OT - NO POLITICS A Hazy Shade of Winter

[Ludwig Fell Down]

my twin 3rd graders take the “bike bus” to school every Friday. What’s that? Instead of taking the school bus, a group of up to 60 students, and several adults meet at the biggest bus stop in town and bike to school. They get signed in to school just as if they took the bus, and then they get dismissed to the bike bus and ride home to the same bus stop

I volunteered, so every Friday this school year I’ve been lugging my bike over to my ex’s house, donning a high vis vest and biking to and from school with the kids. I’m even the donkey that gets to step out into traffic and stop cars so a gaggle of children can ride down the middle of the street for the last 50 yards or so.

It’s actually been quite fun most days. A lot of the kids know me by name. My boys get a kick out of it. It’s become something that has grown and caught on throughout the school, and everybody looks forward to Fridays.

Tomorrow is gonna be in the teens.

woof

I used to do that with my daughters on occasion. It was awesome.

 

[Ludwig Fell Down]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

Great list!

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
No. I always remind the missus that the riskiest part of a trip is the drive to the airport.

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
No. But I'd still take the 10 Mil.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
Yes. I used to steal unusual flags and hang them in my bedroom as a teen. The best one was at a catering gig when we were catering for the JFK regatta. That flag was awesome. And some of my finest pilfering work.

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
My cousin's wedding in Ireland two summers ago. That was my first Irish wedding and they are not for the feint of heart. Mass at 1:30, reception started at 3:00, food started to be served around 5:30. At midnight, the band called it quits, DJ started playing, and sandwiches were served. I cashed it in around 1:30 am. My daughters kept going with my younger cousins until 3:30 am. The party broke up at 5:30 am.

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?
Sarcasm. My wife and brother have a recurring conversation as to why I don't get beat up on a regular basis.

 

[Alicat]

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
I don't fly United or American and I really try not to fly around or on 9/11 if I can help it.

International travel I do think about it. I had to register with the state dept when I went over to Manila for work.

I had to travel to Hoboken, NJ the week before the 15th anniversary and ground zero was across from my hotel room. Nothing like coming out of the shower and seeing the beams of light. Put a lot into perspective at that moment.

Lets just say I have a file with all my passwords and accounts that is accessable whenever I travel.

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question. It won't help with happiness but life would be much more comfortable for my family and I.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
Does realizing you didn't pay for the case of ginger ale when you get home count? I put the soda under my cart and completely forgot it was there while doing self check out.

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there? I'll go with my sister's wedding.

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism? I am passive aggressive unless the situation is really threatening and then I completely close off until the threat is gone.

 

[caz16]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1) No, I don't dwell on it at all.

2) I don't think it can buy happiness but I would use it to spread happiness.

3) Yes, on my 18th birthday I wanted to do something memorable so my friend and I took wire cutters and with some difficulty stood on each other's shoulders to reach the wire to the flags on the poles outside a condo. We got two of them and were so pleased. We went back to the apartment where I was living temporarily with my two brothers and crashed with the flags wrapped around us. My older brother, the cop, got up in the morning, looked at us and laughed. My other brother was livid, took them off us, returned them to the condo and called my parents.....lmao! Here is a memory (me on the right).

4) That's a tough one but I would go with the Halloween party my brothers and I threw at the apartment building we all lived in. The costumes were amazing, and we had so much fun. My brother had a gorilla suit and terrorized people at the elevator doors. We played Twister, which was very interesting to say the least. It was also the first party that I invited my hubby to.....lol! I was a French Maid, I think had him stick around

5) Depends a lot of the situation, I'm very aggressive if I feel wronged or you do something to a family member. Otherwise, I walk away.

