This ice station zebra crap needs to stop!!

[Jess from VA]

I do not enjoy being confined to my house, but I'm not going outside to freeze my nuts and face off.

I keep a clean house, but do not love housework.  I ran my new amazingly efficient lightweight battery vacuum yesterday through the entire house (for something to do), and the amount of toxic fuzzy waste it collected in the clear catcher was disturbing.  I'm going to need to do this more than every other month.

I'm a fair cook, and have been spending time in the kitchen prepping food, cooking chicken breasts for my dinner salads, hard boiling eggs, cleaning the coffee pot and fridge.

I've got my old treadmill working and doing an hour a day on it INSIDE.

I'm moving my big humidifier around the house to help with the furnace burning the humidity down to bloody noses.

Eating food out of boredom is a poor hobby.

TV is less entertaining to me than ever before (and all the drug commercials make me angry).

Football season is almost done, and I HATE basketball.  

I email my few friends and bother all you fine fellows with my chronic posting here.  Talk to mom on the phone from time to time.  

The squirrels no longer visit my yard since all their friends and family have disappeared here.

There's not enough laundry to waste the power to run the machines.

I'm a bit of a prepper and have enough food and supplies to last until spring (except fresh produce) (and don't want salt on my truck driving to stores to just get out of the house).

I was a voracious reader all my life, kept every good book I ever read, have a tremendous library (fiction, biography, history, everything ever written by my favorite authors) but I've lost interest the last couple years, and crave activity over sitting and reading. 

My belly button lint is gone, and itchy crusty ears are greased.

What do you guys do to pass the wintertime indoors?

Bored sh!tless in VA.    
 

[Rams]

I do not enjoy being confined to my house, but I'm not going outside to freeze my nuts and face off.

SNIP

What do you guys do to pass the wintertime indoors?

Bored sh!tless in VA.    

Get yourself woman and you'll never run out of things to do.   

Rams   

[Jess from VA]

Well I figured that one was coming Ron.  

After 2 wives lost their minds and ran away (the last one cost me $90K in the split), I've sworn off women for the duration (I never cheated once ever, and never struck one in anger ever, although my last one took to punching me in the chest trying to start fights at the end).  I don't hate them, I love and adore them, and even have some fond recollection of horizontal exercise with them.  But I can never go through the pain and suffering (and cost) of a breakup again.  Friends absolutely, more than that, never again.  

Rentals are out too (not that I ever did that either).  

[Jersey mike]

Well I figured that one was coming Ron.  

After 2 wives lost their minds and ran away (the last one cost me $90K in the split), I've sworn off women for the duration (I never cheated once ever, and never struck one in anger ever, although my last one took to punching me in the chest trying to start fights at the end).  I don't hate them, I love and adore them, and even have some fond recollection of horizontal exercise with them.  But I can never go through the pain and suffering (and cost) of a breakup again.  Friends absolutely, more than that, never again.  

Rentals are out too (not that I ever did that either).  

Well, that answers that problem. I guess it’s a puppy for you then.

[mbramley]

 I get you on multiple points in this post. 10 degrees for a high today with -7 degrees tonight, not wind chills. I lived with a couple of women before I got married, those didn't go so well but not expensive. I had a great wife but I won't do it again. Neither marriage or live together. Not even a dog at this point.

[old2soon]

      I want to Know WHO is the irresponsible worthless idiotic sum gun who fergitted to pay that outside heat bill?    Even IF a partial payment had been mailed it would NOT have been this danged COLD!  Whoever the dummy is needs to be fired!!!  RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

I do not enjoy being confined to my house, but I'm not going outside to freeze my nuts and face off.

SNIP

What do you guys do to pass the wintertime indoors?

Bored sh!tless in VA.    

Get yourself woman and you'll never run out of things to do.   

Rams   

Please explain!

I do work from a list written by said woman which I assume is what you're referring to beyond a certain age. Guess I'll know when I get there. 

[Jess from VA]

I like animals, but I don't like anything that sh!ts in the house and smells like dog.

My wife of 20yrs (together) loved all creatures, mainly cats (multiple great big fluffy Himalayans who left gobs of sneezey fuzz all over the place, and usually used the stinking cat box but occasionally where you stepped in it and tracked it around the house.  And cat puke (from all that fur) on the floor.  And routine vet trips and bills.  And tripped over them and fell down the stairs.

We had those little turtles (you can get salmonella from), but you can't play with them and they never come when you call.

Women, pets and children are out.  I want activity but not responsibility (and yes there's some self-centered in that).  

