damp or cold
I've been having a great deal of difficulty, lately, determining whether the laundry in the dryer is still DAMP or just COLD. I usually err on the side of COLD and am distraught later when everyone pulls on wet jeans. Even if jeans ARE completely dry, I find, that little watch pocket is almost ALWAYS STILL DAMP.
My boys have been complaining about their mattresses. We purchased them when they were little and they were sturdy, well-made mattresses with a nice guarantee. I think Oldest was about eleven at the time. Anyway, they never mentioned anything about them before but, now that they are young men/men it seems that they are finding them uncomfortably firm. I've sat on each of their beds and would agree (though I am pleased the beds have lasted this long) and have spent some time researching mattress pads to soften them. Last weekend we purchased one that K and I felt was cushiony and soft - at Blood Bath And Beyond. With a coupon! I was very excited to bring it home for Youngest. A few weeks ago, Youngest and I were at the hospital and when he climbed into the bed he exclaimed: THIS IS GREAT! I was very confused until he told me that the hospital bed was soft and comfy and that he was in love with it. And, because that is the most pitiful thing I've ever heard, that he would be in love with a hospital bed, HE was the first child to benefit from a cushy-soft mattress pad. And? How does he like it?
HE DOES NOT. HE HAS REJECTED IT. So, there you are.
As it is both damp AND cold here, K has embarked on a project of cooking robust comfort foods which, in leftover form, are wonderful in wraps later in the week. So far we have thoroughly enjoyed a sausage and lentil dish as well as beef short ribs braised in Guinness - with scallion mashed potatoes.
I know I don't usually discuss Survivor until Friday, but I can't resist posting this picture as there was some discussion in the comments last week regarding Cassandra.

I'm voting FAKE - but I leave it to you to judge.
Finally, I hate my hair so damn much that I may actually take to wearing A HAT while it grows out. I'm sick of coloring it too - can anyone weigh in on this? Should I make it lighter and lighter until the shift to my actual color (white with spots I believe) is imperceptible?
God. I'm boring MYSELF.
I suppose I could do smaller loads of laundry, ensuring that the clothes will be both DRY and WARM, but that just doesn't seem terribly energy efficient, now does it?
My boys have been complaining about their mattresses. We purchased them when they were little and they were sturdy, well-made mattresses with a nice guarantee. I think Oldest was about eleven at the time. Anyway, they never mentioned anything about them before but, now that they are young men/men it seems that they are finding them uncomfortably firm. I've sat on each of their beds and would agree (though I am pleased the beds have lasted this long) and have spent some time researching mattress pads to soften them. Last weekend we purchased one that K and I felt was cushiony and soft - at Blood Bath And Beyond. With a coupon! I was very excited to bring it home for Youngest. A few weeks ago, Youngest and I were at the hospital and when he climbed into the bed he exclaimed: THIS IS GREAT! I was very confused until he told me that the hospital bed was soft and comfy and that he was in love with it. And, because that is the most pitiful thing I've ever heard, that he would be in love with a hospital bed, HE was the first child to benefit from a cushy-soft mattress pad. And? How does he like it?
HE DOES NOT. HE HAS REJECTED IT. So, there you are.
As it is both damp AND cold here, K has embarked on a project of cooking robust comfort foods which, in leftover form, are wonderful in wraps later in the week. So far we have thoroughly enjoyed a sausage and lentil dish as well as beef short ribs braised in Guinness - with scallion mashed potatoes.
I know I don't usually discuss Survivor until Friday, but I can't resist posting this picture as there was some discussion in the comments last week regarding Cassandra.
I'm voting FAKE - but I leave it to you to judge.
Finally, I hate my hair so damn much that I may actually take to wearing A HAT while it grows out. I'm sick of coloring it too - can anyone weigh in on this? Should I make it lighter and lighter until the shift to my actual color (white with spots I believe) is imperceptible?
God. I'm boring MYSELF.
I suppose I could do smaller loads of laundry, ensuring that the clothes will be both DRY and WARM, but that just doesn't seem terribly energy efficient, now does it?
Comments
Have you cleaned out all the dryer vents and hoses? We had a nest (!) in the outermost vent on the side of the house.
My kids rejected the uber-expensive Tempurpedic mattress pads that cost almost as much as MY BED. I kid you not.
I second Badger's vote for Natural Instincts. I didn't color my hair for years and I was happy with grey, but then I noticed it was starting to make my skin look grey.
Natural Instincts faded out very gradually, no noticeable roots.