 

[DarrenBanks56]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. Not at all. I usually drive. Dont think about it much at all.
2.yes. for sure. would make everything less stressful. wouldhave more time to do other things.
3.yes. not alot. self checkouts at home depot and walmart.-employee discount. then grocery shopping i sometimes enter the cheaper price for the organic food.
and when i was younger i would sometimes get my hockey sticks the cheaper price and stuck it on there. only when i knew the clerk wouldnt have a clue
4.me and a buddy crashed a wedding party at narragansett beach after were at the beach all day. it was at some function hall near the beach. all the girls were beautiful and blonde from Minnesota. you can imagine what happened.
5.laughing

 

[HHHH]

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
- Not really...I guess I think more about what I pack in a carry on bag when flying and am careful to put al of my metal objects in a jacket pocket and send it through the conveyor belt but no changes of plans.

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
- Buy happiness? Probably not, but it could certainly reduce some financial stress in terms of college payments etc. Okay, I would probably go to more Bruins games in person which would make me happy.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
- A roll of Life Savers when I was about eight...still feel guilty thinking about it now.

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
- Relatively recently, the first big wedding post pandemic when masks were no longer required and people could travel more. You get a bunch of teachers together in June for a big party with people they have not been able to easily see in about 18 months, and it is going to be a rager!!

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?
- The ability to compartmentalize...

 

[McGarnagle]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. Not really. I don't just recklessly put myself into danger or anything but I know the percentages are extremely low of something occurring.
2. It certainly would buy peace of mind. Pay off mortgage, student loans, invest the rest in index funds and real estate and live off dividends and rent, I'd be happy for sure.
3. I never stole any physical property or money or anything, I feel a strong conscience against that. Digital piracy, however, I've done a bit of. Downloading music, TV shows, and books, etc. It's a real gray area. Technically "wrong" but also not really. I go through phases where I think it's not right and don't do it and others where I feel nothing wrong with it because media companies are restricting access to things. If a show isn't available for streaming on any platform, is it really wrong to torrent it? It's tricky.
4. I had some friends I'd see a couple times a year back in my early/mid 20s, big Irish family, they'd throw these parties that would be a lot of fun, good food and music and such.
5. When I'm in an uncomfortable social situation I tend to fall back on snarky jokes. Once at a trivia night at a local bar my regular team somehow wasn't there or left early so I was left with another group of people I kind of knew a little but not well, and the whole time I was guarded and was acting like Chandler from friends with snark as a defense mechanism.

 

[Mione134]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. I dont travel really. But when I do go places or when I did pre-rona, I definitely pay attention to everyone and everything. I make sure to know where the exits are. I make sure to know the nearest police or fire station is. I'm a people watcher anyways, so I'll watch people. If a place is too crowded I won't go or get too close. 9/11 f***ed up my 11 year old self. My childhood was over after that day. I became aware of everything. And now with everything going on? Yeah I dwell on it. I'm working on that in therapy though so woo!

2. I think it could buy stability. I could pay off my parents mortgage. I think having that much money is unnatural and weird, imo. It just feels icky. I would give most, if not all to charity. But yeah, I think for some people it could buy happiness because you wouldn't have to worry about anything. That money would make you "worry free".

3. Twice. I've stolen twice in my entire life. I stole a piece of gum at my local convenience store when I was 5. I knew the lady who owned it at the time. I walked out with it and immediately felt guilty. I told my mom before we got back in the car and we walked back in and I told Kim I took her gum. She told me to keep it, I said no no and apologized. I don't know why I took it in the first place.

Then when I was 8 or 9 my class went to the Aquarium and we all went to the gift shop. I had just enough for a stuffed animal but I wanted to get a magnet for my mom. My friends were saying "just take the magnet nobody is looking". So, I took that 2 dollar magnet and I took it home. Immediately after giving it to my mom I told her the truth. We had a long conversation about peer pressure and how I know better and not to steal. She was right. I DID know better. From that day on I've never stolen ANYTHING. And I don't give in to peer pressure. I know it seems small but knowing right from wrong at a young age can shape a child. My mom never shamed me. She made sure I knew it was wrong and that we don't take things from others unless we buy it. Nor should we let others tempt us or make us do things we shouldn't do.

