For today’s open thread, we have a photo from sender-inner Jan B., who writes: “Lily tries to hide behind the couch, but the ears always give her away!”
Weekend Open Thread
204 thoughts on “Weekend Open Thread”
Comments are closed.
For today’s open thread, we have a photo from sender-inner Jan B., who writes: “Lily tries to hide behind the couch, but the ears always give her away!”
Comments are closed.
ADORABLE!!!
The famous – and infamous! – Lily! Yaaa-ay!
Going to a baby shower today – not good at this sort of thing since I am not particularly baby oriented. I think they’re cute – like any other baby animal – but I’m not the kind to ask to hold the baby and get all gooey. Anyway, no worries there since the baby isn’t born yet!?I think my gift might be kinda dumb – a garland for the nursery and a glass octopus cause the Mom has a thing for octopi. Figured it could go in a window.
Tara, have a great show today at the Library event – Book, Paper, Scissors, I believe.
Nor am I, Murray, never was. Babysat only as an adult for other moms.
Not a kitchy-coo person. Actually, I’m not big on showers in general.
Today’s is an extended family relative, so it’s ok, but nothing I get
worked up over. Get along with kids of various ages because I don’t
talk down to them, esp. teenagers.
I sympathize completely, although I have to say I only think human babies are cute if they’re specially dressed up or snuggling with animals. Your shower gift sounds cute, though!
Yeah, even though I work with very young children, I am not really a baby person but people always expect me to be! I don’t find infant development interesting, but once they get to be more like actual little people, I love seeing them learn and blossom!
Your gift is a good gift. There will be plenty of blankets and cute outfits (that the baby will outgrow before even wearing). Not dumb at all.
My granddaughter had lots of newborn clothing from her shower that she couldn’t wear, since she weighed nearly 11 lbs at birth.
I never buy newborn clothing for baby showers (I usually avoid clothing all together, actually, but some things are just too cute to resist). I usually go for 3-6 months; if the baby is on the big side, they might be able to wear it right away and if not they’ll grow into it.
I love children but I can rarely finish a whole one. Ha just kidding! !
I like the idea of non-baby stuff as well but I play it by ear. Most seem to be able to afford the required clothes etc. these days but not aways.
Lilly is SOOOO adorable!
Dulcie, you’re making me ROFLMAO. I’ve been binge-watching (re-watching) Parks & Recreation, and the episode about the soda tax just came up. The cup was “the size of a two-year-old child if you turned it into soda.”
I don’t know why I had to add “just kidding”…hopefully no one took that seriously.
The glass octopus sounds like a great gift – I’d be happy to receive it!
Back now and, boy, were you all on the money. The baby isn’t due ’til FEBRUARY! and everyone was giving her snow suits and warm things and I kept thinking that they probably won’t even get worn because the timing will be off. The baby may be very large, so if that’s the case a few of the items could be worn almost immediately for a month and a half or so. Oh, well, it is hard to resist some of those little clothes. And they really did like my gifts – the octopus was a hit. More for Mom than baby.
When I do clothes, I usually go for things like cute socks or t-shirts and onesies that can be layered and used any time of year.
Smart.
When her granddaughter was born, my mom gifted me with
perfumed soap and body lotion. She knew what was needed.
Thank you Murray C! so kind of you to remember.
The show was fine, but the day as a whole was one of those doozies. I drove four blocks to the bank needing to make a deposit before heading over to the Free Library. Then my car wouldn’t start up again. Even with a jump box. It was also parked where I would get a ticket for not plugging the meter. Had to get to the event though, so schlepped all of my wares four blocks searching for a legal taxi. No such thing on a Saturday morning in my neighborhood. So I had to take a Hackcab (illegal cab where you negotiate the price). He said $15. I scoffed – $10! he accepted. Turns out, you also have to negotiate the driver hitting on you the whole trip. He asked for my phone number – I gave him my work number. Good Luck buddy! The event went okay. I was wearing the wrong tights which kept sagging but that was actually a minor detail in the grand scheme of things. I’ve made more in other years. But this year I made enough to cover the table, the cab fare, the parking ticket, and maybe lunch tomorrow. I did get a ride home thankfully, then went to the cobbler to pick up the favorite shoes I’d been looking forward to having back for the winter. He had ruined them. And was nasty about it when I said nope. not acceptable. I left there to get my car, which of course this time, started immediately with a jump. Got home and parked – completely legally – only to have my neighbor lean out the window and yell at me that I was not parked far enough away from his driveway. I basically told him to stuff it. (I actually love my neighbor except for these little things, and it was a bad day for him to hassle me). I really hope y’all are laughing at this point because I actually am. What else are ya gonna do? I had a wonderful Stitch&Bitch group knitting thing today where I was able to decompress. So I am okay. I know I am late to the weekend thread party and I see I have 140 comments to read through! I hope everyone is doing well especially those of you who’ve been having health and family issues. xotara
What a day you had! Your re-telling is priceless and funny.
Glad you made enough to have lunch on top of everything else.
All in all, then, an ok day. Good. “Stitch and Bitch” That was
my mother’s sewing circle. Too funny.
Truth to tell, I had entertained thoughts of coming to the show to meet you, Tara – but I had to go to a baby shower and it went way later than anticipated. That would’ve surprised you I’ll bet! I’m so sorry you had to deal with so much stress – doing shows is stressful enough without all the nonsense you had to deal with. I’m glad you at least broke even.
The sagging tights alone would have set me off. Good on you for keeping your sense of humour!
Yes Tara & Mich! Uggh sagging tights; I had a pair given to me from my sister-in-law which were a delightful colour and cable ribbed but dear god. goddamned. sagging. tights. to make you feel like you are in Grade 5 again.
