Who cares to play TJBM game, The Jelly Below Me, #71?

TJBM has played on every single TJBM thread since it’s inception.

I think I may have missed a few.

TJBM has had a stressful week and needs to relax.

No, not stressful at all. Unless I think about money.

TJBM tries not to think about money and bills.

Welcome all to #71, everybody!

Oh yeah, I’m really good at that. Too good. Then I break out in a sweat every time I finally have to sit down to make the transactions even if I my accounts are full. Always have. I’m a bit neurotic that way.

TJBM shares this neurosis.

I DO!!! If I have $7,000 in the account I fret as though we only have $7.00 to our name and the world is ending and how can I make it through the end of the world with only $7.00?

TJBM is good with money.

I’ve become so tight since retirement that my ass squeaks when I walk down the street.

TJBM knows that Snowberry The Spider Woman is back!

Well I do now!.

TJBM is tired today.

That was yesterday and the day before that. I finally got a good night’s sleep and feel great today.

TJBM is on top of it today.

Nope. Underneath it!

TJBM is waiting for Judge Judy to come on.

Nope. I’m waiting for TCM to show The Racket, a 1951 noir film with Robert Mitchum as the tough but honest cop with corrupt superiors and Robert Ryan as the head of a crime mob. Snap-brim fedoras, tough guys in double-breasted suits, ladies dressed to kill, great cars and a world that never really existed shown to a charmingly naive public in a time that did.

TJBM likes noir films.

Yes, the Maltese Falcon being my favorite.

TJBM has owned a bird.

Well, we had some little birds once, when the kids were small. They sounded like squeaking wheels.
I finally decided that caging birds is mean, so I’ve never had another.

TJBM thinks caging birds is mean.

I’ve had several parakeets when younger, my brother raised finches.

TJBM has raised some kind of animal.

Raised them as pets only.

TJBM has a commercial venture

Nope, just my own commercial venture. haha

TJBM is full of piss and vinegar.

No, that sounds like a particularly nasty water infection.
TJBM owns a leather jacket/coat

Nope I don’t.

TJBM owns a good volleyball. Leather.

No, but my surname is Wilson
TJBM has fluthered in bed before

All the time, cozied up with my laptop.

TJBM is a hungry, hungry, hippo.

I AM STARVING!!!! Rick takes forever and ever to shop. I’m waiting on him to walk in with the French bread I need to eat my roast.

TJBM has a sloooooow husband.

No husband here.
TJBM is late for the game. Agh! I just missed the film noir response

No game here.

TJBM likes film noir.

Thanks @Espiritus_Corvus :)
You meet the right person! I’m the film noir fanatic. I’ve got a 500GB portable hard drive full of movies and more than half of them are film noir. I don’t only watch film noir, I read materials discussing them in dept too. No one except you jellies know about it though. I never share my love to anyone. It isn’t easy to talk about like other mainstream movie gernes my friends like. If people around me ask what kind of movies I like, they will receive vague answers like mystery or action.
Recently I discovered that France produced really good film noir too. Their movies are like a taciturn cousin of the American film noir. Too bad not all of them have subtitles though.
TJBM has an obsession no one knows except their Fluther friends.

Haha, well even my Fluther friends may not know how wacky I am about my 18 year old goose “Marwyn.”
Tonight I was holding him upside down, cradled in my arms and I sing to him, his 3 favorite songs, he loves “singing”.
Yep, I’m a nut, but a really good nut and that damn bird is the love of my life and I his. haha

TJBM is enjoying a lovely evening.

Yes it is “loverly loverly” rain is ending and temps are cooling.

TJBM has had a birthday in the last three weeks.

No, mine is in Dec. Getting close.

TJBM loves to make soup in the winter.

Anytime!

TJBM has found a thorn in their shoe or sock. I just found one in mine.

Almost every day traipsing around this property. There is a fern like native plant here in the Sierra Nevada foot hills called ” Mountain Misery”. It has tiny little burrs that stick to your socks, clothes and pets.

TJBM brushes their pets every day.

I don’t have any pets at the moment. I do enjoy looking after the neighbour dog when they go on holiday. She has a medical condition and needs to be brushed because she sheds her coat more than normal.
TJBM doesn’t use auto correct.

I’m typing this without auto correct. But how can I prove it? By adding a typpo?
TJBM can prove that I’m not using auto correct.

I can’t prove it, but I’ll take your word for it.

TJBM is a trusting soul.

I am at that, and that is why I posted that question.

TJBM loves a particular reality TV show and will tell us which one.

Many of the Food TV ones (Chopped, Great Food Truck Race, Next Network Star).

Also Master Chef and Master Chef Jr. on Fox and The Great British Baking Challenge on PBS/BBC.

Sadly, it looks like the last one may be no more.

TJBM has worked at a restaurant.

I worked in a sandwich shop/bakery once, it was crazy, I was all alone at the lunch hour scrambling to make dozens of sandwiches, major stress. haha

TJBM does not like fast paced working environments.

@cookieman I love “Chopped”, great show.

Nope. I love fast paced. 17 one and two year olds run my day.

TJBM planned for a laid back weekend, but it is ending up hectic.

It was hectic, but hopefully it’ll slow down now.

TJBM has many pairs of shoes.

No, I don’t wear “shoes.” I have 3 pairs of boots, 3 pairs of sandals and some garden clogs and want to go get some more boots. I am a boots and sandals girl.

TJBM likes boots of all kinds.

For certain occasions, like snow. When I had a horse the only time I wore boots was in a horse show or a parade. Other than that I was just barefoot during the spring and summer.

TJBM likes the feel of different sensations on their feet.

True. I like the feel of sand on my feet, water on my feet, rain falling on them from above.
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TJBM thinks chickpeas are weapons, not food.

Yeah, you can play “shoot marble” games with them!

TJBM owns a garment with a “Members Only” tag. OR, lives with someone who does and will not part with it. ;)

No. I am not into labels.

TJBM is enjoying a brisk, sunny morning and has gone out for a walk.

I have my shoes on for the walk – but the dog is still snoozing :)
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TJBM takes Fluther advice seriously.

Like many other advices, I choose what I can take. Fluther is just another place where I can ask for advice, and there are more people here.
Funny you said this after I’ve just asked for some advice here
TJBM loves giving advice.

I prefer to ask clarifying questions, leading the questioner to their own answer.
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TJBM owns fuzzy socks.

Haha, yes, lots of them, infact, right now I am wearing orange and white jammy bottoms with trees and birds on them, an orange jersey and, navy blue fuzzy socks with red and green polka dots. Colomas Sunday morning clown costume. lol

TJBM wears clown pajamas.

I actually never wore clown pajamas. I wouldn’t mind having one

TJBM doesn’t like fish.

I like to fish.
I like to eat fish.
I like to have fish in aquaria (?)
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TJBM sneaks cookies at night.

Nope. I rarely have them in the house.
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The SO of TJBM brought home a sack of chocolate covered peanuts as a “gift,” even though he knows I DON’T KEEP STUFF LIKE THAT AROUND. I love chocolate covered peanuts.

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I don’t touch them. Almost the only chocolate covered thing I don’t like. Almost the only way I don’t like peanuts. Weird that.
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TJBM is wearing something they’ve slept in.

Always! T shirt and slick pants. Unemployed.
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TJBM loves, LOVES modern technology.

Mostly yes, but I don’t text, I hate texting. haha

TJBM likes to talk on the phone.

Not really. Oh, but that reminds me. I have to call Snowberry.
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TJBM is being laZy today.

YES I AM! It’s been a hectic three days with Monster Matt just to the west. Had to go into town for some supplies, batten a few things down, put a few days of feed into the stalls, cook some meals for next week, move the boat to a safer cove and secure it to a mooring buoy. Swam back to shore. I was never in danger of a direct hit because he blew up to hurricane strength to the west of us—those usually head NW—but those storm bands can be a bitch. And Matt headed north. Today is for Fluther and old films while lazing about in light cottons.