4. Best party? Either my 3rd Birthday when Barney showed up during a snowstorm and I got to dance on his feet with him or my sisters wedding 6 years ago. I caught the bouquet. And it was my brother in law's brother who caught the garter. So it was awkward, while trying to be sexy, and hilariously silly and well...ill provide the the picture. I was hammered lol

5. Anger. I get angry. I have a huge temper. But I've gotten better over the years. It's a trait from my father's side. Thst Italian temper is no joke. So I get angry. I can get physical if I need to be. And then after I get depressed and sad.

 

[eightspokedb]

No snow at the Cave for Christmas...bah humbug!!!

 

[Bruinaura]

No snow at the Cave for Christmas...bah humbug!!!

We're getting rain. Blah.

 

[LSCII]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. Was supposed to go to England and Ireland back in high school and then the Pan Am Flight 103 Lockerbie Bombing happened so the entire trip was cancelled for everyone in the school. Had some business trips cancelled after 9/11 as well.
2. Not happiness, but it could certainly ease some challenges and make life less stressful. But money never buys happiness. Only temporary belief that you are happy.
3. I stole a rubber stopper for my rollerblades and felt terrible about it ever since.
4. Best party was a Christmas party with some friends from high school. We hadn't hung out in a year because we were busy with college. Got to the party and one of my best friends from college was there as well because his girlfriend (at the time) grew up with one of the hosts. So it turned into a lot of laughs. Can't go into some of the shit that happened, but it turned into a contest of one upsmanship for who could outdo the rest of us,
5. Sarcasm and humor, easily

 

[Ladyfan]

 

[DKH]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. No
2. Happiness is a state of mind. I was just listening to Frank & Nancy Sinatra sing ‘Something Stupid’ and it made me happy. My cat just jumped up on me for some attention it made ne happy. Money has nothing to do with true happiness.
3. Yes a 1968 Tony Oliva baseball card from my friend when I was about 9 and I still have it and have no regrets - I went to Catholic school and Friday we would go to confession and I’d always use the same sin BS; but this Friday I dropped the ‘Oliva card theft’ and I swear the priest was stunned ….if I had just got the card in a pack of Topps I would not have taken it
4. The story is so wild I can’t even go into it but my buddy I go to some Bruins games was there and would vouch happened - it made me and my roommates instant celebrities and I had to meet with the college president and apologize so yeh it was crazy
5. Defense mechanism ? Humor

 

[RoccoF14]

NeelyDan's Friday Five, Peach Whiskey Hangover Edition:

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?
2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.
3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,
4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?
5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

1. No. I've never lived in fear of things I can't control.
2. If you are miserable. No amount of money will make you happy.
3. Yep. Lots of stuff. Not proud of it. My specialty was baseball cards at the local drug store. Never got caught.
4. New Years Eve, 1995 in Munich, Germany. Wife and I spent the evening traveling the city center, crashing parties everywhere we found them. Wonderful people. Warm and welcoming. I was fluent in German by the end of the evening. Took the train back to my parent's place at 2am. No idea how we got there.
5. Stoic silence.

 

[DKH]

1. I dont travel really. But when I do go places or when I did pre-rona, I definitely pay attention to everyone and everything. I make sure to know where the exits are. I make sure to know the nearest police or fire station is. I'm a people watcher anyways, so I'll watch people. If a place is too crowded I won't go or get too close. 9/11 f***ed up my 11 year old self. My childhood was over after that day. I became aware of everything. And now with everything going on? Yeah I dwell on it. I'm working on that in therapy though so woo!

2. I think it could buy stability. I could pay off my parents mortgage. I think having that much money is unnatural and weird, imo. It just feels icky. I would give most, if not all to charity. But yeah, I think for some people it could buy happiness because you wouldn't have to worry about anything. That money would make you "worry free".

3. Twice. I've stolen twice in my entire life. I stole a piece of gum at my local convenience store when I was 5. I knew the lady who owned it at the time. I walked out with it and immediately felt guilty. I told my mom before we got back in the car and we walked back in and I told Kim I took her gum. She told me to keep it, I said no no and apologized. I don't know why I took it in the first place.

