BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 31 Oct 25 - 06:49 PM

keberoxu, there are a few simple tips for using a microwave oven safely. Generally I find the microwave is really very useful, when I use it for some specific types of cooking, defrosting or reheating.

The most important things to remember are not to place anything metal in the oven, even plates with metallic decorations, and not to overheat.

I have some tricks e.g. making a "boiled" egg using small cups to cook egg. I bought a set of four from the cheap shop for a few dollars. They work well. I set the temperature on medium, cook for a total of about 2 to 2.5 minutes, but do it one minute at a time and check whether it is done to your liking.

I also make scrambled eggs in a mug. I put a teaspoon or two of oil in the mug, swirl it around to cover the inside, crack the egg(s) and add them - I usually only do two at a time - add some milk (about a third of a cup for two eggs), a pinch of salt, sometimes a few drops of tabasco sauce. Then the same timing as the "boiled" egg but stirring between each cooking time.

I use the defrost setting and check between each cooking time, but I use the lowest setting to defrost chicken because it can start to cook on the defrost setting. I usually stop the defrosting a little before it has finished to allow the food to defrost on its own.

In the BS: Things to put in a stew thread I added some ideas for steaming vegetables, especially greens like asparagus, green beans or broccoli.

I also make a pot of real coffee and keep it in the frig and then reheat it in the microwave in a mug with milk, on high, 2 mins 15 seconds.

There are so many quick and easy things to use it for, although it doesn't suit some foods or cooking processes.

Have fun and enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Oct 25 - 12:06 PM

Living dangerously, keb! Microwaves are a great convenience, but the main problems are overcooking and splatter. Find a durable cover (intended for microwave use) to save yourself a lot of cleanup.

I had the beginnings of The Talk with my daughter last night, spelling out that her father is having difficulties right now that aren't typical for him. It may be a medication he's on. We were talking via a video call and she looked like she was going to cry. We've been divorced for 25 years, were together for 20 before that, and have managed to stay good friends, but legally she is the relative who needs to be aware of his health.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 31 Oct 25 - 09:27 AM

I just used a microwave oven for the first time in my life.
The apartment I moved into four months ago is the first I have ever lived in
that has a microwave oven. I was scared to try it.
I didn't do anything difficult - just instant oatmeal.
And nothing blew up or blew out or anything. It worked fine.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Oct 25 - 06:46 PM

Welcome back, Mrrzy.
Some time ago I sent a PM to Senoufou,
and there has been no response, I'm sorry to report;
in the past she has PM'd me back, but not this year.

Glad things are better for you now.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Mrrzy
Date: 28 Oct 25 - 05:37 PM

Hi folks, been a while - it got bad but it is better.

Fred, so sorry.

Any news of Senoufou?

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 26 Oct 25 - 05:55 PM

About 10 years ago I was looking for something at the camping supplies store and noticed a solar charging camping light. It was reasonably priced so I bought it. We keep it on a sunny windowsill and forget it is there until a power outage occurs and it is the first thing I look for to place it in a good clear space. It works every time. We have not - yet - had a power outage at night which lasted long enough for the lantern to run out of power so it has done the job admirably.

I was on the phone to my Dad many years ago and suddenly there was a very loud, very scary explosion near the side street fence. The transformer on the power pole had gone boom. The landline phone went dead and a few hours later when I phoned Dad after the power was restored he told me he thought I had just hung up on him. I worried that he had been upset for all that time, thinking I had hung up on him, but he was ok. In more recent years a transformer exploded further up the street and people from neighbouring streets were standing in our street investigating source of the loud noise.

Our neighbourhood is a good community, so when disaster strikes we help each other out. We had a huge wind storm nearly 20 years ago and the big solid-looking tree near our back fence was blown over into the neighbours' yard and cut their electricity line. One of our other neighbours lent us a very long electrical cord and we plugged it in at our place and put it over the fence to keep their essentials on. It's a good feeling living in a good community.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Oct 25 - 04:59 PM

Staying comfortable and safe during a power outage was the exercise this weekend. I heard more from the neighbor up hill from me than I have in ages, but our three houses at this end of the block seemed to be the ones that finally solved the mystery of why our whole long block was without power. We compared notes and the power company guys finally went door to door till they found the transformer that had popped open when an event uphill blew out the power. A lightning strike started it.