TJBM has noticed some strange behavior in the animals around them.

@Espiritus_Corvus are there sharks in those waters?

Yes, the Coyotes were out extra late this morning, whooping it up at the mill site at the back of the property, think they nabbed one of the neighbors chickens.
The pussy cats had to stay in much to their dismay.
Fall is a bad tome for predation.Not only is everything trying to fatten up for winter but they have 4–5 month old pups now too. Too young to hunt but always hungry so Mr.& Mrs. Coyote have to work double time to feed their voracious youngsters.

TJBM loves Italian food of all kinds.

Yes I do. I especially like how the peasants in the south set their table. They can make a feast out of such ordinary things. On the high end, there was this restaurant in my old home town called Basta!. I just let the waiters order for my wife and I. I got nailed pretty heavy on the bill, but I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a multi-course meal like that in my life. An aptly named place. I finally had to call out Basta! after three hours. After this orgy of the best food, wine and service, I was tempted to order a wheelchair to get me to my car—but then out came the owner’s grandmother from the kitchen with espresso and Sambuca followed by a waiter with their fabulous dessert cart. She talked to us about the old country and their superior food. It was a great night.

TJBM has had Circassian cuisine.

I have not.

TJBM has been to South America.

I was sailing off Brazil last year and stopped in a village near the mouth of the Amazon. Very nice people and great food. I picked up a case of malaria there, too.

TJBM has had Circassian cuisine.

No, but it sounds intriguing, just did a quickie little research.

TJBM has had Churrascaria food or Brazilian BBQ. Just about had to call for a wheelchair to haul me out of this amazing place a few months ago.

www.flameandfire/com/about.html

No, I haven’t.

TJBM has had a C-section (which is what I thought of when @Espiritus_Corvus said Circassian cuisine.)

What’s that? Another American reference again?
TJBM notices some strange behavior of animals around them. These days mosquitoes in my place are going crazy! They come in bulk at night. They are bigger and more aggressive. Not even strong fans can ward them off. Every night is a nightmare! I guess the constant heavy rain has something to do with this, but it doesn’t explain why they’re bigger and more aggressive.

@Mimishu1995 A C-section is when the baby can’t be delivered vaginally. In this case, the doctor makes an incision in the mother’s abdomen and delivers the baby directly from the womb. The mother is given a spinal block and usually doesn’t feel much, if anything. It takes about 45 minutes.

The “C” in C-section is short for “Caesarean” and is a reference to the Roman dictator Julius Caesar (100 bce to 44 bce), who, as legend had it, was delivered via C-section. This is now disputed by modern historians because, although Caesarean sections were performed in ancient Roman times, no classical source records a mother surviving such a delivery—and Aurelia Cotta, Julius’ mother, lived for 46 more years.

TJBM was delivered by C-section.

No, but I almost had to have one. I was exhausted from 2 hours of pushing and my daughter would crown but suck back up in. I was giving up and her heart rate was getting dicey. The nurse finally said to me, and I quote ” I am going to make you so damn mad you are going to blow this baby across the room now PUSH!” One last gargantuan effort and she was born.

I probably wouldn’t have made it 150 years ago. haha
She was 8.4 and that was a big baby for little me at 5’3. Her head never molded, it was like giving birth to a Cantaloupe. haha
They had to use the suction device too and I had a wicked tear. Ow!

Once was enough for me though it is true, you forget all about the pain once you see your baby.

TJBM has given birth to a herd of children.

Only 2. The first was adopted. Those three, however, have given me herds of grandkids! All of them are beautiful…don’t suppose you want pictures….

TJBM has twins in the family.

Not that I’ve heard of. Each of the ancestors seem to have been individually crafted.

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TJBM re-arranges furniture regularly.

No. I used to. But not any more.
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TJBM has quit buying new stuff for the house, unless they can replace something with it.

Yes! part of the rules here. Nothing new unless two things leave. That goes for shoes too.
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TJBM knows where the tire gauge is.

Well, the last time I saw it my husband was using it, which means it’s lost now. He never puts things away.
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TJBM is suffering through football on a Sunday night.

@BellaB I love re-arranging. @Dutchess_III No football here, I’m single now, no more sports in my house. haha

TJBM likes bagels with cream cheese.

Yes! Favorite camping breakfast. Blueberry bagels with our choice of strawberry, blue berry or peach cream cheese. And little sausages.

TJBM drinks diet soda.

I like my diet pepsi a couple times a week yep.

TJBM has a white bathrobe.

Yes I do. And a green one.

TJBM is bleeding.

No.

TJBM is bleeding.

I am? Where!?

TJBM knows the answer.

Well…I don’t wanna talk about it!

TJBM had fun with 2 of the grandkids today.

Am I that old? 0.o
TJBM has something to remind them that they haven’t much time left.

Nope! I’m turning 68 on Wednesday, and I’m probably in as good shape physically as I have ever been.

TJBM is in good health.

Well, I actually am, if you exclude inexplicable sneezing.

TJBM loves cartoons.

Yes I do!

TJBM is having car problems.

Fortunately, no. Cars are fine.

TJBM has a constant pain somewhere.

Almost constantly in the right side of my neck and shoulder.

TJBM would rather ride a horse than a motorcycle.

Hmmm…I’ve fallen off a horse twice. I’ve never fallen off a motorcycle. Still love horses more.

TJBM is having wonderfully stormy weather.

Sadly no. It’s raining here, but it’s that mood-killing rain that lasts all day.

TJBM constantly makes typos and has to correct the text all the time.

Yep. Thanks goodness for spell check.

TJBM has known someone who is convinced spell check is always wrong and who just leaves their typos as is.

No. Well, I wouldn’t know actually because it’s not usually a talking point over coffee. But I don’t take spellcheck prima facie either. And I’m right more often than not. For example, if you type “prima facie” into your answer box on Fluther, spellcheck will underline it in red to signify both words are misspelled. “Prima facie” is a commonly used Latin term in English which basically means “face value”.

There are many words in English that I use in regular conversation that many spellchecks don’t recognize, so when these come up, I punch them into Google and add “definition” to make sure because I am far from perfect and, as I get older, I sometimes require a refresher course. And being mostly self-educated, I must be cautious more than those who went to our best institutions and actually listened in class—like Gail. But I will never use autospell. Autospell is a fucking disaster invented by idiots for idiots.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STRAUSS! YOU OLD MINSTREL— TELL YOUR WIFE YOU WANT CHICKENS FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!

TJBM doesn’t take spellcheck at face value.

No spellcheck here. What do you think if you have to go around carrying a dictionary and open it every time you say something?
@Yetanotheruser happy early birthday!
TJBM doesn’t like too many rules.

Doesn’t your phone or computer have spell check?

I like rules, actually. As long as they make sense. If they don’t make sense I ignore them.

TJBM has learned a lot via spell check.

Not really, I am a pretty strong speller most of the time.

TJBM is having internet connection issues today. Gah…2 HOURS of troubleshooting and then, viola…..it works again. ^%@#$% computer stuff!

No, it’s good today!

TJBM likes cats better than dogs.

I do. I have had dogs I loved but yes, I’m a kitty kinda gal.

TJBM likes birds better than reptiles.

Much better than reptiles. My son would disagree though.

TJBM is going to apply for a couple of jobs now.

Not yet. Possibly in the future.

TJBM has a food allergy.

I wish, no, I’m a total foodie, have a hard time not over indulging. I wish I was allergic to sugar. haha

TJBM struggles with sugar addiction.

Ummm…a tiny bit. It’s not an epic battle of any kind but dammit! You just reminded me that Rick bought home a bag of chocolate covered peanuts that I hid from myself in the freezer! I had forgotten about them.

TJBM is going to chow down on some chocolate covered peanuts now. And milk.

No, but…remember the “What do you put on your hot dog?” question..well, I went and bought Corn Dogs and am having a couple for lunch with a salad right now!

TJBM likes corn dogs.

I do. But I only have them when I’m feeding them to kids anymore.

TJBM thinks up great questions for TJBM but then forgets them.