[John Schmidt]

I get you on multiple points in this post. 10 degrees for a high today with -7 degrees tonight, not wind chills. I lived with a couple of women before I got married, those didn't go so well but not expensive. I had a great wife but I won't do it again. Neither marriage or live together. Not even a dog at this point.

Not so fast my friend. My first wife went astray after 31 yrs., the second passed away after nearly 30 years together. I was 81 and said "never again" until one Sunday morning I met a "younger than me" blonde, full of life and energy. She put life back in mine...so we tied the knot when I was 85, she 80. Granted, not all folks in that stage of life are able to take on such a venture, but our personal activities and health makes it possible. Yes, we have faced some health issues temporarily, but having someone to help you through it is worth it. Life is great but we do understand "that day" will come before too many more years. 

[mbramley]

I get you on multiple points in this post. 10 degrees for a high today with -7 degrees tonight, not wind chills. I lived with a couple of women before I got married, those didn't go so well but not expensive. I had a great wife but I won't do it again. Neither marriage or live together. Not even a dog at this point.

Not so fast my friend. My first wife went astray after 31 yrs., the second passed away after nearly 30 years together. I was 81 and said "never again" until one Sunday morning I met a "younger than me" blonde, full of life and energy. She put life back in mine...so we tied the knot when I was 85, she 80. Granted, not all folks in that stage of life are able to take on such a venture, but our personal activities and health makes it possible. Yes, we have faced some health issues temporarily, but having someone to help you through it is worth it. Life is great but we do understand "that day" will come before too many more years. 

  I understand. Me and my wife were together for about 20+ years. She truly was my soulmate. I can't tell you how often people told me we were a natural pair / made for each other. When she passed away from cancer it took a long time to "find myself" again. I do have a girlfriend and we both keep our own homes. Having her in my life is both fun and frustrating. She thinks the frustrating part is her job. She was at Inzane 24. A dog I wouldn't mind again as long as I could set up a way he could go with me on the Valk. I prefer Labs and almost made a trailer for him but wondered about the exhaust right in front of him. Now he is gone too.

[Jess from VA]

one Sunday morning I met a "younger than me" blonde, full of life and energy.  She put life back in mine...so we tied the knot when I was 85, she 80.

You're a lucky man John.  

Although luck probably has nothing to do with it.  

[Oss]

the ability (or inclination) to be able to listen a whole lot more than one speaks
is IMHO essential

Not nearly everything I am told by my spouse requires me to come up with a solution

So I will ask, do you want a solution or just to listen attentively  lol

There was a youtube video, difference between men and women brains that was helpful for both of us

here it is in part   well worth a listen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29JPnJSmDs0&t=17s

[f6john]

After 52 years with the same woman, wow, would I be lost! I certainly wouldn’t know if I could ever be with someone else but not sure if being alone would be bearable or not. Not looking forward to either option and maybe I’ll go first, but I’d hate to leave her alone too.

[Rams]

I had a great wife but I won't do it again. Neither marriage or live together. Not even a dog at this point.

About the only thing I can say is, put a wife and the dog in the trunk of your car and drive around (on a couple of bumpy pot holed roads).   Upon arriving back home, open the trunk and see which one is still happy to see you..................  

It a joke folks, I doubt I'd ever actually do that.

After 52 years with the same woman, wow, would I be lost! I certainly wouldn’t know if I could ever be with someone else but not sure if being alone would be bearable or not. Not looking forward to either option and maybe I’ll go first, but I’d hate to leave her alone too.

John, being in a very similar situation as yourself.   Don't know about you but, I'd also be lost without my Army issued soul mate.   She takes care of me whether I need it or not and while driving I get the added benefit of driving instructions, navigation and questioned on why I did or didn't turn at that last intersection, why I'm driving too slow or fast, when to brake and/or speed up and asked if I saw that (whatever) about a half mile back.   Yep, no doubt I'd never get  to the intended destination without all that help.  

Rams   or    You decide.

[Chrisj CMA]

Hardly resembles Florida today. I had to get this picture

[Jess from VA]

Ron, I take it she doesn't read this forum. 


Jeff, heck of a picture man.  Time to put up the top though.   

[Avanti]

Hardly resembles Florida today. I gad to get this picture

Need something to do!  30 seconds for the picture 3 hours of cleaning.

[Rams]

Ron, I take it she doesn't read this forum. 

Jess,
The truth is, we have frequent "discussions" about all the driving assistance I receive.   That's about all I'm gonna say, she may read this forum, I don't know.  Besides that, I don't have a dog and the Solstice doesn't have a trunk big enough. 
Not that I would consider such things.   I only give martial advice.   