One neighbor has a generator and runs a line across the fence to me to help keep the fridges cold and run an electric kettle and a lamp; the other neighbor doesn't have a generator but they own a second house a few miles from here and can bug out to that location.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 24 Oct 25 - 07:20 PM

keberoxu, I was sitting in a waiting room yesterday while my Hubby had a long consultation about a recent surgical procedure. A woman came in, sat down and proceeded to make conversation with two women sitting nearby. She appeared to have very little constraint on asking them personal questions and they responded without it appearing to worry them. They left soon afterwards and the woman looked around for the next person to have a conversation with. I was across the room, out of range so she proceeded to ask personal questions of a man sitting near her, and giving him some of her own personal information as well. He did not engage very much and luckily the woman's son came in to take her home.

I could see similarities to your recent encounters. The woman I observed did not probe very deeply but she definitely overstepped the usual boundaries of casual conversation with strangers.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Oct 25 - 09:25 PM

Would it be too ironic for you to throw her a little moving party? ;-) Drinks and trays of cheese and crackers?

I've been tending to mobility issues for my ex husband who developed a nasty case of sciatica last week. We think we know how it happened (a terrible sofa that he sat on to watch TV in the evenings) and he's under a doctor's care, but I've been taking him to and from those appointments, picking up prescriptions, and doing some food shopping. Today he is noticing an improvement. We tend to take turns with assistance on health issues, driving each other to appointments when we're not supposed to drive ourselves, etc.

I've bought a lot of goodwill in the neighborhood this summer with an excellent garden, giving away eggplant, tomatoes, and okra. One never knows when those brownie point may come in handy, but we've worked on keeping a friendly relationship despite contrasting politics.

Early next month a friend is going to a hearing about her disability claim and I seem to be the designated driver (or at least, attendee - she will navigate to the building in her mobility chair, and I'll meet her at the entrance and hold onto her stuff while she's in the hearing.) The chair is so heavy that there is no loading it in a car and driving it anywhere. In the current environment with hostility to those needing services, we hope to get it right.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 23 Oct 25 - 05:22 PM

yah!

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 23 Oct 25 - 10:03 AM

The nosy neighbor moves to assisted living next week. Can't wait.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Oct 25 - 12:01 PM

keberoxu, the move and the decision she is making to stop driving show a self-awareness that is heartening. It sounds like she chooses to be Mrs. Kravitz (Bewitched), so perhaps the move will cause her to rethink the relationships with those left behind in the building.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 17 Oct 25 - 10:20 AM

An update on a previous post.

I posted about a nosy floor-neighbor who got on my nerves. We live on the same floor of an independent-living wing in a retirement community.

I received unexpected news. She's moving. Not leaving the retirement community, not at all: she is changing from independent living to assisted living, for health reasons. She has an unspecified heart condition and one of the symptoms is dizziness and faintness. Recently she fell, and she was going around with two black eyes. After that fall, she made the decision to move to assisted living. She will also sell her car so she doesn't take the risk of driving any longer in her condition.

I am selfishly so relieved that she will be out of my independent living wing and I will not see her in the hallways all the time. She has been a little better behaved since I spoke to her that last time. But she remains her old self and is an annoyance to me. I have to watch my mouth, because she has been here for years and many of the people on my floor consider her a friend; they would not like it if they knew how I really feel about her. It's a comfort to come to this thread and unload about my real feelings. Thanks for listening.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 25 - 08:03 PM

A friend of mine was homeless for two years though she didn't panhandle, she tended to use the homeless shelters and not sleep rough. I've asked her a few questions about what people need when they are literally carrying everything they own in a pack or rolling suitcase or in a shopping buggy from a local grocery store. I've worked out what might be useful as far as on-the-spot donations beyond the simple bottle of water and $5 bill I usually have in the car. I've figured out a few things to have in the car that can be offered, depending on the conditions - usually at a traffic light near the highway on and off ramps. A bottle of water, a small kit with toiletries, some durable portable foodstuffs. Packages of alcohol wipes, etc. And a few cotton string shopping bags that compress very small but can stretch out a lot if need be.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 08 Oct 25 - 06:28 PM

I get it, SRS: "Helps others helps ourselves."