Not forget but more can’t think of anything. That is me!

TJBM Really can’t think of anything either.

I was just thinking today, “That would be a good ‘TJBM’ question!” But damned if I can remember what the question was!

TJBM remembers.

I do. It was…

TJBM has cookies hidden in their sock drawer.

No, but they’re hidden on a shelf under my workbench.

TJBM has other hidden treasure around the house

Hidden treasure or misplaced? I’ll go with hidden – doesn’t make me feel so old :)
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TJBM knows what to do with a can of sliced beets.

Is that your treasure? In that case, let’s decorate it and pretent we’ve just found a 1000-year-old can!
TJBM can find another treasure in their home.

Every time I open a drawer I find old pictures! The house is over 100 years old. I sometimes wonder what I’d find in the walls, or in the cellar if I looked.

TJBM is very, very tired today.

I slept well but feel tired with my crappy allergy issues.

TJBM wants Pumpkin Pie!

I have cans of pumpkin ready for the pies this year (they were on special here and usually they are impossible to find or over $10 a can.) I will be making some in November when BBE comes to visit. I am not sleeping well and have not for about 2 weeks. I’m drowning in phlegm and coughing until my head hurts. Yesterday I threw my neck out and ended with a puking migraine yesterday.

TJBM doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving but loves Halloween.

We have our long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. I’m celebrating the nearest community pool reopening on Sunday.

TJBM is worried about friends in Florida as Hurricane Matthew has restrengthened.

The only people I know in Florida are a couple jellies here and yes, I hope they escape any serious issues.

TJBM knows that California was/is, potentially waiting in the “big one” after a series of earthquakes last week down south.

I had no idea. My regular earthquake-watching pal hasn’t been keeping us updated lately.

TJBM is looking forward to swimming this weekend.

You made me wish it was still my summer break.
TJBM is looking forward to a vacation… far… far… away…

…..on a boat, near the river….

TJBM has a book (or more) s/he never read.

It might be a nightstand… or maybe it’s a pile of books to work through :)
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TJBM follows the NFL.

No. I am not a sports fan if any kind. I do like the Olympic Equestrian events being a horsey person.

TJBM has a kitty cat or 2 or 3 or…

No cats here. <ahchooooooooooo>
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TJBM likes barn cats.

I like all cats. We have a new stray here ” Benny” an all black youngster, less than a year old that is taming down quite nicely and will be going in for vetting and neutering soon. He has his own “apartment” a nice little chicken coop with an enclosed room, a run with astro turf we put down. His “apartment” has an area rug, two kitty beds, a scratching post and toys. He runs to his “apartment” every night now for his dinner and evening lock up.

TJBM is an animal lover.

More like a total sucker :) . Want every rescue dog I see.

TJBM has a favourite rescue horse.

I do! How’d you know? haha
He is an Appaloosa named “Cayuse” and his owners quit paying their boarding fees when they got a divorce and basically abandoned him here. We are caring for him and he is a sweet old guy who has had a rather hard life we think. He has a chronic eye issue he gets medication for and I give him lots of apples and treats.

TJBM lives around a lot of wild life.

If you count human environment as “wild life”
TJBM thinks human is just another kind of animals.

Ever since that one spring break on South Padre…The whole story would be “NSFF”...Not Safe For Fluther!

TJBM has a story that’s “NSFF”.

Oh, I could tell a tale or two but we’ll just leave the NSFF stuff to our imagination. :-p

TJBM is on a baked potato jag.

Should I think of it in a “NSFF” way?
TJBM has a NSFF mind.

Often modded, I’m so not safe.

TJBM likes sweet potatoes more then regular potatoes.

Actually, not a fan of sweet potatoes, I’ll est a few bites of yams during the holidays but that’s about it.

TJBM has had a bird hit their window recently. Poor little sparrow here, don’t think it’s going to make it after slamming into my front window a little while ago.

Yeah. A baby owl. We kept him for a week, then released him. After we released him he went back to his little brothers and sisters, but Rick was still able to walk up to him and hand feed him. His brothers and sisters flew away, but he didn’t.

TJBM is allergic to hospital bandages.

I don’t think so but I haven’t had a hospital bandage for decades now. Knock on wood.haha

YJBM loves Mexican food!

And I also love food from Mexico!

TJBM knows the difference between Mexican food and food from Mexico.

For example, Mexican imports Pho and you eat it in Mexico. Mexican food is those tacos you eat, and food from Mexico is the Pho that you eat in the example I guess.
TJBM will say if I’m right or not.

That is correct, but it was not what I was talking about. It would be the equivalent of comparing Phở at @Mimishu1995‘s grandmother’s house with Pho at a restaurant in Beaverton, Oregon (US), called Pho King Good.

TJBM likes Phở.

I do! We have a restaurant here called ” Pho King Good”. lol

TJBM likes restaurants with creative names.

Yes, like Dirty Dick’s Crab House Hope the are okay with Hurricane Matthew.
I got my Crabs from Dirty Dick’s.

TJBM likes crab cakes.

Oh my, yes, yes, yes! I have a friend that makes the most amazing crab cakes in the world!

TJBM is a hedonist at heart.

I’ve never thought of myself as such….................but pleasure is way up there on the list of good things.

TJBM has seen/heard/played a chapman stick.

I haven’t…Googling Well, quite possibly I have, but didn’t know it at the time.

When TJBM cooks, it usually takes the food about two days to get well and truly done.

Especially if it’s something like a stew, soup, or a roast

TJBM has a busy week ahead.

Yes, I do. Cherishing tonight. haha

TJBM hates stripping wallpaper.

Yes! I hate wall paper in general. Paint any day.

TJBM does not know what a ‘to be’ verb is.

To be or not to be, a verb? lol

TJNM would like TJAM to ‘splain this.

I was about to explain, but if you offer to, OK :)
TJBM is waiting for TJAM to explain.

Although I’m not the jelly in question, I will explain…

”To be or not to be…” is the first line if one of the most famous soliloquys in the English, from Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

I’m not sure what the previous jelly means by a “to be” verb.

TJBM will help us understand what that is.

‘fraid not, I am waiting for a definition as well.

TJBM needed more sleep this morning.

Yes, that’s why I went back to bed. :) (spoiled I am)
@Yetanotheruser To be verbs are is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been. We want to use fewer of them in our writing. http://blog.penningtonpublishing.com/grammar_mechanics/how-to-eliminate-to-be-verbs-in-writing/

TJBM will read the article I posted for Yetanotheruser.

I will, but it will have to be tomorrow. It’s bedtime for Bonzo.

TJBM will say goodnight.

Goodnight, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.

TJBM has seen a Bed Bug. Ewwww..I have never seen one and hope I never do.

Never

TJBM can drink coffee and go right to bed. (I can)

At one point I could, but then somehow I lost my ability.
TJBM has felt a beg bug.

No! Horrible things. haha

TJBM is still coming into consciousness this morning.

It took me ages to wake up this morning because I was up between 1am and 5.30am coughing.

TJBM has (like me) had clear but cold weather with lots of rimfrost. Like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Trollskog.jpg/1920px-Trollskog.jpg

No frost, yet, waiting on some rain tonight and tomorrow, the first significant rain of the season but the temp today will be 70F and then dropping to a high of 60–62 the next handful of days.

TJBM is working on some sort of home renovation project.

Usually. Right now I’m kinda in between projects, but we painted the house a couple months ago. Kitchen cabinets are next, but we may have to wait for finances.

TJBM is home alone.

I am, for a little while longer then a friend is coming up to help me strip wallpaper.

TJBM has a “to do” list with 873 things on it.

Do I have time to count my list?
TJBM knows how many works they have to do.

I don’t; I haven’t compiled my bucket list yet, but I know I have at least one magnum opus.

TJBM has compiled a bucket list.

A few things yes, but, ask @Mimishu1995 I want to go to Vietnam SO BADLY! Not in my budget though.

TJBM had a satisfyingly productive day.

