Pal? Fighting word.

“What did you just say pal?”

“Listen, pal…”

All of the Northeast collectively gave a sarcastic answer.

We saw a lot of green flashes from exploding transformers during the recent ice storm.

A very likely answer.

When I had my folks living with me, I had a landline for their benefit. Both were highly intelligent people, but there was no way they’d have been comfortable with cell phones.

Not fully understanding a new technology can create social isolation. That is the last thing our elders need.

In addition, some VoIP providers may not be compatible with emergency alert services.

Try connecting to 211nh.org to see if there are communication programs for which your relative may be eligible, without having to change providers.

Best of luck!

I love this about their service.

No doing the last leg on the T, hoping it’s running on time.

No hunting for parking.

Super convenient.

Even though I get nothing with an antenna other than Maine PBS, the fees annoyed me enough that I dropped cable tv altogether, and went to a “slower” Internet.

I have Paramount+ for live Boston coverage, free Peacock through Comcast (as long as that lasts), and Hulu for watching next day. I can also catch NH news with free apps or online. I also support PBS and have the Passport.

I would love to get basic network “antenna” service, but even if it was free, the $27 fee is too much.

I’m happy to binge Midsomer Murders on Pluto, catching up on the episodes I missed. :)

Edit to add: Comcast pretty much has a monopoly here. No fiber option in my town.

Yes. The dang flies are gross, and find their way in so easily.

I switched to “self watering” pots, too, to improve drainage (another reason your sand recommendation is a good one).

I top the soil with a layer of medium polished aquarium/terrarium stones. It breaks the bug breeding cycle, and is decorative.

I can feel this, great pic!

I got college kids once. After I stopped laughing, I gave them lots of candy.

In fairness, they were in costume, enthusiastically said “trick or treat!” and thanked me.

At least they could make them interesting with rando voiceovers.

“I’m Candidate and I (voiceover on) SNIFF CRAYONS.”

Oh bummer!

I’ve had Moderna vax right along, but could only get Pfizer bivalent (which is fine).

Walmart told me to book my flu shot and ask about COVID vax then. It worked out.

My doc didn’t have COVID or flu vaccine. Something’s off with that supply chain.

I hope you can find a vaccine.

Did you try the Walmart Pharmacy in Brunswick?

Most Walmarts got vaccines last Friday…

It usually means pedestrians can use the walk button to cross, so use caution and be prepared to stop.

Right turn on red is okay after you come to a full stop and only if there isn’t a pedestrian in a crosswalk or traffic turning. If there’s a “no turn on red” sign, you can’t turn either.

Trying to get a “jump” on a pedestrian in the crosswalk is the fastest way to add points to your insurance.

At this time of year in Salem, just assume a cop is watching.

If you head up Maine way in your travels, just remember there’s no right turn on a steady red arrow. Otherwise, right on red after stop is fine.