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I just wanna say -- the random comments thread

The apple chutney is bubbling away on the stove and veggies are prepped for tomorrow. I'm already exhausted, lol. The peeling, chopping, dicing took DH and I 2.5 hrs. Nap time. Somebody slap me next time I say I'm going to invite a bunch of people for a holiday dinner.
 
HI:

I really enjoyed listening to King Charles Christmas message. I always enjoyed past messages with Queen Elizabeth.

cheers--Sharon
 
I really enjoyed listening to King Charles Christmas message. I always enjoyed past messages with Queen Elizabeth.

I'm still getting used to QEII being gone. I know she had her faults but like a whole bunch of folks, she was part of my world for the entire time I've been on the planet. It still makes me sad to think of the family traditions carrying on without her even though it means she did her job well.
 
@Matata, How was your holiday dinner? I would ask if you survived by I’m guessing you did and made some fun memories with your family. Did you get to see the sweet grand baby?
 
How was your holiday dinner? I would ask if you survived by I’m guessing you did and made some fun memories with your family. Did you get to see the sweet grand baby?

It was fun Calliecake. Everyone raved about the food which was a relief since I broke the golden rule and tried new recipes. My friends are used to being guinea pigs for my culinary experiments only because I haven't yet bungled one. We didn't see the grand baby. Two other sets of her grandparents and my DIL's sister were visiting her this year.
 
HI:

OK officially fed up with rolling out pastry. Quiche done and chicken wings prepared also.

cheers--Sharon
 
HI:

Oh but I wanted to say, I think I'll buy 00 flour next time to see what a difference it makes to the outcome (pastry). If anyone uses 00 for baking, please let me know your opinion.

cheers--Sharon
 
PSA

"

When you see a dirty cat.
This is important information to know about why cats look dirty.

Cats can tolerate hunger for up to a week on average, but cannot go no more than 2-3 days without water.

Cats are usually very clean, they groom themselves several times a day. If you see a cat that does not look clean, it is DEHYDRATED and has been so for many days.

Their saliva glands are not functioning properly because they require moisture to groom their fur.

If you see a stray cat that looks dirty, DO NOT turn the other way or see it as disgusting, because it is suffering and probably hasn't had anything to eat or drink in a long time.

Find kindness in your heart to give it food and WATER. The life of a homeless animal is not an easy one. It lives in constant fear of other animals and humans, and it has never known the comfort of a soft bed or a restful night’s sleep.

Helping a less fortunate being is the opportunity for you to become a better person and to make this a better world.

- author unknown

"
 
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Do yourselves a favor. Search for Sarah Adams on ig, twitter etc. She’s brilliant and shares facts that are terrifying but critical to know

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Had the last 2 weeks off just chilling at home with hubby and kids. I was ok about the thought of returning to work tomorrow..up until 30 minutes ago (it's 9:23pm). Not I kinda want to throw up.
 
Had the last 2 weeks off just chilling at home with hubby and kids. I was ok about the thought of returning to work tomorrow..up until 30 minutes ago (it's 9:23pm). Not I kinda want to throw up.

It is soooo hard to go back after a nice lengthy break from work!
 
And it’s snowing. The first of many snow days according to the winter weather prediction for 2025
 
HI:

Oh but I wanted to say, I think I'll buy 00 flour next time to see what a difference it makes to the outcome (pastry). If anyone uses 00 for baking, please let me know your opinion.

cheers--Sharon

Thought 00 was for chewy pizza dough? Have you tried pastry flour? King Arthur has good explanations about the different types of flour.
 
Thought 00 was for chewy pizza dough? Have you tried pastry flour? King Arthur has good explanations about the different types of flour.

Yes I have used pastry flour. Maybe it was the AP brand I bought that I didn't like. Thanks for the tip, I'll read it!

@kgizo Awesome website--thank you! I'm gonna test my 00 theory in pastry that it will be tender. Wish me luck!
 
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Thought 00 was for chewy pizza dough? Have you tried pastry flour? King Arthur has good explanations about the different types of flour.


00 is also used for making pasta and I think Italians also use it for pastry.

edited to say, I just looked it up and found this re: pastry

00 flour isn’t just for savory dishes – it’s also a great ingredient for desserts. Whether you’re making tiramisu, cannoli, or biscotti, the fine texture of 00 flour creates a delicate, tender crumb that’s perfect for Italian sweets.
 
I don’t want to start an entire new thread about this but I have a question. I’ve had cats since 1992. This is the first time I’ve experienced this behavior. Jasper rubs his entire face all over mine. He gets my face wet with his wet nose and mouth. And he pushes his face forcefully (for a 10 lb cat lol) into my face. I’m guessing he’s marking me but this is a new way to me. All our other cats would kiss my lips. Rub their body on my legs, arms but not all over my face. It’s hysterical but he also is a bit too zealous when doing it. Interested to hear if you’re familiar with this behavior. Thanks

I don’t have a photo of this but here’s Jasper on my lap. He is also a very loud purrer

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He’s a pretty intense baby ♥️
 
A little Carolina Wren came to my window yesterday afternoon. He was clinging to the screen looking at me. I feed the birds in the morning so the food was gone. I remember reading that they are rare here since 1977 due to the snowy conditions. We haven't had much snow the last decade so maybe that is why I see them here now. This year we have snow. I made him and his friends a special batch of suet crumble and fed him and his friends again. I hope he yells at me this summer just like the last few summers. Following me around the yard and scolding me for getting too close to his bird box.