I have been useless today, so yes. Wait, I did order new checks. :)

TJBM changed the desktop appearance often.

Very very rarely. I have a favourite photo that I’ve been using for close to a decade now (with a brief appearance of another favourite photo).

TJBM enjoys autumn weather.

I do very mich! @MollyMcGuire I cahnge my desktop wallpaer all the time, everything from abstract art to pictures of my my life. haha

TJBM likes Kahlua, in coffee, OTR or to cook with.

I prefer Remy Red – in hot cocoa or chai – nice for baking too.

TJBM is putting off a haircut.

I’ve successfully put one off or about 20 years or so…

TJBM has long hair.

Shoulder length. Cut t a few inches last year but have had long hair for years.

TJBM has rattlesnakes in their zone. Kitty #2 in the last month just got bit tonight, at the vets until Mon. Bad year here for snakebite.

Do you see snake in a city ? :p
@Coloma I’ll be waiting for you to gather your budget. Adi used to have a plan to come… but that’s another story.
TJBM sees strange animals around them.

Skunks aren’t strange, but definitely on the increase around here.

TJBM craves Balderson Cheddar.

….I probably would if I knew what it was. I love cheese.

TJBM is sucking on a spoon full of brown sugar.

No, but I just finished snacking on a handful of shredded cheddar and the last few slices of ham from the package.

TJBM has had unusual snacks.

Wasabi Peas dried peas with dried wasabi paste on the peas , Li hing mui is salty dried plum, Dried seaweed.

TJBM has also had some unusual snacks.

I had a veggie burrito for breakfast, why not?

TJBM has had an argument with their kid (s) recently.

Well, if you count my brother as my kid…
TJBM gets on well with their immediate family.

I love a big family…...........................from far far away.;)

TJBM has written a letter of complaint or commendation to a CEO lately.

Not to a CEO, but I did commend a bus driver a few weeks ago. He waited at the stop for the traffic lights to change so I could safely board the bus.

TJBM uses public transit.

Absolutely. Best way to get around town.

TJBM relaxes on weekends.

I don’t live on the clock.

TJBM has one sign of aging that is particularly irritating to him or her.

Oh geez, I only get one? Okay, my popping neck.

TJBM has a popping joint.

Most popping joints I’ve had experience with had seeds rolled up in them! Some of my favorite shirts from the seventies had to be retired because of burn holes!

TJBM has knuckles that crack like a bunch of firecrackers going off.

I know mine are that way!

No. I don’t have anything that pops. My knees used to pop and crunch but I got new ones now. :)

TJBM has a deadline to meet and right now it seems impossible….......................

No, no deadline.

TJBM wishes football had never been invented.

Yep, not a sports fan, boring.

TJBM is enjoying a stormy day.

Well, enjoying it from afar. KC is playing Oakland. It is POURING there! It’s warm and sunny here.

TJBM smells the smell of pee somewhere…

Uh oh. Better get that pee pad out of the house.

TJBM loves Mrs. Roper-style caftans.

We-e-ll, I think it would be comfortable, but it’s really not my style.

TJBM sometimes wears things that are “not their style”.

No, never. Why would I do that? lol

TJBM likes a wee toke of the smoke now and then?

I have come to prefer edibles over smokables, but I do like to indulge on occasion.

TJBM likes to indulge.

I indulge in my imaginary world.
TJBM has a place to escape from reality.

Yes! Fortunately, I have the key to escape reality!

TJBM knows who John Prine is

I swoon for John Prine.

TJBM knows someone called Vivian/Vivien/Vivienne/Vivi.

I had a pet rat once named Vivienne. haha

TJBM likes to find funny names for their pets.

My pets have all been rescues, so they have the names they arrived with.

TJBM likes extra-garlic bruschetta.

I do, but just regular garlic, not extra. I like extra sauce on my pizza though.

TJBM is starving, been too busy to eat yet today.

Nah, I had my McD’s this morning and a piece of French Garlic bread about 30 minutes ago.

TJBM does not understand greedy people.

Yeah, like most unreasonable people. Unless I’m deeply involved with them, I really can’t see why they have to be so horrible.
TJBM likes to get into people’s heads.

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TJBM has participated in a grape harvest.

No but I did work at a winery once in my area, lots of vineyards and tasting rooms, infact this winery is just across the way from me. We get to enjoy music on summer nights. www.vinacastellano.com

TJBM lives in a wine trail zone.

Nope. Just beach trails. ;)

TJBM knows they are either under or over insured.

Health insurance, I’m OK, with Medicare Part D Plan, and the rest of the family on my wife’s work plan. Homeowners, my mortgage bank makes sure I’m fully covered on that. Life insurance, however, is probably a little light. I need to adjust that..

TJBM is having second thoughts about something.

Nope, more like first thoughts about all I need to do in the next few weeks. haha

TJBM likes a well lit house on gloomy days, no dark, mausoleum atmosphere.

Do candles count? I am a bit of a vampira as bright lights hurt my eyes.

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TJBM wears sunglasses at night.

Haha, no, but I do wear them on cloudy days.
@BellaB I like mood lighting, not necessarily super bright, but I like lamps and certain lights on when it is a gloomy day.

TJBM is enjoying absolutely perfect fall weather.

We’re having summer weather in October. Puzzling.
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TJBM loves to twirl.

Mmm, not really, but I love to sing in the shower and in my car.

TJBM had some sort of minor catastrophe recently. I dropped a wet throw rug in the dirt carrying it out to hang up. Gah!

Yep. Washed some white towels with an old throw rug and they turned pink. I have to put them in some bleach water to try to fix it.

TJBM is behind on their laundry.

Yes. Sigh.

TJBM is beginning to freak out over Christmas.

Nope. Just talked with Baba Evda about how we’re going to give some of our Christmas decorations to a neighbour with a little boy who loves to do seasonal decorating.

TJBM loves latkes with applesauce.

Never had one.

TJBM loves Pecan Pie!

Close. I love butter tarts (a Canadian cousin of pecan tarts/pie) and like pecan pie.

TJBM enjoys star-gazing.

I used to try, and then I found out I’m too hyperactive for that.
TJBM likes a fast-pace life.

No. I like bursts of fast paced then down time.

TJBM has a favorite winter blanket or comforter or electric blanket.

Oh yes. My king-size heating pad and duvet. The real Bella has a crib size duvet.
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TJBM enjoys the changing colours of leaves in autumn.

I love it. I can see the mountains in my neighborhood, and I can watch the gradual spread of color from the higher elevations. Right now the trees in my neighborhood are changing, and the vines on my fence have turned, ranging from bright orange to dark red.

^ and….?
haha no more medicinal cake balls for you, it’s effecting your short term memory. lol

We have a huge Chinese Pistache tree here that is flaming red right now, it is stunning.

TJBM likes Pistachio nuts.

Aww—Nuts! I love Pistachios. And my short term memory had holes in it for many years even before the cake balls!

TJBM likes medicinal cake balls. (Translate: Marijuana edibles)

I do, I don’t have my card but a friend does, so they share samples with me. I just imbibed in a little smoking the last few days for the first time in about a year but much prefer the edibles. I like the chocolate rice krispy bars and the lemonade. :-)

TJBM imbibes in a little marijuana now and then for creative and medicinal purposes.

Oh yes! I have a feeling it won’t be long before you won’t need a card!

TJBM watches the Smithsonian Channel.

I have but I get Smithsonian magazine. Love it!

TJBM is getting the last straggling produce from their garden right now.

I’m going to get an onion out later.

TJBM prefers black beans to kidney beans.

Yes, but when I make chili I use every kind of bean you can get. Black, red, pinto, kidney, etc.

TJBM loves a big crock pot of chili with corn bread in the winter.

Yep!

TJBM likes kids.

Yes, I especially like ages 4–10.

TJBM likes Preying mantises.

I love to see them in my garden. They are good to have around, along with the ladybugs.

TJBM knows about beneficial fauna alongside the flora.

Yes, I love all things nature. Except maggots and earwigs. lol

TJBM hates Earwigs!

