Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Yeah, with this crowd one never knows.

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

Schmidt just says fuck it, opens a tea shop.

Fani Willis claps back at Trump chihuahua, Jim Jordan.

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

When you’re in more danger from the IDF than from Russian shelling, that’s really bad.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

Teach a man to fish, and he’ll sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

Motown is Joe-Town!

Everything is totally normal and fine!!!

Putin must be throwing ketchup at the walls.

Tick tock motherfuckers!

Let’s finish the job.

My right to basic bodily autonomy is not on the table. that’s the new deal.

Ah, the different things are different argument.

A consequence of cucumbers

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

Make the republican party small enough to drown in a bathtub.

We need to vote them all out and restore sane Democratic government.

Marge, god is saying you’re stupid.

Cole, when it comes to calico cats, restraint is overrated.

Democrats are back in array!

It’s easy to sit in safety and prescribe what other people should be doing.

You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Christmas Eve / Christmas Day / New Years Eve Zooms 7-9 pm (and Open Thread)

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day / New Years Eve Zooms 7-9 pm (and Open Thread)

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Update: Let’s simply this.  Zoom tonight.  Zoom on Christmas Day.  Zoom on New Year’s Eve.

All starting at 7 pm, ending at 9 pm. (Unless we are having too much fun.)

Send me an email message if you want the zoom links.

All times Eastern, aka blog time.

🎄

Hey everybody,

Usually Cole calls me up and says “I’d like us to have a zoom for Thanksgiving” [insert other occasions here] but he is so busy planning the Road Trip of All Road Trips that he must have forgotten.

As had I!

I am home for the holidays with my sweet Mr. Bear (who does seem as if he is turning a corner) and I had my “Christmas” last night, so I can do this if other folks are interested.  Added: New Years Eve suggested by NotMax, that is an option, also.

So chime in below if you would be up for a zoom at some point in the evening today (Christmas Eve) and/or tomorrow (Christmas Day).  If there are 10 or more people interested, we can figure out the details and make it happen.

Here’s my tree (and Tucker!) from 2020.

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Zoom? 1

I miss Tucker so much, but it was nice to see him in this picture!

Open thread.

Reader Interactions

70Comments

  1. 1.

    Dangerman

    Tucker had a prodigous tail. Observation, not complaint.

    Ok, complaint, too.

    Excellent tree, however. Your cat is well behaved.

  2. 2.

    Dangerman

    Tucker had a prodigious tail. Observation, not complaint.

    Ok, complaint, too.

    Excellent tree, however. Your cat is well behaved.

    ETA: So that is what happens when edit is not used. Good to know.

  5. 5.

    MagdaInBlack

    My little white tree is up and lit with flamingo lights. I hung a bow and bells on the bookshelf gargoyle, and even Buddha got Christmas tree. I am in til Tuesday and quite content with that.

    Ill pass on Zoom, but I know you all will have a good time with it.

    🎀🎄🎀

  8. 8.

    WaterGirl

    @Michael Bersin:

    Your comment went into moderation because you were missing the S in your nym.  I fixed it for this one and freed you from moderation, but you’ll need to fix it on your end and post another comment with the S in your nym, and then you’ll be all good

    edit: I see that you had caught that already!

  11. 11.

    Mousebumples

    Happy holidays, everyone!

    I’m at my parents for Christmas Eve, and my sister is putting together my grandma’s roast veggie recipe. I know Tamara had the recipe open thread already, but I missed that one, so I’ll toss it in this open thread instead.

    Roast Carrots & Cauliflower
    * 4 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced on an angle
    * 1 small head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), made into small florets
    * 4 Tablespoons olive oil
    * 1 chopped onion
    * Salt and pepper, to taste
    * 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsely
    * ¼ teaspoon thyme
    * 1 oz. walnuts, finely chopped and browned (about 3 Tablespoons)

    1. Place carrots and cauliflower florets on cookie sheet with raised edges. Drizzle with olive oil.
    2. Add next 5 ingredients and toss to coat.
    3. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Bake for 45 minutes, mixing every 15 minutes.
    4. Remove from oven and stir in browned walnuts.