They are exactly the same as mine except on a black woman. That whole honeydew melon thing is going on. Hence why you will never see me in a bikini - well, that and the huge undulating folds of flesh that are my stomach. She should not be wearing a top with such thin straps, the damage she is doing to her back and neck makes my neck itch.
I currently dream of one of those tempur beds which just mold to your body shape. All the boys have appalling mattresses and it makes my neck itch regularly.
Washing - washing - washing - try determining dry from damp, wet from cold in hideous humidity and rain. If I'd wanted to live in the tropics I'd be in Queensland but still Sydney tests me so every.single.February.
And hair. HAIR. GOD I hate mine. HATE. I am currently wearing it in a ponytail every single day and preferably with a hat, such is its ugliness.
I think that is hilarious that Youngest thought a hospital bed was comfortable.
I'm sure there's some hopsital auction house where you could pick up a hospital bed real cheap. Then you can just call yourselves the Simpsons and spend days playing the 'bed goes up bed goes down' game.
That's funny that Youngest rejected the mattress pad. Is he happy with his firm bed now? Or does he still complain? So who DID get the cushy-softness?
Hair.. the secret is low lights. Done in a color close to whatever your hair used to be it blends in the grey/white/whatever and you only have to do it about every 5 or 6 months. I did it for ages until I finally fell in love with my grey/white and stopped. I know a good place for a haircut/color in the 50s in the city, LMK if you want the info. It is not cheap but not stratospheric either and worth it.
as for those things in the pink.. FAKE. No questions.
And.. I am going to look for mattresses today for the renovation project. I told you that you could just post for me anytime..
Hang those jeans up for a while after the dryer. Those watch pockets will dry overnight. (maybe upstairs, where it's warmer?)
Not sure to cut or let my hair grow so I'm either wearing it up or have a hat on when not at work, I'm just staring to go grey and I have not colored it yet. I really don't think I want to.
My oldest is sleeping on a futon right now becaue his bed was amost as old as he is!
Is Spencer Duhm still on Survivor? Tell me about him please, I'm writing something.
Damp jeans remind me of wet jeans, which always lead to chaffing.
Not so much fun.
You and your writing make me smile and laugh.
Maybe if the jeans were inside out the little watch pocket would dry better? But who has time to turn the clothes inside out? Blerg.
All the bikinis on Survivor make me so glad we're an Amazing Race family.
My hair is atrocious right now. I am trying to see how long I can go before getting it cut, due to lack of funds, but it is horrible. Unmanageable bangs, split ends so bad that my hair looks like straw... I'm miserable.
Those breasts have to be fake. They are too huge for her skinny frame. I agree that that suit is all wrong for them too. TG they were voted off. They made me nervous.
Do the boys have twin beds? We got a really nice Simmons from Land of Nod for our kiddo in a twin size for about 1/2 of what they sell for at regular mattress stores. 400ish vs. 800ish. He's only 4, but hopefully it will last and last. I think it's important to have a good mattress, but gosh, to have all of your guys start complaining all at once about their mattresses during These Grim Economic Times? Ouch.
I have no hair advice. My gray is coming in thick and fast, but so far, I don't care.
jbhat
Also, don't overload the tumbler. I wash as many clothes as will fit easily in my machine. I'd rather err on the side of doing two loads than pack them in like brown sugar in a cup.
Then, when I dry them, they dry better because they've had more space, which gets them cleaner, dries them more evenly, and leaves them less wrinkled.
Hair: I dunno.
Wet jeans: Dry 'em longer.
Mattresses: Sears.
Hair: I'll 2nd the Natural Instincts. Or get a weave with 3 lighter colors, quarterly.
Dryer: Take a brush and soap/water to your lint screen. If you use petroleum-based softener or sheets, the oil eventually coats the lint screen with an invisible film on it, blocking air flow. I use white vinegar v. softener now. Works fine. And no build up on the lint screen or on our clothing.
Beds: The Eternal Search. We got a NZ crimped wool topped, liquid latex filled, humdinger of a mattress for youngest, and we all fight over that bed. It is SOFT yet FIRM. You get out of it and do not hurt anywhere. Verlo special.
I love it when a woman is totally, shiny, silky gray. It would probably look fab on you. Maybe you could go really, rilly short instead of doing the lightening thing.
I hate damp clothes.
I can relate to the hair issues. I am not ready to fully embrace grey hair..yet so I have to colour mine. But, it is tiresome.
Scot, you're naughty. I like you.
ErinH
Oh except for the food K is preparing. I am doing a similar thing - comfort food - cook a little too much - freeze the leftovers and feed my starving son when he comes home from school on the weekends.
I'm always late these days.
I miss you.
I'm sick of cold and wind and the thought of damp jeans makes me shiver.
xo