A little poll: What do you put on your french fries?

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Sour creme. We put it on baked potato. It rocks fries!

Most of my cats are one person animals but I think I may react this way if one began liking another ...

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Our cats show extreme person preferences, while liking the entire family. My kids still have not figured out why my lap is THE lap for feline napping. I don't have the heart to explain the softness factor... (;

This undoubtedly is how they see themselves and the vacuum and other household “threats” ?

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I have no doubt that this is exactly as it goes down. (:

Self sacrificing people tend to forget this.

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Much like ypu cannot pour out to others what you do not put into yourself.

PartyDrinks, GrapefruitTonicWater, Lassi, MintLeaf, Basil, Lemon, Orange, Pomelo Following a ...

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

Ok, I thought this was alcohol only. If not, I can contribute: These two are lightly sweet with a tart kick. Alcohol could be added. Sweet and Tart Citrus: (with sweet fruit, no honey needed) https://juicerecipes.com/recipes/sweet-n-tart-citrus-63 Pom Zinger soda: (for sodastream) Syrup: (combination of two + sweetener) Red Zinger concentrate: steep eight bags of Red Zinger tea in 1c water. Pomagranate syrup: Reduce 2c 100% pomagranate juice down to 1/4c without scorching on the stove top. Syrup thickens when close to done. Add a blend of concentrate and pom reduction to soda water. Sweeten to taste with sweetener of choice I prepare simple syrup by combining max table sugar into water via boiling. Even using this, the final product contains a lot less sugar than commercial drinks do. Mine ends up using only 20-25% of what most contain.

I have learned that rejection is just another lesson in life.

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

For me, rjection seems to be the default position. I've rejected a gazillion times. Acceptance that lasts is the needle in the haystack.

Heath and Rainey - Heath does this to Raz too.

Zster comments on Mar 15, 2018:

I've got four neutered males in the house now, and have had nothing but males since 1990. They've all been tremendous loves!

Just picked another book, well praised book called Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, have you read it?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

It rocks! F 451 is one of his most famous. It was made into a movie that I happened to enjoy.

The Rock, scorpions...and head banging Godsmack! [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

THAT was awesome! Thought I'd mix it up a bit... I always am drawn to a good solid beat! https://youtu.be/teilBW9qQ3U

Customer questions on Amazon

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Sometimes Amazon adds information that was not originally present when the question was first submitted.

So I went to Safeway before work and bought 2 pies for pi day.

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Funny how adults can be on a diet by day when people are around, but the entire dish is gone come morning. I way prefer pie to cake. I would have likely made a complete pig of myself. (:

Are you happy here?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Yep. Friendliest and most interesting community that I visit.

This seems to be the only community where I have people that like me.

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

That's because we are intelligent and discerning. Anyone who doesn't like you should probably schedule a CT Scan or something. (;

So how many of you really fully believe there was nothing that created us?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

Not a being who planned and manipulated things, no. I can't quite get my mind around why RNA became self replicating in the primordial soup, but figure more understanding could yet come about it.

Say Hello to my little friend(s) ?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

What beauties. Neat names, too. (:

With or without music during sex?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

With!!! Music helps set the mood for me and can practically be foreplay by itself. When we lived in a crowded apartment complex, we needed the audio to drown out our involuntary music...

The Rock, scorpions...and head banging Godsmack! [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I'll raise you a "Voodoo" video. (; https://youtu.be/9SSUQxGjZZ4

I was curious to see if people in the Greenville area would like set up a place and time to get ...

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I live about 90 minutes away, but would make the trip for a heathen shindig!

I have a real hard time placating insecurities.

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

It can get tiresome, for sure. We all have them, but some really weild theirs like a manipulation tool. I have a nonromantic friend who CONSTANTLY puts himself down, despite repetitive assurances that I think he is great. Otherwise, I would not want him as a friend. I have very sincerely asked him to stop.

Unavailable posts?

Zster comments on Mar 14, 2018:

I am just now encountering a lot of the same after months of never seeing any. I would guess it's another growing pain as features get added or tweaked for the site.

Styff Kytten?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Jazz seems incapable of curling his limbs in like a proper cat...

What slogans or icons can you remember from the past?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I can't believe I ate the whole thing! Is it Live or is it Memorex? I dare you to knock this off! Good to the last drop!