Yes, adorable. A Real Qtie.
Off to a bridal shower today, beautiful weather,
though a bit wintry. Time to break out the woolies,
which I love. A white shirt, black cashmere pullover,
and my “ecumenical necklace”. a silver chain on which
I have been affixing religious symbols from all over
the world and all eras. Whenever I find one that I
don’t have, about a half-inch long, I get it if I can
afford it and on it goes. From a prehistoric Sardinian
earth mother to Buddha, and more. My go-to jewelry.
Enjoy the beautiful day, all. I will be enjoying wild
mushroom ravioli at an old inn on the Delaware!
Woo-hoo!
That necklace sounds lovely – enjoy your afternoon!
DUBRAVKAMCVMD, I second your “adorable.” Lily is getting so big!
Murray C, your gifts sound lovely.
Phred’s Mom, I love your ecumenical necklace and will probably also be eating wild mushroom ravioli.
Another craft-oriented weekend for me: winding off skeins of my handspun, hand-dyed yarn so I can knit swatches; maybe more handspinning; I might even warp up my rigid heddle loom to make a scarf. Most of these activities take place in the basement, where Scorpius hangs out, so that he can get used to me. He still comes up into the bedroom for a few minutes most evenings, and last night he actually jumped onto the bed–while I was in it! Progress! Okay, so I still can’t touch him, but he’s getting more comfortable around me. He also doesn’t seem to miss life outside at all.
I’ve been wanting to ask, is your kitty named after that guy from Farscape? Just curious.
No, he’s Scorpius Malfoy. I never thought I could love a Malfoy until Cursed Child came out.
I am struggling to stay positive. Part of me just wants to go out and protest every day. Everything else seems trivial.
I don’t think Trump actually ever thought it would get this far and I think he is going to be incredibly disappointed in how much power to change the world that he DOESN’T have.
Making change happen as a private citizen in a private business is VERY different from making change happen in government. I run a small business, so I can change things fairly quickly and without oversight. If I want to hire/fire someone, change our operating hours, change our policies, etc., I can do it and I don’t need anyone’s approval.
Our government is much more complicated than a private business and Trump will have his hands tied by many layers of government. Even with the decision to invade Iraq, W needed to get that passed through the Legislative arm. I think that will be the case with many areas of policy. And yes, both the House and Senate are going to be GOP controlled, but it is still incredibly hard to take away personal freedoms/rights once they have been allowed, and ultimately the majority of politicians are more middle of the road than extreme left or right leaning.
And remember, Trump and his family still have to live here when this is over. Yes, he has enough money that he could pick up and move elesewhere, but I do think he is smart enough to not want to destroy this country.
Julie, thanks for these wise words. I think you’re right, though like Benvolio I’ve been processing a lot of grief this week.
And let’s not forget that Trump has been pretty ticked at the Republican leadership lately. He may well decide to punish them by not signing their bills. Hurray for a vindictive personality!!!?!?!?!?!
If the Presidential and Legislative arms are at odds with each other for the next 4 years, that may be a good thing. Major change in this country typically requires those 2 pieces to work together. So if nothing changes for four years, maybe that’s not so bad?
I think of it this way – Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in 1973. During the time since 1973, we have had Republican control of the Senate, House and Presidency in various shapes and forms and yet, women have not had their right to choose taken away. Yes, funding for Planned Parenthood has changed, right to choose protection has changed at local and state levels, but the right to choose remains and I believe it will stay that way because more freedom/rights, not less, is the natural course of human society.
“If the Presidential and Legislative arms are at odds with each other for the next 4 years, that may be a good thing.”
It wouldn’t be much different than the last 8 years, then, would it?
Thank you for saying this. The other blog I read has a number of regular commenters who are usually reasonable, level-headed sorts, and nearly every single one of them seems to think we are going to wake up in Nazi Germany on January 21st, or at the very least, they’ll be stripped of their health insurance and have their same-sex marriages annulled on Day 1. I get that they’re processing things but seriously, folks. Take a breath.
I hope that they are wrong. Even so, it’s a very bad time to be “different” in America.
Not saying the whole situation doesn’t make me nervous, and I hate that he seems to bring out the worst in some of our citizens. But I don’t think he’s Hitler and I guess I have more faith in our system than some people. The president does not have that kind of power under our system, and I don’t see how he can just walk into the Oval Office and change that. I do hope I’m not wrong.
I’m not saying Trump is Hitler so don’t take this wrong.
But in the beginning Hitler got in legally and Hitler wasn’t fully Hitlerized in the beginning either.
No, offense, but I find these comparisons really disparaging and disrespectful to people who actually lived through Hitler, communism, the atomic bomb, ISIL and other actual regimes. Please don’t disrespect those people just because you don’t approve of the person who was elected.
This hyperbole accomplishes nothing except make people look just as foolish as those hysterical dolts who cried about the death of America when Obama was elected.
If the Presidency is a position with unchecked power, then Obama would have been able to accomplish a lot more than he did.
I understand people are afraid of Trump because he is an unknown quantity and doesn’t owe his political success to known politicians. So he’s either going to turn out like the last President who got in through the same populist wave or he’ll turn out to be an opportunist like every other elected official.
Either way, life for the vast majority of people will be affected by what their local and state reps do, not what the President does.
This entire election, every time I heard Trump speak about ethnicity/religion, I wondered “…Is this how Hitler got started?”. Because the Holocaust started very small. Hitler didn’t start with concentration camps. Hitler started with hate talk and fear mongering and that led to registering Jews, then separating them into ghettos, then taking away their rights and then finally concentration camps.
When you think about the Holocaust in hindsight, I think everyone says to themselves “How the f*** could this happen? This is CRAZY! How could people just idly stand by while their neighbors are being rounded up?”
