7 lbs in less than 3 weeks. This is the least I've weighed in over 30 years.

TPBM has deer that 'visit' the yard at night.

Probably, since I live in the country. But there's not much for them to eat in the yard, and I've not yet run across any droppings, so I think it's just a pass-through.

TPBM prefers brown eggs to white eggs.

"Brown eggs are local eggs, and local eggs are fresh"...or at least that was the jingle I remember from growing up. When I was young we did get our eggs from a local farm and they were brown, and delicious. Now, I don't care about the color as much as I care that they are high in Omega 3 and cage-free. My kids are big egg eaters.

TPBM also enjoys a good egg-salad sandwich.

Absolutely my favorite sandwich in the WORLD!!!!!

TPBM is beginning the process of organizing for "doing" taxes.

I bought Turbo Tax. I think I know where I put it.

The person below me expects to have their federal income tax refund by the end of February.

Wow! ~REALLY~ slow!

I like eggs (we get them from my sister-in-law's farm), but I don't like egg salad.

Probably not -- haven't got any tax info yet.

The reason I mentioned the deer (above) is that 3 very young ones have been sleeping in our yard for the past couple of weeks. Now, suddenly, they're eating all of the leaves they can reach from our Photinias. I probably spelled that wrong....

We even got some deer corn to entice them away from the shrubbery, but they'll eat both.

TPBM finished a project today (or yesterday, depending).

Nope, this is my two-month period of many projects hanging fire in advance of our Annual Conference at the end of February. Heck, I haven't even written a 500 word review of a book I got back in December and we're more than half-way through January at this point. (Heavy Sigh)

The person below me can knock out a book review in less than 30 minutes.

There was one I did in less than 30 seconds -- see if you can figure out which one it was.

I might spend a couple of days thinking (on and off) about aspects of a book I've just finished, in order to write the review, but when I go to write it, things I hadn't even consciously thought of seem to jump out and write themselves down instead. Then I have to decide what should remain -- usually the spontaneous thoughts remain.

TPBM prefers the careful,thoughtful approach instead.

Hmmm, I only use book reviews to decide if I will like reading the book. So it doesn't matter if it is careful or quick. Only informative. I don't write good reviews. All I can ever think of to say is that I liked it or I didn't. So thank you to those of you who do write good ones.

The person below me seldom writes book reviews.

edit: Me too, appy. I love egg salad sandwiches. In fact, my tuna sandwich is a combination tuna/egg salad mixture.

I would like to be writing reviews, but I haven't had much experience since high school. Would be a good practice to cultivate. Along with the hundred or so other things that would be good to cultivate.

I run hot and cold on eggs. I do like a good egg salad sandwich, though.

TPBM is also hungry enough to stop playing on LT and go eat supper.

Nope, I'm multitasking...working, playing on LT and munching on my "breakfast" of plain cake donuts and coffee with creamer. This is normal for me, BTW.

#37 - I haven't heard of that combination, sounds worth a try. Wanna leave the recipe on my profile comments?

RE: Book reviewing...haven't really gotten to try it, but maybe if I got an ER book, that would motivate me to start doing it more (sigh)

With apologies to appydo1 and at the risk of incurring wrath from minor deities and other folks here on LT, I am going to pretend that appydo1 posted a TPBM challenge on the order of "TPBM is also multi-tasking" To which the answer is that I am multi-tasking by typing while munching on toast this morning. Crumbs in the keyboard for sure!

TPBM assiduously cleans crumbs out of keyboards with one of those little blow-pipes intended for the purpose.

Good for you keeping the flow going!

I NEVER eat at my keyboard ~self-satisfied glow~ and I haven't yet - touch wood - spilt my coffee on it. I once had a secretary who grazed as she typed - every now and then we would have to pick all the keys off to shift the accumulated crud.

TPBM thinks Obama is still doing OK.

Been president for 3 days? I certainly hope so!

TPBM has used a wood lathe at some point in their life.

Yes, a mini one at a models fair. Actually I used two - first one broke, then the second one broke and I gave up. I think they had been in constant use mostly by children for hours, and just weren't up to that. It was part of a set of small workshop tools. I still drool over them every time we seem them on display, but I can't convince myself that I 'need' them.

TPBM also knows adult toys s/he would like an excuse to buy.

I don't think I can should answer that on a public forum.

The person below me knows where 'those' types of shops are in their town.

fleela - that was NOT what I meant. I have driven by 'that' sort of store often. They're on the way to the garden shop and the dump.

TPBM knows what I meant in 43 and wants such respectable adult toys.

I know what you meant, and think BOTH types of establishments are equally necessary. I know where the stores are and have patronized them. One has very expensive toys that soon are considered obsolete and have to be replaced. The other has moderately expensive toys that can give memories that last a lifetime.

TPBM privately nods knowingly, but would rather change the subject, and will tell us what s/he had for breakfast.

Okay. Breakfast was turkey with lite miracle whip on 2 pieces of lite wheat bread and about 6-8 oz of orange juice in the car on the way to work.

TPBM has exciting plans for lunch today.

No, same old same old for me today. On the other hand, I finished a book yesterday and will spend my lunch break today starting Don Quixote. It's a big book though (one could plausibly use it as a doorstop), so if I can't get into it today, I'll pick up something smaller next week and spare my back.

Edited to add: the person below me has also hit "submit" before remembering to add a prediction.

once or twice...

TPBM doesn't have contractors making lots of noise in their work area.

In this neighborhood, it would be drowned out by the traffic. We're a few buildings away from Herald Square, and can hear the noise a dozen floors up. (That said, right now it's quiet. Perhaps a little too much so, in fact.)

The person below me wonders how the hell I keep sane with all the noise.

I've found that one acclimates fairly quickly to ambient noise, while "new" noises seem unbearable. Everyone knows of someone from the city who can't sleep in the country because the sound of the crickets drives them nuts, but sirens don't bother them.

ON the other hand, too much light at night is hard to get used to.

TPBM wears an eye shade to sleep.

I do. I got it for my birthday Monday.

The person below me snores.

Can't say one way or the other, since I don't share a room.

The person below me plays the flute.

My flute lessons convinced me that my musical role was to listen. I was long ago engaged to a woman who played flute in high school. A decade and a half later I had a serious relationship with a woman who had played flute in an orchestra in Alaska. Neither of them ever played for me.

The person below me can sing.

I maintain that everyone can sing - many do not deserve listeners. I sing in the bath, in the morning. My voice is lower then and the acoustic of the tiled room satisfies me, at least. No one has to listen.

Thinking of singing, and flute players, reminded me of lines from an old music hall song: "Then somebody called for the author. "He's dead" said the flute players wife. The news caused an awful commotion,
And gave me the shock of my life. Shakespeare dead? - poor old Bill. Why I never knew the poor fellow was ill."

TPBM knows what I'm on about - or if not will give us some lines from another 19thC popular songf.

Sorry, I can't provide an answer -- to either option. I don't recognize the allusion and having already quoted the Mikado above, I'm fresh out of songs. Other than some bastardized version of "Don't Put Your Daughter On The Stage, Mrs. Worthington". (Not sure that is a valid lyric or from the right time period.)

The person below me ate dinner out this evening.

Outside, in the back yard, not more than 20 minutes ago.

WholeHouseStepSon and family arrived last night -- their daughter is 14 months old. I can't keep from grinning....

Tonight, all three of my sons came over and made dinner for us, and the evening is so pleasant, we all ate outside. I can't remember when we did that last...

I had to get on the computer to record some information for the doctors, and decided to also peek in here.

TPBM couldn't possibly be having as good a time as I am at the moment.

No, although I had the relatively rare opportunity to do so. Instead, I spent what felt like too much money in the grocery store, trying to switch to a healthier diet. And then drove home to eat leftover hotdish. Yum!

TPBM recently left behind at the grocery store a $10-value bag of groceries.

No, thank goodness.

Related to groceries: I was stunned at the grocery store the other day when I went shopping with my teenage son to see how much we spent in one trip. NEVER GO GROCERY SHOPPING WITH A TEENAGE BOY. Lesson learned.

TPBM has a nice lazy weekend planned.

This morning was busy, but now it's going to be lazy. I got back a while ago from taking my car to get its 82,500 mile service, go to the postoffice to mail BookMooch books, and go food shopping.

The rest? Eating an early dinner at Olive Garden, watching a movie this evening or working on Band Boosters stuff while husband and daughter watch Babylon 5 (again). Tomorrow? Lazy too. No commitments. Read. Organize the guest bedroom. Play Yahtzee with my daughter.

TPBM is enjoying the Australian Open.

No, I don't think my cable provider is carrying the Australian Open. I'm watching the DVD of Cranford instead.

The person below me has a novel written by Ellen Gaskell in their library.

No, I have a book by John Gaskell, but it is theology.

http://www.librarything.com/work/6109115/book/35185189

BTW I take my teenage son with me to the grocery store as often as possible. He is great at getting things off high and low shelves, is a wonderful packer (you do your own in Europe), carries the groceries in for me, and puts them away, too. Good kid.

TPBM also thinks it is useful to have a teenager around.

I miss mine!!! It's been almost 20 years!! But, when he was around, it was sort of a 50:50 mix of Mom's useful best buddy and the often-absent roomer just taking up space while flexing his wings in preparation for flying out of the nest. However, he was a good kid, a heck of a lot easier to raise than he might have been!!! And he's since become a great asset to our world as an adult!!! Now...if he would just find a nice girl and give me some grandbabies... sigh! (Spoken as a true doting mother...but I know I'm not alone in believing it...hehehe!)

TPBM is proud of at least one young family member.

I'm proud of all three! One is a landscape architect - what a job in a recession ;-( , one works very hard for low pay for a charitable organisation that arranges international work exchanges and one has just moved to LA with her husband - both work in computer graphics / editing. Like appydo still waiting for grand children.

TPBM has their family close at hand

I am so lucky, the eldest daughter and her family live just around the corner and down the hill! My other daughter lives about 20 minutes away with her husband. I have two grandchildren (one of each) and I see them just about daily. They are the joy of my life!

TPBM has grandchildren close by.

I don't even have any children, let alone grandchildren, let alone close by.

Not sure if I should *Sigh* about that or not.

TPBM would be sad if they had not had any children.

I would

TPBM enjoys solitude at times.

Yes. Right now, as a matter of fact. Husband and daughter are upstairs watching Babylon 5 (again).

I'm going to sign off now, grab The Perfect Scent, and go read in bed until I fall asleep.

TPBM has done some volunteer work in the last month or so.

Mostly at my wife's library, as I am no longer registered with the Boy Scouts.

TPBM has an assortment of postage stamps because the postage rates have changed so often in the past couple of years.

I used to, but Mr. Organization, my "new" husband (married three years come Monday), sees to it that we use them all up, even if we have to purchase the exact amount of extra stamps to put with the old ones to make up the difference in the postage rates.

TPBM does a good deal of their correspondence and bill-paying online, thus eliminating the majority of need for stamps.

