What’s on your mind?

[Herdfan]

That describes me. While my wife and daughter still want and look forward to physical objects, I usually request “experiences”, e.g.; take me out to a play, treat me to hot air balloon brunch, let’s go on a zip line, etc

I agree. Had a "conversation" with my BIL over Thanksgiving about us not coming for Christmas. He was quite annoyed that we weren't coming because his mom (my MIL) really likes to have everyone in the house all staring at each other and at 88, this could be her last Christmas.

But we are in a new house and it is now a 4 hour flight and not a 4 hour drive, so we are staying home.

But I told him that back when our daughter was 8-12 all I wanted to do was take her on a Disney Cruise over Christmas. But every time my wife broached the subject, her mom would use guilt, crying, or any other emotional blackmail she could to get us not to go.

So I explained this to my BIL that his mom had stolen an wonderful experience from her granddaughter and from us as parents getting to witness it. He had no idea his mom had done that. He was less insistent on us coming after that.

On a side note, the wife and I bought a house present today: a Blackstone griddle. So we will be making use of it Christmas morning.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I agree. Had a "conversation" with my BIL over Thanksgiving about us not coming for Christmas. He was quite annoyed that we weren't coming because his mom (my MIL) really likes to have everyone in the house all staring at each other and at 88, this could be her last Christmas.

But we are in a new house and it is now a 4 hour flight and not a 4 hour drive, so we are staying home.

But I told him that back when our daughter was 8-12 all I wanted to do was take her on a Disney Cruise over Christmas. But every time my wife broached the subject, her mom would use guilt, crying, or any other emotional blackmail she could to get us not to go.

So I explained this to my BIL that his mom had stolen an wonderful experience from her granddaughter and from us as parents getting to witness it. He had no idea his mom had done that. He was less insistent on us coming after that.

On a side note, the wife and I bought a house present today: a Blackstone griddle. So we will be making use of it Christmas morning.

The pressure to visit family at Christmas can be intense. My parents and Mrs are divorced and each year when Miss AFB was little we had to try and fit everyone in.
So Christmas Day would involve 7 hours of driving for me.
Anyway one year I’d had enough (I think it was the year there was a mix up with the timing of our visit and both my parents assumed we would be there for Christmas dinner!). I said we would no longer spend Christmas Day in the car. People were welcome to visit, or we would see them other times, but I wanted to let our daughter open her presents without having to be somewhere else or have to rush and get into the car.
It went down like a lead balloon. Anyway shortly after that Mrs AFB Mum passed away and her Dad cut off all contact. So we were down to just two people to visit.

Glad all that is in the past. Now December 25th is just a day off work.

Who needs all that pressure?

 

[rm5]

Was just playing around with the Vintage B3 plugin in Logic, and man, it sounds amazing!! Better than I would expect for something that comes built-in. Was even able to assign lower and upper manuals, etc. on my controller. My controller doesn't have a good action for playing organ on, but it worked well enough. Also, I was without an expression/swell pedal, so pulling out the drawbars made it super loud. Otherwise, it was a great experience!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Among other things, the beer I treated myself to, earlier today, is on my mind.

 

[decafjava]

I write here at work and it is 5:30 PM and dark. At least it was sunny today, Switzerland had record rainfall in November and into early December. Result: record flooding in may lakes and rivers, one small town in central Switzerland is even under water. In my town, Geneva, the lake and even more the two main rivers, the Rhone and Arve, hit record levels. The Arve nearly hit it's record of 2015 (about 1000 cubic metres/second) with well over 800 M /sec and and around 700-800 last week. We have dry weather over the next week so that will help calm things. Though I am not a fan of the cold at least it is sunny even with short days. Putting up with grey and days of rain is awful, it even causes skin (eczema) flare-ups. *Cue people from the British Isles rolling their eyes at my complaints about rain.* Seriously though it was worsened by snow melt.

On the positive end, one week ago, we had the farewell with our students, lunch in Montreux, excellent red wine (Bordeaux) was drunk by staff. We all went and perused the Xmas market and I also enjoyed mulled wine fortified with Willamine (pear eaux de vie) and, most unusual for me a non-smoker, enjoyed a cigar. I felt a bit light heasded after that and it made the less than favourable weather (grey and drizzle) better. I wish we had today's weather though.