But, Japanese AMERICANS (full US citizens) were “rounded up” during WWII in the interest of national security and put in camps – again, in present day we think that’s CRAZY! But it happened only ~70 years ago.
So, I don’t think comparing Trump to Hitler is disrespectful to anyone who lived through the Holocaust or Japanese Internment Camps. I think the comparison is very valid and necessary if people are going to learn from the past.
People are not afraid of Trump because he lacks political pedigree. People are afraid of Trump because he has based a lot of his campaign ideals on fear of what’s different – sometimes that “different” is religion, sometimes that “different” is ethnicity.
Lots of truth in what you say. Thanks for some sanity.
What we have just witnessed was a bloodless revolution.
A front porch revolution, by the many, many people in
our country who have rejected what they feel are
policies and actions that are damaging. I, for one,
do not support a person who is given money by
dictatorial regimes who practice female genital
mutilation and suppression of women.That one issue is enough for me. Now . . back to the cute. NTMTOM
did not set this website up for whining or wailing.
He wisely has watched us from the sidelines. If
something needs changing, write, call, whatever
works for you to tell your ELECTED reps what for,
but the calls for “kill the cops”, “kill him” are insane
and the antithesis of who we should be. And don’t
anyone call him Hitler. You have no idea how hideous
and horrifying that is. No one who went through
that period finds it appropriate, especially those of
us who experienced it in the camps,or know someone who did.This kind of rhetoric is more damaging than you can imagine, and only reflects back on the onewho says it. If I have peeved
anyone here, so ne it, but I’ve run out of patience.
Thank you for listening. I am off to an antiques
show for a good time.
The “bloodless revolution” was a result of a technicality (electoral college) since Clinton won the popular vote.
Based on what I have experienced, this group is intelligent, open minded and kind. I believe that “Open” really means Open – freedom to express one’s feelings and thoughts – in an environment that supports you. That doesn’t mean that everyone will agree.
Some of us have expressed feeling fear or anxiety about what is to come. These are valid feelings based on what we have heard or behavior we have witnessed from the Trump/Pence ticket.
We are not whining or wailing.
We are allowed to feel anxiety that our VP-elect supports discrimination based on sexual preference (Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act). We are allowed to feel anxiety that the POTUS-elect has recommended special IDs for all Muslims, in addition to surveillance of ordinary citizens. What Trump has suggested in terms of monitoring Muslims is not dissimilar to the Star of David that Jews were required to wear in 1940s Germany. That is fact, not whining.
Thank you, Julie.
Yes, Pence makes me wary, too, but
like I said, have trust in the system. The
trend world-wide is for greater inclusion and
tolerance. This trend will not be affected, it
is history at work. Just don’t tell me you are
pro-women while in SaudiArabia and Qatar’s
pockets. Which is what the one candidate did
and is.
I just got my full Civil Rights very lately. I believe with people like Pence having so much influence, I’m going to lose them. I feel very uneasy.
And ethnically, if not genetically, Jews always think about having to get that one suitcase ready. While that is not going to happen, it did raise the hair on the back of my neck to hear about rounding up people and putting them on buses and trains to send them away. Words and rhetoric that is not carried out still are very hurtful.
I find it so interesting that The Satanic Temple has far more humane, inclusive, and kind goals for society than Pence does. They called him “a disturbed gynophobic theocrat”.
I have a Jewish BFF from way back whose family was largely wiped out in the Holocaust. Believe me, she is nervous, too. While she knows we won’t have another Holocaust in the US, she does not relish the coming problems she may face. Someone once asked her where her horns were, and she hopes that sort of crap doesn’t start up again.
I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard him claim that Hillary was in cahoots with the “international bankers” to take away our liberties. I’m not Jewish, but I can recognize an anti-Semitic dog whistle when I hear one. And now we’re supposed to say “Oh, don’t be silly, it’s just talk”…? Words have meaning, dammit.
(steps off soapbox)
I understand that people who have children, and grandchildren, will likely see the election results more optimistically than I do. And it’s not as though I have information that no one else has that proves conclusively that the end is nigh. However, Trump has said he will not implement the Paris Accords. Climate scientists say that if the Accords are implemented we just might be able to avoid irreversible and catastrophic warming. So, since Trump will not implement the Accords, the end is nigh.
The rest of the havoc this ignorant psychopath will wreak will only be more immediate.
I’m also worried about the Paris Accord. 🙁 Now I feel really bad that I didn’t get the Hybrid engine on my new car. 🙁
I know this was mentioned earlier this week, but it is possible to initiate electoral college reform in a way that levels the playing field and doesn’t involve a constitutional amendment. That way whoEVER wins the popular vote is more likely to get the victory, and the winner is given a veneer of legitimacy. Check out http://www.nationalpopularvote.org to see what you can do.
Also, for a more radical approach, go to the http://www.change.org petition to have the electors, who don’t actually vote until Dec. 19th, cast their vote for Clinton. There’s a snowball’s chance in Hell it would be done, but it’s a shot across the bow and a way of making people aware that the current electoral process IS malleable and should be changed.
Also, contribute time, money, or just send out emails for organizations who will combat the damage of a Groper Cleveland presidency. My main concern is climate change, which he has not just denied, but the protections against which he has promised to repeal. The fact that fossil fuel stocks are way up, and that he has appointed a gas industry guy as the one in charge of fossil fuel regulations, indicates this is one area in which he readily can do tremendous damage that can have worldwide and long-lasting repercussions.
Support businesses and industries that support the causes DT will damage. Install solar panels, buy organic, etc., etc., ANYTHING to let businesses know that going green or being socially responsible MAKES THEM MONEY. There is actually a list of 200 sustainably laudable investment funds in the October Barron’s magazine. If you aren’t up for investment funds, then you can still “vote” with your pocketbook on a smaller scale.