    Serve hot.

  12. 12.

    WaterGirl

    @Dangerman: Tucker’s tail was amazing.

    When he was little, and for several months, maybe until he was nearly a year or more, his tail hair was reddish gold, tightly woven like herringbone!  So gorgeous!

    Then one day it unfolded!  I missed the herringbone, but it was lovely in a different way, and still that reddish gold.

    My sweet boy.

  13. 13.

    schrodingers_cat

    I was taking stock of everything I have colored and drawn this last year. It averages to about one piece a week. Is that a good average? IDK. I am trying to complete my WIPs (works in progress). I won’t get to them all but I am trying to finish the ones that are almost done.

  14. 14.

    WaterGirl

    @Mousebumples: Sounds interesting!

    Best roasted veggies I have ever had were on Christmas at my niece’s house.  Her husband roasted brussel sprouts (split in half) and chunks of butternut squash.

    I was skeptical as he was cutting everything up, but it was amazing.

  18. 18.

    schrodingers_cat

    @frosty: Thanks. That’s the average. And I have as many WIPs as completed pieces

    About 10 pieces that I drew and colored. I would like to draw more in the new year. I am getting white calligraphy ink, Sumi ink and an India ink that you can use with a fountain pen. Also want to do some brush lettering this new year.

  20. 20.

    Scamp Dog

    I’m up for a Zoom meeting. I will be having a low-key holiday, with my Mom who’s in a rehab facility after falling and breaking some bones in October.
    Tomorrow I’ll make a Christmas meal for us, and the get ready to fly back to Denver on the 26th.

  21. 21.

    JoyceH

    My company is arriving this afternoon so I won’t be available. But maybe give some thought to a NYE or New Years zoom. New Year’s Day tends to be a bit dull for the non parade and football enthusiasts.

  23. 23.

    lamh36

    Spending my Christmas Eve redoing my budget for the end of the year/new year. thx to the attempted car theft I have to reorganize my finances to pay for th unexpected cost of repair and rentals etc. So spending the day budgeting and watching YT videos on moving to SF bay area.

    Long story short, last Wed night someone apparently tried to steal my car from my apartment parking lot.  I discovered it the Thursday morning leaving my apartment for work.  Saw glass on the ground, realized it was from my car, got into the car to see if anything was stolen (nothing by the way, not even the brand new pair of COACH loafers I had in a brown shipping box on the back seat, or the $20 worth of coin change I had in the middle console).  Nothing stolen, but the entire steering column minus the wheel is totally fuq’ed up from the thiefs attempt to steal it.

    The car is old and paid for, and I just this year decided to just pay for liablity since I rarely drive it other than to work, and (knocks on wood) I’ve never been in a fender bender in the car in the 10 years I’ve owned it.  No comprehensive coverage means…you guessed it…I have to come out of pocket to get the damn car repaired and pay for a rental to get to/from work and other places while the car is being repaired.

    Sigh…of course I am greatful that I have the resources to pay for all this, but I am understandably so damn pissed.

  25. 25.

    lamh36

    Oh @Watergirl… I decided that I’m am going to give my notice to the current job that I’m leaving at the end of January instead of 2 week before my actual move liked I planned.

    Yeah, I’m gonna take the entire month of February to give myself the extra time I need to move instead of trying to race against a clock.

    I was really only going to give a 2 weeks notice, but the lab is losing 4 people on 12/31 and so the schedule is going to be very tight for them in January, but especially in February.

    This attempted car theft is the straw that broke this camel’s back I guess.  I need the break sooner rather than rushing for later.  Besides I figured letting the boss know next week about my end date makes it easier for her to tell the big bosses, to get her some people STAT instead of in April like previously planned.  Also too, we lost 4 people and I’m the Lead Tech (so next in line of “leadership” under the Supe) so they ain’t gonna try to fire me before February anyway…they ain’t got no other folks left really.