 

[Herdfan]

the two main rivers, the Rhone and Arve, hit record levels. The Arve nearly hit it's record of 2015 (about 1000 cubic metres/second) with well over 800 M /sec and and around 700-800 last week.

Interesting that you measure flooding in by volume/second.

Here in the US we measure it based on a calculated flood stage or height. So a river may be 5' above or below Flood Stage.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I write here at work and it is 5:30 PM and dark. At least it was sunny today, Switzerland had record rainfall in November and into early December. Result: record flooding in may lakes and rivers, one small town in central Switzerland is even under water. In my town, Geneva, the lake and even more the two main rivers, the Rhone and Arve, hit record levels. The Arve nearly hit it's record of 2015 (about 1000 cubic metres/second) with well over 800 M /sec and and around 700-800 last week. We have dry weather over the next week so that will help calm things. Though I am not a fan of the cold at least it is sunny even with short days. Putting up with grey and days of rain is awful, it even causes skin (eczema) flare-ups. *Cue people from the British Isles rolling their eyes at my complaints about rain.* Seriously though it was worsened by snow melt.

On the positive end, one week ago, we had the farewell with our students, lunch in Montreux, excellent red wine (Bordeaux) was drunk by staff. We all went and perused the Xmas market and I also enjoyed mulled wine fortified with Willamine (pear eaux de vie) and, most unusual for me a non-smoker, enjoyed a cigar. I felt a bit light heasded after that and it made the less than favourable weather (grey and drizzle) better. I wish we had today's weather though.

Fascinating post, and the rainfall - and the consequent volume and velocity of water - sounds ominous.

While not pleasant (and I agree with you - I loathe the cold, and detest cold weather) - the anticipated cold spell should afford some relief re water levels and volumes.

And yes: Cue a roll of bespectacled eyes at complaints about the rain. Here, it feels as though it is incessant.

However, I hear you about the eczema flare-ups; this is something that I appear to be prone to on occasion, as well, as such skin sensitivities - which means that I can only wear natural fibres - is something I have had all of my life.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Interesting that you measure flooding in by volume/second.

Because this measures both volume and velocity.

 

[VulchR]

Because this measures both volume and velocity.

Well in the UK we just measure the speed of the unprocessed sewage in our rivers going by. 😖

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well in the UK we just measure the speed of the unprocessed sewage in our rivers going by. 😖

I hear you.

This, too, is all too dismally (and disgracefully) true.

 

[VulchR]

The healthy irreverence that the UK public has for their politicians is on my mind. I've lived in the UK for 30 years and still can't get used to it (my least favourite politician in the UK just won a 'D*ck of the Year' award 🦆).

 

[decafjava]

Believe me, I also am contemplating a beer or two, I will have to come in this weekend to meet the deadline-been the case every fall since we took on two separate study abroad programs. Runs easier in the spring semester.

As for Xmas, I wanted to put in my two cents. Ever since my father passed (in 2018) and also as I have stopped going home almost every year as I did since migrated back to Europe, I am no longer into the Xmas holiday. I enjoy the trappings and certainly some of the festive atmosphere (especially food) I really enjoy New Year a bit more. I don't put up decorations in my apartment - even when my Mom visited last year (she will spend the holidays with sis this time). I understand well those who wish nothing to do with this period, especially the crass commercialism, but also those who wish to mark it should do so. Live and let live.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I write here at work and it is 5:30 PM and dark. At least it was sunny today, Switzerland had record rainfall in November and into early December. Result: record flooding in may lakes and rivers, one small town in central Switzerland is even under water. In my town, Geneva, the lake and even more the two main rivers, the Rhone and Arve, hit record levels. The Arve nearly hit it's record of 2015 (about 1000 cubic metres/second) with well over 800 M /sec and and around 700-800 last week. We have dry weather over the next week so that will help calm things. Though I am not a fan of the cold at least it is sunny even with short days. Putting up with grey and days of rain is awful, it even causes skin (eczema) flare-ups. *Cue people from the British Isles rolling their eyes at my complaints about rain.* Seriously though it was worsened by snow melt.

On the positive end, one week ago, we had the farewell with our students, lunch in Montreux, excellent red wine (Bordeaux) was drunk by staff. We all went and perused the Xmas market and I also enjoyed mulled wine fortified with Willamine (pear eaux de vie) and, most unusual for me a non-smoker, enjoyed a cigar. I felt a bit light heasded after that and it made the less than favourable weather (grey and drizzle) better. I wish we had today's weather though.