Pop culture is also sending a message about the election and its aftermath. This morning, for the first time in YEARS, I heard the wonderful Crosby, Still, and Nash tune “What’s That Sound?” on the radio. It still resonates today just as it did during the Vietnam protests.
I am also a big fan of the show “Supernatural”, about 2 brothers who go around battling all sorts of supernatural beasties and baddies. It is pretty tongue-in-cheek, and they like making political statements now and then. Thursday’s episode was all about how some Neo-Nazis resurrected Hitler. Hmmmm… such coincidental timing, eh? Fortunately, Hitler was handily dispatched by one of the brothers.
Even if the electors can be persuaded to turn faithless, Congress can override their faithlessness and still consider how the people in their districts voted.
What people should be truly worried about is the fact that the vocal Democrat base is not nearly as upset that they lost control of Congress and the Senate. Being more upset about the showpiece that is the Oval Office shows that they really don’t get it; they don’t get how out of touch they are with the needs of the broader electorate.
I read this earlier today; if they did turn faithless (and they’d apparently need 37 of them to switch their vote to Clinton to vote her in), it would not end well anyway.
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/11/13588048/electoral-college-petition-clinton-trump
Dude – Democrats never had control of the Senate or House. Both were GOP majority and that didn’t change with this election.
First two Obama years were a Democrat Congress and control of
the Senate with fifty-seven Democrat Senators.
This election did not change majority control of the Senate and House. That was my point. I did not mean to imply that Democrats have never had control of the Senate or House in the entire history of the US.
We realize that, Julie.
Thanks for the links.
That reminds me of some I have had.
I love Lilly pictures.
Sunny but cool here. I’m watching my big maple tree drop its leaves. Gonna give it another 30 minutes and then go out and start the big rake. I don’t really feel like the physical exertion – still not 100% after my illness this week – but there are specific timelines for raking in my town. The leaves have got to get to the curb before the leaf vacuum truck comes along this week to suck them up. After leaves I’m off to the supermarket with a shopping list for a couple of Thai recipes I’m going to try to make this weekend. OR if the leaves do me in, I’m taking to the sofa for a netflix marathon and an afternoon nap.
Last night was my turn to be sick, Birdcage. Was up about 3 hours with a stomach bug. I don’t know if the stress and, yes, grief of the week’s events contributed to it or not. Anyway, I am recuperating now but there go my plans for a productive Saturday…just not feeling up to much.
Oh and Lily is so cute! I love it when pets think they are being so clever in their hiding places but some part of them is showing!
PS. My teenage niece took part in a peaceful walkout at her High School the other day as part of an anti Trump protest. I’m proud of her and all the other young people for taking a stand!
Amyliz, so sorry about that bug, and I’m proud of your niece too.
This election is important for us all but for young people more so. I worry about Trump not understanding basic science. Besides climate this does not bode well for space, medical research and technology.
Feel better, Amyliz – nothing worse than a stomach bug as far as I’m concerned!
And kudos to your niece and Co.
Listening to music and looking at the cute in the warm kitchen while outside it is raining (not cats and dogs, haha). Also waiting to be hungrier so that I can dump my rice cake into the oven….oh wait, first there are some eggs to be whisked……could it get better than this? 🙂
@DEBG: I wish I could be as hardworking as you :).
I just make it sound like hard work. It’s really not. Put on a good audiobook, stand at the skein winder–pretty relaxing!
These sorts of occupations are why women have been the keepers of culture in past times – they set songs to the rhythms of their spinning or weaving, invented songs about their occupations “IT’s knickety knack with shuttle and loom, It’s forward and back ’til crack of doom…” Obviously that singer was working in the mills not at home for herself. It’s not dissimilar to sea chanties creating a rhythm for work. But at home women could sing the long story ballads to accompany their work and they passed them down. So, DEBG, you are part of a long chain, with your spinning and weaving, whether you sing or not!
Lily is the cutest ( don’t tell my cats I said that )
We went for breakfast and are going to see Arrival at the cinema all by ourselves my husband and I, no friends or family for once it’s like a mini date ??
Morning Peeps!
via GIPHY
[updated the link so you can see it here — mike]
Mochiland’s tiny patterns and related GIFs are the cutest things ever. Even if you don’t knit much, or well, you can manage one of her little toys.
That is so cute!
Edited to add: I just clicked around on some of the other gifs on that page…how freakin’ adorable! Love the sledding yetis…
via GIPHY
[link updated to show image here — mike]
You beat me to it! Sent nome knitter link to Mike this morning!
Thanks, Mike! I couldn’t figure out how to get the actual image link from the page.
So cute! I didn’t realize at first that it was several different groups sledding down the hill. Very clever.
I expect at any moment to see Lily’s ears pop up.
That is one of the CUTEST things I have ever seen! Thank you!
I will have to binge watch these clips on repeat, along with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, so bring some much-needed cheer to my house! 🙂
Oh man love it!! Better than a lava lamp…
CUTE!!
Today I was able to push myself up from lying down without pain. Once I sat up, though, gravity kicked in and so did pain. But it was much reduced. Once the swelling goes down a bit more, I will be able to lie on my side and then…ohhhh, heaven! I will be able to sleep! And I am off all pain meds!
Going over to a friend’s tomorrow for homemade tourtière and movies. There is a movie on, called “The Mistletoe Promise”, that was filmed in our town. We got to watch the filming of it in August, and had a grand time sitting around in summer clothes and drinking icy drinks, while the actors were in winter clothes and singing Christmas carols!
Stitches out Wednesday.
Lily, you are adorable, and I am sooooo jealous of that knitted blanket in front of you.