Yes, I'm a recent convert and can't believe I waited so long. Now I hate having to write checks!

Happy anniversary, appy! I'm also celebrating an anniversary this weekend - of my birthday!

The person below me is celebrating the Chinese New Year on Monday. Year of the Ox.

Xinnian Kwaile! But also Happy Australia Day!

TPBM will celebrate something else on Monday, January 26.

Yes indeed! It will be only 324 days until Beethoven's birthday!

TPBM is having a relaxing day.

Trying to. Don't know if it will turn out that way, though.

The person below me is having anything but a relaxing day.

I'm actually having a very relaxed day. Read some of Well of Lost Plots, the third in the delightful series by Jasper Fforde. Watched some political shows, had some lunch, now playing on the computer, and later off to my son's lacrosse game. Maybe I'll squeeze in a bath or a nap! Perfect.

TPBM prefers a bath to a shower.

I take showers most frequently - in and out most efficiently.

The person below me is thinking left-overs for dinner.

Nope, I'm cooking tonight. Had the last three nights off so tonight I am making Asian Chicken, Rice and a Green Salad. If I get off the computer, and put my book down, I may make a Blueberry Cobbler for my husband.

TPBM loves to cook!

It's either that, or I don't eat. I like to eat. Trying to keep a meal between 45 and 60 carbs can be a challenge, though, especially on spaghetti night.

TPBM has at least one night a week where the menu is always the same.

No, although I understand that those can be terrifically fun family nights.

I didn't realize that tomorrow was Chinese New Year. And to think that I finally found and bought some rice-paper spring roll wrappers on Friday. I can try summer rolls, which I really enjoy, with that organic Hoisin sauce I bought a couple of months ago.

TPBM prefers summer rolls to spring rolls, or vice versa.

No, My favorite is dinner rolls or breadsticks. (Okay, that was weak as humor goes.)

The person below me is frittering away time in some unproductive fashion.

My immediate thought was that yes, I'm frittering away time here when I could be reading. Husband and daughter are upstairs watching Babylon 5 (again), so I have some quality read time available.

But here I am, enjoying the threads and wandering around. So perhaps it's not unproductive.

TPBM is not looking forward to going to work tomorrow.

Even though that is untrue, there is something telling about it. I am retired, and I have had a good enough weekend because I am not going to work tomorrow. Within reasonableness, I hope never to go to work again. That is to say, I am looking forward to my work situation tomorrow.

The person below me has fulfilling work.

I'm retired too. Mondays are my volunteer day though so it is somewhat fulfilling.

The person below me likes mayonnaise better than Miracle Whip.

Quite the opposite. MW is pretty spicey stuff, for my taste. Sad, but true.

TPBM is ready to do the taxes.

I think we are waiting for a couple more things. Then DH will do TurboTax and be done. This year we expect a big return.

TPBM gets to use their tax return for fun stuff. (I don't)

Ours goes towards the youngest son's college tuition payment (heavy sigh)

The person below me owns one of those new flat-screen TVs, in anticipation of the switch from analog to digital next month.

I own one, but I've had it for a few years. Time to start looking for a new one actually.

The person below me is also in the market for some new electronics.

Actually, this morning I was browsing the local mart, trying to learn something useful about TVs, DVRs, DVD players, and various doohickeys. I wanted a DVR, but the kind I would have to get, to do what I want, is more expensive than I can justify. I just don't need it that badly.

I really don't need a new TV, either. But I want to get a DVD player so that I can watch DVDs on my TV rather than my laptop. My TV is small and analog; I am concerned that I'm going to be disappointed by picture size and quality.

Fleela, are you considering a new flat-screen because yours is dying? (and if so - if I may be so nosy - is it an LCD or plasma?) Or are you just feeling like upgrading? Short product life might influence my purchase decision.

TPBM can offer some advice.

>88 walk2work:
No, it's not dying at all, I just want something bigger. It's an LCD and I love it, but we can afford a better one now; I belong to the bigger is better school. ;)

I've got a 60" LCD. I absolutely will never get a plasma-type screen unless it's going into a darkroom with a light-omitting revolving door. It's way too reflective, and with all the scattered light sources in my living room, the LCD screen was the only way to go.

TPBM will chastise fleela for not leaving a TPBM challenge.

I thought fleela was hors de serie or whatever Le Figaro says about their special issues.

The person below doesn't watch teevee.

I watch too much. I have tivo and love it. I'm beginning to think that life would be better managed without television though.

88> Amazon has lots of reviews that may help you decide on what you want. That is what I did for my recent purchase.

The person below me has hdtv.

Yes. My husband is a techie fanatic. Hardware and software, as it were. We have a 60" TV in the living room (damned big black box), and a projection TV system upstairs in his media room. (The room has only 1 window, which has a blackout shade. It never sees the light of day!) It's very nice to see hdtv on such nice equipment.

We're ridiculously spoiled with hdtv. I especially love watching tennis..... especially Roger Federer... but that's another story.

TPBM has been following the Australian Open.

I'm not a stalker, and I don't particularly care about what ~any~ Australian is opening.

Nothing against Australians; the person could be Belgian, or American. It doesn't particularly matter. And whatever is being opened is none of my business.

TPBM also disapproves of nosey people.

That's rather prejudice, and mean disliking someone for their appearance...

TPBM wonders about some of these postings.

I'm not sure if you're talking about postings specifically in the TPBM threads or the postings in general as of late. There sure does seem to be a huge influx of youngsters suddenly!

TPBM has noticed this last point also.

I have indeed. They're making me feel old, and I'm not yet 30!

The person below me wonders how old an under-30 can possibly feel.

I don't. My right hip was broken in 5 places when I was 21. Between that and the toll my digestive tract issues have taken on the rest of my organs, there are parts of me that seem to be MUCH older than they ought to be -- even back then. My liver is now 133 years old.

TPBM nods knowingly.

I'm with you all the way, but I think I'll spare everyone the gory details.

TPBM agrees that young people ought to be expected to behave in a mature manner on a site designed for adults.

Absolutely! And if they don't, I'm going to hold my breath and stomp around until I turn blue.

TPBM has a better idea on how to handle this annoyance.

(Can you tell, I don't have much to do today?)

Mostly I use the the little red 'x' sometimes I use the 'Ignore this group' and when I'm feeling particularly witty I will post something in an attempt to make them think.

TPBM uses Ignore this group a lot.

Well, no. I don't go to Your Books or All Topics very often, so the groups that offend me just don't intrude very much. I do, however, go by the Groups tab every day to check on new groups; if one offends me I submit it on the appropriate thread on Site Talk.

The person below me spends as much time at LibraryThing on LibraryThing as on books.

I hate to admit it, but I do! I don't do a lot of posting, but I read a lot of the threads, and lurk. Occasionally I get the courage to post a thought or two!

TPBM has hobbies other than reading and/or book related stuff!

yep, my big one is woodworking. almost done with a chess set.

TPBM has another creative hobby

Of course. I keep yakking away about my knitting so much I'm surprised you had to ask! :)

The person below me is perennially amazed by what can be done using only string and a pair of sticks.

Proper knitting needles can't really just be called sticks, can they? Actually, I do admire the cleverness of expert knitters.

The person below me is getting new glasses (as in eye wear).

Thanks for reminding me! I need to get my eyes checked -- it's been 3 years already.

TPBM is going to have a fire in the fireplace tonight.

I have one every night for approximately 6 months of the year.

TPBM enjoys making firewood

Well, I don't know how to make firewood, but my son and husband seem to enjoy chopping up big hunks of wood into smaller hunks of wood. They also seem to spend a good amount of time stacking those hunks of wood and talking about "seasoning" them...but I've never seen them use salt or pepper on them. :)

TPBM has kids home for a snow day today.

No. In fact, I don't even have kids. I do wish I could take a snow day though.

The person below me has been getting weather that is so un-snowy as to make them envy those of us getting any of it.

Un-snowy, indeed! Everything was covered in a sheet of ice. But, it's sunny and in the mid-40's now, so the ice is melting fast.

TPBM reads Westerns.

I think the only Western I have ever read completely through was The Virginian. Otherwise Louis L'Amour and Larry McMurtry have never engaged my interest to any degree.

The person below me wishes that we could designate a NATIONAL SNOW DAY. Hot chocolate and warm blankets for everyone!

I like it! It reminds me of "Lake Day" at college (I know other colleges have the same tradition with a different name): On a beautiful spring day the bells would ring signaling that all classes were canceled and we were NOT supposed to spend the day studying, but rather relaxing and enjoying.

TPBM had a similar college tradition.

Yes, it was called "Friday Night". Everyone drove the 13 miles to the nearest town, got drunk, and then attempted to drive back.

I didn't participate.

TPBM thinks that was a stupid college tradition.

Most of the ones I know of are.

TPBM enjoyed 'traditions' in college or some other form of hazing.

Sorry, I'm a college dropout. The only hazing I've endured is at live performances of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The person below me knows what to take to the above mentioned performance.

On Ascension Day the chaplain and members of my Oxford college beat the bounds of the parish in which the college stands - beat literally, with sticks. This entailed walking through stores in the middle of town. After this, children of the parish were invited into the college where coins - heated over gas rings - were tossed from the battlements for them to pick up. A special brew of beer, infused with ground ivy (disgusting!) was prepared and offered to the members of the neighbouring college, allegedly in contrition for an incident in the 16th C. when a member of said college, on the run from angry townspeople, was refused refuge and was subsequently done to death.

I believe the ivy ale persists but the hot pennies have been banned by 'Health and Safety'.

TPBM regrets the passing of such abusive but colourful traditions.

ETA Whoops, too slow - but in answer to fleela, the movie I know well, but I've never dared to try a live performance - I don't think I'd look good in fishnet tights.

Oxford traditions of 400+ years fall into a rather different category of tradition than your average college tradition. I'm sorry to hear that we kept the ale but lost the heated pennies.

(And I thought one had to take an umbrella to Rocky Horror Picture Show -- although I'll bet you are being modest, abbottthomas, about those tights).

TPBM is wondering if they even still sell fishnet stockings.

Of course they still do! Haven't you seen the weight loss ads for Marie Osmond? Doesn't she look cool? Makes me want to go out and get a pair RIGHT NOW.

TPBM saw one of their favorite rock bands live and was thrilled with the performance.

I've seen Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, and John Mayer. Yes, I've been to that few rock concerts :) Bon Jovi was probably the best overall performance. John Mayer is probably the closest to a favorite. It was all a lot of fun.

The person below me has been to lots more rock concerts than that.

Right now I can only think of two - Genesis, 1983 in Denmark; and Loverboy (?) in Bismarck ND sometime during the 1990's. Knew only 2 Genesis songs when I went to their concert, so I found it quite boring. Thought the Loverboy - or was it some other 80's band? - concert was excruciatingly loud. They were the first act of a double bill, and I left after the other band started.