Earwigs? As in “ears’ fake hair”? No thanks!
TJBM doesn’t want extra hair.

No, I do not. @Mimishu1995 Earwigs are a bug, also called Pincher bugs becasue they have oinchers on their butts. haha Gah!

TJBM wears a wig or toupee.

I do have my bag-o-hair from the days I was doing a lot of folklore dance gigs and used extensions but I haven’t touched them since I switched to tribal fusion.
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TJBM wears hats with panache.

I do look good in hats, yes.

TJBM has a cowboy hat.

A couple. My favourite is an ancient pigskin (?) one that seems to have been run over at least once.
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TJBM wears matching socks.

Most of the time, yes. Todays socks are beige with a raspberry stripe.

TJBM wears a raspberry beret, the kind that you find in a second hand store. :-p

No, and it is more usually a costume shop that I can find that kind of things.
TJBM needs a costume for Halloween.

I pretty much live in a tickle trunk for adults so I’ve got lots of costume pieces to work with. Just need to make a few modifications to a Venetian mask.
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TJBM enjoys expressing themselves with their clothing.

Sometimes. But I shop at second hand stores a lot, so I get what works.

TJBM found a caterpillar recently.

No but my cat ate a lizard this morning. Gag! haha

TJBM has an abundance of lizards in their area.

Not really. But what lizards there are, my son will find them.

TJBM isn’t afraid of most spiders. Except those huge, nasty wolf spiders that cause the couch to move when they run under it.

True, I used to live ina tarantula migration path about 40 miles from where I am now and every October the Tarantulas were everywhere looking for spider love. I often moved them out of the driveway to safer territory. haha

TJBM is waiting on a friend to arrive for lunch and help with a project.

No. Just waiting for Rick to come home. He’s home.

TJBM doesn’t think dogs would make good gynecologists.

True, they would spend all their time with their nose in your crotch. lol

TJBM had a productive day.

Not really, but it was nice.

TJBM is a bottle blonde.

No. I don’t color. I used to get a thousand compliments on my hair, especially from women, when my hair was half brown and half gray. Then throw in some highlights and my hair was 4 different colors! But I might color again one of these days. My husband is an ex-barber. Thinks he knows about these things.

TJBM is watching a nature show about males literally killing each other for the chance to have sex.

Nope. I don’t need that nonsense in my life ! Ha!

TJBM is not far from the ocean.

I can see the blue-green Caribbean from my hotel window. I’m on the side of a ridge about two miles from the Fr. Royal Bay, Fort-de-France is below me. Between me and town is a steeply descending tropical forest, meadows littered with flowers. The sunset tonight was spectacular, covering everything in warm gold. It will soon be black as ink here, except for the lights in town. the cacophony of the jungle choir is already beginning. .

TJBM is going to do something strenuous tomorrow.

Yes, I am sanding and washing walls for painting prep. gah..almost done.

TJBM loves a freshly painted house but hates the prep work.

Yes and yes.

TJBM think home-fries are a good idea.

Yummy!

TJBM likes bonfires. We are burning a bog brush pile from having a huge Oak tree split in half during last weekends storm here. I need marshmallows. haha

I love bonfires. I miss doing the Guy Fawkes nights in New Zealand, but we do manage the occasional midsummer one on the beach across the road. It evokes the crazy pagan in me. @Coloma I’ll bring the marshmallows.

TJBM wishes they had a wood fire stove in their living room.

Yes. Just talked to a neighbour about that the other night.

TJBM is over autumn rain already.

Heavy, tropical downpour here. I miss the crispness of the autumn and the amazing colors of the trees in places like Harvard Yard and the forests of the Adirondacks. But that bone-chilling autumn rain you can keep.

TJBM is following the battle for Mosul (Yay Peshmergas!).

No, I am following the battle of the endless wallpaper stripping. I am finally ready to get back at it after a crazy morning of activity.

TJBM has had a crazy morning of activity.

Yesterday morning was kind of crazy. I was dive master for six tourists on their first scuba dive. They did well, understood the physics of a dive, didn’t do anything stupid, stayed away from the alcohol, stuck with their dive partners, didn’t stick their hands in any moray eel holes and came back happy with armloads of conch and lobster for dinner. But it’s always iffy with tourists. You never know what you’re gonna get.

TJBM has had experience with tourists.

Yeah, sort of. Every year we have a blue grass festival. People come in from all over the world. It gets crazy! Crazies everywhere.

TJBM has had a complete stranger take video of them, while at a public park.

Haha, many years ago yes. In my beach bunny phase when I lived in San Diego in my early 20’s there was a pervy beach guy that would wander around and photograph/video tape cute girls sunbathing in their bikinis. Beach blanket bastard. lol

TJBM has pumpkins!

In a can for pies.

TJBM has something else in a CAN.

I have lots of things in cans. No cow bell though.

TJBM thinks Law Abiding Citizen is a terrible movie.

Never seen that movie, but Law Abiding Citizen can be a terrible thing for society too ~
TJBM knows you can’t follow anything mindlessly.

Quite right! (I have pumpkin in cans in the cupboard AND an actual pumpkin on the dining table which has been drawn on by the kiddo, Minecraft style)

TJBM likes to have fun music on loud when they do housework.

Ooops… I meant to write, that @Mimishu1995 is quite right. You can’t follow anything mindlessly. If you are at all self aware and conscious, then you can’t help but be mindful.

Not usually, can’t hear it over the vacuum. haha I like loud music in my car sometimes and I like to go to sleep with a CD playing.

TJBM likes candy corn

No thank you very much.

TJBM has too many bathing suits.

No, only one.

TJBM has too many coffee cups.

I like to think of it as just not having enough kitchen cupboard space.

TJBM likes Easter candy better than Halloween candy.

Yes. Cocoa beats sugar every day.

TJBM goes out in the cold with wet hair.

All the time, well, not ALl the time but yes, I have/do. haha

TJBM likes ham and cream cheeses sandwiches.

Never tried that combo. May give it a go the next time we have fresh cream cheese.
TJBM has the chlorine squints.

Good heavens I hope not! Is chlorine squirting out of my whatever?

TJBM just spent the entire day with four wonderful and wild kids, while their dad (my son) and Rick flipped the boards on our deck over.

Nope. Spent the day with a my good friend finalizing the prep work on my new place for the painters n Monday.

TJBM loves adding steamed/sauteed snow pea pods to just about everything they eat.

I don’t see them in the market very often, but it sounds like a dandy idea.

TJBM likes really dark chocolate.

Yep. and dark hot coffee with a bit of sugar. Dark and bitter, like I like my men.

TJBM thinks the jokes about the election are getting boring and repetitive.

Yeah. I’m bored of seeing people making fun of Trump already. Everyone knows he’s an idiot, get over it.
TJBM wants cleverer jokes.

I can always use a good. Joke.

TJBM is a runner.

Depends on what I’m running from!

TJBM is up way too early for a Sunday.

Awake, not up.

TJBM is happy to see the sun shining today.

I live in the sunshine state.

TJBM never goes outside without sunglasses.

<checks head to see if sunglasses are still on>

Sunglasses always!
TJBM loves her cowboy clogs.

No,they don’t fit my feet right, and she says I stretch them out when I try to wear them!

TJBM in the past has made assumption(s) that led to (a) funny situation(s).

Who hasn’t? Don’t assume…... makes an ASS out of U and ME

TJBM will be someone who has never been the jelly below me.

Nope.
@MollyMcGuire I always like to change sayings, my take on that saying is this… “They say assuming makes and ass out of you and me, but really, it only makes an ass out of YOU. haha

TJBM bought something for their house yesterday.

Nope. Yesterday is Sunday and stores here aren’t open.
TJBM wants to change the colour in their bathroom and kitchen.

I am, right now. Moving in a couple weeks. New bathroom will be salmon and beige and kitchen Turquoise,salmon and red. It will turn out really nice I think.

TJBM has a knack for design & decorating.

I’m good at setting up vignettes.