Steve Martin's first appearance on Johnny Carson [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Wow! That's even before I first saw him on TV. One wild and crazy guy! (;

How old are your kids? What do you do for yourself, now that they're grown?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Each just had a birthday, turning 21 and 18. My 18 YO son graduates from high school this May. Both kids will be in college this fall. So my nest wont be empty until then, but it will be an adjustment since it will leave me alone with the pets in the house.

Were You Raised In A Single Parent Home Or 2 Parent Home

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Raised with a younger brother by our happily married parents. They were together for 53 years, separated by the sudden and unexpected death of my father nearly two months ago.

Do you listen to mainstream Christian music?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I still listen to what I liked back in the years that I WAS listening. I don't follow any of the stuff since, though.

Anyone else raising young kids in the deep south?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Mine are nearly raised. I moved to GA when one was a baby. My son was born here. There have been challenges along the way.

Moves me.. [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Ben Howard is a fave of mine. Thanks for the share!

It's a boy! This is my first Actias dubernardi adult.

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Holy cow, what a beauty! Thanks for the pictures!

Liquid calories. Yes or No?

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

I've been making my own juices for years and wont go back to mass produced as I have to minimize added sugar. I drink four ounce servings, as a juice, and do not do meal replacement with them. I have not caught a single cold or flu since I started. Could be coincidence, but... I make an eggnog based shake on gym nights and drink the entire batch around strength training.

I stole this, but thought y'all would love it...

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Rock on! (:

Thanks for starting this group!

Zster comments on Mar 13, 2018:

Sure! It will interesting to see how many of us there are.

I love reading! Anyone else? If so who are your favorite authors and what genre do you prefer?

Zster comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Ok, I'll be bold and admit to enjoying romantic fluff... Current faves: Karen Moning, Robin D. Owens, Sky Purington, Maya Banks , G.A. Aiken, Jean Johnson, Bianca d'Arc, Sara Humphrey, Tanya Crosby.

Special times for cat people >^..^<

Zster comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Those were awesome!

Oooo, to be able to sleep like a kitten.... NotThisInsomniac Helix

Zster comments on Mar 12, 2018:

Obviously not feeling too threatened, I would say... Too cute! Thx!

Oldies but Goodies..

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

My folks gifted me with an appreciation for music that will last a life time! Playing in the school bands honed it some, but Mom and Dad planted the seed. Dad: born in 1941, spent his paper route money on 45s from the latter 1950s. He had all of the rock and roll originals on vinyl! Buddy Holly, Fats Domino, Bill Haley, Elvis... SO many! He totally turned me on to all of it! Mom seemed to know most songs that Dad had. They shared a passion for 60s music when I was a kid. I remember LOTS of family singing in the car and in the living room at home. Possibly the most memorable were the Mamas and the Papas, Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Fifth Dimension, Simon and Garfunkel, Seals snd Crofts, Bread... here's a fave from then that never ceases to make me smile: https://youtu.be/G1731cD1Ef4

Four out of four Zster cats don't give a rat's azz about daylight savings time.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I have six boxes, three different types. I honestly never planned on more than two cats. The death of one resulted in a third. Number four just showed up a month ago. I tried to run him off (being my most fierce), and he hugged me instead. I added a box for him and upped the cleaning schedule. All four strongly prefer the two boxes on the main level. I scoop them most days to prevent spraying of my house with eu de chat.

I heard scratchy, rustling noises today and realized that it's coming from my Actias dubernardi ...

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

That's super exciting! I can hardly wait to see how their metamorphosing went!

I need to get my 7-year-old to eat more veggies and fruits.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Some things that work for me: Salads Home pressed juices that are mostly fruity Main dishes that smell or taste "like pizza" Raw things w or wo dip Cheese makes lots of ickies edible (brussel sprouts, broccoli, squash). Brown sugar, cinnamon , nutmeg on certain sweet veggies like yams, acorn squash makes them almost desserty

After my divorce, other couples that were close to us fell apart.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

If others broke up because you did, that's solely on them. Some might have used you as an excuse, but that's BS. My guess is thst they were slready dkirting the line anyway. I doubt you shoukd take credit for that.

Defence of significant other

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I am in the camp that a healthy couple should be united. When we don't agree, we take it offline and do not air any drama in public. That said, I know childhood patterns can be real tough to break and that those we grew up with possibly know more of our buttons than our SO does. I know I felt let down when my husband allowed his family to bully me. I also recall having to consciously pull back when my Mom tried to engage me, while my rightful place was beside him. It's easier said than done.

