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Altaira
Superuser
Jun 14 2024, 4:05pm
Post #1 of 69
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Friday again? Time for Fiesta!
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Greetings, everyone!
What do you know? Friday has come around again and it's time to party!
We finally got some summer heat this week with one day getting up to 96 F (35.5 C). Luckily, next week won't be quite as hot and we even have a few cool-ish days ahead (78-ish F, or 25-ish C). Perfect for summer, I recon.
B.G. and I are still watching rugby and cricket (though the cricket isn't going so well.  ), and planning future trips. As they (sort of) say, the journey is as, or more, important than the destination, and trip planning is a very enjoyable part of any journey for us. Future trips as of now include returning to Great Britain, the Mediterranean and Australia/NZ, as well as well as venturing to more Greek islands, Istanbul and Dubai. Never a dull moment!
How about you? Did you make any journeys (short or long) this week, or are you planning any? Do tell, as you wind your way around the yummy buffet offerings and order up your favorite libation from the bar.
*puts quarters on juke box* play us a good road trip song, and have an amazing weekend!
  
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cats16
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 5:36pm
Post #2 of 69
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Getting toasty everywhere, it seems!
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I've spoken to folks in the Midwest, East Coast and the South (and now Colorado!) this week, and it seems like summer is really kicking into high gear. We're also warming up into the 80s more consistently, even though I still consider June to be Spring in SoCal.
Your list of trips sounds amazing! Are any of those in the semi-near future this year, or are you thinking 2025 and beyond?
We haven't done anything I'd consider a journey this week, unless you count "getting out of the parking lot at Dodger Stadium," which is always an experience, lol. We went to a game earlier in the week, which was relaxing and fun.
I've started a rewatch of House of the Dragon ahead of the S2 premiere on Sunday night. S1 came out nearly two years ago, so I needed the refresher.
Tomorrow we're doing an early Father's Day dinner with my girlfriend's parents, and beforehand we're going to Costco with her mom to decide if a membership is something that would be worth it for us. I know folks who swear the savings from cheaper gasoline makes the membership worth it (let alone everything else), but we'll see! We definitely do not have the storage space to buy in bulk, generally. 
In the meantime, we're going on a little dinner date night tonight, as we've been in a semi-stingy "spend as little as possible" phase the past few weeks to try to save up some additional spending money for our New Zealand trip.
*plays Roll with the Changes by REO Speedwagon* One of my favorite driving songs.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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Altaira
Superuser
Jun 14 2024, 5:59pm
Post #3 of 69
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We haven't done anything I'd consider a journey this week, unless you count "getting out of the parking lot at Dodger Stadium," which is always an experience
Oh yes, I remember a few of those too in the past for Rockies games, Broncos games, and concerts. A journey indeed! 
We have a Costco membership and we're just two people. We find the most value for us is buying ++paper goods, food staples like yogurt, cheese, fruits, veggies and meats, and also 'pharmacy' type things like vitamins, any kind of pills, and eye drops (I've had lasik and use individual eye drop vials in the a.m. for dry eyes). Now that they have wine we also usually pick up some of that.
The problem, of course, is the amount of stuff you have to buy. Paper goods and pharmacy-type items aren't too much of a storage issue, but meats and some other foods are. We bought a small stand-alone freezer we keep in the basement and put some of the items in that, but that won't be practical for you. You could always just go with her mom every now and then and pay her back for anything she buys with her membership card. Anyway, good luck deciding!
The trips we were planning were 2024-2025. We like cruises for the fact that you unpack once and the ship then takes you all over the place, so we're definitely looking forward to all of it.
It's so exciting that you're planning a trip to Aotearoa. Remind me, have you set dates yet? North Island, South Island? You'll love it!
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Greenwood Hobbit
Doriath
Jun 14 2024, 6:01pm
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some of that warmth over here. Some of our recent temperatures have been disappointingly below average, with wind and rain thrown in. I daresay we'll pay for it in August and have a heatwave or something. That's English weather for you! It's not just here; my cousin near Geneva is having similar problems; the grape harvest in their area is likely to be very poor this year. First World problems, I know!
No grand travel plans here; the house requires expenditure this summer so that's where a chunk of my dwindling capital is going. Cracks in the rendering to be dealt with, then the whole thing to be repainted and new gutters and downpipes to be fitted.
A road trip song? Well, this isn't one in the usual sense of a leisure trip by any means! It does bring back one of my road trips though.This was the most memorable song playing on the radio while we were driving down the long incline from Pietermaritzburg towards the coast and Durban, shafts of early morning sun slanting through the trees as our VW combi made the most of the gradient. It's over forty years since we left Lesotho and the memory's still vivid. Cheers,folks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qySwjyr1W0k
(This post was edited by dernwyn on Jun 14 2024, 6:11pm)
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jun 14 2024, 6:04pm
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I'm taking some vacations days that need to be used up by the end of the month. I was out at the garden shop this morning, using that gift certificate my coworkers had given me. Now to plant a Northern Bayberry bush, and a honeysuckle to trail along the stone wall at the edge of our lot.