I decided that I didn't need to go to any other rock concerts ever, because I actually value my hearing and would like to keep it reasonably intact when I'm old.

TPBM owns hearing-protection equipment of some sort (though not necessarily for use at rock concerts).

Just ear plugs. And I've used them at concerts. Not for a while though. The last concert I went to was Roy Orbison and it was way too loud. So I've quit going.

The first time I heard John Mayer mentioned, I thought the person was referring to John Mayall and was surprised he was still recording.

The person below me is much more hip, today and with it, or whatever one says now. :)

Okay, sure! That's me... twenty-three skidoo!

Why, I've even been accused of being one froopy drood who knows where his towel is!

TPBM knows that reference.

I assume H2G2? It's been a while, I haven't read it since high school.

The person below me is looking forward to...something.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown being forced to admit that he did not, as he had promised, get rid of 'Boom-and-Bust'.

TPBM is optimistic about the honesty and frankness of the new President of the USA.

My oldest, my son, turns 16 tomorrow. He grew up so fast. He's a fantastic person; smart, kind, beautiful, loving, funny, strong, loyal. and I feel genuinely honored to be his mother.

Ack! Too Slow!

Yes! I couldn't be happier about President Obama!

TPBM also likes our new First Lady.

Yes, I do -- smart, self-confident, a caring parent, and not a slave to fashion.

TPBM owns an eBook device.

Just a Sony Walkman which is getting old but still works great. I have a gazillion books on tape and so still need it. I've promised myself an mp3 player soon. Most of the conversion software doesn't have an easy way to add tracks and without them, converting the tape books would be silly. Can you imagine going back to the start of a book just because you missed a minute! I also listen to books on cd in the car and have read them downloaded from the library onto my computer.

The person below me thinks that maybe WHL was asking about one of those kimble-type thingies.

I rather thought he was, and it's one of the toys I've been thinking I would like to get, if or when the format wars have a prevailing victor. While I would like to eliminate bulk and moving weight of novels and non-professional books, I would hate to invest all that money and have the content go bye-bye. So I'm willing to wait.

Unfortunately, I expect that few enough people are serious readers, so that in this precarious economy it may be that all major formats die, rather than one (Kindle vs. Sony vs. mobi vs. what am I missing?) winning out.

TPBM is not so pessimistic about this.

OOPS!!! A tad slow...

I bought my first about 8 years ago, and the context providers went out of business about 3 years later. Then Fictionwise took over that business, and continued to sell the same devices, which I had to do in order to purchase more content.

I haven't bought any ebook content in at least 2 years now, and half the stuff I purchased, I haven't even read yet.

I can still get lots of content, but most of it is stuff I wouldn't be interested in reading anyway. So, to answer your question, I think that ANY eBook content ~could~ be available in any format, providing the author agrees to it.

No, I don't think he was. I suspect, and mind you, I don't ~actually~ know what he was thinking, that any sort of a device would qualify. But that's just a guess!

TPBM is put off by the idea of someone talking about him/herself in the Third Person.

My little 2 year old niece does it all the time and we all think it really cute.

TPBM has an adorable niece

Two, as a matter of fact, both of whom have produced darling grandnieces and grand nephews....and don't get me STARTED on my grands and great-grands!!!! LOL

TPBM has an extensive collection of happy-family pictures.

Tons of pictures - most of them are sitting in my computer and nobody ever sees them! I'm thinking of getting one of these electronic picture frames so others can admire our collection!

TPBM hates it when people drag out their family pictures to be admired.

From my perspective, one or two at a time is fine. One can dutifully murmur something on the order of "Oh, how they've grown" or "My goodness, you got that close to the lion's mouth?" But albums of photos aren't really my best conversational gambit.

The person below me has a trusty phrase to use when making light inconsequential small talk with strangers.

I usually find something to observe and point it out, then discuss, if appropriate.

TPBM enjoys socializing, too.

When I am in my Professional Role, I "enjoy" socializing at least enough to try to make some collegial connections (what folks in business would call "networking").

From a personal perspective, the term "networking" invokes the gag reflex, and I am easily overwhelmed by loud social events, especially if there is a crowd of strangers.

But I do really, really enjoy socializing with friends and familar faces, preferably in smaller groups (10-12 or fewer). And I really like all kinds of games.

TPBM will name the most recent gaming (not gambling) or sci-fi/fantasy convention they attended.

I can't! I've never been to one.

A year or two ago, I planned on going to the Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention here in Austin (and not too far from the Big Box B&N -- there are others here, but they're a lot smaller). The only reason for going was because Stephen R. Donaldson was going to give a talk and sign books. Unfortunately, the night before, my now-late Mother-in-Law ended up in the hospital, and priorities being what they are....

TPBM reads the newspaper regularly.

I buy it daily and look at the headlines. I also look at some of the stories on line. Recently I've been trying to catch up on the comics. But since I retired I just don't have the time.

The person below me gets all their news through electronic media.

Certainly most of my news comes through the Internet.

TPBM is working from home today

I'm not sure it could be described as working, but I'm doing what I'm doing at home today!

TPBM will share a definition of work.

For me, recently, it has involved putting my home back together after remodeling one bathroom and building on a new one. Also, our friend who lives in our pool house had a bad fall and several bad days. We finally convinced him to let us contact Hospice, believe me, that was work. His picture is in the dictionary next to 'stubborn'.

TPBM thinks handling all the intricacies of dealing with a terminal patient should be done by professionals, not the family.

I'd rather see this as a partnership between family and professionals, but you certainly often need an emotionally uninvolved professional to bring in realism and common sense.

In the UK the euphemism for 'stubborn' or maybe 'bloody-minded' is 'fiercely independent' - otherwise 'fierce' is mosty used of angry carnivores!

TBPM also congratulates you on handling the situation with your friend.

I do congratulate you on handling it, assuming that you are all still friends and speaking cordially to one another.

The person below me has been physically incapacitated and/or immobilized for a week or two at a time and understands how irritating it can become.

Yup. Broke my leg in three places and then developed a bone infection. That was a lot of time spent in the hospital and then home in bed. All healed perfectly now.

Funny thing, I couldn't concentrate enough to read anything more challenging than Mary Higgins Clark. It was awful! My husband mentioned to a colleague that it was terrible that his wife was laid up in bed but couldn't read and his colleague said, "Your wife doesn't know how to read?"

TPBM has also broken a bone or two.

Like after my motorcycle accident? Being paralyzed in my right leg was no picnic. Learning how to walk again was merely the second-most difficult thing I've ever had to do. Fortunately, I was a mere 21 years old at the time.

TPBM has ~never~ had a broken bone.

* eta: I was actually responding to #143, but most of my answer seems to fit... The proper response would be: Yup! One bone, in 5 places, and it took the sciatic nerve with it.

Broken or needing to be replaced, requiring LOTS of time unable to do things. My greatest complaint is that I couldn't focus on print!!!!! That was one of the worst things!!! Meds kept my eyesight foggy...

TPBM has had a joint replaced or "remodeled."

I'm hoping for another 30 before having to worry about that!

TPBM has spent at least a week in the hospital (not counting WHL :P)

Thank heavens, not all at once. Just a few nights here and there. Knock on wood. And my sincerest sympathies to those of you who've faced all this adversity.

siub, I'm sorry to hear you are having to deal with with such sadness. I understand stubborn all too well.

144> 2Read - You made me laugh. I'm glad you can read now... :)

The person below me got something new today.

Well actually I got two new things - firstly my book order came in - Hooray! And the second new thing I am getting is new water pipes - unfortunately I have to go through a few days with my street all dug up and not being able to get in or out of my driveway.

TPBM knows how frustrating it can be when you can't get our of your own driveway!

When I lived in New Jersey, it was usually because the snow plow came by recently, and yes, it was a nuisance -- especially because I parked on the street, so it was more than just the driveway apron that had to be cleared.

TPBM is very glad to be not living in Florida right now.

HAH!!! I live in Arizona!! WE had the SB LAST year!!!!!!

TPBM has attended a big event such as the SuperBowl, World Series, Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival...etc.

Actually No. NO! Vienna hosted the European Football (Soccer) Cup last summer. We left town a few days after it started (had to wait for son's school to finish) and spent the rest of it in Iceland. Friends who lived near us say it didn't impinge on them, but those who lived closeer to the centre of town envied us our solution.

The only problem was getting home. We left Iceland during the final game, and the internet was so overloaded they couldn't retrieve the passenger lists from whereever they keep the database.

TPBM was one of those watching that game over the web.

Sorry, not a big sports fan. But to those who are - enjoy the Super Bowl today!

TPBM is having a Super Bowl Party today.

Not at all. DH and I are reading in the sun-filled living room, while the kids do their teenager-y things elsewhere. We may turn on the TV this evening as DH was/is an athlete who may want to see some of the game.

TPBM is also reading a good book today.

No, not a good book. An easy book. I've got a massive sinus infection, and my brain is working at less than optimum. On Thrusday is was still just a cold virus, but I have a prescription for an antibiotic, because we both knew this was likely to happen and she is off this week.

I hope TPBM has avoided the season's bugs so far.

Sadly, no. My son-in-law and family were here for a visit last weekend. We thought his cough was because he smokes.

Both MrsHouseLibrary and I have been terribly ill since Monday, but I've got it much worse. I've got to get to the doctor tomorrow.

TPBM was smart enough to at least get the flu shot this year.

I've never gotten the flu shot. Since I retired, I don't get sick like I did when I was in the work place everyday.

The person below me had to mow the lawn this weekend.

Can't mow a lawn that is covered over with crusty ice and snow. There was a very hungry bunny early this morning who ventured out to find one open patch that had some "green stuff". He nibbled there for a while quite happily even though the sun was cold.

The person below me discourages such wildlife from making use of the yard buffet.

I don't discourage the bunnies and squirrels, but the cats do. I have 5 indoor-outdoor kitties.

One of them is sitting on the printer to my left looking noble. Usually she's trying to sit on the keyboard or in my lap, so the printer is acceptable.

TPBM has nice weather today.

Yes! As beautiful as it can be in the waterlogged Pacific Northwest. Went snow shoeing and saw cougar tracks! Used my Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks with illustrations by Olaus Murie to get a positive i.d.

The person below me also used a book outdoors.

That is often the case with me. I have a couple of thousand books on (maybe some only near) an unenclosed porch. I just used The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle there to enter it in the February new books thread.

The person below me can't imagine how I could be on an unenclosed porch this time of year.

P.S. lil_ghostcrab, you can edit your post to put in square brackets rather than parentheses to try to reach touchstones. Touchstones are not guaranteed.

Well, you didn't specify how long you actually spent on the unenclosed porch. Anything longer than 15-30 minutes probably puts you in the category of wearing outdoorsman or lumberjack clothing. At any rate, I am capable of imagining many things.

The person below me will name something worn by a lumberjack in wintertime.

Steel-toed boots if the lumberjack has any sense.

TPBM knows the species of all the trees in his/her yard, or somewhere nearby.