We don’t call it rain here. Just sky. It’s always raining! Floods are the new normal.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The healthy irreverence that the UK public has for their politicians is on my mind.

Irreverence, yes, but not - not in a physical sense at least, that is, not most of the time (apart from appalling exceptions such as the murders of Jo Cox, and David Amess) - actually dangerous, or threatening - to the politician in question, which is, to my mind, healthy.

I remember (the original) Spitting Image with great affection; it was a rare must watch programme for me.

I've lived in the UK for 30 years and still can't get used to it (my least favourite politician in the UK just won a 'D*ck of the Year' award).

Ah.

I had to look that up.

Now, I had assumed that this has been awarded to a blond someone with artfully dishevelled hair who no longer resides in Downing Street, who would most certainly (almost permanently) qualify had I been tendering this award.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Believe me, I also am contemplating a beer or two, I will have to come in this weekend to meet the deadline-been the case every fall since we took on two separate study abroad programs. Runs easier in the spring semester.

As for Xmas, I wanted to put in my two cents. Ever since my father passed (in 2018) and also as I have stopped going home almost every year as I did since migrated back to Europe, I am no longer into the Xmas holiday. I enjoy the trappings and certainly some of the festive atmosphere (especially food) I really enjoy New Year a bit more. I don't put up decorations in my apartment - even when my Mom visited last year (she will spend the holidays with sis this time). I understand well those who wish nothing to do with this period, especially the crass commercialism, but also those who wish to mark it should do so. Live and let live.

I have no issue with people celebrating Christmas in whatever way they choose. What I object to is when people insist you should do the same.

Not overspending, overeating or having to visit anyone is just an added bonus!

 

[Apple fanboy]

Irreverence, yes, but not - not in a physical sense at least, that is, not most of the time (appalling exceptions such as the murders of Jo Cox, and David Amess) - actually dangerous, or threatening - to the politician in question, which is, to my mind, healthy.

I remember (the original) Spitting Image with great affection; it was a rare must watch programme for me.

Ah.

I had to look that up.

Now, I had assumed that this has been awarded to a blond someone with artfully dishevelled hair who no longer resides in Downing Street, who would most certainly (almost permanently) qualify had I been tendering this award.

I think he won it in the past if it’s the one they give out on The Last Leg.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Believe me, I also am contemplating a beer or two,

Enjoy your beer when you do get to drink it.

I will have to come in this weekend to meet the deadline-been the case every fall since we took on two separate study abroad programs. Runs easier in the spring semester.

Late working - to finish things up before the break - have long been a curse in academia.

I remember it well.

......Ever since my father passed (in 2018) and also as I have stopped going home almost every year as I did since migrated back to Europe, I am no longer into the Xmas holiday.

I never much cared for Christmas (not since my teens) - but others in the family (my father, especially) did, - he loved the whole family vibe of this time of the year - and thus, one enjoyed it for them, and the traditions were the traditions that my father (for the most part) celebrated and wished to acknowledge.

However, I hear you.

And I understand you.

Ever since my own mother died - just before Christmas, at almost midnight on the night of the December solstice in 2018, five years ago, now, astonishing - she loathed winter - any and all pleasure has gone out of Christmas for me.

In time, I may come to craft some new traditions of my own.

I enjoy the trappings and certainly some of the festive atmosphere (especially food) I really enjoy New Year a bit more. I don't put up decorations in my apartment - even when my Mom visited last year (she will spend the holidays with sis this time). I understand well those who wish nothing to do with this period, especially the crass commercialism, but also those who wish to mark it should do so. Live and let live.

Excellent and very well said; my position is pretty much the same as yours.

I haven't had any decorations up since the year my mother died, and, even then, as she was deteriorating, and deteriorating rapidly, we only decorated her room, and never got around to putting the tree up that year.

 

[jedimasterkyle]

Ranting about corporate capitalism so dont mind me...

How is it that companies and corporations can justify raising the prices of their products to ungodly and absurdly high prices BUT wiggle out of passing those dollars onto their employees?

I'm not talking about a single, specific company but just in general. The company I work for, who shall remain nameless, just announced that we have signed clients X, Y and Z to the tune of over $50 MILLION in new contracts for our services. However, this same company has said for the past THREE YEARS that they cannot give out raises to employees due to uncertain markets and reinvestments into the company.