  29. 29.

    WaterGirl

    @lamh36:

    Oh @Watergirl… I decided that I’m am going to give my notice to the current job that I’m leaving at the end of January instead of 2 week before my actual move liked I planned.

    Good for you!  You’ll be less stressed and it’s always good to have some extra time in between so you can mentally and emotionally shift gears.

  31. 31.

    eclare

    @lamh36:

    Oh that is awful, my sympathies.  I hope it can be repaired quickly.  Car thefts and break-ins are way up here in Memphis.  I bought a Club a few months ago.

  33. 33.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Mousebumples:

    That sounds wonderful! Carrots and cauliflower are two of my favourite vegetables anyway, and I’ve already vowed to eat more fruits and veggies in 2024, so I’ll try this soon!

  37. 37.

    Scamp Dog

    @WaterGirl: Both, actually. Mom is sleeping constantly now, and I’m kinda bored.

    Come to think of it, I will be driving to Mom’s house tomorrow, and then having a friend drive me back to Traverse City for my flight Tuesday. So tonight’s probably the best choice.

  38. 38.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @WaterGirl: Got sidetracked by the yummy-sounding veg recipes and completely forgot to say what I originally came here to say!! Yes, I’d be happy to participate in a Jackalzoom, tonight, tomorrow, and/or NYEve/NYDay. (Can you tell I lead a scintillating social life these days?)

  40. 40.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @lamh36:

    I’m so sorry. It’s a sickening feeling of violation and vulnerability. All wonderful, though, on the job and moving front. I really love the way you take charge of your own life!

  41. 41.

    WaterGirl

    First things first, let’s talk about a zoom tonight.

    5-7 blog time?

    6-8 blog time?

    7-9 blog time?

    There is a Medium Cool at 7 pm, which may or may not make a difference to anyone.

  43. 43.

    WaterGirl

    @kalakal: You asked waht the Medium Cool topic is tonight:

    Medium Cool – Twas the Night Before Christmas!Skip that last part about going to bed, the grown-ups are having a dinner party!  Tonight!

    And you are the maker of the guest list!

    You may have up to 12 people at the dinner, including any loved ones.  You may invite anyone you want, famous or not.  Artists or authors or writers or directors or actors or musicians or cinematographers or songwriters – anyone at all – living or not, as long as they are related to popular culture in some way.

    How many loved ones will you have at the dinner?  Who are your other guests?  Which two do you want to sit between and who would sit across from you?  Will you be animated or tongue-tied?  Will you do more talking or more listening?  Will the dinner party be loud and raucous, or stately and intellectual?  Will there be dancing?  Singing?  Smart conversation?

    Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!  And happy Sunday-evening-dinner-party to all who don’t!

  45. 45.

    lamh36

    @eclare: I think the repair time depends on how long it takes to get the part thx to the holiday and getting the point in.

    I was able to reserve my rental at least thru the new year.

    Also, my sisters current BF is a mechanic, so I expect I’ll be paying a bit less than I would have if I had to go to a “non-related” shop

  46. 46.

    lamh36

    @MagdaInBlack:

    Def!  The car itself if completely paid for, and I was going to trade it in earlier this past year, but changed my mind about it.

    I bet a newer model would be much more expesive maybe?

  47. 47.

    lamh36

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: That part.

    I was telling my sister I’d rather the damn car had at least been stolen, cause it feels worse having to see the damn car each day until the repair man picked it up.

  48. 48.

    lamh36

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I’ve always been trying to leave for Cali, but the past year and a half or so with all the family I’ve lost unexpectedly, I just really want to seize opportunity when I can because we truly are not promised a long life, so try to live the life you want to if you can…

  50. 50.

    Another Scott

    @lamh36: I’m sorry you’re going through that.