The nearest thing I have to a yard is a terrace, which is too small to contain any trees (except maybe a bonsai, but those we would keep indoors).

The person below me has a topiary in his/her/its yard.

No, but there is an apparently natural dogwood tree that is particularly aesthetically pleasing to my eye.

Around here, radical tree topping seems to be inordinately popular. Maybe they just have too many natural trees in the surrounding hills. Maybe that makes them long to mutilate and cripple the trees in their yards.

I've been told that trees here are topped because of power lines. But there are power lines all across the US, and I've never seen such a heart-breakingly large concentration of topped trees anywhere else that I've lived.

Tree-topping is all but unheard-of where TPBM lives.

We had to work on that. The condominium property is about ten and a half acres with trees. Previous resident managers topped them every once in awhile because that was what they did. I got on the board and joined up with others against that. We got a new resident manager and sent him to a tree seminar. The trees are now pruned properly. We won't have to replace anywhere near the number of trees we feared we would.

The person below me thinks that trees should have similar standing before the law as people.

Now, I am a big fan of trees and plants and yes, can name, in Latin, almost all the plant life in my large yard. Gardening consumes me in the spring and summer. However, plants are not people. They deserve respect and care, but they do not have the same psychological, emotional, and cognitive lives as we do.

The person below me has lost a beloved tree. (I lost an old, lovely crab apple.)

We're in the process of losing a gorgeous old dogwood. We have 8 acres of old pastureland with a creek and 2 tree lines and there were two gorgeous old dogwoods - one was already dead when we bought the land 10 years ago. We're still keeping the 2nd one alive, but it's gonig to be gone within 5 years, I think. Sad. We love it.

TPBM has nut trees - pecans, walnuts, or hickory nuts, or ?

Acorns!

The person below me knows the technical name for the 'helicopters' that fall off of certain maple trees.

I always called 'em whirly-gigs. That's not the right name?

The person below me is better at botany than I.

It's been a while, and I admit my degree in Forestry hasn't been called into service for quite some time, but I believe what you are referring to goes by the auspicious name of -- seeds.

TPBM has been involved in a tree-planting project in his/her community.

Yep , and the evergreen tree I planted in 6th grade is pretty big now.

(by the way, the technical helicopter/whirligig word I was looking for was samara)

The person below me has lilacs in their yard.

ETA: Here's a satellite photo of the tree I planted. It's the one closest to the top of the picture.

We do, it is a constant fight trying to keep the wild grape vines from strangling it.

TPBM has fruit bearing trees

We would if the damn squirrels left them alone!!! There's a fig tree in our back yard, so that qualifies. We also have 2 pecan trees and an oak that produces a lot of acorns, but the squirrels eat EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Our neighbors have pear trees, but their fruit makes better cannon fodder than dessert.

TPBM knows of a humane way to squirrel-proof a yard. Failing that, said person can tell me how to kill them all without arousing the suspicions of MrsHouseLibrary.

Ah...I miss squirrels...we have nary a one here in AZ. If I DID know of a killing method, I wouldn't divulge it, probably because I'm in the same camp with MrsW. Maybe if you put it in perspective...they are FAR preferable to javalina, mountain lions and bears (oh, my!), who eat acorns, domesticated cats and dogs and sleep in local garbage dumpsters, scaring the janitorial staff half to death!!!!

TPBM has an interesting tale about local wildlife they'd like to share with us.

I once found a dead squirrel in my toilet. It fell down the vent pipe and drowned during the night.

The person below me has a happier tale.

Many, many years ago when I was a teenager, I snuck away from my family while on holidays at Jasper National Park in Canada. I was looking for a quiet place to have a cigarette and while strolling along a path, I suddenly came face to face with a moose! Those moose are big! Needless to say, I ran one way, the moose ran the other. Getting a scare like that should have cured my cigarette habit, but it took a few more years before I gave it up.

Whoops I forgot - TPBM has also given up smoking.

Hardest thing I've ever done, and I will never do it again. (Surviving unrequited love can be about as hard.)

The person below me has never given up smoking and doesn't know what the fuss is all about.

No, I haven't. One cannot stop doing what one has never started.

Funny thing about the squirrel in the vent pipe thing..

One of my sister(s)-in law witnessed a squirrel emerging from the toilet in the master bedroom of her home. She quickly closed the bedroom door and opened up the bedroom window -- the only window in that part of the house. She tried to coax the squirrel towards the window, but it was less than cooperative. She gave up and left it alone.

Meanwhile, he husband had arrived home and used the bathroom at the other end of the house, unaware of what was going on in the master bedroom. The toilet backed up, which he thought was odd since it contained only water, and no amount of plunging, nor snaking the drain (for 4 feet) helped.

The squirrel in the master bedroom didn't leave for 2 days. It knocked over every precious knickknack that was in the bedroom, tore apart the pillows, soiled ~everything~, and cost over a thousand dollars worth of damage.

They had to call in a plumber to get the other toilet unclogged. The plumber reported that at about twenty feet out from the house toward the septic talk, his industrial sized plumbing snake encountered some resistance and was able to push the obstruction through to the tank. When he retracted the snake, still attached to the business end of it was the tail of another squirrel. That cost them another two hundred and fifty dollars.

What are the odds?

TPBM actually ~knows~ what the odds are of two squirrels dropping down different pipes of the same house.

There is an actual study of squirrel antic activity, with a goal of calculating the odds in examples like your story. The problem is, it's an ongoing study and people keep being killed or injured as a result of squirrel behavior. And the case studies are gathered from different trades- plumbing, heating, electricians, carpenters, drywallers and insulation specialists. In most studies of sychronicity it comes down not to miracle but to numbers- in thousands of other homes across the world, squirrels jump into pipes- each at a fraction of a difference in timing. In your sister-in -law and brother's case, they were the last, the split second. In the very next case, the very next house, the timing was off and the squirrels popped in at different times. If youv'e ever squirrels in your house- IT'S NO JOKE! The discription you gave of the destruction of the bedroom is par for the course.
The person below me has another squirrel story.

Yep, when I lived in Chicago, the main electric junction was in the far east corner of my yard. A fairly low, loopy looking wire ran across the back of the yard, connecting the next house. I was having a bridge party one day and at a slow moment, we were changing tables and partners, one of the women said, "Look at that squirrel." Said squirrel was running back and forth on the line, causing it to sway. It got it's momentum up and made one last major run, right up to the junction box. I made an expletive deleted comment and a second later there was a big bang, squirrel body falling at great velocity and the electricity went out. Everyone in my living room froze in place. I said, "That last bit was taken out of the act last week, someone must have forgotten to tell him." I've never figured out why they only played bridge at my house in the winter time after that episode.

TPBM has a better animal antic story to tell

I wish I could tell an amusing tale, but being phobic of rodents and squirrels, all I can tell you is when I discovered squirrels in the library I freaked out. I found them running around the circulation desk one morning when I opened. Although the town maintenance man told us it would be okay to open the library since the squirrels would leave us alone, we remained closed until the town told us the problem was fixed. It wasn't. The next day the squirrels ran among the patrons freaking them out too.

TPBM will change the subject to something more pleasant....like kittens.

Okay. Ebony the beautiful black cat had a batch of kittens when I was young, about 8 years old I think. I was studying explorers in school and the runt was the first out of the box on an exploratory mission, so I named him Visca-dinky. (Viscaino was the explorer). I named another one Eli White-eyes because we were also studying inventors (Eli Whitney).

The 5 kitties we have now are named Magic, Merlin, Coco Chanel, Kitty William, and Inara Starbuck.

TPBM has another interesting animal-name story.

My mother used to name our cats in alphabetical order - Archimedes, Bathsheba, Charlemagne, Desdemona, Ezekiel, Ferdinand, Gabriel, Hannibal, Ichabod, Jezebel, (you get the drift, I'm sure). We never went with simple names for the cats (although they would occasionally get shortened to things like Gabby or Chach).

The person below me can offer a nice tidbit or story about bunnies.

Do you want the one about the ones I had as a child in India? We never did figure out what got into the cage that night...

Or the ones a neighbor kept here in Austria? She sold them to the butcher in exchange for other meat, as her kids wouldn't eat the rabbits directly. She used to give me as much of the straw she took from their cages as I wanted for my compost heap. I had good compost in those days.

TPBM knows a good story about a reptile.

I refer you back to my original I am not a Pet Person story, post #132 in the Green Dragon topic: "Pets! What animals own you um, do you own?".

To heck with the referral... you'd have to read through about 5 printed pages of the rest of my inter-special nightmare to get to the following:

"I must interject, at this time, that my sons were all in Cub/Boy Scouts, and one of the Merit Badges they can earn is called Reptile/Amphibian Study. It's a fairly easy one to earn, but one of the requirements is to house one of those critters and keep it alive for at least a month. My oldest son set up a terrarium in his room and captured a newt from near a small lake, and actually kept it for over 2 years. He named it "Tiny", reasoning that, "after all it ~is~ my newt." (Say the last 2 words together, real fast.) My #2 son, thankfully, opted to NOT do that Merit Badge. By the time I married my second wife, my youngest son was in Boy Scouts. He kind of hemmed and hawed about the whole Merit Badge part of Scouting, but really enjoyed going camping a lot. But, earning Merit Badges was part of what he had to do, and it was discussed openly, and my wife talked to him about the R/AS MB. Maybe a week went by... One corner of my living room (since it was the only place that could contain such an item) suddenly contained a triangular wooden stand made out of 4x4s and a former aquarium that was (also) triangular (for all intents and purposes), 3 feet on each side, and only slightly smaller bottom to top, completely decked out with (I forget what now), and an iguana. I must pause at this point, and breathe deeply, and let it out slowly, slowly, slowly, and again breathe in deeply, and let it out slowly, slowly, slowly....

I was aghast; keflempt even. It was almost 2 feet long, and wasn't at all happy. Neither was I, but I was more than twice its size. It has a powerful tail though. My wife (Did I mention that I really and truly love my wife? I think she was testing whether there was any limit to the depth of my love for her. Alas, she found none, for it is True Love. But I digress.) My wife even bought a leash for the iguana. She wanted to take it for walks down the Hike-and-Bike trail near our house. She learned that Iguanas (this one, at least) aren't inclined to domestication like a dog, for example, is. They especially don't like leashes. Long story short, Son #3 earns the Merit Badge. I also have to mention that my wife's son came to live with us, and was instrumental in getting the tank into the living room while I was at work that day. He is also the reason we don't have the Iguana anymore. My wife went to clean its terrarium out one day, and put the Iguana into a large wire cage outside. It, of course, escaped and ran up a tree. We spent the next 4 hours getting the Iguana to move towards an outer branch, and I'd lop off the branch with a pole saw. It would fall into a tarp the boys were holding, but managed to escape, etc.... Noting its behavior, we realized that the Iguana would only go somewhere we ~weren't~, so (there's a lot of people involved in this situation now) would stand by trees, vines, other escape routes, in an effort to give it no choice but to go back into the house; and it's working (for the most part). Then my step-son, who is relatively close to the house, suddenly starts running towards the iguana, thinking he can run (in cowboy boots) the 50+ feet to the Iguana than the Iguana can turn around and run the maybe 10 feet to the hole in the fence. We never saw the Iguana again. The terrarium went back to my sister-in-law's barn, and to prevent this sort of thing from ever happening again, I've now got one of those really huge televisions in its place. An ounce of prevention...."