To all Cutetropolitans, no matter what side of the border you live, people only have the power that we give them. Those who are in despair over the Trump situation are allowing him to decide how you feel. He is not a god. His authority stops at the US border. His influence may go further, but it does not rule anyone’s life. He may be rich, but he does not look as if he enjoys it. Remember, he had to beg for votes. He puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. I’m sure his nose runs when he gets a cold, and he has to blow it himself. He is one man. He does not control the world. He has no impact over how close the moon will get to the earth this week. Please do not let this situation, no matter how bad it looks, to affect your lives. Scorpius and Lily have more power here than he does. Embrace the cute.
And in four years, we will nom-nominate NTMTOM for president.
The other thing to keep in mind is that with all the opposition to Trump as president, there will be tons of people and groups like the ACLU and others watching what he does. We have a long history as a country and a citizenship that is not going to just sit back and let him throw out the Constitution and turn the White House into a dictatorship (and I’m not convinced he wants to do that). Yes, he can do some damage, and climate issues do concern me. I hope he is able to listen to reason. (Though when it comes to science issues, the names being thrown about right now for his cabinet don’t inspire confidence, I’ll admit.)
Now, here’s a piglet having a bath.
…a SMILING piglet, no less – so calm & happy!
I’m thinking that’s a bidet – hope so. CUTE little porker.
This piglet getting a bath in a bidet helped me immensely. A Pigdet. How handy.
Pigdet!! hoot hoot!
Pigdet?
Pig Day!! 😀
Not sure about the nose – I have a feeling someone might do that for him. Hee!
Glad you’re getting better, Duckie, and off the meds. I don’t know about you, but mine never seemed to make any difference anyway. Give me a glass of wine anytime!?
(Anyone ever notice he doesn’t seem to have any friends???)
Looking for the thingy to upvote your comment, not finding it! (Because of course there isn’t such a thing here). The sun still rises in the east, and the vast, vast majority of people are still decent.
I’m going to a stick to a philosophy of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”. At least that’s my goal. It can be hard not to wallow in negativity, but it’s better to go out and accomplish something or at least spread a word of kindness instead of complaining and being angry.
When Obama got elected eight years ago, my first thought was that some nutcase will shoot him in short order. Now, Obama is almost through two terms, so my dark thoughts did not get realized. So the worst case scenario may not happen now, either, but stay vigilant, troops!
??
Good morning everyone!
Lily…don’t you listen to them! You are totally invisible! All I see in that picture is a couch(?) and some pillows and blankets and I don’t even know why Mike would post such a boring, cute-less picture!
Today I plan to drink hot cocoa with espresso, listen to podcasts and do chores and not argue about politics on the internet (actually, I haven’t been arguing, but I’ve been reading a lot of arguments and doom-and-gloom comments and it’s getting to me).
Oh, I just love the smacking of the lips at the end.
Getting to me too. I come here for the Qte,
for NTMTOM’s marvelous wit, for the
sweet, compassionate, caring commenters.
I hope everyone gets the venting done SOON.
I almost don’t want to come here when
there is so much whingeing. Sheesh!?
Phred’s Mom…please don’t leave. It will be better soon? I feel bad for you. Hugs
Sorry. Other than the “it’s going to be okay” thread I’ve been trying to refrain from political comments, but I figured it would pop up on the open thread today. I will say the comments here have been more positive and optimistic than a lot of other things I’ve read, and for that I’m am grateful for this little community we’ve got.
I’m done. Open thread and all. Back to the cute.
Actually, that picture of (totally invisible) Lily makes me think of a sugar glider.
Lily is an expert hider. So cute with her ears sticking up above the furniture.
I don’t have plans this weekend. My car is overheating, so we’re thinking it needs a thermostat or something. It always seems to break down on the weekend. I might crochet Sophie a sweater, it’s getting chilly here, and she is always cold. If she isn’t wrestling with Grace, she is inside someone’s sweater or under a blanket. They are so funny when they play, even when Sophie couldn’t find Grace at 3 am and woke me up by standing on my chest and staring at me until I woke up. Grace has learned just how high she needs to be to get away from Sophie when she is tired of playing. Remember the gif of the deer sproinging across the beach? That’s what Sophie looks like when she bounces across the bed looking for Grace.
My dearly departed cat, Baby, used to hide under the comforter on my bed when people she didn’t know came over, not realizing she made a sizable lump! She was such a comical goober!
Lily is the queen of stealth!
I remember when she was just a little niblet – she’s growing up so fast! What a lovely kitteh.
Full on drawing mode for me today. I’m thrilled with the results.
Lily is teasing us.
He’s heavy and he’s not my brother.
Occupational kitty hazard.
“Mmfff…hey!” 😀
Okay nothing can bring me down for the rest of the day no matter what!! Cutest piglet getting a bath and loving it, sweet Lily (can’t see her but I know she’s sweet!) and the puppy yawnsies!!
AND for those who are interested I picked up a beginner lino block kit!! Will have to take Monday off work…
Lino kit – cool! It’s so exciting trying out a new art/craft.
Yippee!
Wonderful! Have fun Dulcie. Keep your hand behind the cutter and you should be fine. ?
ooh Faye! Without even opening the kit I am thinking that sounds like EXCELLENT advice!
OK I took the kit apart and was immediately intimidated by the blank block! Just like I am with the clean sheet of watercolor paper!
However, I intend to persevere! I think I should be able to come up with something for Xmas cards. The sites that you folks have given me are very good – thank you for that. I have seen some cute ideas just glancing through images…for eg a kitty with a string of lights. But obviously want to start simple.
The mighty hunter pounces!
Aww – we need this x 1 million! Nice blanket too.