Stiff Decision

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I would avoid such a potentially volatile situation like the plague. Why risk it (meaning any sort of telationship, even friends) when there could be much less complicated sexual encounters to be had?

Sex or Love

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I really cannot get into the casual hook up scene. I need pretty deep caring for a person before being able to get physically intimate with them.

Empty Nest

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

The Empty Nesters group has just been created! Please drop by... the room sort of echoes (with emptiness, ironically enough) right now. (;

Whats your sad breakup song? [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Double dip. I realize many are not Nickelback fans, but... first time I heard this was the day we buried my husband. If you listen to the lyrics from THAT point of reference, it rips your heart out. Yep. I cried. Hard. https://youtu.be/j4y-RzVGrHg

Whats your sad breakup song? [youtu.be]

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

This one always comes to mind. Following my first reciprocated crush, at the end of camp when we said goodbye and left with our parents, THIS song came on the radio. It was brutal! (I realize the song lyrics are about a fling with a married/taken person, but...). https://youtu.be/JsyQ06YZVQc

A few of us bumped into each other in the main forum and found many shared concerns or experiences ...

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

I am a widowed (11 years) mom of two with a 21 YO headed back to college (4 hrs away) and an 18 YO son about to head to school (university TBD; we should know by April) this fall. My immediate concern is a selfish one. I've not lived alone since 1988. This could be a huge adjustment. My husband was SUPPOSED to walk this with me. Sigh.

Is anyone planning on doing any special camping trips this summer?

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Probably not in the summer. Camping in the southern summer heat means towing the camper with AC. I am not set up for that (towing capabe truck not running). However, tent camping is possible and some time off is coming up in April... Might go someplace local (northern GA) or head down to a Florida coast.

Welcome to the group.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

How did I miss this group??? It's been over a year since our last camping trip and that one unseasonably cold with a burning ban in place. With it warming up this year, and a bit more freedom with the school schedule, we hope to get the tents out soon.

I stopped telling my cats to get down from there and don't walk on that when they said "what does it...

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Yep. Resistance IS futile...

Who is the one musical artist or band that you absolutely just can't stand but others think is ...

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

REO Speedwagon! The repulsion on my end is visceral whenever they come on.

Date (age) yourself by using a reference from your childhood.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

We ate dinner at Grandma's every Sunday so that we could watch "The Wonderful World of Disey" in color. (otherwise, we'd watch at our house in black and white while tuning in via a rabbit ears antenna with foil on on it).

Silly humans..

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Yep. Sounds like a lot of my neighbors...

How frustrating is it when you sign up for a site.

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Ohhh, that smacks of greed bordering on scam, doesn't it? I agree. That's maddening. Many free sites attract bottom dwellers, though, so the premise has validity I suppose.

Was thinking, has life gotten so complex that even casual experiences have to be navigated with ...

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Not that I have experienced, but others' experiences likely vary. I am a casual and spontaneous "wing it" sort. That has mostly served me well so far. Do you have any examples or potential explanation for the trend that this post refers to? I might have missed the boat with my answer as I sort of guessed at the meaning.

How long has it been?

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

My last date was in April 2008, so ten years, ago. He was a good friend at work and my only date 1.5 years after the death of my husband. We dated for about four montgs. He turned mean toward my then 8 year old son, so I broke it off. That resulted in anger and stalking, including a huge yelling (by him; I was not even present) scene at work requiring that he be escorted off of the premises. I was afraid for a long time and have not dated since.

12 Year-Old Wins Slam Poetry Contest

Zster comments on Mar 11, 2018:

Amazingly well done, and only 12? Wow!

Do cats feel love?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

If it's a survival thing, it does not explain how infatuated Bailey is with my son. I am the one that keeps the cat alive and comfortable. My boy contributes ZERO to car care.

Hello. Is there anyone out there who wants to talk/chat?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

When? I tend to be online quite a bit at night...

I love spiders and this little guy is so precious.

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Lucas is an internet sensation!!! Even people not into spiders seem to like him. (:

Hi, my name is John.

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Your kid situation sounds similar to mine. My eldest is third year college student. My youngest graduates from high school this May and starts college in the fall. I am up for friends or chat buds. Welcome to the site!

Its been 2 years since I first came to Australia and I've had a blast so far seeing bands I had been...