It's supposed to get into the 80F's/28C's here this week, with humidity, so yard work will have to be done in the very early morning hours. Five work-days remaining until retirement. Do you still have that one client, Altaira?
And could I have a mocha frappe, please? You're going to be off on adventures again! Are these all cruises? We've got our first trip in place, we'll head to the Cape in early September, a family association hubby's in has a long weekend of events planned.
Travel music...hmm...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa4DCp6cl2U
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jun 14 2024, 6:09pm
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The Costco membership. They have very good frozen/refrigerated meals, and in the cooler months their seasonal chicken soup is fantastic. We always keep a bag of their unsalted mixed nuts handy for snacking. And as Altaira noted, you get great deals in the pharmaceuticals area.
When will that NZ trip be happening?
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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Altaira
Superuser
Jun 14 2024, 6:11pm
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It seems like there's never anything inexpensive when it comes to home repairs, doesn't it?
We didn't know this when we bought our house, but all the siding (except for the trim) is a low-maintenance material with the color is 'built in.' So, we'll never have to paint it. But, I bet it will give your place a new lease on life! Are you going to change the color, or leave it the same?
Love that song! Great for a road trip!
Enjoy your somewhat cool weekend!
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Altaira
Superuser
Jun 14 2024, 6:17pm
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How exciting for you! Just think of all the projects you'll get done in the garden and elsewhere. And, you already have a trip planned? You're going to do just fine at this retirement thing!
I *may* still have that one client. They merged with another company but it won't be finalized until later this year, so the jury is still out as to whether they'll need my services. Since the other company will be the dominant one, I'm thinking the answer will probably be 'no', but I'm fine either way.
Have a great weekend!!
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dernwyn
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Jun 14 2024, 6:19pm
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a lot of maintenance to be done - has it been a while since the house was last painted? Not quite stuff one can do on one's own!
That Christopher Cross song is an old favorite, and what an image you've evoked there!
Are the grandsons off for summer holiday yet?
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Jun 14 2024, 6:22pm
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...and may the teams you favor in the cricket and rugby matches do a bit better! 
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"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Jun 14 2024, 6:57pm
Post #11 of 69
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Hi all! Champagne please, barkeep!
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Last night I thought, 'I haven't been by the message boards for AGES - I wonder if I could catch Fiesta tomorrow?' So here I am! And that calls for champagne - not because you good folks should be celebrating me being here, but because I am celebrating this wonderful community!
And because I'm excited by what we saw this week of the upcoming WotR movie - and all the LotR goodies coming up. I hope you're all well; who'd like to join me for a glass of bubbles?
Cheers, one and all!
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
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Ethel Duath
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 7:01pm
Post #12 of 69
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I'll lift a glass of sparkling white grape juice.
Hope all is well!
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cats16
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 7:21pm
Post #13 of 69
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It's quite a humbling experience...
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...being stuck in a stadium parking lot, that is. Everyone seems to immediately fall back into their worse tendencies and attitudes. 
Gotcha, that's similar to what I've read and heard elsewhere re: the kind of products most folks get there! It seems like families obviously are a no-brainer for that kind of shopping, but it's good to know that just the two of you still find it useful. If nothing else, we'll surely get a couple of thousand steps out of it walking around!
And that's great re: the cruises. My girlfriend and her family did a lot of cruises growing up and she's been subtly giving me hints she'd like to do one in the next few years. i think my biggest hangup is at this point in my life, I'm a "let's do all of the things" type of vacationer who wants to be on land zooming around different places on the ground. Perhaps one day, though.
Yes, dates are set! The second and third week of November, since Thanksgiving is very late this year. We're starting North (Auckland to Hobbiton, etc.) and working our way south to Queenstown. I think Wellington may come near the end, as my girlfriend's cousin (who is coming with) will only be in NZ for one week (not enough time, I know!), so we have to be really intentional with what we're doing while she's there. Some tough choices will be needed, but she's mostly defering to me since I've at least been to NZ before and can take some decent guesses as to what she'd like to do.
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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cats16
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 7:23pm
Post #14 of 69
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It's funny, I think the rest of my family would absolutely get a lot out of a membership - perhaps I can convince them, if nothing else!
NZ is the second and third week of November - which doesn't feel all that long from now, since it's somehow mid-June already. 
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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cats16
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 7:26pm
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It must seem surreal to say that. Fun that you've got a trip lined up already!