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Ron I taught my (Turkish) wife to drive (and ride MCs), and did the best I could.  She passed all her written and driving tests.

My problem was that although I taught her the proper and safe way to drive, I still tended to hot rod my cars, blow through traffic, time red lights, with routine over the limit but safe and careful driving.  And I practically never got performance award tickets.

So she just naturally took to my partially hooligan behavior (monkey see, monkey do), but lacked the requisite skills to do so safely, and did get tickets.  And insurance increases (on my dime).  And took took to blowing the horn at anyone in her way, instead of the brakes.  (classic aggressive driving)  

This became a hot button marital issue for years.  I thought getting her an extended cab Dodge Dakota truck might slow her down, but I was wrong.     And then she ran out and put headers/mufflers on it, which sounded great, but of course broadcasts you to everyone (and the cops) as a hooligan.

Eventually, the solution was we each drove our own cars most of the time, but when together I was the driver, or I wouldn't go.  Which of course pissed her off.

To my knowledge, she's never had her license revoked, so there's that.
 

11 degrees this morning.  Looks like this Sunday we will finally return to usual warmer 40s in daytime.

In the meantime, I've taken to closing all my curtains, blinds and roll downs to add some minimal (R1 ?) extra insulation to the house (even with good upgrade double pane, gas filled windows throughout).  It makes the house dark, but it seems appropriate to being like a freekin' bear in his cave in winter hibernation.        

[scooperhsd]

John - you were so lucky to find Nancy. Enjoy whatever time the two of you have together.

Evan - I'm still trying to wrap my head around that "not every complaint needs a solution".

Mostly - since Gwen got her disability approved (first try - it paid to get a disability advocate lawfirm), we mostly stay around to take care of each other. And since I'm moving into the VA healthcare system - it's like we're entering a new phase of life.

[Hook#3287]

Hardly resembles Florida today. I gad to get this picture

Need something to do!  30 seconds for the picture 3 hours of cleaning.

Hahahaha, do ya think he drags into the house like the Valk? 

Jess, not even going to comment on the women aspect, but I can suggest looking into one of those large hockey puck looking suck machines for floor maintenance.

I bought one years ago and after coughing and wezzing the first couple go's, it's doing well.

Bought another for the second floor.

[Jess from VA]

Jess, not even going to comment on the women aspect, but I can suggest looking into one of those large hockey puck looking suck machines for floor maintenance.

I assume you're talking about one of those Roomba robot vacuums Bill?

Years ago, I had a chance to try someone else's out, but it didn't work very well.  I have a house full of gorgeous handwoven (silk, wool and cotton) oriental Turkish carpets thrown down on all three floors over my miserable 50yo lumpy pile wall to wall carpet, and the thing wanted to suck up all the fringed edges of the Turk carpets.  And 3 floors and two stairwells was a problem too.

I could afford all new wall to wall and paint in my house, but I have so much heavy furniture and 200 framed pictures on all walls throughout, and antique and new copper, brass and bronze.  I just don't ever want to go through the commotion of a crew in my house doing all that. A couple people over the years who were inside my home said it looked like a small museum.  "Thanks, that's what I was going for."   

Like these: (no shoes in my house)

[Jess from VA]

Can I get a Hallelujah!!      

45 today, 40s and 50s (maybe even a 60) day-times for the foreseeable future.

40 is the new heat wave.

Wondering why the house is so quiet..... the furnace isn't running non stop. 

[Hook#3287]

Nice looking carpets, Jess

[Jess from VA]

Nice looking carpets, Jess

Thanks Bill.  Those are internet pictures, I don't take my own pictures and post them.  All pics I post on here are copy/paste internet pictures.

But they are just like mine.  Hand made carpets like these take months to years for one person to hand pull each knot.  The silk on cotton backing ones, have the tightest knots and are the most expensive.  I have two small ones, and they aren't on the floor to walk on.  In Turkey, I visited several of the oldest and most famous mosques. (Turkey has full freedom of religion, though mostly Islam, there are also Christian churches.  And everyone of every denomination (or none) is free to visit any church, except during prayers)

The Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul is a huge beautiful mosque.  It took eight years to build and was completed in 1557, a tribute to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent.  These mosques all over the country usually have giant handmade carpets spread out over the central floors, and are hundreds of years old and threadbare in places.  The most famous ones have new carpet.









I hung out in these carpet shops often during my two tours over there, and spent most of my money in them.