Then when I was 8 or 9 my class went to the Aquarium and we all went to the gift shop. I had just enough for a stuffed animal but I wanted to get a magnet for my mom. My friends were saying "just take the magnet nobody is looking". So, I took that 2 dollar magnet and I took it home. Immediately after giving it to my mom I told her the truth. We had a long conversation about peer pressure and how I know better and not to steal. She was right. I DID know better. From that day on I've never stolen ANYTHING. And I don't give in to peer pressure. I know it seems small but knowing right from wrong at a young age can shape a child. My mom never shamed me. She made sure I knew it was wrong and that we don't take things from others unless we buy it. Nor should we let others tempt us or make us do things we shouldn't do.

4. Best party? Either my 3rd Birthday when Barney showed up during a snowstorm and I got to dance on his feet with him or my sisters wedding 6 years ago. I caught the bouquet. And it was my brother in law's brother who caught the garter. So it was awkward, while trying to be sexy, and hilariously silly and well...ill provide the the picture. I was hammered lol

View attachment 788754


5. Anger. I get angry. I have a huge temper. But I've gotten better over the years. It's a trait from my father's side. Thst Italian temper is no joke. So I get angry. I can get physical if I need to be. And then after I get depressed and sad.

Yah I have found out about 5 in the Red Sox thread

 

[Mione134]

Yah I have found out about 5 in the Red Sox thread

Love you, Dan!!!

 

[NeelyDan]

Love you, Dan!!!

Yes but which Dan do you love more?

 

[eightspokedb]

We're getting rain. Blah.

Getting rain here this weekend....

Just did a grocery run at the local family owned store... forgot to take a bit of 'gummy' before going out in public....proud to say I made it home w/o any trouble...

No way I would go near a big-box store this weekend.....

Glad there is a game tonight....will watch the PBruins on my phone until 8 then add the big club to the TV ....

 

[Mione134]

Yes but which Dan do you love more?

I plead the fifth.

I choose, Dan Conner

 

[Morris Wanchuk]

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?

No, pre or post 9/11 the most dangerous thing I do daily is drive a car. Wish I did not have to drive so much, but air travel never scared me due to it's safety.

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.

Money is the greatest tool we have, if we make it work for us. Ultimately money buys freedom and freedom to do what I want makes me very happy. Based on the 4% rule I could spend $400k a year and never run out of $10M. I could do alot of good with that.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,

I got cash $30 from a convenience store ATM and it spit out two $10's and a $100. So MW went and put his debit card in and tried to take out $100 but got all $10's.

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?

When we were in Brussels we were drinking in the Grand Place and met a group of Belgian young ladies, got to talking, and spend the night partying with them around the city. Totally random but some great times. We ended up going back another weekend and hung out again, one of them and my friend hit it off and dated for a year-ish. Maybe a @Mione134 cousin?

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

I work in construction management so I learned early on I cannot let things get me mad because I would be mad all the time. So I usually say "Well that is not going to work, actually think about it and tell me how you plan on doing/fixing xyz". Usually they come up with a good reason or the mumblef*** me to death and I know they are full of it. I have found I have much more leverage in the work world than in real life hah!

 

[caz16]

It's snowing! Sadly it won't last since the temperature is going to be way above zero soon.

I have a thing for car washes and a new one opened up in Waterloo this week (Halo). We went through free and it was amazing! I wish I could post the video I took - the colours are so vibrant as you go through each phase and it looks like flames on the windshield at one point. Beautiful blues, reds, greens, yellows....we went through again yesterday. I have managed to get 4 free car wash coupons....lol Is that stealing? I might have to get a monthly membership at this rate.

 

[NeelyDan]

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?

I don’t *think* so - but I desperately fear flying to begin with so there’s a relationship there of some kind. Not being able to fly has been a pretty significant limiter for me. Perhaps @RoccoF14 can give me some tips.

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.

Yes. Not all forms, but to me it’s clear as day that money can buy a shitload of happiness.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES

Just the hearts of the HFBoards Bruins community posters.

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?