Hope the plant work is fun this weekend - we have some succulents I need to rehabilitate and/or move around a bit, as the fig tree in front of our apartment is (I think) stealing their sunlight.
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Jun 14 2024, 8:02pm
Post #16 of 69
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All is well with me, thanks - hope it is with you, too!
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
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Altaira
Superuser
Jun 14 2024, 8:07pm
Post #17 of 69
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*pops corks* Great to see you here, GD!
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Yes, lots of LOTR goodness coming our way. Thanks for doing such a great job keeping us informed on the Main Page.
Cheers to you (sip), cheers to our wonderful community (sip, sip) and cheers to more LOTR goodness (sip, sip, sip - *hic*)
Have great weekend, m'dear!
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Ataahua
Forum Admin
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Jun 14 2024, 8:23pm
Post #18 of 69
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I'll have a glass of 1420, thank'ee madam barkeep!
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For those who remember last week's drama, I had a meeting with my manager last Monday which resulted in him saying I'd have three more people assigned to the Public Information Management team during the emergency exercise. Let's just say I was sceptical - and I was right to be as only one other person turned up on the day. But we made it work - so much so that the Controller gave us a shout-out at the end of the exercise for making his job easier. (I slept damn well that night.)
On the flipside, when I got home afterward I discovered a plumbing issue of the smelly kind. The immediate problem was sorted but it needs a long-term fix, and I had the plumber back out yesterday along with a drainlayer to discuss what needs doing. (Living on something like a plateau between hills and the low coastline is great for avoiding natural disasters like floods and landslides but it does sweet-all for gravity-fed sewer systems.) It'll be a relief (pun) to get this issue sorted once and for all.
Tonight I'm off to dinner for work's Social Club mid-winter Christmas! It's Bollywood themed and we're eating at an Indian restaurant that I haven't been to before. So all's well that ends better!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
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Ethel Duath
Gondolin
Jun 14 2024, 8:37pm
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I have fond memories of that Ren. Faire where silneldor got us all together. I still have that picture of us all in front of some red, wooden structure ( a swing)?
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Annael
Elvenhome
Jun 14 2024, 8:45pm
Post #21 of 69
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we're expecting rain & thunderstorms over the weekend with temps in the low 60s. Next week temps go up and then down again. No one is really complaining; the longer it stays cool & the more it rains, the lower the fire danger is.
No immediate travel plans, but my friend I often go on trips with has put in for a timeshare in Perthshire, Scotland, next spring. I haven't been across the pond in 50 years so this feels big to me.
I'm getting a vicarious thrill by following the Race to Alaska, the 750-mile sail/paddle/row race from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. So far the winds have been very light to nonexistent, so even the sailor are paddling. But you never know. . . big winds are forecast for later today. I'm most intrigued by this dude, who is I believe well into his 70s and plans on pedaling a 12-foot capsule all the way.
https://r2ak.com/...team-barely-heumann/
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
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Greenwood Hobbit
Doriath
Jun 14 2024, 8:56pm
Post #22 of 69
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I'm having mine repainted pretty much the same as it was; it's a pale peachy-apricot, unlike the rest of the houses on the road which are white or pale cream - for cheapness, probably. I wanted to brighten things up a bit. Makes it easy for first-time visitors to find! The front gardens on either side of me are non-events, so my lush and varied greenery stands out very nicely against the colour.
I do like that song despite the subject matter, but the bloke doing backing vocals sounds like his dog just died... I think he could have tried a bit harder! We have heavy rain forecast and 12C to look forward to tomorrow; it's only 6 days to the Summer Solstice, for pity's sake! At this rate they'll be treating people for hypothermia at Stonehenge next week. Sheesh...
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Greenwood Hobbit
Doriath
Jun 14 2024, 9:04pm
Post #23 of 69
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place is starting to peel a bit. It's high time it had a facelift; it should be the last one that will be my problem! Even if I live long enough for it to need doing again, by then that willbe the least of my worries, I daresay. The boys don't finish school until 23rd July; they go back first week in September.Have a good weekend!
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Greenwood Hobbit
Doriath
Jun 14 2024, 9:09pm
Post #24 of 69
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I remember driving over the Erskine bridge
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over the River Clyde in Scotland en route to the Highlands, with Electric Light Orchestra's 'Hold on tight to your dream' playing. It's an elegant, slender bridge and I felt like I was flying. Happy days!
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Jun 14 2024, 10:39pm
Post #25 of 69
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That was such a fun gathering!
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I'd love to see that pic, if you can track it down! I still keep in touch with Sil and his family. And of course L.Ron and I are still great friends. There are no friends quite so great as TORn friends. So glad you are well!
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
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