Three little stories from the few last weeks.

I went to the shops and saw a woman standing next to a tall plant stand, vomiting into it. I was in two minds on whether to ask if she was ok, but when I did she just said she felt a bit sick and didn't seem to need assistance.

And, in the last few months there has been a man sitting outside a cafe, but inside the shopping complex. He looks like he is homeless but I didn't want to offend him by asking. I am also a bit wary of offering coins to people within the bounds of the shopping centres because sometimes the people working there are not happy about it.

A couple of days ago I saw him sitting on a bench outside the building. I went over and said that I didn't want to offend him but I was wondering if he needed a bit of money. He said he wasn't offended and yes he needed money so I gave him a few dollars. He smiled and told me I can offend him as much as I want, and I said "I will".

There have been a few homeless people who are no longer around. I worry that something bad has happened but then I try to be optimistic and hope that they have managed to find a better life situation for themselves. I especially worry about the women and there was also a person who could be transgender. I think they are vulnerable on the streets.

Another man I used to give money to in a nearby suburb has passed away recently. There were news articles about him after he passed and a lot of the local people expressed joy at knowing him and sadness that he is now gone. I had been worried because I hadn't seen him for a while and he always looked very unwell.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 25 - 05:06 PM

A note - that wasn't intended as a brag, but as a way to illustrate the things that help us all feel better. Helps others helps ourselves.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Oct 25 - 06:51 PM

Excellent outcome, keberoxu! Do you have any other upcoming events to review? I recently looked at the list of free and inexpensive events and performances on the university campus I retired from - and am thinking that now is a good time to get out to events with friendly crowds.

I finally went to Walmart today and I park on the far side of the lot to avoid the more dense traffic and to walk the extra steps. As I left the store I trotted past a woman standing with both hands on a tall bollard near the door. When I glanced at her she made eye contact indicating she needed help. I asked if she was ok, and she said she needed to get to the door and a cart to hold onto, so I took her hand, and in those few steps she said the cart would help but the electric shopping buggy would be best. I left her clutching a cart and headed back out to the spot south of the door where I had passed a woman with the mobility cart who just finished loading her car.

I figured how to turn it on and move forward - they turn on a dime! I putted back to the doorway and got her seated and the cart returned to the queue. She apparently has had four strokes in the last year, something to do with kidney disease, and her husband dropped her off before parking the car. It was a brief interaction but to that little Hispanic woman who probably felt invisible, I was glad to help.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Oct 25 - 05:27 PM

YAH!!!

You are a published author, good onya!

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 07 Oct 25 - 05:09 PM

The retirement community newsletter printed my review;
they did so while the newsletter editor was away.
Today the editor, who has returned, buttonholed me to tell me
that he was very pleased with my review
and he hopes I will contribute more to the newsletter in the future.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 05 Oct 25 - 06:55 PM

Keberoxu,

gone but not forgotten brings a smile. As we go through life we encounter all sorts and , if we're lucky, the good will be greater in number.

The group in Santa Fe had a lasting effect on you, and I wish you many more years of fond memories of them,

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Oct 25 - 04:31 PM

Keb, if you were to reproduce a short list of the repertoire, would any of the musical groups you're active with now be interested in a one-off event (or use them for a holiday party just for the group itself)? Let yourself be the resource, offer others a look at what that group did.

Just a thought.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 05 Oct 25 - 03:47 PM

That is sad, keberoxu, but they achieved a lot in working together, enjoying their musical performances, and entertaining and inspiring people.