TPBM is (happily) petless.

Not happily, because I like animals, but I am sadly without a pet due to a variety of family concerns.

The person below me (TPBM) considers wildlife in the backyard to be his/her pet, feeding the critter(s) on a regular basis.

By the way, WHL, how is the book coming? Might it see daylight soon? You are just too good at story-telling to not be doing it for a living.

I could refer you to the ~beginning~ of the above-referenced story to answer the TPBM challenge, Jill, but instead:

We have 3 bird feeders in the yard now, one of which seems to have finally evaded squirrel-raiding, and another of which is accessible only to the smallest of the birds in the area.

At night, we put out 'Deer Corn', and water, and have been visited by 3, sometimes 4 young deer for several months now. I actually found that they have been bedding down in the back yard for a couple of years now, which prompted us to put out corn when fodder got scarce.

Well, they ate however much corn we ever put out there -- 15 pounds of it one night, and they thanked us by eating all of the leaves they could reach on the red-leafed photinias we have as 'privacy boundaries' all around our house. The deer have also turned our yard into a septic tank. It is impossible to step anywhere in the yard without stepping in deer droppings, except where they bed down.

*I blush*
I'm not necessarily ~trying~ to write a book. I'm enjoying writing too much to pursue getting something published, and frankly, I don't see a lot of what I write as 'book-worthy', from the perspectives of consistency and sustainability. I'm pretty sure I couldn't pay an Editor nearly enough for all the grammar flaws I use to make the stories flow, either. But, who knows? Maybe, some day....

TPBM has a secret (or not so secret) ambition to write the GAN.

I don't know what GAN refers to. I think I ought to; I think I remember it being referred to somewhere nearby this post. But haven't got a clue right now.

I used to aspire to be a writer. Does that count?

TPBM will enlighten those of us who apparently live in caves, as to what the GAN is.

I believe he was referring to the 'Great American Novel' and I would love to write it but that requires writing talent

TPBM has a personal friend/relative who has published a novel (your self included)

GAN - the Great American Novel.

Yes, that counts, and I didn't know what it meant until about 6 months ago, either. I learned it here on LibraryThing.

OOPS! Slow today!

Yes. My late father-in-law wrote 2 books about the Piney Woods are of east Texas, where he was born.

TPBM will tell us something s/he learned from being here on LibraryThing.

I have learned that a lot of people believe that the earth is not the center of the universe for no good reason.

The person below me believes that the universe has no center.

Well considering that it is postulated that if one had a strong enough telescope to see far enough I'd see the back of my head, then it would follow that I am the center of the universe!

TPBM cracked a smile at that, or completely missed the joke.

I did!!!!! Crack a smile!!! I love that sort of logic!!!!

TPBM has another piece of silly logic to make us smile.

Every true proposition is implied by any proposition whatsoever.

The person below me believes themselves logical without ever having studied logic.

I believe myself to be quite logical but Philosophy 101 drove me to tears, so I certainly never took Logic. Ironically, or coincidentally, my husband and I were just discussing with our son the value of taking Philosophy in college. I hated the class, but saw the logic in studying the topic.

The person below me, on the other hand, loves the study of philosophy.

Actually, there is an unfortunate streak of pragmatism in my personality that finds philosophy to be a tedious and futile attempt to mentally organize a chaotic existence. I tend to roll my eyes when faced with something like this.

Conversely, the person below me rolls their eyes when faced with epic poetry.

I rolled my eyes when I started reading Beowulf last year and ended up listening to it. I also exercised my eyes by rolling them when I tried to read The Illiad.

I guess I'm not an epic poetry sort of person.

TPBM loves Beowulf.

The closest I've come is reading Michael Crictons Eaters of the Dead (made into the move 13th Warrior). I enjoyed that.

TPBM has seen the Beowulf movie last year

Not really. I haven't read any in quite a while, but I seem to recall marveling at the fact it was actually in couplets, probably in iambic pentameter, and it worked!

WOW!! I was responding to #197!!!!

Actually, I DID see Beowulf. One of my sons bought it, and suggested I see it. CGI has come a long way since Pong!

The following was ~also~ in response to Jill's message, but if I remove it, the TPBM challenge won't make any sense.

I don't imbibe, so I don't ever go to bars, except on very rare occasions. On one of these rare occasions, almost 40 years ago, I got up and moved to a table as far away from the blaring band as I could. My friends were having a good time, and I didn't want to spoil the evening for them, but I had had enough. So, I was sitting there, nursing a Coke at a table by myself towards the slightly dark, quieter part of the room, and after a while, I noticed that a young lady a few tables away was rolling her eyes at ~me~. Well, at the time, I already had a girlfriend (who wasn't with me that particular evening), so I really wasn't looking for anything from anybody that night. But being the gentleman that I am, I reached down, picked up those eyes, and rolled them right back to her.

TPBM is rolling his/her eyes right now. (Don't expect me to retrieve them for you!)

There you go again, talking about your days as a ladies' man! And actually, I was smiling when I read your posting (not rolling my eyes).

The person below me is supposed to be doing something other than posting on LibraryThing. (I'm just on a late lunch break).

There are people who suppose that I should get certain things done. I agree with many of them, but there is no fixed schedule. So sometime I'm going to have to set aside my pleasures and do my duties, but not in the next ten minutes.

The person below me is constantly busy.

Nope, I sleep sometimes, and actually read a couple of pages during the 3-5 minutes I have free before I drop off....sigh...I really wanna retire!!!!! LOL

TPBM has a long-established daily routine that might be considered a rut by an outside observer.

Hahahaha. I keep trying to establish a daily routine! Well, one that includes sleeping at night and doing chores during the day.

I enjoyed the posts about philosophy. I didn't enjoy my one college class. I thought it was just a bunch of guys with opinions and I have plenty of those. I have, in my old(er) age, decided that sometimes other people have more interesting and/or informed opinions than my own. :D

The person below me has never built a snowman.

I have built some snowpeople. And climed a few snowbanks of varying sizes (within the past few winters, some as tall as I am).

The person below me has no idea how the hell I'm typing with winter gloves on.

I have a pretty good idea, as I'm typing with crocheted handwarmers on.

The person below me can guess what the almost 3 feet of snow on the ground is going to do when it reaches 50F here in NW Indiana tomorrow.

I have a good idea, because here in New York, it would mean crossing the street would result in having soaked feet.

The person below me is somewhere warm, the lucky bastard duck.

It's in the high 60's, maybe the low 70's in Austin, and will be for the next week or so. It's also very windy -- the wind chimes are veritable cacophony of wonderfully mellow overtones right now. You need to plan your visits here for times like this, AnnaClaire!

TPBM has got special plans for the weekend.

Today I will pick up my old car from a repair shop so as to empty it and throw it away. Tomorrow I will probably go see Lucia di Lammermoor in high definition. Sunday church will not only be church, but before it a small group of us get together to talk spiritual (I guess) matters, and after it we have a church wide lunch.

The person below me has full days ahead.

Oh, you might say that! In two weeks is my place of work's Annual Conference. It's a massive undertaking. Right now, it is 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I'm drinking a huge Starbucks hot chocolate and calling it lunch.

The person below me organizes events (For church, for work, for fun, a 2009 Green Dragon meet-up, etc.)

When my children were small I was head of the Teacher Appreciation Committee and I would plan a big shindig each year. I enjoyed parts of it, coming up with the theme and taking care of the creative details, but I was miserable handling all the logistics, it stressed me out.

Now I just organize programs for children and families at the library. Love the creative side and the actual program, but I still stress about the logistics.

TPBM is/was also involved in the PTA (or PTO).

I was in PTA for 7 years - 5 as Thrift Store Rep (organizing workgroups and hours so we could get some of the revenue generated by the three thrift stores in our county) and 2 as PTA Treasurer. I got burned out, took a year off while my daughter was in 9th grade, and have now become her high school's band boosters Treasurer. Tons of work. In fact, tomorrow I've got to spend a couple of hours getting caught up.

TPBM has just finished a great nonfiction book.

The one I'm reading, or the one I'm writing? Silly question really, I haven't finished either.

I ~ought~ to be done with Great Feuds in Science by now, but I'm not quite half way through its less-than 200 pages (after two months). It's very interesting, but lately, I've been a slow and inconsistent reader. Unless the author changes his style completely, this book is getting a positive review by me, with a strong recommendation to read it.

TPBM will write a review about a book, whether it was good or not.

The Salisbury Manuscript by Philip Gooden was a sad disappointment. Anticipating an interesting Edwardian historical mystery on the basis of an intriguing opening chapter, I found it instead to be a rather lackluster puzzler. Characterization was cardboard in nature and pacing only picked up at the mid-way point, even then failing to reach anything very interesting at the climax.

The person below me has read a good mystery novel in the past four weeks.

Ummmm, no.

Sorry Jill. I hadn't intended for anyone to write a review ~immediately~, but hey! Good one!!! I supposed I needed to be more specific by including the clause, "when they finish their current read."

TPBM will send me a million dollars, now! (pretty please?)

Ummm, no.

Sorry WHL, I hadn't thought to take that much out of my account this morning. Perhaps next payday?

The person below me can offer a good reason why they should benefit as much as AIG or the auto industry from the bail-out.

Well, I'm trying to figure out why Exxon just posted the largest quarterly profit ever in history (for 4th Quarter 2008, I guess). Oil prices have plummeted, after all, though I'm guessing that was really due to all the speculators finding their credit line drying up . . .

I really don't want to benefit as much as they are. For me a salary in the 6+ digits would just bring oppressive guilt that I wasn't really earning it.

I'd rather win a multi-state lottery.

TPBM would rather win a lottery, too.

Looks like it's my best shot at a comfortable retirement, at this point in time...sigh...

TPBM might have a better suggestion.

I'm trying to get on the Austrian version of Who wants to be a Millionaire. Actually, I've been trying for years now, but they don't seem to want me. I guess they are afraid I'd walk off with the million. Nice dream anyway. Guess not such a good suggestion.

TPBM can suggest how we might manage to save money in the meantime. Cutting down on book purchases is NOT an option.

Simple little things are always good. Multiple uses of Glad storage bags (assuming that they've not been used to store and freeze meat) with a good wash and dry in-between. Making an effort to pay off a little more of your mortgage each month rather than just the minimum payment required might also be a better use of resources.

The person below me is worried about adapting to an austerity budget in the next few months.

While not exactly worried, we ARE concerned. Due to economic times, my hubby was just terminated last week from his job as a supervisor at a mine. He's very organized and is retirement age, plus I have increased my work hours, so all should be well, but it is a major adjustment.