Interesting thing about my little Carolina wrens. They make 2 or 3 nests in the boxes and they let their lady pick the one she deems best. Little stick nests that they put spider webs filled with eggs in so the baby spiders eat any bird lice. The ones here use little pine and birch sticks.
 
A little Carolina Wren came to my window yesterday afternoon. He was clinging to the screen looking at me. I feed the birds in the morning so the food was gone. I remember reading that they are rare here since 1977 due to the snowy conditions. We haven't had much snow the last decade so maybe that is why I see them here now. This year we have snow. I made him and his friends a special batch of suet crumble and fed him and his friends again. I hope he yells at me this summer just like the last few summers. Following me around the yard and scolding me for getting too close to his bird box.

Interesting thing about my little Carolina wrens. They make 2 or 3 nests in the boxes and they let their lady pick the one she deems best. Little stick nests that they put spider webs filled with eggs in so the baby spiders eat any bird lice. The ones here use little pine and birch sticks.

I love birds. I just googled this birdie--so round and cute!!! Thanks for taking care of them!
 
A little Carolina Wren came to my window yesterday afternoon. He was clinging to the screen looking at me. I feed the birds in the morning so the food was gone. I remember reading that they are rare here since 1977 due to the snowy conditions. We haven't had much snow the last decade so maybe that is why I see them here now. This year we have snow. I made him and his friends a special batch of suet crumble and fed him and his friends again. I hope he yells at me this summer just like the last few summers. Following me around the yard and scolding me for getting too close to his bird box.

Interesting thing about my little Carolina wrens. They make 2 or 3 nests in the boxes and they let their lady pick the one she deems best. Little stick nests that they put spider webs filled with eggs in so the baby spiders eat any bird lice. The ones here use little pine and birch sticks.

I have Carolina Wren's as well. They are very cute. Mine don't talk to me though!
Maybe I should get some bird boxes? I assume you put them in trees. How high do they need to be?
 
@missy, yes he definitely is marking you. I had a black cat just like Jasper (his name was Ben) and he was such a serious lover. He was a rescue kitty that picked me at the shelter... I was smitten! He would press his face against my head, face, body anything available and purr so loudly. I also had a lot of trouble training him to not sleep almost on my head, or right against my face as I could barely turn over at night. He was the only cat I ever had that truly was a shoulder cat and would happily wrap himself around my neck and hang on while I was sitting, walking around the house or doing chores. He would try to jump up to my shoulder if he saw me brushing my teeth, doing laundry or even cycling on the Peloton. Seriously he was in deep love with me. What a special boy! But I get what you are saying... Ben was a handful! ❤️
 
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@missy, yes he definitely is marking you. I had a black cat just like Jasper (his name was Ben) and he was such a serious lover. He was a rescue kitty that picked me at the shelter... I was smitten! He would press his face against my head, face, body anything available and purr so loudly. I also had a lot of trouble training him to not sleep almost on my head, or right against my face as I could barely turn over at night. He was the only cat I ever had that truly was a shoulder cat and would happily wrap himself around my neck and hang on while I was sitting, walking around the house or doing chores. He would try to jump up to my shoulder if he saw me brushing my teeth, doing laundry or even cycling on the Peloton. Seriously he was in deep love with me. What a special boy! But I get what you are saying... Ben was a handful! ❤️

Thank you! They are true treasures and I do not mind it lol. Though yes it can be annoying at times I'll take it :)
Now if only we can teach him not to chase the other cats. He can be a bit aggressive with the other kitties and it is not always play behavior.

He is an intense kitty ❤️
Difficult to photograph at times (lose details depending on the light) but here he is last night on my lap
He loves staring into my eyes. I feel sad because Tommy was the only one who paid attention to him and their short time together Tommy would groom Jasper.

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It's an incredible day here! Silly-warm (for here, at this time of year), hardly any snow, no wind, and our wonderful wee terrier and I went for a nice hike in the hills!

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I have Carolina Wren's as well. They are very cute. Mine don't talk to me though!
Maybe I should get some bird boxes? I assume you put them in trees. How high do they need to be?

They prefer the boxes I attach to the privacy fence posts. About 6 feet high. I think they are like bluebirds in that they like to have a clear view to spot predators. They can be very mean to other bird nests. They will remove the nesting material if a bird is building in a nest they like. Good luck this spring!
 
What a sweetie!!!!

Thank you! She is a complete delight! So fun, and funny, energetic, intelligent, curious, quick to learn, super-athletic, etc. We adopted her two months ago. She’s just over two years old, so we got to skip puppy teeth! She’s our fourth terrier. :kiss2:
 
I just found a tooth whitening toothpaste that really works. I'm going in for my routine cleaning in 2 weeks but in between cleanings I think coffee drinking takes a tole. So I was debating between Crest White Strips and their new 3D White deep stain remover daily toothpaste and picked the toothpaste. It promises whiter teeth in one day. I used it last night and this morning and it really works!
 
We received Tommy's ashes yesterday afternoon. :(
I miss him so much
Someone wrote something that really resonated with me
Unfortunately I was crying so hard I forgot to save it
But if I find it I will share
Just so sad right now
My sweet sweet Tommy boy
Gentle and handsome and oh so sweet
RIP my sweet Tommy
We will love you forever
And I pray one day we will be reunited
 
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