British music hall repertoire is not, as the Brits say, "everyone's cup of tea" so there might not have been many people who wanted to keep up that specific local tradition. On the other hand, they may have inspired many others to get involved in other musical or theatrical interests.

My Sis and her Hubby have been very involved for decades in their local amateur theatre group. They have both performed in shows, directed some shows, they volunteer in many ways, and they have been heavily involved in the working committee which keeps the theatre group going. They are both musical as well.

One of the forward-thinking parts of the theatre group is that it has also had a young people's theatre group for many decades so younger people are being inspired to get involved in whatever way it suits them. There are also a large variety of types of plays performed, so many theatrical interests have been catered to over the decades.

You can look back with admiration at what those theatrical and musical people achieved in Santa Fe.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 Oct 25 - 09:09 AM

I just learned that a cherished old tradition is overwith.

I lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a couple of years.
That town had some performers, including an accomplished pianist,
who fancied British music hall repertoire.

Every year they would stage something they called West End Christmas.
THey would dress in costume, open the show with God Save the Queen (as it was then),
and perform a whole evening of music hall songs.

I looked this up on Google, only to discover that
several of the main performers, including the pianist, have died.
I doubt that there is anyone to take their place now they are gone.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Oct 25 - 10:45 AM

The community newsletter printed my review, and I have had people comment on it to me.
One person thought I wrote it "tongue-in-cheek".
In fact there were numerous contributions to the newsletter this issue
from people who don't normally submit anything,
so I had a lot of company. That's a nice feeling, not being alone.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 04 Oct 25 - 03:22 AM

Helen,

I lost my parents 15 years ago, mum first and dad just weeks later.

We become an orphan when we lose our parents. As a child,Dad wanted me to follow in his footsteps and be a butcher and mum wanted me to be a black & white minstrel, which always makes me chuckle :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 03 Oct 25 - 04:21 PM

I should have also said families - and good friends - are the foundation of our lives.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 03 Oct 25 - 03:28 PM

Fred, I'm glad the funeral went well.

A couple of days ago my Hubby and I made a long trip there and back in one day to see his Mum who has had worsening dementia for the last few years and it looks like she is nearing the end. We expect to make the trip again soon for her funeral.

My Mum passed just over 20 years ago and my Dad passed 15 years ago. I miss them both but some of my best memories are from the 9 am phone calls every Sunday morning after I left home. We would talk for at least an hour about all sorts of things. Mum was the communicator, a genuinely loving and caring person with a lot of empathy and compassion, and a deep understanding of people and their situations. Dad was a bit more shy, but when Mum passed I phoned him. His first comment was that he really didn't know if I would phone him and the first couple of conversations were fairly short but over time we started to really talk about the things which mattered to us.

Those conversations, more than the chatter at family gatherings, helped us to really get to know each other as adults. They are my best memories of both of them. My sister and her family lived in the same suburb as them and she would visit them with her husband and children but I often would say something that I had learned in the phone conversations which my Sis knew nothing about.

Cherish the memories, the good times as well as the not so good. Families are the foundation of our lives.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 03 Oct 25 - 11:45 AM

Thanks, Maggie, you've helped more than you know.

Stay safe :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Oct 25 - 11:27 AM

Reflection on your lives together and when they diverged, what you talked about as adults, the important things she shared with you, there is a lifetime of that ahead. If there are songs or stories to be told about those times, make notes for yourself.

Safe travels.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 03 Oct 25 - 09:13 AM

The funeral was yesterday

Full church of mourners as Maureen had many part-time jobs including Oxfam, Sainsbury's, veterinary receptionist and a church warden.

Now the road trip home. It's a long one but I don't mind that.

See you later, big sis :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 11:53 AM

Better an invitation to someplace nearby; the sturm und drang of a trip to Texas would not be soothing. Dave is a good judge of what he can handle, I'm sure that invitation wasn't gratuitous. ;)

Humor is always helpful; binging old programs you like that have laugh-out-loud material feel good. (Years ago I remember pulling up goofy things like The Golden Girls and The Carol Burnett Show, but other more recent comedy series will also do the trick.)