[cookiedough]

walking, doing stuff, outside in the cold is not that bad as long as you dress for it.  Then again,  single digit temps and I try to stay inside nowadays, no more neg 15 degrees trips out for me like I use to do long ago.  The 10+ mph winds surely do not help though when very cold out even say 25 degrees out with stronger winds puts a damper on outdoor activities.

speaking of vacuuming, we got a new bagless (container traps dirt) shark vacuum cleaner and truly amazes me no pets just the 2 of us how vacuuming 1 or 2x's per month we get a wad of dirt/fuzz, etc. about the size of a softball in that plastic container. 

I have been trying to walk 1-3 miles every weekend now outside tromping on trails thru the woods this winter in hopes of being able once again to be able to walk 5-6 miles per day like I should be able to.  Running/jogging days are LONG gone.  I even bought newer tennis rackets and just tonight bought a good used 4 racket set of pickleball, of which after reading the WAY too complicated rules, I think I will just make up my own rules similar to tennis since been playing tennis since a very young youth and will be playing outside once winter is over on a tennis court (pickleball). 

Now that football is basically over,  I should attempt to get back to ice fishing as well now that I think I can sit back on a 5 gallon bucket with boat cushion.  I have a few lakes nearby I have not ice fished in a very long time would be good to not only walk out but also to drill ice holes and see if I can catch a freezer full of panfish like I use to do years ago. 

not into retirement yet unfortunately, but would like to start traveling mostly out west to colorado, utah, wyoming, montana since never been there either before get too outta shape again to see the sights. 

[Jess from VA]

Cookie, my daily walking for going on 2 years every single day (miss maybe 5 a year), has done more for my physical and mental health than I would have ever believed.  It was brought on by a couple health scares that turned out to be nothing.  I circle around and through my big neighborhood for about 2.5 miles, never running or jogging, but a good marching walk with arm swing.  Jogging is too hard on ankles, knees and hips and it would be easy to twist something up then be out of action, maybe for weeks.  I tell people... if you see me running, you better run too.  

My neighborhood has sidewalks, but not everywhere, and some is good and flat, but much is badly heaved up and cracked.  I prefer the streets which have the best surface, but since covid and no law enforcement ever again, people regularly haul ass at 40-50mph (in a 25) and you take your life in your hands in my streets.

Weight loss was never a goal, but I was a pudgy 190 at 5'9" even with a decent diet.  My diet got better with starting walking, getting rid of most carbs and sugar and fat.  Nothing radical, just more fruit, vegetables and grain, and big chopped up chicken breast dinner salads with olive oil.  And it's not like I don't ever eat any junk, but I only have a little as a treat now and then.  After long months of this, I started losing weight and it kept going, and now I go around 160 (30lbs of belly gone).  I had to buy new pants, people started telling me I looked like an old refugee with my old ones belted in.

And I had chronic low back pain/problems and Achilles tendonitis with ankle problems on both sides for many years, and all that is now completely gone.

Last summer's heat was the worst here in 35 years, and I began walking at the grey of dawn (won't go in the dark) to avoid it.  Then this recent snap of frigid weather with snow and ice made it really hard for walking.  Even bundled up, the very cold wind chills (all the time) froze my face off.  So even though a big part of my daily walk was to just get out my house, I dusted off my big old treadmill (which I hadn't used in years), and have been going 2.5mph for an hour daily for a week, and it's even easier on my old body than the streets and walks (perfectly flat surface and cushioned).  And I don't have to bundle up, and can listen to nice music and have sips of cold water, and best of all when I have to pee I can just hit pause and do it, rather than having to find some spot in my neighborhood that's private enough to not offend or piss people off (which is not easy in suburbia).

And it's not hard or exertional to walk, it just takes time every day.  You don't get results for a good while either, but you will.  Bicycling may be another plan, but not in my traffic. 

I feel better, chronic disability is gone, I lost 30lbs, I sleep better, and I think better.  I'm in better shape in my 70s than I've been since my 40s.  It's not like I want to live forever, I just don't want to live an old age of ever advancing disability.  

My dad the former US Marine SSgt (and best man I ever knew) gave me my discipline and motivation in life, and he started hard running in his mid 50s, and blew out both knees in short order, and got both replaced.  And died hard from prostate cancer some years later.  And doctors thought I had prostate cancer (but I didn't), which scared the crap out of me.  And that's how all this got started.  

Keep at it brother.  Create a plan, and stick with it.  Look for used treadmills; most end up with stuff piled on them anyway.

Sorry if this sounds too much like a sermon.

 

[Robert]

 

All of this post can pretty much be contributed to an old term

CABIN FEVER, LOL

Really enjoyed this though,

Thanks but it will be warmer soon.

Keep up the good work.