    My mom had her car broken into and successfully stolen once.  The car was old and worn out and on its last legs, had something like 250,000 miles on it, but she needed it to get around.

    The cops found it a few days later, after the “kids” were done joy-riding in it, and returned it to her.  Like yours, the steering column was destroyed.  She had a friend that was able to replace the column and get it driveable again, but it was a big hassle and the feeling of violation doesn’t really go away.  :-(

    I hope you’re able to get through this as quickly and painlessly as possible.  Hang in there, and best of luck with the move and new adventures in California!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  52. 52.

    Geminid

    @mrmoshpotato: Oh man, that’s rough.

    It could be worse though. The oldies station I listen to played “Snoopie’s Christmas.” I didn’t change the channel quick enough and got sucked in. Good thing the Red Baron was feeling the Christmas spirit!

  53. 53.

    lowtechcyclist

    I’m busy with cooking and family tonight and tomorrow, but I second NotMax’ interest in a NYE Zoom.

  54. 54.

    FelonyGovt

    I’m up for a Zoom tomorrow, or NYE or New Year’s Day.
    Tonight we are going over to my father in law’s for a makeshift Christmas Eve. He has Alzheimer’s, and we’re bringing takeout food.
    Tomorrow we will do our Jewish Christmas by going to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. Otherwise I will be putting together a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle with my daughter and would welcome a reason to bow out for a while!

  55. 55.

    kalakal

    @lamh36: My sympathies. Back in the day in England there was a thing for nicking car stereos. Smash window, wreck dashboard and leave you with the bill.

    I almost preferred the twocers (Taking Without Consent aka joyriders) they would usually leave a burnt out wreck so the insurance was easy.

    I’m sorry this has happened to you. it’s very unsettling. an invasion of your personal space

  57. 57.

    frosty

    @lamh36: Sorry to hear about all your car troubles – especially dropping the collision/comprehensive.

    I did the same on our 23-year old Miata because it wasn’t worth much, and then it got totaled. I was out $450 in towing and storage charges. I got it towed home then my brother came for a visit with his toolbox and we spent a weekend parting it out. I sold enough pieces to cover the $450 with a little to spare. But I learned my lesson, I’ll keep that coverage on every car from now on.

  61. 61.

    lowtechcyclist

    @Michael Bersin:

    Lucas Kunce is a good person. Far superior to Josh Hawley (r), the third senator from Virginia.

    Hey, no blaming Hawley on Virginia!  Virginians had nothing to do with putting his sorry ass in the Senate.

  64. 64.

    LiminalOwl

    @schrodingers_cat: Do you ever attend the Zoom meetings? I so enjoyed seeing your work, and miss it since leaving the bird site. If you join Zoom, might you be willing to show some of it that way?

  65. 65.

    Ruckus

    I can extremely likely do a xmas afternoon/evening zoom. NewYears I have no idea of at this time. The benefit of not having any family left breathing nor of any relatives within reasonable transit times as yesterday I drove RT 100 miles to see a friend of half a century and his wife. Lovely dinner, good friends…

    @lamh36:

    because we truly are not promised a long life, so try to live the life you want to if you can…

    THIS. You get one chance. It may be a short or long life, there will be bumps along the way, you may/likely not have get everything you want, but there is also the enjoyment of the good/great parts that life gives you if you met it halfway and understand that every day is just another day in the concept of actual living. Time doesn’t care if you are rich/poor, happy/sad, straight or gay, married/single, hated/loved, healthy or not, time does not actually give a rats ass about you or me. Time is what you make of it, how you use it, how you don’t. Time is that thing that can bite you in the butt or that you can waste if you want. Time is one of the few things we all have but all in different amounts, and time is that thing that we waste and that we cherish, often concurrently.

  70. 70.

    strange visitor (from another planet)

    my holiday has been a mess. i’m home alone while ms visitor is upstate visiting her family. ‘im waiting on a food delivery and am not feeling well but i’d be down for the zoom.

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