Back from shower. Gorgeous fall colors, low golden sun,
beautiful old, old houses (Revolutionary – our first one, mind you, not
this last one). Driving through this part of our country always feeds
my soul. A good day.
Some random weekend musings…
I think our one-year anniversary is coming up! (NTMTOM/Cutetropolis).
RIP Robert Vaughn – he was so great as the sleazy pol in “Bullitt,” and I loved his syndicated law-firm commercials – they were so hammy, but in the best way: “Tell them you…mean…business!”
A few favorite TV commercials currently running:
– Calphalon self-sharpening knives, where the camera zooms inside the knife block and we see a crew of teeny workers with teeny power tools sharpening the knives.
– Volvo – the one with the Walt Whitman poem “Song of the Open Road” – the narrator’s voice is so lovely I had to look it up, and it’s Josh Brolin. Who knew? (I was guessing Liev Schreiber or William Hurt).
– The Cesar dog food commercial where the night watchman serves dinner to his little dog before himself. That kindly smile!
I love ads – sometimes – and these sound wonderful and I’m surprised I haven’t seen them yet. I’m often so impressed that, even in some terrible ads, the actors are still so good. It’s a tough row to hoe for those actors and they just give it their all.
This is one of my fave cat videos…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIePsbJSS04
Flea attack!
This video is a masterpiece.
I’m dying!
There’s a version in English but it’s not nearly as funny – there’s something about the men’s vocal tones that are funny in and of themselves and their timing – and the word “poom”! Hysterical!! But that’s just me….and a few others!?
Murray, this video is the best. Sooooooo drole.
There’s something about the French sound.
You’re right, the “poom” is perfect. I’m still
snickering. Must watch again, and again, and again . . .
New buzz word around our house – POOM!
I’m so happy that I have introduced you and some other folks to this – it has been a favorite for so long and I scream with laughter every time I see it. I think it ‘s reminiscent of a vaudeville routine – and I’m rather fond of vaudeville. Poom!
Hey those ears look familiar! Thanks for featuring my favorite little toe-monster, Mike!
It’s always the ears!
Have you considered getting a playmate for Lily?
Yes, I’ve considered it. She really does need a companion I think, but I wanted to wait until she’s has her big-girl surgery and see how much that settles her down.
Im glad to hear that,and hope her surgery is successful and without incident!
I love Lily’s ears! She is sooo cute!?
She’s cute and she knows it!
I don’t know what the song is actually about but it really reminds me of heading back to the familiar farm and seeing all the dogs come crowding up to the gate to meet me.
Hello, all. I’ve been reading and enjoying this week’s thread! As Smartypants points out, today is indeed the one-year anniversary of Cutetropolis, having gotten off to its weird start with the least cute story imaginable, to which we all just witnessed the surprise twist ending.
Which brings me to a thing I need to say. I know many readers are dealing with their grief and fear, and I’m pleased and even honored that you have chosen this space to discuss it. You are some of the most respectful, polite people I’ve ever encountered on the Internet, and I’m lucky to have you as my audience.
I’m sure we will get back to “normal” in this space on our own terms, so there’s no need for me to rush that process along. But there are many important discussions ahead for us all, so if you are part of communities devoted to these matters, I hope you will remain engaged in them. When you encounter links to resources that would be of help, you will always be welcome to post them here.
Happy Anniversary, Mike!
Strange that that was the first post, and here we are.
Totally ironic. Happy Anniversary Mike. Thank you for continuing the Cute!
That first post confused the h*** out of me – I have no idea what it’s a parody of – it IS a sort of parody, is it not? But it was funny anyway.
It was reminiscent of “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
I’m guessing “The Lottery” is a book? (I’m SO ignorant! -goes to google, has “Ah Ha! Moment) I just found it – short story, looks intriguing. Will have to read it – it’s all right in the post. Thank you, Allein, once more, for enlightening me.
Definitely worth reading.
Oh, yes, “The “Lottery” is worth reading
for sure. One of America’s classics.
Shirley Jackson’s “The “Haunting” is
one of those books I couldn’t put down.
Started it one thundery, grim afternoon
and read it straight theough. The first
film version came close to doing it justice.
Julie Harris was perfect.
Murray – yes, it’s one of those stories that, besides being really good in its own right, unlocks a lot of pop-cultural references (movies, internet memes, jokes on “The Simpsons” etc.). I would include “The Monkey’s Paw” and possibly “Bartleby the Scrivener” on that list too.
I think Mike’s first post is also an homage to the works of H. P. Lovecraft (early 20th century horror-fantasy writer who had a very distinctive style).
Happy Anniversary, to Mike and all of us!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Mike! And a very Happy Anniversary!
I have been lurking on the sidelines the last few months due to an unexpected and very time-consuming (but wonderful) litter of puppies that came my way, courtesy of a little stray dog I took in back in March. I have always appreciated your wit, the funny comments from your readers, and, of course, CUTE ANIMAL PICTURES! This bastion of cuteness is a welcome refuge during dark times, whatever they may be.
And I agree—NTOMTOM for President in 2020!
*Ahem*
And where are the pictures of these alleged “puppies”?
I have been trying to send them, but am having trouble with my computer! (Fried hard drive, new operating system that has me mystified, etc.) I swear, they are super cute, and they DO exist! 🙂
That is no excuse!!!!!!!!!
Yes, Happy Anniversary, Mike, and many more.
Mr. Max, nice to hear from you again – I seem to remember that you rescue pitties mostly, is that right?
And speaking of people we haven’t heard from for a bit, where’s Puddleglum? You out there, Puddlglum???