TJBM cooks with fennel.

Often, but not always.

TJBM has fennel in their garden.

Not anymore, but I used to have hge Fennel plants once upon a time.

TJBM uses Fennel in their spaghetti sauce.

Oh yes!

TJBM has made fennel seed cookies.

No, never have. They sound good though.

TJBM feels surprisingly chipper today considering they have been very busy. haha projection at it’s finest ey?

It’s now 10:30 so not so chipper. I’m feeling a bit tired.

TJBM, like me, hates a sponge in the kitchen and opts for cotton cloths that are tossed into the laundry and has no guilt about using three or four of them per day.

I use sponges. But every time the dishwasher runs they get sanitized and deodorized.

TJBM thinks it’s silly to use a sponge.

Nope. Both sponges and dishcloths are fine options.
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TJBM appreciates sunshine in autumn.

Love it!

TJBM can sometimes appreciate an early snow.

Will it melt? if yes, then definitely.

TJBM has found their socks.

The wool ones have come out.

TJBM thinks autumn is the best season.

Yes, and spring, I also like winter storms but hate, hate, hate, the summer heat anymore.

TJBM splurged on some decadent treat over the weekend. I had coconut macaroons.

I still have my junk food.
TJBM likes junk food.

I’d kill for some hickory sticks right now.

TJBM prefers savory to sweet.

Nope, but that’s all I eat nowadays.

TJBM has ridden in a hot air balloon.

Not yet. Way up there on my bucket list though.

TJBM thinks it would not be difficult to design a hot air balloon to look like a jellyfish.

Ït’s a thing !

TJBM has considered knitting socks.

No, never, I am not a knitting, sewing type, too tedious, not enough instant gratification power. haha
I have been up in a hot air balloon, amazing, so much fun and so exhilarating, I loved it!

TJBM needed more sleep last night but will have to make do.

Yep! But I’m cooking right now.

TJBM is a scuba diver.

I’m a swimmer, not a scuba diver though I can see the appeal.
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TJBM needs to put new holes in their belts.

Haven’t used a bell for a while. Most of my belt is just part of the skirt. The last time I wore a real belt was in middle school, when the school suddenly came up with a bullshit rule that all students had to wear belts.
TJBM can see flaws in rules.

Yes, and I believe all rules can be bent or broken.

TJBM is a creative thinker.

I like to think so. I think the box is to be thought “outside of”.

TJBM sometimes thinks outside the box.

I can never figure out where the hell the box is.

TJBM loves to snow ski but can’t water ski.

Love cross-country skiing!
TJBM wants new, old-fashioned snowshoes.

I do! I do!. Haven’t been show-shoeing in a long time, but I used to love to go cross-country.

TJBM likes cross-country anything.

Count me in! Cross-country is an effective way to select various culture’s value for the best and unique experience.
Reminds me that I plan to listen to this.
TJBM can give an example of cross-culture.

ME! I’ve been cross culture since 1988. But if you want a sort of funny/cool one, you can’t go past Norwegian Rap music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qAxDA048qQ

Or this one with some humour… I loved this one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXyn2Fo1bQM

TJBM finds humour in dark topics others won’t make fun of.

I like serial killer jokes.

What did Jeffrey Dahmer sing on the way to his refrigerator?

” My bologna has a first name….”

TJBM will tell a joke.

No, no right now. Later.

TJBM has been hooked on lime green lately.

Gimme any green, any time. Lime is always good.
TJBM just learned to appreciate coffee.

My appreciation for coffee goes way back, yea, even unto childhood memories of the smell of fresh-brewed coffee in the morning!

TJBM has a fond memory they’d like to share

Where do I start? :)
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TJBM wonders why the leaves haven’t come down from the trees yet.

Not very many deciduous trees here. I wait for people Fluther to tell me when the leaves fall up north. My guess is they will fall with the next strong winds.

TJBM lives among the broadleafs.

I do. And they are all turning, although they’re not all dropping.

TJBM has something that is keeping them from going to bed.

I just got into the dock from a trip to and from nearby Dominica. Just winding down. The film, The Admiral was a Lady from 1950 outta do it. (<—- Psst! Free copy!)

TJBM has something that is keeping them awake.

It’s morning here and I’m on my way to work, otherwise I’d be sleeping, yes.

TJBM hates public transport.

I hate busses. Subways and trains aren’t so bad. Have a good day with the kiddies, @cazzie.

TJBM likes to watch old movies late at night.

Not much of a movie watcher, but if I’m free to do something while I wander about, watching is fine with me. I never watch them alone though.

T
J
B
M

is here
I
I
V

Here I am!

TJBM will wish us a good morning!

Good morning everyone!
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TJBM doesn’t want to comb their hair.

It needs something done with it, but with a brush. Combing won’t get me anywhere.

TJBM loves lace.

A couple centuries ago I would have rocked the lace, but it’s not too compatible with my utilitarian style today.

TJBM has a utilitarian sense of fashion.

My work style is pretty clean, but things are crazy in dance costume land.
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TJBM has more wigs than spatulas.

Not a single wig, but a bunch of spatulas.

TJBM is a popcorn fan.

Love popcorn. Like to pop it myself. Air pop is good, but I prefer to pop it manually on the stove top. I could do a whole nother thread on flavors.

TJBM can find and link the original pancakes/popcorn thread.

Maybe, but I don’t want to. haha

TJBM is having a shitty morning. I just fell on my ass in the wet leaves and mud and threw an entire cup of coffee all over myself. Really special. lol

I’m just getting started. Got in late, slept in until about an hour ago. Having a little coffee and breakfast.

@Yetanotheruser: Here’s the original Pancake Thread. And HERE is a source of many other memorable threads.

TJBM missed the 10th Anniversary Party thread.

Nope, I was there, it was a fun party!

TJBM can’t wait for this day to be done. haha, man, what a day.

No, it’s actually just beginning. Tonight is the pre-Halloween Ball, a kind of costume, or masked ball. Masks are required, clothes are optional. Body paint, elaborate headdresses, jewelry and feathers are big. Kicks off at 10pm. It will go on until the early hours. I saw a very sexy goth ballerina in the lobby. They’ve just finished the sound check. Jesus, they almost blew this apartment in. I think they have a new sound system. Tonight is a kind of rehearsal. The real deal is tomorrow night.

TJBM hates super loud music.

I do. I love music and I like live music and dancing but not just pounding music in my house or car for no reason. I like silence a lot.

TJBM is hungry! Someone make me dinner I need to be babied today. I’m SOL. haha

You want me to eat another breakfast?
TJBM knows no Halloween.

I love Halloweén. Have some basic decorations set up outside. Have my wig picked out.
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TJBM buys extra Halloweén candy, just in case .

For myself yes, but…we don’t get trick or treaters in this area. All the homes are on 5,10,20 acres or more, too far to walk so the kids usually go to their school carnivals or trick or treating in the city with friends and family. I miss seeing the kids though, it’s been 26 years since I had trick or treaters at my door.

TJBM likes costume parties.

I definitely like costume parties. I usually feel uncomfortable at the beginning of parties, but I like the anonymity a costume party affords. I’ll be an admiral tonight a la Horatio Hornblower.

TJBM likes costume parties and masqued balls.

<<<< why yes I do
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TJBM has costumes planned for events that haven’t even been considered.

I like your avatar, Bella.

Las Plumas Verdes

@Espiritus_Corvus and you’re going to dress like a girl? ~
TJBM is putting on a costume.

Thank you @Espiritus_Corvus . It was a great day.

___

I’m considering painting on a mask, instead of wearing one, this year.

TJBM knows what kind of soup they’re going to make today.

Some type of tomato based soup. Harvesting the last of the tomatoes today.

TJBM is planning Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was a couple of weeks ago.
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TJBM is pleased about some baggy clothing.

I was pleased about 30 years ago when they started selling “relaxed fit” jeans.

TJBM knows when Canadian Thanksgiving is/was.

I do/did not, but…according to @BellaB they have already had their celebration sooo maybe she will tell us.