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Apocalyptica puts on one hell of a live show!

Ladies: What clothes a man can wear that you find horrible?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Butt crack showing ANYTHING! I also am not too crazy about Bermuda shorts with black socks +/- sandals. Only my dear dad rocked that look . There can be no other.

If you were being sent off to an isolated island with 3 other people, who would you pick to go with ...

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Odd... two of the three just informed me that they would rather not!

Galaxy Song - Monty Python's The Meaning of Life - YouTube

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

"Sort of makes you rather insignificant..." (:

Do you have any dietary restriction or are there any foods you can't or won't eat?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Ugh, I have GI restrictions and have to keep my triglycerides down all while minimizing caffeine and avoiding alcohol. I basically can have unlimited veggies, lean white meats and seafood, some whole grains, nuts, and seeds. I will risk dairy and beef, but only when at/very close to home.

Empty Nest

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

My kids ard 21 and 18. The 21 YO dropped out of college for two quarters and stayed home for a few months. She is trying to get back yet this month, but needs her room mates to request her as fourth room mate. Time will soon tell, I guess. My son graduates from high school in May. We are waiting to hear back from colleges. He is a percussionist, hoping to find a way to play beyond high school.

Plainly visible Tattoos, self expression, or cry for attention?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I assume it's a form of expression.

Last weekend I traveled to Chicago with friends to see the show Hamilton.

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I was able to buy tickets online right (at regular box office prices) before the show settled on Broadway. We got to see it with original cast a weeks before they finished performing it. Was the experience of a lifetime. I doubt I will ever experience better! I was not a rap fan before, but love the soundtrack, mix tapes, and Weird Al's polka. The dancing on stage was incredible!

Uh oh it's almost tax season, who's gonna buy a new car this year and who's gonna pawn something?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I am paying off my credit card which was run up LAST year when company bonuses did not pan out (and college prep was still needed for my son). I foresee fewer hotels and more camping trips in 2018. (;

Passive-Aggressive Roommate Messages... [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Many of those were excellent! Thx!

The great bacon debate, how do you like yours?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

The only way I cook it now is over a camp fire. It's very tricky (tends to flare as the fat drips), but ends up delightfully flavored. As far as crisp vs not, I like it both ways. I can cook it to produce both results.

Directed to retirees. When did you make the final decision to give it up?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I am right there with you. I turn 54 in a few weeks and my second child starts college this fall. So, I feel compelled to stick it out until I know what my true financial picture is, (merely one year from the official retirement windowif 55). That said. I've already worked too long to enjoy hanging with my parents. Dad just passed away a month ago, unexpectedly. I have corporate burn out something fierce (we spend ever more time on how to work rather than actually working), and could not care much less about the dick contest called "jockeying for position within the company". I have enough set aside that I could try another way of earning, with little risk. Medical could be a nightmare, though. Even with full retirement, premiums will cost >$1000 per month, just for me AND with a $3500+ deductible. If my son gets enough scholarships and work under new mgmt is the same old - same old, I might yet hang it up this year.

Self Care

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

My home life is a haven for me: the kids, great music, humorous videos, a wonderful collection of visiting birds, and very affectionate cats all over us! Also, getting away from the hustle and into nature does wonders for my dismayed soul, as does getting together with dear family members and friends.

What book are you reading right now?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

"Sworn to a Highland Laird" by Sky Purington. She's a series writer who keeps me in books for months on end!

How to Ditch the News Feed Algorithm and Take Back Facebook

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

If I want news, I will seek it from reliable sources, deliberately. I've unfollowed many on my FB, blocked or deleted many unsolicited would be news sites, and glutted my feed with science and comedy. The rest of the BS (equivalent to pop ups), I just scroll by.

I just found out that my daughters step-niece Madeline who is 14, tried to commit suicide by taking ...

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Very sad, scary stuff! My oldest child is a depressive. It started in middle school and she still has to treat for it. I hope her guardians are considering multiple avenues for help. Suicide drive can be terrifying.

When is your state have a state fair?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

I live in GA and am unaware of a state fair. They have a national fair here that does not come remotely close to the state fairs in the midwest that I grew up with. The county fairs here occur in October with the national fair following, I think. I think to hold fairs any earlier might literally melt us. The Indiana State Far is huge and amazing! It's held in early August, typically.

Who are a few of your movie star/famous person crushes?