Thank you so much, Murray C.! Nice of you to remember. I do usually rescue pits, but in this case it was a chihuahua-papillon-pomeranian I took in. She had 4 super, super-cute puppies a few weeks after I got her (not that I’m biased or anything), and I don’t have the heart to break up the family. She was probably a puppy mill dog who got dumped when malnutrition got the best of her puppy-producing talents. She has such a blast with the pups! All 5 of them put together weigh less than one of my pits.
Ah, yes, Puddleglum! I recognized and remember his/her username from the Wonderful Castle of Llyr books by Lloyd Alexander. May s/he find his/her way here again.
Oh my heavens, with that mix of breeds this crowd will be all over you like a cheap suit for pictures! I’m sure if you just send them to Mike he’ll post them for you. And bless your heart for rescuing the pooches – that’s something that makes the world a better place.
I read that combo and my brain froze.
Thank you for your kind words! As soon as I can get them into emailable-mode I will. This new operating system is driving me nuts.
And cheap suits are just fine with me. They just get puppy pee on them, anyway.
Chipapillraniums! I hope they can stay together.
Faye, fear not, for they are destined to stay together! I truly get SOOO upset thinking about breaking them up I know I couldn’t do that to them (or me). My other dogs seem to enjoy them as well. And I will need your expert guidance on how to pronounce their breed name…
I am thrilled for all of you. You got yourself into a gaggle of love with that family of little ones.
Hey, I missed you here. Try to come on in more often.
Thank you very much!
What a combination! That is some weapons-grade cute. 😀
I seriously NEED to see those puppies!! Pics STAT!?
Please see freckled pup pic below, underneath cute Curly Horse posts. That is Mr. Bill, so named because she has spots on her back that look just like the face of Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live. That was her at about 5 months, but she looks the same now at 7 months (just a wee bit bigger at 7 lbs.)
Thanks to NTMTOM for putting the photo here. Too many kb for me to do so myself.
Happy Anniversary! I popped on to say I finally got down to my USA post box and have picked up my two calendars. LOVE THEM! How marvellous my birthday also happens to be “World Animal Day”. 🙂
Mine’s International Coffee Day. I don’t even drink coffee!
Though I am, as I looked at the calendar and am writing this, listening to the BBC’s Why Factor podcast episode about coffee!
Oooh, my birthday coincides with World Pasta Day. I sure do my part.
I had pasta for dinner! Chicken parm with whole wheat linguine. And I have leftovers. 😛
Allein, I’ve never had a good experience with whole wheat pasta – what’s your secret for cooking it???
Go to the Olive Garden and let them do it.
?
And the reason you didn’t add “Gotcha!” at the end of that sentence????
a horse with a perm
Was his daddy a poodle?
I can imagine the hairdresser’s face when she realises what Mr Horsy wants. “Oh a full body perm. That’s going to take some time” 🙂 …. and happy anniversary to all Cutetropolitans!
That horse’s look reminds me of when I would get a perm when I was a kid.
???? What breed of horse??? Very cute, if a bit odd.
It’s a Curly Horse. ?
Thanks! I have never seen nor heard of them!
Me neither! 🙂
Something new for me. It’s really a Horsieoodle
Faye, you are so right! Anything combined with -oodle is bound to be good!
“I told you not to leave the solution on too long…!”
He looks like he’s made of pure chenille*. Prime snorgling material.
*…or else he’s a Rose Bowl parade float. Made of 100% flower petals.
Hey all, reader Karen asked me to post this picture for her as it was too large to post herself.
Awwwwwwwwwww!
Hey Karen, Who is this? Very cute and those leeps need a smootch.
Adorabuls! The leetle silky ears! *smooch* on the leetle forehead!?
Ahhhhhh, what a caninus adorabilis (Have no idea if that’s right but wanted to give it a shot) It’s that little space between the eyes that always gets me! WHO’s a good puppy, hm?
WAIT! Karen? Mr.Max is a goil??????
Next thing we know, Andrew Y. will reveal they have girl cooties too!!
Murray C. – I thought you were a gay male for a very long time because you chose the name “Murray” and have mentioned a husband every now and again. I was a little disappointed to find out that you are a woman, mostly because I think that true social acceptance happens at an individual level.
I would guess there are a lot less men on this site than usernames might suggest.
I’ve had the nickname “Murray” since I was in my early 20’s and I was pretty sure that folks here might assume I was male. I figured it would become obvious in time that I wasn’t so felt no need to proclaim my gender. I’m so sorry you were disappointed. I think I assumed Mr.Max was male – aside from the name, the savior of pit bulls – not that women can’t save pits – look at the show about prisoners and pit bulls – just assuming and not thinking very hard about it. I doubt any harm is done in this context. I guess social acceptance has to be nimble!?
Ah, yes, the truth will out! Mr. Max was my beloved old pit bull who was the best pit bull ambassador ever. Two little girls up the street from me used to walk him (with me helping), and they always got quite a reaction. The girls looked like lovely little Victorian flower children, and Max was a scarred-up brute who had escaped the fighting ring and pig hunting. He always had a kiss for anyone sad, and especially loved kids.
As for the puppy, that’s Mr. Bill. Despite the name, Mr. Bill is a she (sense a trend here?). She was so named because she has spots on her back that look like the face of Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live. The photo was taken when she was about 5 or 6 months old. She is now 7 months and is probably full grown at around 7 lbs.
There’s so much info it would be fun to have for each of the Cutetropolis commenter community. Hey, Mike, start a database for location (country, state, city), age range, birthday (month/day), pet type (owned, foster), M/F, marriage status, etc….just one more thing we want you to do for us (not really).
Happy anniversary, Mike!!! Thank you for the bushels of QTE! Tip coming!
I have refrained from posting here since my initial posts after TDWSNBN (The Day Which Shall Not Be Named) because this is a place for cute, not a place for me to vomit fear and anger. Having said that, I am enormously grateful for the posts of all of you – especially Allein, Mr. Max – who are kind and polite (even if/when we have differing opinions), and for Mike for allowing us a safe place to “talk” about what’s happening.