What I'd REALLY like to see now is for hubby to find something to DO!!!! (I'm having to search for everything!!!! He reorganized!!! sigh Sheesh...the rumors are true, ladies, about retired husbands!!!!! AAAArrrrrggg!!!!

TPBM can make some good suggestions on what to give hubby to do to keep him out of my kitchen!!!!

Luckily we have a teenage son who goes to school on the other side of the city, so Jerry's first job every morning is driving Steven to school. (Gives Steven an extra 1/2 hour in bed, and another 30 - 45 minutes of sleep in the car. This gets Jerry out of the house. Big deal, because I can sleep longer.

Then he goes on to one of his other activities. Once or twice a week he goes swimming. Once or twice a week he goes to his fitness studio. Once a week he goes to church and practices on the organ, sometimes followed by a lunch time meeting of the worship committee. One day he plays for an interdenominational service at a different church and eats lunch with the other participants afterwards. Sometimes he goes hiking or takes his camera off to take pictures of things. Generally, he isn't home before noon during the week.

Only thing to do about a reorganized kitchen is to keep asking him where x is, and then saying, but it doesn't go there, it goes here. Put it back there, and repeat each time. And hope he gets tired of it before you do. ??? Sorry, not likely, but you can try. Or maybe, since he now knows where everything is and you don't, he should do the cooking instead of you? That might at least convince him to leave your stuff alone.

TPBM has another suggestion.

You could always get him addicted to LT - it worked for me ;-)

TPBM likes fast cars

Only when they're parked.

I don't see why we need vehicles that can do 120 mph when the speed limit is about half that. There's too much 'stupid' on the road as it is.

TPBM will steer the subject away from the ensuing gripe-fest regarding bad drivers.

I think my favorite candy is Dove's dark chocolate, although right now, as a cost-saving measure, I am substituting Ghirardelli's 60% cacao baking chips. Really, not much of a sacrifice!

TPBM will tell us what is their favorite candy.

I am partial to very good, very dark chocolate. Starbucks actually does a good dark chocolate, but it has caffeine in it (more than I need).

TPBM prefers milk chocolate.

I am the only one in my family of chocolate lovers that does prefer the milk chocolate over the dark chocolate. Now if you throw in some almonds with that milk chocolate and I am in heaven!

TPBM isn't a fan of chocolate at all.

Such a person exists???

It used to be that I couldn't get enough Milky Way bars in me. I still like them, but will pass them over to have dark chocolate instead. The total amount of chocolate I'm allowed now equals 0. I will on occasion anyway -- it's a QoL thing...

TPBM is very much attuned to his/her Quality of Life.

You mean as in QoL = Chocolate? Good Chocolate - quite possibly. But I can skip the cheap stuff. I like the expensive kinds. Luckily, I am then also able to eat just small quantities of it. We have a small company here in Austria that buys organically grown beans directly from the growers, does everything themselves, with really wild fillings. (Lemon and polenta anyone? - It's really good! And the whisky one is to die for! I must admit, there are a few that just don't work for me.) I think I need to go find some Zotter chocolate.

TPBM thinks there is more to life than chocolate.

Yes, but chocolate is one of the many little things that make up the total of "life"... and can I just say, polenta in chocolate?!?! Ew.

I have a tremendous sweet tooth but, as Jim Gaffigan, the comic, says, my sweet tooth owes my a## an apology.

TPBM was awed watching Captain Sully on 60 minutes.

I am in awe of Captain Sully (like everyone else who depends on the skills of airline pilots in getting around the country), but no, I didn't watch him on 60 Minutes.

The person below me would rather take Amtrak, if at all possible, these days.

I would rather take a train than fly here in Europe, but Amtrack? Did that once thirty years ago, and it rather cured me of any desire to take US trains. The mess in Chicago at Christmas indicates that the problems I experienced then have not been cleared up.

TPBM has a favorite train trip.

South Shore - Michigan City, IN to Chicago, specifically to the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium).

The person below me has a favorite planetarium.

Yes, the pre-Rose Center version of the Hayden Planetarium, attached to the Museum of Natural History. I like the old projector: there's something more spectacular about looking up (akin to looking up at the night sky somewhere without so much light pollution) that wasn't matched by looking down into a bowl like the time I went since the renovation.

The person below me thinks I have a point about planetaria.

No, I don't. I KNOW you have a correct and valid point.

Having been to the original Planetarium and the current Rose Center, and whereas the current has certain technological advantages, I really do prefer the original. I've been to dozens of Planetariums.

The reason the upward-looking view is preferable is that looking down is passive, whereas looking up is active. The muscles in your eyes contract (which opens your pupils more) when you look up.

TPBM owns a telescope.

I do, but I haven't used it in a long time. The moon looking so amazing like it has the past couple of days makes me long for it, though (it's stuck in a corner at my parents' house; I wouldn't have room for it here anyway).

The person below me has a microscope.

My daughter has a microscope that we got her for Christmas a while back and I got a microscope for Christmas when I was 10. They are so much fun to use.

TPBM is re-reading a favorite book.

Actually I'm trying to get through a book I haven't read before in order to be able to discuss it at a library book group at the end of the month. The title in question is St. Mungo's Robin.

The person below me belongs to a book discussion group (in the physical world, rather than the virtual world).

I don't, but I've often thought about joining one. The only thing that prevents me is the fact that I'm a pathetically slow reader.

Big news here --
Generally because it would take too much effort to explain, I have never mentioned that MrsHouseLibrary has a half-sister who she never met until about five years ago. Of the four siblings, she is the oldest; and the one that I've always referred to as the oldest is also a half-sister. We've really enjoyed getting to know BJ over these past couple of years, and when WholeHouseFather-in-Law died last year, she came to the graveside memorial and stood with the rest of the extended family off to the side. For very petty reasons, and quite uncharacteristic of the man I knew, her father had estranged himself to her decades ago. The graveside 'service' began with a military honor guard (who drove for four hours to perform this service), and the sisters and their mother were standing near the grave (that I dug the day before). In a spontaneous act, two of the sisters walked over to BJ and brought her back with them to stand with the rest of the immediate family. It was one of those 'noble' moments...

You didn't really need to know any of that... Yesterday, BJ sent us the first two chapters of a book she's been working on. It looks like we have another author in the family!!!

TPBM is also related to an author.

Why, yes, my niece. She is both poet and author. She has won some poetry awards I think. She has written a cookbook, published, and a children's book, unpublished, plus various other stuff.

I used to author government reports. I used to say little in a lot of words. I admire people who can write really good fiction.

The person below me likes fiction better than non-fiction.

Yes, I do...rather embarrassed about it, though...LOL

#222 - Re: retired hubby! ROFLM...ahem...tush off!! I love your suggestion, sounds like when I worked with developmentally disabled adults! I'd forgotten about "series of successful approximations!!!!" However, I love to cook, so, although he's making a play for that role, I'm trying to keep it firmly in my grasp, so we shall see how it goes. I may have to retreat for a bit, as I'm still working, and let him win THIS skirmish... though NOT the entire battle!!!

#223....I'm trying! At least I've gotten him involved in some forums and blogging on another, non-book-oriented site!! And I'm leaving likely books about for him to pick up, with positive, and hopefully winning, hints and reviews...so keep me in your thoughts, LTers!!!! LOL

TPBM has been instrumental in introducing someone to the joys of online forums/blogs of some sort!

Nope. Everyone I know is savvy or a complete non-user. Computers that is...

The person below me enjoys potlucks. (edit: As in party type potluck meals. :))

Around here, they call them "covered dish meals," and yes, I do enjoy them. Foodways really differ from place to place, but you can always find lots of good things to eat at a potluck.

TPBM has a potluck on their schedule this month.

On the 25th I will take something to a potluck and game night at church that I've been going to for a decade and a half once a month. On the 27th I will go to our opera group at church, the main aim of which is to watch an opera DVD, but which includes potluck food sufficient to get through the evening.

I was the ice cream guy, but church politics have stopped that. Now I need to decide what I am going to bring, a tough choice because I don't have an operational kitchen.

The person below me likes to eat regardless of the circumstances: potluck, restaurant, home, picnic, county fair....

Does the word "foodie" sound familiar to anyone? Yep...unfortunately, I do love to eat!!!! But, since I had major remodeling of the plumbing several years ago in a desperate effort to lose weight, which was successful, it's difficult to eat much at one sitting, so I'm eating all the time, it seems...sigh

TPBM attends a particular type of secular social gathering that involves some form of educational presentation at almost every event.

Based on the phrasing, I'm not sure, but I think my book discussion group would qualify as a secular social gathering that involves some form of educational presentation. I mean, we do gossip upon occasion, but devoted readers, we generally have fallen into a solid practice of actual discussion of the book in question.

The person below me tends to get caught up in the mad rush of daily life, without much time for meditative thought or contemplation.

Unfortunately. I used to think, but haven't done much lately.

The person below me makes time for quiet thought.

Nope, I more accurately fit the former TPBM statement, sad to say.

TPBM has special plans for the upcoming designated day for romance.

Nope. I don't let greeting card companies, florists, or chocolate makers tell me when to be romantic.

The person below me thinks romance is for languages.

No special plans. In our 20 years of marriage, my husband and I have never really taken Valentine's Day seriously. I prefer more frequent, spontaneous tokens of love. However, I'll give the kids those little conversation hearts they love and give DH some chocolate.

TPBM enjoys watching reality cooking shows like "Top Chef".

No. In fact, I have no taste for reality shows in general.

The person below me has a headache.

No, but I am getting hungry and have an hour yet til lunch

TPBM has the munchies.

Not "munchies" exactly (and certainly not munchies associated with the intake of illegal substances), but it's nearing lunchtime for me.

The person below me is listening to the wind.

I am. It's gusting quite hard here.

The person below me has been to a bison ranch.

Not as such, but some years ago I went to a nature reserve in the Dordogne where they kept some European bison. There weren't any Cheyenne or Sioux to be seen, though.

I believe there have been several attempts to reintroduce the animal across northern Europe.

TPBM has participated in competitive water sports.

frozen water sports. XC Skiing to be exact.

TPBM has participated in competitive (liquid) water sports.

I played water polo for several summers starting when I was in 6th grade.

TPBM can/used-to-be-able-to do a back-flip off a diving board.

I could, and when I was approaching 14 I was practicing them off a pier for a swim meet. I came down head first on the edge of the pier, stuck my hand in the cut, and said, "I think I broke my head." Folks bailed me out of the water, got me into an ambulance and to the hospital. It took 26 stitches. It is about 50 years later; when I had my head shaved at the end of the year, the first thing the barber commented on was the scar. I haven't been able to do a back flip since even on a trampoline.

The person below me swims for recreation rather than competition.