Here's the kicker that I hate...

The US economy (and most other countries economies), at its core, is driven by people buying things. So my million dollar question is this: How can I, a consumer, stimulate the economy while being dirt ****ing poor!?!?

Their answer: Put everything on credit cards and just look the other way!

The double standard of being a driving force for the economy while having the expectation of not getting a better paying job or more money is absolutely insane to me. I've been to no less than 15 job interviews over the past three years and while I've come close to getting new jobs, I've come in second every time. Meanwhile, companies are raking in BILLIONS in profit but cry about having to pay their employees.

Carry on....

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The struggles, challenges, difficulties, my salt mills/grinders (mostly made by Peugeot, who had made their reputation with the manufacture of exceedingly good salt and pepper grinders long before they got into manufacturing cars, along with one excellent salt and pepper grinder set, a quarter of a century old, manufactured by the impressive US company Olde Thompson) are currently facing in our incessantly wet and wintry weather.

The pepper mills are fine.

But, the salt mills (grinders)....

They don't like it.

And neither do I.

 

[rm5]

What a strange gig I just played—yes, another weird one. ENTIRE band (trombone, bass, drums) couldn't make it because of bad weather, so it was me doing a three-hour-long solo set at an art opening. The crowd was really thin (about 20 people max) and by the end I was literally playing for the staff because no one was there. It was hard to figure out what to do because the crowd was basically nonexistent by the end of the first half. I ended up figuring it out, but if I'm honest, it got to be a little brutal by the end lol

 

[Scepticalscribe]

What a strange gig I just played—yes, another weird one. ENTIRE band (trombone, bass, drums) couldn't make it because of bad weather, so it was me doing a three-hour-long solo set at an art opening. The crowd was really thin (about 20 people max) and by the end I was literally playing for the staff because no one was there. It was hard to figure out what to do because the crowd was basically nonexistent by the end of the first half. I ended up figuring it out, but if I'm honest, it got to be a little brutal by the end lol

Is one of these missing people the individual who requested yet another rehearsal (running for a full four hours, having had three such rehearsals already)?

 

[rm5]

Is one of these missing people the individual who requested yet another rehearsal (running for a full four hours, having had three such rehearsals already)?

No, thank god! Those shows are tomorrow and Sunday.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

No, thank god! Those shows are tomorrow and Sunday.

Best of luck with them.

What a strange gig I just played—yes, another weird one. ENTIRE band (trombone, bass, drums) couldn't make it because of bad weather, so it was me doing a three-hour-long solo set at an art opening. The crowd was really thin (about 20 people max) and by the end I was literally playing for the staff because no one was there. It was hard to figure out what to do because the crowd was basically nonexistent by the end of the first half. I ended up figuring it out, but if I'm honest, it got to be a little brutal by the end lol

You did well, and I would simply put it down to experience.

However, given that winter has now arrived, and given your actual location, (where the winters are severe), I think that you can count on more unexpected absences over the coming months as a result of inclement conditions.

 

[rm5]

However, given that winter has now arrived, and given your actual location, (where the winters are severe), I think that you can count on more unexpected absences over the coming months as a result of inclement conditions.

That is very true. But, and I guess I didn't make this clear, I am back home for the break (and have been since Thanksgiving) in an arid climate - far away from the freezing winter. But my other bandmates happen to live in a rural town in the mountains, and they all got snowed in.

When I go back to Wisconsin in January though, I will experience the harsh winter first-hand.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

That is very true. But, and I guess I didn't make this clear, I am back home for the break (and have been since Thanksgiving) in an arid climate - far away from the freezing winter. But my other bandmates happen to live in a rural town in the mountains, and they all got snowed in.

When I go back to Wisconsin in January though, I will experience the harsh winter first-hand.

Ah, okay.

Firstly, I had forgotten entirely about Thanksgiving, and the fact that it is such an important break, and secondly, I hadn't realised that you had returned home, where it is nice and warm and dry, but had, instead, assumed that you were still in Wisconsin (where even I, safe across the ocean in Europe, am aware that the winters are harsh, long and severe).

Thus, I wasn't at all surprised to read of weather inspired problems - such as snow - giving rise to (inevitable) no-shows on the part of fellow musicians, because such weather would (or could) make travel next to impossible (sometimes at very short notice).