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 06:44 AM

PMs should be private but I felt that needed to be shared as it shows him in his true colours :)

Thanks Dave

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 05:50 AM

You've all helped more than you know. Thanks to you, and others, I can see a way ahead.

Dave the Gnome has been there in PMs, making generous offers, inviting me to stay at his. Dave, I can't possibly put you through THAT :)

Thanks again all

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 05:38 AM

Gentle, soothing breezes.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 04:45 AM

cooling breezes

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 01 Oct 25 - 03:26 AM

Fred, re the BS label: at some point in the history of the BS threads someone posted the suggestion that it refers to Breeze Shooting rather than the more common reference. I like Breeze Shooting as an alternative name. It's friendly, companionable and welcoming.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 03:56 PM

Our friend Keberoxu has had several of these threads going through the years at Mudcat. A calm corner, a cuppa tea or coffee, exchanging small important tidbits of information and memories. Jerry Rasmussen has a kitchen table thread that kind of does the same thing. Those might be the best places to look for company for a little while.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 02:43 PM

Thank you, Helen :)

I'm remembering the good things here, the humour because, well if Maureen had any bad, I couldn't see it.

She was bossy, sometimes, but when I needed her, she wouldn't be found wanting.

I'm getting there, thanks to my wife, friends and people on this forum, not least those who run it.

Special thanks to you all

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Helen
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 02:12 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, Fred.

My sister is my "Irish twin". She is 11 months older than me but we ended up in the same year of school until the end of high school. We have always been more like best friends than just sisters.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 02:03 PM

Thank you, Gilly, very kind :).

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: gillymor
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 12:28 PM

I've logged in for a moment to express my condolences, Fred. Sisters are such a precious gift.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 11:29 AM

One day we were in the village shop buying sweets. A lady behind the counter asked "Who's little boy are YOU?" I replied "I'm my mother's little boy". All the women laughed and I didn't know why.

As we left the shop, Maureen said "You silly little fool!" and made me walk home a few paces behind her.

I guess we'd be about 6 years old :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 07:52 AM

your Big sister!

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 30 Sep 25 - 05:32 AM

Sandra,

Thank you :)

I remember I was talking about a blacksmith who lived down a lane in the village when we were 5-6 years old and Maureen said "You can't remember THAT because I can only JUST remember it!" That's an example of how she saw those 8 minutes as years :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 06:09 PM

even 2 minutes would be enough ...

wishing you peace

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 03:19 PM

Sorry, that should have been eight minutes older. Not much good at this at the moment

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 11:44 AM

Stilly,

Maureen loved classical music but she wasn't a musician. She was twelve minutes older than me. Not much, is it? But she never let me forget it :)

She was my big sister and what she meant to me, I can't explain.

Thank you for your kindness :)

-F

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 11:30 AM

I'm so sorry about your sister; the impulse to logon where there are people to talk to was a good one, it just wasn't the right discussion, is all. When I'm feeling down there are programs I can't stand to watch, some kinds of music don't appeal. A political discussion isn't soothing.

Kebroxu and Mrrzy and Senoufou (we haven't heard back from her in ages, how is she doing?) among others will tell you that venting in a thread like this one is helpful.

You've participated in a lot of the guitar threads here on Mudcat; was your sister also musical? Did you both play and sing (the unique quality of family harmony is something that has been discussed here in various threads, I'm sure!)

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: keberoxu
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 11:29 AM

Condolences on the loss of your twin sister, Fred,
that must be devastating.

Subject: RE: BS: stay out of trouble thread (stay afloat)
From: Fred
Date: 29 Sep 25 - 11:09 AM

I made the mistake of logging in and going to the Brexit thread after being told my twin sister had suffered a fatal heart attack.

If you ask me why I logged on, it's because I didn't want to be alone. Maybe to get into a discussion would help. It didn't. I got involved in a discussion that normally I could have seen for what it was: harmless.

But I really wasn't thinking straight.

It's a lesson learned.

-F