Oh, strictly for relaxation. Ideally, the back-stroke. (Robert, that story gave me the willies! Ow-ow-ow)

The person below me has passed a basic water survival test (staying afloat for 5 minutes while fully garbed, including shoes). granted that is based on what it was some twenty-thirty years past

No, I haven't even taken such a test, but I'm sure I'd pass, as I have the advantage of an extra layer of fat that makes me very bobby in the water. In fact, there have been times when I wish I had some weights or something so I could get down to the bottom of the pool to pick something up...

TPBM has had some sort of military-type training such as self-defence, shooting, etc. The civilian venue would count if they haven't been a soldier/sailor.

I took a self-defense class in college as one of my phy-ed electives, and I took a Verbal Judo seminar in my previous professional career. Both were helpful, although thankfully I have rarely had cause to use the verbal judo techniques, and I can't remember ever having to use the self-defense ones.

TPBM has practiced a martial art such as Judo.

No, the closest I came was a Tai Chi class and tape. And practicing was the problem. I kept putting it off...

The person below me enjoys the kung fu-ish action in those Jackie Chan/Bruce Lee/etc. movies.

I am initially pleasantly surprised by the choreography of those scenes in Jackie Chan movies; eventually, though, I tune it out.

TPBM can tie a one-handed bowline.

Lets see now - the rabbit comes round the tree and down the hole - no, out the hole and round the tree.........

Can't even do a two-handed bowline!

TPBM owns a Swiss Army knife (so usually has no trouble untying knots.

I used to keep a mini one in my purse. But that was before such things created problems when flying. I must still own at least one, but have no idea where it might be.

TPBM lost something in airport security.

a fingernail clipper from my Grandpa

TPBM has lost something else

My dignity.

I don't want to talk about it, but it all started with a motorcycle accident.

TPBM found something that s/he had lost a long time ago.

I stupidly forgot to take my earrings off when I went golfing one day and sure enough I lost one. A month or so later, we were golfing again and I mentioned that I lost my gold earring right about where I was standing, and sure enough when we looked down we found it! I was amazed, but, unfortunately it was bent out of shape and I never could wear it again!

TPBM also has a lost and found story.

*obligingly warbles off tune, "I once was lost, but now am found..."*

Seriously I did once wander off from play practice as a six year old and scared my mother deeply. (Practice was at a shopping mall and I had wandered off after an interesting clown or something.) I wasn't hurt but it really frightened her. Never forgot that.

The person below me has frightened a parent that way.

I did. I was a lot older - 12 - but I managed to get separated from my family and our tour group at the Agra fort (India, the city of the Taj Mahal) in the middle of a riot. The tickeet offices couldn't handle a particularly large number of visitors, and people got upset. Once I realized I didn't know where my group was I decided to get back to the bus. I got behind a man who was headed out in the right direction, and got through the crowd safely. My parents fianlly decided they had to protect the other children and were the last people out before the gates were locked in an attempt to control the crowd. Of course by then I was really bored with sitting in the empty bus.

TPBM has also been to India.

OOPS!!! A tad slow....

I was ~supposed~ to go to Bangalore a few years ago... got the shots and the passport and otherwise prepared myself, but plans changed.

The following was written in response to #269.

Guilty as charged.

I was maybe 4 years old, and it was October, and cold, in New Jersey. I was staying at my grandmother's house for a week, about two miles from my own. I suspect the reason I was there was that my mother was about to give birth to surviving-child-#6, and anyone who was not yet in school and was also toilet-trained needed looking after.

I got bored and asked if I could go out in the back yard, so my aunt made me put on my winter coat and hat, and out I went. I stayed in the back yard for all of a minute, I think, and then headed down the driveway, and turned towards home. There were only three major intersections I needed to cross, and none of them were busy. I ~did~ walk up a wrong street, but realized where I was and knew how to correct the error when I got further down the road.

Meanwhile, back at my grandmother's house...
It was already getting dark, and when my aunt didn't see me, she assumed I happened to be hidden by the corner of the garage. As dinner time approached, she opened the back door and called to me. When there was no response, she went into the back yard and discovered that I wasn't there. Thus began the frantic phone calls to the relatives and neighbors who lived in a several-block area around my grandmother -- everyone except my parents. Finally, they called the Police, and there were at least 6 patrol cars involved in the search for me.

I arrived home and walked in the back door like this is where I was supposed to be, and my mother was surprised to see me (to say the least). Almost like the game 20 Questions, I was grilled, and responded with very short answers, saying that her sister had dropped me off, and dinner was almost ready at my grandmother's place, so she didn't have time to come in.

My mother is no fool, so she called her mother, who was ~really~ upset and worried, and embarrassed. Finally, my mother (aka, the Five Fingers of Death) looked at me sternly and asked, "How did you get here - REALLY?" I casually replied that I "followed the cracks in the sidewalk", which was 4-year-old speak for, "Gee, Mom, we've been to Grandma's house a thousand time. Do you think I can't recognize landmarks along the way???", except it's more polite.

TPBM has another story like this to relate.

I was probably 5; I'm not really sure. (Before kindergarten I think.) My friend Marilyn, two years older, and I asked if we could go to the little grocery (convenience) store down on the highway. It was the closest store and sold popsicles. We got permission to go. As we started out, Marilyn's mother, whom I later discovered was VERY abusive, told her she couldn't go. I went anyway. By myself. As WHL said, I knew the way. I got home to some scared and angry parents.

Another time I hid in the closet because my mother made me wear what I thought was an ugly blouse. I didn't come when I was called. Again, scared and angry parents.

Of course, there was the time my friend Cathy and I were playing birthday party and almost burned down the house.

The person below me also has a story to tell us.

I was 2 1/2 years old old and my mother left my four year old sister, Lisa, in charge of me (I know, right?!) in the backyard while she put the baby to sleep. I decided to go visit my grandmother but, unlike WHL, I didn't really know the way and simply wandered away.

My mother was shocked about an hour later (I know, right?!) when a policeman rang the door bell with me in tow (because we lived in a small town I can only assume that the cop or someone else recognized me). My mom thought I was still in the backyard with my sister because periodically she would call out the window and ask my sister (she could see her in the sandbox but couldn't see me) if I was with her. Lisa would say "yes".

It's a wonder we survived our childhoods.

TPBM has another tale to illustrate the above sentiment.

Our oldest son was a real escape artist. At about a year (He could barely walk, so he must have crawled.) was in the sand box in the back yard one day while I did some house work. The yard was fully fenced in. All of a sudden the door bell rang. There was a neighbor with Frank! Even worse, the neighbor was not one of the immediate ones, but someone out on the main road parallel to ours. With a lot of traffic. This was not an hour. Maybe 15 - 20 minutes at the most. After that we put a board at the bottom of each side of the gate. It was made of diagonal wooden strips, and I would have sworn that a baby could not get under it, but Frank did.

Then the next one came along. When he was a year old (and Frank was 3) we put a swing set/climbing frame in the back yard. we left the lowest rung off the climbing frame to keep the baby off it. Right! Mom was visiting and cried out to me to come save the baby. How did he get to the top of that thing? So I climbed up, and brought him down. Them Mom and I watched as he went up to the lowest remaining rung. It was just above his shoulders. He grabbed it, it took him several seconds before he could manage to get a toehold on it, and then anothe 5 - 20 seconds to be back at the top.

I don't think kids want to survive their childhoods. But do they need to try and kill us off with heart attacks? BTW Frank is now a father, and apparently Cailan is a chip off the old block.

TPBM has a grandchild story to tell.

Not yet, but wait a year or two...

Another "me" story --
For many years following WWII, my grandparents (mother's side) owned a summer house just off the boardwalk in Lavallette, NJ. Sometime after my grandfather died, my grandmother sold the place, but my own parents continued to vacation there, renting a cottage duplex within the first block off of the boardwalk. This was done mainly because they didn't want to have to worry too much about managing 4 or 5 or 6 children crossing a street to get to the beach.

When I was two, I had three older brothers, and my younger brother was just a month or two old. The week that my parents had chosen turned out to be the week that a powerful hurricane came up the coast. I just checked online, and for the life of me, I can't begin to tell you which one it was, but my folks always mentioned this as their singular most embarrassing moment....

The cottage was maybe seven houses in from the boardwalk. With the Hurricane approaching, the Police ordered everyone in the beachfront houses, and the next two houses back, to get out, and people were assigned to ~other~ cottages. So, due to the emergency, the half-duplex, which had two small bedrooms, a front room, a kitchen and a bathroom, and already 7 people, had an influx of 5 more strangers. Apparently, this got to be a bit more than I wanted to deal with, and at some point, I went out the back door, unnoticed.

Some things to keep in mind: I was two. I didn't begin to speak until long past my 3rd birthday (and I needed a LOT of speech therapy to make it intelligible). Under normal conditions, the boardwalk was probably 8 or more feet above the beach, and there was easily 100 yards or more of beach and a few more feet in elevation before you'd get your feet wet. But these were not normal conditions. The worst hurricane to hit NJ in decades was just off the coast. The water level left one or two steps of the stairs exposed. Got all that?

So, I'm out on the boardwalk in a red flannel bathing suit (already toilet-trained), maybe a quarter-mile from where the duplex was, and I'm heading down the steps to play in the water!!! Fortunately for me, there was a couple braving the high winds and watching the hurricane progress, and oohing and aahing at the way the waves were crashing into the boardwalk up ahead, and then they say something red on the stairs. So, they ran over and grabbed me out of the water (I was sitting on the step and perfectly okay). They asked me all sorts of stuff, but of course I couldn't answer them, so I just pointed. When I saw the cottage that closest to the boardwalk at the end of my street, I pointed to it, and then down the road (Green Street), so they took me by the hand and we walked down Green Street, and eventually I pointed to the right side of #7, and we went on to the porch, and they knocked on the door.

I think it was my father who answered the knock, still unaware that I had gotten out. These people lit into my folks like a fire-and-brimstone preacher on a good day!!! Legends are made of such events.

TPBM has another story, just as embarassing, to relate.

I dunno. That one is hard to top. Quite honestly, the worst thing I ever did was after I had corrective surgery when I was twelve. I still had a cast on the lower leg (just below the knee down) but was mobile and had been allowed to return to school. The doctor had said I could be in physical education class and should "do what I felt I could" while in class.

We were all in a circle and one girl was in the center of the circle, heaving a medicine ball to those in the outer rim. Now I should have recognized that the ball was heavy and not that easy to catch but I figured I would still give it a try.

I caught the wretched medicine ball, but with a cast on my leg, couldn't keep my balance. I went down, hit my head against a set of weights hanging on the wall. They ended up taking me to the nurse's office and calling my mother. I couldn't put weight on the leg so started using the crutches again that I'd given up. Because it was my birthday weekend, and we were supposed to go out to dinner, I delayed telling my parents that I couldn't put full weight on the leg any more. They took me to the hospital the following Monday; the doctors thought I was just being hesitant about using the leg and didn't really believe that I couldn't stand on it until they did the X-ray and found that I had a hair-line fracture. The doctors had to put me into a cast from my waist down and delay the next round of corrective surgery until the broken leg healed!