TJBM knows the answer to this question.

It is always the second Monday in October. (Excuse me, Bella, but I had to look it up)

@Mimishu1995 No, I went last night as an admiral. But there was a male contingent fabulously dressed like Las Vegas showgirls and swung along in their sex-inch stilettos like Ginger Rogers with Fred Astair.

TJBM will be in costume for Halloween.

I’ll probably be dressed up as that old guy who hands out candy. Or maybe this one!

TJBM will be in costume for Halloween.

Nah, no kiddies up here in these hills, houses are too far apart and if I dressed up I might spook the horses at feeding time. I have had some really fun Halloween costume parties over the years though, my own and others I have attended.

TJBM stayed in their PJs ALL day today. I did, it’s been great. haha

Yes, well, a T-shirt and boxers. But I was sleeping, not nursing a sore bum like you. LOL.

TJBM will be in costume for Halloween.

I’m comtemplating a Persian dress I can layer something toasty underneath – and of course some kind of awesome wig :)
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TJBM would recognize their partner, regardless of their get-up.

I don’t have a partner so no. haha
@Espiritus_Corvus My bum is fine, it’s the rest of me that’s fractured. lol

TJBM has fallen on their face, back, head, side, recently.

No, I haven’t recently. I usually wait for the ice and snow season to do a real proper job of falling and hurting myself.

TJBM has a fun sense of Self-deprecating humour.

You really don’t want to hear it :p
TJBM is still up for Halloween.

It’s done here. The hotel is full of French tourists who celebrated this weekend with two masked balls. Many will be going home tomorrow to start all over again. The island itself doesn’t celebrate Halloween. They celebrate the next day, All Soul’s Day aka The Day of the Dead, by painting their faces like skeletons, wearing death masks and deaths-head ornaments and visiting the graves of their families and going to church. It’s kind of solemn like in Mexico.

TJBM needs a break from all the people.

I need a break from everything.
I wish I was able to laugh at my trials and tribulations the last few days but I am not there yet. I’m sure I could have you all in stitches reciting the endless list of insane shit I have been dealing with, good stories, especially when told with my flare for story telling, but right now I am half tempted to just go sit out in the rain with my face pointed upwards and drown myself. Seriously, it could happen.

TJBM has crazy hair going’ on. I look like Little Orphan Annie right now, nothing like a good soak in the rain to bring out those curls. lol

Not since I got it cut off after my last long sail. Now its just a couple of inches long. Any longer and, in this humidity, it curls up into tight little curly-ques and old ladies tell me how lucky I am to have such a nice, natural perm. Such a nice, young man. Bah. Long hair is hot, too. Glad it’s all gone. But I hate going to the barber as much as I hate shopping for clothes.

TJBM likes shopping for clothes.

Not all the time, and I am not a total girly girl type with dozens of pairs of shoes and 3 closets full of clothes, but…I do like getting dressed up and finding the perfect ensemble, replete with fun accessories. I love skirts and earrings. :-) Hey, just talking about this made me feel happier. Maybe I need a pretty new dress. haha

TJBM needs a pretty new dress.

Yeah, for the next Halloween ball. I can go as the real me. LOL. I like getting dressed up, too, but I just hate shopping for the clothes to do it with. It’s just a quirk, there is no real answer to this. I now buy online out of necessity, with varying success.

Yes, get yourself a new dress. Time for something for the winter. New clothes really do make people happier and helps with the self-esteem. I learned that when working with patients in hospitals. At one, we used to have a lady come in and do patient’s hair. It did wonders for them. She worked for a mortician the rest of the time, but we didn’t tell the patients that.

TJBM already has their winter clothes ready.

I don’t need to. My winter clothes is with me every year :)
TJBM will miss Halloween. I’m going to celebrate Halloween tonight! There is a place that holds Halloween party and my friend has a plan for us. But we have to pray for the rain to stop first. Aaaaaagh!

It will be back next year. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The table groaning with food, old friends and family all talking excitedly at once. I miss that so much.

Have a nice time at the Halloween party, Mimi. It would be nice if you could give us a full report on how it is celebrated there.

TJBM will be going to a Halloween party this year.

No Halloween party this year, but we will be hosting the Thanksgiving feast for family, friends and more.

TJBM (or their family) will host Thanksgiving dinner.

What little is left of my family is spread to the winds. Those days are over.

TJBM (or their family) will host Thanksgiving dinner.

Nope. We don’t do Thanksgiving here. My son’s birthday is in two weeks so I have that party to plan and execute. His dad never helps.
TJBM sometimes gets so embarrassed and shamed by her/his kid they just want the earth to swallow them up.

No kids here. Just a cute dog.
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TJBM is fascinated by Manta Rays.

I am fascinated by all wild life, the diversity and how everything shows up is amazing.

TJBM is fascinated with the remaining wild horse herds in america.

Yes, I follow what’s happening with the American wild horse herds.
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TJBM thinks braids are a good idea.

Yes. I sometimes put my hair in a braided pony tail.

TJBM has an opinion they’ll share about long hair and balding men.

I was going to say… baaaaaaaaad Idea but then I thought about our neighbour Paul and realized there are definitely exceptions to my rule/notion.

TJBM cooks with pumpkin.

I make a yummy pumpkin ginger bread but otherwise not much.

TJBM loves pumpkin bread.

Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin soup, pumpkin/potato bake… the love goes on.
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TJBM will wearing something orange today.

No, I don’t have anything orange. I will be wearing black jeans though.

TJBM will be doing something seasonal today.

Getting my car winterized and smogged at the mechanics, so exciting, and yes, I am wearing something orange. Well burnt orange, a comfy long sweater. :-)

TJBM is bad at checking their cars fluids and prefers to have someone do it for them.

No I prefer to do it myself.

TJBM prefers to do it to themselves.

Haha..I do not, and, everything is good. Mt car passed smog and I haven’t burned one little drop of oil in the last 2 months since I last checked it. :-)

TJBM is not mechanically inclined.

To a certain extent, I am. Thanks to the internet, YouTube and online owner manuals, I can usually take care of the stuff I own. When I was in my twenties, I was pretty good with cars, but when the carburetor disappeared and with the advent of computerization, I’m at the mercy of $50 per hour mechanics when stateside. Luckily, my boat has a very basic, old school Yanmar engine and I drive a beatup old first edition Jeep Wrangler on the ranch. The doors are missing, the top is long gone and I’m not sure what color it is anymore because of the sun bleaching and mud, but it has a carburetor and is easily reparable in most instances. I fix my own computers with the help of the internet as stated above. With the duty charges on these islands, full replacement is usually out of the question.

TJBM is a really good at jury-rigging repairs.

No, if I can’t fix it with duct tape, wire or super glue I had years of paying a contractor buddy and handyman $50.00 an hour to do “hoey dos” for me.
@Espiritus_Corvus The mechanic that did my smog today charges $100.00 hr. for labor. The going rates now stateside are $80.00 to $100.00 but I found a great mobile guy that “only” charges $60.00

TJBM had a productive day and got a lot accomplished.

Not bad. I took some people out for a sunset cruise, served champagne and my first mate, a local, regaled them with stories of Martinique. This place is rich in both history and ghost stories.

TJBM had a productive day and got a lot accomplished.

Hey….copy Crow. lol

I did. Refer to above. :-p

TJBM loves beef and barley soup!

Yes, one of my all time favorites—alone, or with a heavily stacked Reuben sandwich. Mmmm. It’s right up there with my other favorite: tomato soup with basil and a big tuna sandwich with chopped onions on toasted multigrain bread. When alone, I like too dip my tuna fish sandwich in the soup.

Here’s a nice, simple recipe for you:

Herbal Tomato Soup
Get a sauce pot. Put in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and heat to a simmer. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add tomato paste and a little bit of brown sugar.

Add a handful of fresh, diced tomatoes and either vegetable, chicken, or beef broth until it becomes the desired consistency.

Heaven.

Throw in a few small shrimp or bits of conch and I will be right over.