I have with my hubby for three years – he’s seen me go through some rough times (including having to put two foster pups to sleep) but he’s never seen me crying for days on end and I think he was getting worried. He brought home flowers and ice cream on Wednesday and was extra caring and loving (and not at all “hey, give it a break”) since TDWSNBN. On Saturday, we were running errands and we passed a dog adoption event strip mall. He went into one of the stores to get what he needed and I stayed outside. When he came out, he found me at the dog adoption (duh), walked up and said “Which one are we getting?” Mind you, he does not want another dog (he is “step-dad” to my four). I’m nominating him for Husband of the Year.
Nope, we did not adopt another dog that day – and they had a corgi mix. Don’t ask me how we got out of there without her.
Keep him! Yup. Sounds like a wonderful hubby. Focus on that. ??
A) Hubby sounds like a keeper. Does he have a twin?
B) You showed admirable restraint re: the pup adoption event. Hard to do.
C) Thank you for your kind words about my comments. TDWSNBN has been very tough, but the good thing is many people are SOOO mad it has really fired up their energy to do good things in the name of all that is decent. We even had the BIGGEST PROTEST EVER in Honolulu yesterday–1100 people! Unheard of! My hope is that ultimately this turns out to be the rock bottom we hit before a bright future. We just have to keep working at it and not give up!
D) NTMTOM ROCKS!!!!
Ok. This is really funny, you can donate to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence’s name. Someone started it on Twitter and now tons of money is being donated to PP in Pence’s name and he gets a Thank You note for his donation mailed to his office at the Indiana State House.
I saw that and already donated. One commenter said: “Every time you donate to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence’s name, an angel gets it wings”. I ended up having the Thank You note sent to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
I love when humor and activism mesh. There was an extremist right-wing group (a la Westboro Baptist Church) that had a rally here many years ago, which was very poorly attended. The local LGBTQ group had a fundraiser whereby you could pledge a certain amount of $ for every 15 minutes the extremists were rallying. The LGBTQ group ended up raising thousands of dollars and thanking the extremist group for being such effective fundraisers on their behalf. The extremists never showed their faces in the state again.
That’s awesome 🙂
I love when people figure out a perfect workaround that stymies meanness.
Mr. Max: I thought you were one of our few male commentators. Not that there would have been anything wrong with that. I did think you were kind of chatty for a guy.
Hmmmm… I’m not quite sure what to make of that comment…
OMG, someone is clever!?? I love how someone figured out how to tweak Pence’s nose and do some good at the same time!!? I love the other stories, too.?
What a great husband! I can’t believe you didnt leave with the Corgi after HOLDING IT! Your willpower leaves me in awe! (That’s how at one point I had 9 rabbits!?)
NINE! I never had more than three. My husband exercises his checks and balances in that regard. He’s the one who deals with the bunny litter, which we compost, so it adds to his work load the more buns we have. I did foster two for a year – along with our two – the same two we have now.
Ladybug, I don’t know how you left without a dog – especially a CORGI (whole or part).
I was younger, with more energy and time, and a bigger house then. My basement was half tv room and half “bunny barn”. If a bunny needed a rescue I had a hard time saying “no” if I had the space. The small animal rescue I adopted from had adoption days at my local pet supply store. I also adopted MANY hamsters, gerbils and one guinea pig over the years. You could say they saw me coming…?
Bless you for that – your critter karma is very high.
Mr. M, yes hubby is a keeper (and I try to be a keeper, too) and has 7 (yes, seven) brothers and one sister. Alas, the brothers are all married (most are gems) and SIL is an awful human being (never married….).
Thank you – I’m sure you know (heck, don’t all of us know) how hard it was to walk away without a dog in my arms.
That’s awesome about the protest. I am in the Anger stage of grief right now and am working on a screed to post elsewhere but soon I will be in the little-known Action stage of grief and will get to work. Donating, volunteering, speaking up for others, recruiting others to volunteer, etc.
Hubby and I have been doing the “safety-pin” thing since last week: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/14/fashion/safety-pin-ally-activism.html?_r=0
It’s a small thing, yes, but, for me, it’s a non-confrontational way of saying “I don’t support him.” and a way to say “I’m with you.”
Other ways to get involved (I have not vetted any of these orgs. – do your own research):
http://jezebel.com/a-list-of-pro-women-pro-immigrant-pro-earth-anti-big-1788752078
There are plenty of things we can do that don’t involve a lot of time and/or money. We can all just start with being kind to humans and other living creatures – and ourselves! Heck, adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet is a HUGE step in the right direction (surely, apolitical but it does create positive change for the planet).
Onward and upward! NTMTOM 2020!
Thank you for the info!!!
I just saw John Oliver’s last show of the season and he listed a great group of places and groups to donate to. I just sent money to Pro Publica, an investigative journalism group.
(I remember during the first Obama campaign sending money to Planned Parenthood in someone’s name, maybe Palin, can’t remember. Very satisfactory. I guess it could turn around and bite you in the butt….)
Thank you! I will go to JO’s site ASAP.
You can also look for “President-Elect Trump: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)” on youtube (posted 11/13/16).
Found it. Thanks!
Murray C. – How would it “bite you in the butt?”
Turn-about is Fair Play – the other side can do it, too, that’s all I meant.
Here’s some fun with the whole situation.
25+ Hilarious Conversations Between Obama And Biden Are The Best Medicine After This Election
This is so good and the best compilation I have seen. My favorite is the one about Trump’s sons being in Twilight.
Thank you Allein! They are the best!
Finally got a chance to read these today–priceless!?