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Jimmy Fallon and Lin Manuel Mirando. Both are smart, super funny, and have tons of heart!

Empty Nest

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

Perhaps we should create one. If there is not a ton of participation initially, as the site gains members, interest could/should go up. My nest empties this fall for the first time. I raised the kids solo, and am a bit concerned how it will go. How long has yours been empty? Do your kids come back for summers or any extended visits? (feel free to pm me, if you would prefer).

By the GODS, I am an idiot So, for the past few weeks I've been talking to a young woman who was ...

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

You're not an idiot. Who expects people to behave SO rottenly? The problem is 100% them, not you. I am sorry that you got victimized like that.

I hope this post doesn't cause any upset--just sharing because I found it interesting.

Zster comments on Mar 10, 2018:

She's lucky. I know of very few owners who would spring for the repair (though that bill sounds quite reasonable, given vet costs for pets in my area).

What is the most ideal climate for you? What environment makes you happy?

Zster comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Summer heat with enough humidity to prevent my turning into a prune.

If you're not married, would you marry again?

Zster comments on Mar 9, 2018:

I think I might, but only for a most excellent match. I am not miserable or lonely doing the solo thing. An empty nest might change that, though. Time will tell.

Relationships or Friendships?

Zster comments on Mar 9, 2018:

It's a general atheist community site with a dating option.

Why do people hate very nice people like atheists?

Zster comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Because we are not part of their belief (fear of foreign). Because we might threaten their faith (fear of doubt). Because many pastors preach that we are evil and dangerous.

So I don't so much go on hikes as I do drive out to the desert and wander about looking for rocks.

Zster comments on Mar 9, 2018:

Whoa! Those are lovely! I hope you get the chance to share more.

I saw this in front of a church today. I guess we had all better repent.

Zster comments on Mar 8, 2018:

We're THAT much of a threat? Who knew? (;

Cat Snapchats, 3... [youtube.com]

Zster comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Those were great!

I need some new music. What is your favorite pretty song?

Zster comments on Mar 8, 2018:

I have lots that I like. For now, this one comes to mind: https://youtu.be/tZpuQOFzlkQ

How are you handling your Facebook page?

Zster comments on Mar 8, 2018:

My Facebook is where geographically distant family, work friends, school friends, and old church friends go to see how the kids and I are doing. I keep my disbelief close to my chest as being a known disbeliever could hurt me (at work) and has already hurt my kids at school. In the past, teachers and parents who dislike me have taken it out on my kids. I am a lot more out on Tumblr, and here, of course. To reduce the hate and stupidity on FB, I've unfollowed many, set the settings to block almost all negative content, and stacked my feed with humor pages. It almost makes FB a pleasant experience!

Sex

Zster comments on Mar 8, 2018:

Female drive can fluctuate later in life in response to the hormone swings of peri menopause, in EITHER direction, at least in my experience. It helps if her partner understands that approaches might need adjusted as these hormone changes result in very real changes in her body.

Let me preface this by stating that we don't have a principle of offending religious sensibilities ...

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Works for me!

What is one truth you have learned that you wish you had never found out?

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

That sex can actually be lame.

If you could teach everyone in the world one concept, what concept would have the biggest positive ...

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

The concept of ENOUGH.

If we were going to create a "feel good" soundtrack, what song should we add?

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Double dipping: https://youtu.be/_Mnw9uiYggU

If we were going to create a "feel good" soundtrack, what song should we add?

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

The ENFP anthem! https://youtu.be/YYOKMUTTDdA

Here is a pic of my Yoshi.

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Fascinating coat pattern. It's quite lovely!

“Roamer, wanderer Nomad, vagabond Call me what you will,” Wherever I may Roam - Metallica ...

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

Funny, I am not sure that I even think about music while hiking. That seems very likely to lead to dancing! In all seriousness, I tend to be so focused on the sounds of nature, that music has not crossed my mind. That's odd as the rest of my life seems to always be set to a soundtrack, that is constantly playing in my head.

Where do you stand on education in Liberal Arts?

Zster comments on Mar 7, 2018:

I am for well rounding, BUT did/do not find forcing non-major subjects run by awful teachers (possibly a quirk of the university that I attended) conducive to such. Combine that with the high cost for every credit required and I ask, "How ELSE might we accomplish this?" FWIW, I am a huge fan of the arts, literature, history. The classes forced on me during my scientific undergrad did NOT instill this fascination. Life did.