It required alcohol…

.

We woke up yesterday morning to snow.

.

.

The forecast called for 6-8 inches but we barely got 4.

.

,

Maine winters aren’t what they used to be, but the birds still need to be fed.

.

.

There really wasn’t enough white stuff to blow, but men do love their noisy toys.

After the chores were done, we headed out to the man cave for a game.

.

.

And even with horrible letters like these, I was victorious.

By late morning?

It was time to start drinking.

.

.

And after listening to that inaugural speech?

.

.

I might keep drinking until 2029.

😒

.

News you can’t use.

.

It’s useless, but hopefully entertaining as well.

.

.

Is it me…. or are those dodos wearing some very bad toupees? No wonder they went extinct.

.

.

It could hardly be any worse.

.

.

Narcissists are the worst.

Though ripping off their faces may be an extreme solution.

.

.

Sounds like they found him.

.

.

I love Cajun food and learned to cook gumbo and etouffe from Louisiana natives. But swamp rat is one pirogue too far.

.

.

Knowing it worked is enough for me.

You want details? You’re on your own.

.

AI for the win. Or not…

.

I have a gin rummy app on my phone.

If I want to play that game I have to do it there…. because I beat my husband too often and he’ll only sit down for a game with me if the power goes out and he’s desperate for entertainment.

I have it set it on the most difficult level and beating the computer is challenging. Until the other day when it declared me the winner…

.

.

Though I clearly was not.

🥴

.

Life with His Lordship.

.

Lord Dudley Mountcatten loves his blanket during the winter months.

.

.

And woe to the human who thinks about removing it from the couch.

.

.

His Lordship has my husband well trained.

.

.

He knocks his favorite mouse off the ottoman…

.

.

And my husband catches it.

.

.

Again.

And again.

And again….

.

.

His Lordship is an odd fellow and has been known to sit and stare at nothing at all.

.

.

Yesterday morning it was the sun.

.

.

Lord Dudley loves his mouse.

.

.

And often goes full on penguin, tucking it under his belly.

Is he trying to hatch it?

Time will tell.

.

Let’s Play.

.

I have a feeling this may be a rerun, but if so.. it’s funny enough to rate a repeat performance.

.

.

I’ll start…

Roux Oyster Cult.

Pearl Spam.

Bruce Springroll and the Pea Street Band.

Grapeful Dead.

Nine Inch Snails.

Radiobread.

The Mamas and the Tapas.

Sage Against the Machine.

Crosby, Stills and Hash.

.

Now you.

Give me a tasty band.

.

Tipping the scales.

.

I can’t say I’m overly fond of the tipping system in general and feel it would be better if employers paid their workers a living wage… but that being said, I understand how much people rely on the income and tip accordingly.

I’m a good tipper and rarely if ever drop below 25%. Yes, my husband gives me the stink eye when I leave tips for hotel housekeepers and slip the moving men some cash, but I’m happy to appreciate good service.

There’s only one place where I take issue with tipping.

.

.

And that’s restaurant take out counters.

They’re not serving me. They’re not making multiple trips to my table to refill a glass or clear plates. They’re not reciting specials and making sure the food is properly prepared. No. They’re handing me a bag or box. And for that, I don’t tip.

What say ye blog friends… am I right, or do you tip takeout?

Oddly enough, when I was thinking about writing this post a memory popped up on my FB page. It was a picture I’d taken of a bill we received at a cafe in Vermont. The register had printed a helpful guide for tips.

See if you can spot the problem.

.

.

I admit I don’t understand the new math… but even under those convoluted rules 20% of $39.19 shouldn’t be $17.49.

🥴

.

Challenge accepted.

.

Another year, another 192 books.

.

.

That’s either impressive, or a sure fire way to show I have too much time on my hands.

.

.

I’ve always been a quick reader and there’s nothing I love more than snuggling up with a good book. Ironically, I hated the book that was highly recommended ….

.

.

And liked the two hardly anyone had ever heard of.

.

.

I was down a book from last year and am blaming my 36 hour Covid related time out.

.

.

I read a little bit of everything.

.

.

But my favorites are usually mysteries and thrillers.

.

.

Here’s to a book filled 2025!

😊

.