Bush parties were the thing in high school for me. Some of the greatest parties I ever attended were in the bush. Like something right out of the dazed and confused moon tower scene.

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

I have a difficult time not cutting people off when I feel emotionally threatened.

 

[shelbysdad]

1. Has the threat of 'terrorism' ever changed your travel plans? Is it something you dwell on while you travel?

I have always hated NYC which is closest to us. Now I am even less inclined to go there

2. Do you think 10 million dollars could buy you happiness? Think about the specific wording of this question.

As a stress relief and being able to do what I want....heck yeah. I would be at our soon to be built house in Maine fishing every day possible while my bride paddle boards with our Cavalier. Also would take of my daughter and son.

3. Have you ever stolen anything? Tell us about it. CLEANSE THYSELF, MY LOVES,

Not on purpose, the typical wow they forgot to charge me for this item

4. What was the best party you've ever been to? What happened there?

OMG....here we go and it's not even close.

Our wedding reception. It was at a venue on the Hudson River that also had a petting zoo (that comes in later)

A centerpiece caught on fire, we put it out with beer. I broke my toasting glass stem....we faked it

So everyone was feeling no pain, and at the end there was a traveling karaoke guy who was scheduled to play there.....we decided to stay there and drink since the venue said if we stayed free drinks for the wedding party all night.

Our drinks of the night were Mind Erasers and Kamikazes. The karaoke guy had everyone dancing and singing. During American Pie, my brides friend had mini flags up her nose leading the way.


I looked over at the bar...Brides cousin sitting at the bar...with a goat he had brought in from the petting zoo that he decided should join the party.

Several of my friends said they had to stop and (you know) before they could even make it to the hotel.

My new FIL had to stop along the road and fell down a bank. New MIL and SIL had to flag down a motorcycle group at 3 AM to help get him back in the car. He spent the night sleeping in his tux in the front yard since he couldn't make it into the house.

I told the bride the next day I don't even remember driving to the hotel which was very close....she said....you didn't.

Next day drove to Bar Harbor. Stopped in Bath Maine where I learned I can't eat Maine clams...barely made it to our room where I spent the entire night with my butt in the can and my face in the sink. Good thing they were very close together. It was flying both ends. Still can't eat Maine clams and have given up.

Celebrating 30 years next August, and moving to Maine 2025

5. What would you say is your most prominent defense mechanism?

Not getting drawn in

 

[rfournier103]

I don’t *think* so - but I desperately fear flying to begin with so there’s a relationship there of some kind. Not being able to fly has been a pretty significant limiter for me. Perhaps @RoccoF14 can give me some tips.

I also have a horrifying fear of flying. It’s really a fear of heights, to be honest.

There have actually been a couple of times at work where I flat-out told the foreman to find someone else to perform a task because I just wasn’t going to go up there.

The worst time was when I was told to replace the burned out temp lights on a tower crane. I told the foreman to go f*** a hat and I wasn’t going up there under any circumstances. The steward overheard the whole conversation, stepped in and suggested that this particular task might be better suited for one of the apprentices while I worked on a more intricate project. The foreman agreed and I was spared a massive panic attack.

 

[shelbysdad]

I also have a horrifying fear of flying. It’s really a fear of heights, to be honest.

There have actually been a couple of times at work where I flat-out told the foreman to find someone else to perform a task because I just wasn’t going to go up there.

The worst time was when I was told to replace the burned out temp lights on a tower crane. I told the foreman to go f*** a hat and I wasn’t going up there under any circumstances. The steward overheard the whole conversation, stepped in and suggested that this particular task might be better suited for one of the apprentices while I worked on a more intricate project. The foreman agreed and I was spared a massive panic attack.

I despise flying....the whole wait at the airport, and I guess the not being in control of my destiny.

Heights I am mostly ok with, but now at 60 there are times when nope, I'm not getting up there (since I am carrying 4" PVC also) find someone else

Same with crawlspaces.....If I cant sit upright....not happening (unless I really need $ since those are jobs where I can make 4-5K in two days.)