TJBM loves soups, bisque, and stews.

I do! I make some amazing winter soups. Thanks for the recipe Crow…sounds wonderful, I am going to copy it now.

TJBM likes Stella Artois Belgium ale.

Not since Anheuser Busch bought it. It’s a personal prejudice.

TJBM has a/some personal prejudice(s) that make no logical sense.

@Yetanotheruser Really? Well shit..Stella is a two timing us now ey? Pffft!
I’m not sure, I have to to contemplate that for awhile.

TJBM hates getting an itch in the bottom of their foot while driving.

I can’t remember that ever happening. Wearing flip flops a lot of the time and getting air to the feet has probably prevented it.

Red Belgian ales are too sweet for me. I like the more bitter beers, like Heineken or Grolsch. They slake thirst better in the heat.

TJBM will give us a their favorite soup recipe.

I will, gladly!

Herbed veggie stock

Sliced Turkey Keilbasa

Red, yellow, orange, bell pepper strips

Baby new potatoes

Sliced yellow crookneck squash.

Chopped cabbage

Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper, a pinch of white pepper and a dash of garlic.

Simmer in slow cooker or stove top until potatoes are tender, add chopped cabbage and squash and cook until just soft. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with a crusty french bread and fresh butter.

TJBM knows why you might only have one bout of gout and then go years in between.

It really is a mystery to me. I know that a few drinks can bring it on—hard liquor and especially red wine—as well as eating too many foods with nitrites, such as cured meats. Also, aged cheeses can do it, but that takes a lot of expensive cheese.

I usually get it after a week or so of eating those meats. Horrible penalty to pay, so I avoid them, even my beloved kielbasa must be rationed carefully. A couple of cokes in one afternoon brought on an attack once. Because of this, I never have these foods aboard when sailing solo. A debilitating gout attack far enough out at sea could end up fatal.

But I’ve also had a severe attack for no apparent reasons at all. Although my renal panels look good, I can only surmise that my kidneys were having a bad day which was enough to put me to bed in extreme pain.

TJBM has intermittent gout attacks, too.

Sorry, Coloma. I got so wrapped up in the gout thing that I didn’t tell you how delicious the stew you described above sounds. I will recreate that at home—maybe I can tolerate a little turkey kielbasa. Never had turkey kielbasa or even read the label.. I hope it doesn’t have too many purines like the pork kielbasa.

I wonder what a couple of whole Allspice peppercorns and maybe a couple of cloves would do to that dish. I was surprised when I learned that these were used in the meat stews in Sweden. A little bit brings out all the flavors, especially if you’re not into adding salt.

I’m too young for that, thankfully. But my friend’s dad got a warning that he could potentially get gout. His family stopped giving him sugar and fatty food since. Being old sucks.
The rain ruined our Halloween plan :( The plan was to go buy some costumes then get to the party. We planned to set off at 6 p.m, but the rain only got heavier and by 6 p.m it was unbearable. We had to drop the plan in regret and I celebrate Halloween by watching horror movie reviews instead.
TJBM notices something unusual about their health lately.

My health is noticeably worse than last year and I am doing everything I can to make it better and not let it be a downhill trend. On the high side, I’ve lived longer than any male in my direct family line in the past three generations. They were functional heavy drinkers and smokers and usually took the ride around 57 years old. 57 is the magic number in my family. So far, I’ve beat it by 5 years.

Getting old isn’t for amateurs, Mimishu, but it has it’s benefits as do all age groups. Youth is just one of those groups and I can remember some awfully bad times during that period, but a lot of good things, too, that made the whole thing worth it. Same with my age cohort. There are rewards.

TJBM likes being in their present age group.

Physically, sure. Mentality, not so much. Sometimes people my age just seems so childish to me. Or maybe I just meet the wrong kind of people…
Be careful with your health @Espiritus_Corvus. Adi’s family has the similar age number to yours, and he didn’t pass his magic number. I don’t want to see another valuable member to go too soon again.
TJBM is getting a bit emotional.

No. What will be, will be. And, my dear friend, on a very personal level, I don’t want to see another member go either.

Well by fucking gawd, I’m not going anywhere. Nothing’s going to trip my breaker unless I decide to cut off my own power supply. lol

TJBM is a stubborn and tenacious type.

To a dangerous degree.
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TJBM found the stash of leftover Halloweén candy.

No, but I bought clearance candy corn yesterday. I am so bad, but I like to mix it with popcorn for a yummy snack. :-)

TJBM eats creative combinations of thingsa

Especially when it comes to party leftovers…

TJBM is having leftover for dinner tonight.

No. No dinner.

TJBM’s life has changed, and they sincerely hope it never changes back, not for a long time.

Hah…quite the opposite. My life changed drastically 3.8 years ago when I was destroyed in the recession between 2010–13. I miss my old life beyond words and wish it would change back, but hey, adapt or die.

TJBM has been on both sides of just about every fence their is.

I think I get what you say. I try to think of everything from both sides, but my, bias is something hard to overcome. Everyone has a bit of bias here and there.
And if you mean it literally, I have never climb any fence yet.
TJBM does climbing.

Years ago, not anymore. I loved climbing trees as a kid.

TJBM sees that my goose “Marwyn” in my avatar is very pleased with his giant, Bevmo, Solo cup ice bucket over the smaller party cup. His cup runneth over. lov

Marwyn looks very pleased with things.

TJBM just ate a mini Halloweén chocolate bar.

No. No chocolate for me for a few more days. Your post makes me want to eat a chocolate and almond Maribou bar, though.

@Coloma I read those cups are illegal in NY for vendors now.

TJBM has a new pet.

I wish. I’ve been looking at senior dogs on rescue sites again. Trying to decide if Miss Bella wants/needs a full-time companion.
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TJBM has settled on their hair colour for life.

^^ Love your avatar. Viva la Tres Mujeras. That artist is famous down here, but I forget the name.

I was born with my hair color for life. A natural blonde and it still looks nice at my age.
I quit enhancing/highlighting about 2.5 years ago now and I only have a few strands of gray here and there. It has natural highlights and I think I will not do anything to it.

TJBM prefers natural over enhanced most of the time.

I’ve never colored my hair except for theatrical or costume effect.

TJBM has altered their hair color

No. My hair is sunbleached blonde. In cooler climates with less sun it’s light brown. Never altered it intentionally.

TJBM has dyed their hair a lovely, rich red in the past.

Yes and I plan on freshening it up again this week. Early grey runs in the family.
TJBM has to take the battery out of the smoke alarm when they cook.

Ha. Yeah, when I moved back to the States and cooked on electric for the first time. What a change it was from gas. I definitely had to kill the alarms. And what a disaster it was to get used to the American varieties of different spices. Parsley, for instance, and the inferior garlic. Even the American variety of Tarragon and Caraway were different. Nothing I cooked tasted right. I nearly had to learn to cook all over again. And try to get you hands on enbär gelê in the US, or cloudberry marmalade. I used them in meat stews. Nothing did tasted like it did in Europe.

You seem to forget TJBM so often lately @Espiritus_Corvus
TJBM has a plan to try something they have never tried before and doesn’t know if they can do it.

Ooops. Sorry all.

In the past few weeks I’ve been working as an in-house charter captain for a clothes-optional, alternative lifestyle hotel catering mostly to people from France, some Brits and a smattering of Americans. I’m taking over for a skipper buddy who is on vacation visiting his family. It can be a bit daunting, but the food is excellent and on the house, the rent goes with the job, and the money is good. I’ve had experiences similar to this when I was in my twenties, but never actually lived among swingers/hedonists/libertines or whatever the proper non-derogatory term is for people who enjoy this lifestyle.

It’s all very nice, like a private country club. I was a bit recalcitrant when my friend first asked me to take over here and thought it could be a challenge I’d rather not deal with, but took the gig for the money and I found that there is an etiquette to these things when run properly to make things comfortable for the uninitiated. It’s been an excellent experience and one for the memoir. But I will be glad to get back to the solitude of the ranch.