Needless to say, that is one story my mother has never forgotten. Or allowed me to forget.

The person below me has broken a limb but not been confined to a plaster cast.

Not a limb -- my hip, in the oft-referenced motorcycle accident that also chewed up the sciatic nerve. There was no cast involved, but I was in traction for 3 weeks until the 6 pieces of bone finally knitted together. Traction was 14 lbs of weight tugging my foot the entire time. Fortunately, due to the nerve damage, I couldn't feel it. Unfortunately, I couldn't feel or move my right leg at all for several months.

TPBM knows the pains of physical therapy.

Ah, yes. Torn muscle left calf, broken right ankle, damaged rotator cuff. To be honest all my therapists were nice people, they just wanted me to hurt myself using my injured parts. One was very concerned that from the back he could see that I walked with a slight limp. He kept trying to fix it, without telling me why we were working so hard, after two weeks we had a consult where my lack of progress was discussed by the entire staff and me. They were all embarrassed when I told them that I've always had that slight limp, I was born with a dislocated hip and the limp was the adjustment my body made so I could learn to walk at all.

TPBM will tell us a funny story from any part of their life they choose.

When I was 19, I visited my brother who was living in Japan. We did some traveling staying with friends or in hostels. One late afternoon we arrived at a hostel, men on one side, women on another. I don't speak Japanese.

A nice young lady came and told me it was time to take a "bus" now. I couldn't imagine where I was going!? We had just arrived. After some additional, and humorous, gesturing and attempts at communication, I finally realized that it was time for my bath!

I have always appreciated her patience with me.

Okay, only mildly humorous but the best I could come up with...

The person below me has another traveling anecdote.

I was taking the train from Athens to Gottingen in West Germany (1979 - pre-reunification). The train was okay, the mistake was taking second class instead of first class. I was the only American in a compartment with ... let's see.... Swedes, West Germans, a couple of Brits, and somebody else... can't remember. I didn't bring any food, water, or toilet paper and suffered greatly.

At the Yugoslavian border they looked at everybody's passport but took mine. I didn't get it back for hours and hours and was terrified. Couldn't even get off the train when it stopped for a while. When the attendant brought it back, he opened the compartment door, said "American?" in a contemptuous voice, and threw it at me when I raised my hand.

I was very glad to get out of Yugoslavia.

TPBM also has a traveling anecdote.

Okay....
Back in 1977, my then-wife and I rode our bicycles from northern NJ to Pensacola, Fla. The day before our 3rd anniversary, we were on Skyline Drive in Virginia, and it was the latter part of the day, so the priority was to find a place to camp and maybe a place to buy some food. We actually carried food with us, but it was strictly for 'emergencies'.

I think the name of the place we came upon was 'Big Meadows Lodge'. There were designated camping sites and there was also a rustic hotel. At first glance, the camping area looked pretty full, but there were lots of roads within it, and it being our anniversary eve, it would be really nice to ~not~ camp. perhaps, maybe. She opted to look for a campsite, but told me to check the availability of a room in the hotel.

I spoke to the gal behind the desk, and she apologized, saying that they were completely booked; however, there was one reservation that hadn't arrived yet, and the hotel wasn't obligated to hold the room after what was to be ten minutes from that particular moment. She suggested that I take a seat nearby. Well, I'm no fool; I bought a soda, sat down on a cushioned bench across the room, and waited, making sure the gal behind the desk knew where I was. Good soda. COLD soda. I enjoyed it very much.

Meanwhile, then-wife had found and secured a campsite, but hadn't paid for it yet. And she was more than a little miffed that I hadn't returned to find her and help set up camp, so she bicycled up to the Lodge and stepped inside. The difference in the humidity and heat between outside and inside did nothing to quench the fire in her eyes. My sitting off to the side enjoying the soda only served to stoke the flames apparently, because she stormed over to where I was sitting, stood there with hands on hips and started lecturing me on I-really-don't-know-what-now. It was during this tirade that the gal behind the counter (also almost directly behind my then-wife, so although I was looking towards then-wife, I was not really looking ~at~ her) waved to me to come over. I stood up, kissed then-wife on the cheek, said to her, "Happy early anniversary. Have a soda.", handed her the half-empty bottle, and walked away from her.

Room secured, I went back to then-wife and explained the situation, and we went together to retrieve our tent and other things that she had left out to indicate the camping site was occupied. In the room finally, the first order of business was hot showers. We slept well that night; we had gotten used to sleeping on the ground, but my, oh my, neither of us wanted to acknowledge that the sun had come up the next day.

It turns out that a LOT of other people rued the day of our 3rd anniversary more than we hated seeing dawn come -- Elvis died that day.

TPBM has another story from 'the road'.

One summer while in college, I took a roadtrip with a friend to somewhere in eastern South Dakota. It was her family home, truly out in the middle of nowhere in the dry, hot prairies. Her family was warm and hospitable, the food was good. I was thirsty, and her mom offered me some milk to drink. When I am thirsty, though, what I want is water. No other beverage will quench a thirst for me like water. My friend laughed and said, you don't want our water. Turns out they lived in a highly alkaline area, and their well water smelled so strongly of sulfur that I could not drink it.

We went out that evening to a bar in a nearby town. Played some billiards, which as predicted I lost at, badly. Then we played some billiards with a couple of guys, and I still chuckle to remember the look on the one guy's face when I flirted with him. I concluded that the small-town guys were not used to an unfamiliar woman flirting with them.

I also remember that I wasn't feeling well the next day, and it certainly wasn't from over-imbibing. It turned out that I had caught the horrible exhaustion virus that was going around the office at my summer job. With me feeling so horrible, we set out for home. Half a dozen miles down the road, her radiator gave out. I almost began to panic, as the area was pretty desolate and this was long before the cell phone became common. But eventually her dad had to come and drive us home.

TPBM has driven through the desert.

I think three times: from Pensacola to San Diego, from San Diego to Corpus Christi, from Nashville to San Diego all in the late sixties in a Pontiac GTO convertible with the top down.

The person below me lives in the desert.

Currently, it's just a free-thought desert. I live in the southernmost city (they say) of the most conservative county in Texas. They don't like it when I display my UN flag on 24-Oct; I get a lot of Baptists and Evangelicals and other ringing my doorbell on weekends despite my prominently-displayed "No Solicitors" sign. And until I got rid of my land-line, I would get lots of phone calls asking for money for anti-family-planning efforts.

Of course, if we don't get a lot of rain very soon, I'll be living in an ecological desert as well.

TPBM prefers the low humidity of deserts to his/her current location.

Well, yes, to part of that. I do prefer low humidity, but since I live in the desert (Sonoran/Arizona) I can't prefer it to elsewhere. Or something. I do love visiting the ocean and other such humid places though.

The person below me would love to live on a coast line.

edit: 280> Wow. Scary. I was there right after Tito died in 1980 and it wasn't too bad in the major coast tourist places. We only saw a little anti-American sentiment. I did fall in love with Dubrovnik.

I do live on a coast line. I live in a suburb of Vancouver, B.C. called Delta. I live very close to the Pacific Ocean and one of my favorite things is to lie in bed on a foggy morning and listen to the foghorn. I also love to go for walks on the beach.

TPBM also lives near the ocean.

No, Vienna is not on the ocean. No worries here that the ocean is going to up and flood us when Antarctica and Greenland melt. There is a local joke though, that those staying at home for their vacation are spending the vacation on the Alpeno-strand (Alpeno beach). The word should really be divided Alpen-ost-rand (Alps eastern edge).

With the snow, our bird feeders need refilling quite often.

TPBM is also feeding the birds this winter.

We put out suet cakes of different varieties around the yard. They attract lots of interesting birds and a wide variety of woodpeckers. Also, my yard is filled with shrubs and plants that have winter berries that many birds like.

TPBM is done doing their taxes.

We've already submitted ours AND we have already received our refund. My husband tries to knock everything out as soon as possible.

The person below me is socking away any tax refund they may receive in '09. Time to 'fess up! Who is stuffing their mattress these days?

Well, in a manner of speaking, I am. I'm not so much stuffing my mattress as I am paying off debt about as fast as I can. So whatever refund I might receive, is targeted toward debt.

TPBM is also working at paying-down or -off debt.

No debt to pay off.

The person below me has escaped the flu so far this year.

Yes, thank you! So far, anyway. Being now in a higher risk category for complications (only age) I was urged to have the vaccine by my medical advisers. I declined on the basis that I haver never had flu despite regular occupational exposure to respiratory viruses.

TPBM will have whatever jabs are going

Jabs? As in inoculations???

Oddly enough, although I'm at high risk in three categories, I ~didn't~ get the flu, nor the pneumonia vaccines. I haven't gotten either malady (yet).

Otherwise, I 'jab' myself four to six times a day -- for Diabetes testing and maintenance.
The 'up' side of this is that I've lost almost twenty-five pounds since early November.

TPBM knows how to eat 'right'.

I do: The Philosopher's Diet, but I don't eat right. I am about to eat a half loaf of whole grain bread with about a half pound of Jarlsberg washed down with V8.

The person below me doesn't think much of either of my options.

Actually, I think a LOT of it!!!!

That's what? 23 carbs (or more) per slice of bread, 5 grams of fat per ounce of cheese, and the V8 would put me WAY over my restrictions for a couple of days!! That's A LOT!!!!

Of course, the traditional V8 is MUCH better for you than the fruity blends they're hawking on TV nowadays.

There's nothing else in the house to eat?

TPBM pays attention to the nutritional labels on food packaging.

Yes. It's easier these days, though. Only our preference for whole grains and dislike of lots of chemicals on top of Jerry's diabetes and general need to watch calories. The days of watching like a hawk for egg and/or melon/squash family are over now that two boys are out of the house. (Don't ask me how the third avoided allergies.) And the labels are better now. I remember one packaged meal with the helpful ingredient 'noodles'. When you are looking for eggs, that is less than helpful.

TPBM also reads the labels carefully.

We watch labels for sodium and fat as those contribute to heart disease. We do our best to avoid those items where the ingredients listing puts high fructose corn syrup anywhere in the first three or four ingredients.

The person below me thinks there is nothing wrong with high fructose corn syrup.

On the contrary, the only man-made food "ingredient" that I think is worse than high fructose corn syrup, is trans-fats.

BTW, my bias against HFCS as a widespread food ingredient is supportable. Some folks lack the enzyme to easily convert fructose to glucose, so it must be metabolized by a much longer metabolic process. In the meantime, it builds up in the person's body and makes them sick. According to my biochemistry prof, that metabolic weakness - the inability to easily metabolize fructose - is more common than most folks realize. While most people have at least some of the enzyme, it may not work as well as is needed, when the diet contains a lot of fructose.

TPBM did not expect a biochemistry lesson when they clicked on this thread.

I've learned not to expect anything when coming to this thread.

TPBM will say something in a new thread. http://www.librarything.com/topic/58093