My cousins had a raccoon birth, her kittens in their basement. This was a long time ago and the basement was even a longer time ago Stone walls with big cracks in them and that’s where she lived.
Unfortunately, where she lived in the crack was right by the stairs going down into the basement. Also, unfortunately, the basement was where the washing and dryer machine. So you’d have to creep down those stairs and hope a mother raccoon with her babies didn’t take offense that you walking near them.
I was too young, but I can remember my cousin’s screaming and running up the stairs occasionally, because “Sapphire” was growling at them.
One of my friends apparently surprised a raccoon at night, which proceeded to sink its teeth into her and run away. So she had to get the rabies shots.
These raccoons remind me of the time a groundhog ate a hole in the back of our garage so the raccoons had free access to our garbage bins. An arms race ensued, in which I tried ever more extreme measures to keep them out, and they defeated each in turn. (Mrs. Skunk is an excellent cook, so we have some great leftovers.) Ultimately I got a bin too large for them to knock over and strapped it closed with bungee cords, which finally did the trick. I could tell from all the little raccoon paw prints all around the sides of the new bin, like they were praying to the alter of good eats.
My then husband once bought garbage cans that were "guaranteed raccoon proof," because they snapped shut. I laughed. He was upset. The cans were not raccoon proof, so I did what I had suggested in the first place - a long two by four on top of the cans. Now, the raccoons could have figured out how to move it, but....as mighty as they are, they were not strong enough to move the heavy two by four. It's the only thing that ever worked for me. I'd never thought of bungee cords - that would have been easier on MY back.
"The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals permanently barred California from enforcing a state law that required federal immigration agents to display identification while on duty."
Ta, Rebecca. Ta, Martini. We're sipping flowery white tea this chilly, grey morning. Yesterday was a perfect autumn day. We stopped for lunch in Tannersville at Maggie's Krooked Kafé and Juice Bar. Don't go in starved; everything is made to order and it takes a while to get food, but the ginger iced tea and vegan options are delicious and the portions are generous. From there it was a short ride to Kaaterskill Falls. Maggie had remarked that the place is overrun with tourists, and there were license plates from all over the country in the parking lot. One of the couples walking in the opposite direction was speaking Mandarin. We enjoyed ourselves anyway; we have solitude here. Good day, beloved Wonketteers. We love and appreciate you all and we bless us all with love, health, peace, and grace.
Please, please stay safe. Wear a mask or two, wash your hands, sanitize when you cannot wash and let the sanitizer dry completely, stop touching your face, take Vitamin D, get a booster shot six months after your last, catch up on any other vaccines you need, and get any kids in your family vaccinated as well, and stay the fuck away from us and anyone with whom you do not share a roof. Do this because you love yourself, and because we love you, too. Do this in memory of 27 Club member Treg, Holly's heroic pilot friend Tony, Dolly Parton, who put up a million dollars of her own money to make the Moderna vaccine possible, and nearly eight million dead worldwide, possibly including Gav, who had long COVID. Do this to honor the nurses and other frontline medical personnel (we love you, medicos of Wonkette, from student to active to retired), especially ICU Hera Mrs Land Shark RN. Stay safe. When we vote, we WIN!!
Jeff Tiedrich reprinted a post he made a few years ago - and it is so perfect, I needed to let you all see it:
"Republicans were so busy protecting children from learning that Rosa Parks was black that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from seeing that Michaelangelo’s David has a penis that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from finding out that men can love men and women can love women that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from being read to by grownups wearing costumes that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from eating a subsidized school lunch that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from reading that Roberto Clemente experienced discrimination that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from discovering why Anne Frank had to hide that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from knowing how their own bodies work that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from having access to healthcare that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
oopsies!"
I so want to shove that in some MAGA gun lover's face, even tho' I know it would not faze them one bit. "Thoughts and Prayers", baby!
Be careful what you wish for from Republicans. The extended context for what Charlie Kirk said about why "it's worth it" argued that if we chose to, we could protect schools, even in a society armed to the teeth, using as one example the record of how "protected" gun shows are. That seems like a problematic model for elementary schools to me.
Given her performance, I’d like to know, is Katie Zacharia an underaged drinker?
TBC, I think they’re taking the shift to a younger generation a bit too far. (Edit: Oops, she’s 41? Just another one trying to *look* like she’s 18. I iz old, apparently. But she does *act* like she’s 18.)
Every time they air one of these yahoos saying we'll hold hearings, that we'll impeach or jail them all [why not both dot gif], I think, "well, then don't fucking break the law and fuck with democracy, you assholes!"
82% of Rs want fascism and project 2025 provided the blueprints for the wealthy to establish that goal. They want supreme control and will stop at nothing to get it as they have clearly shown daily.
---------------------
Fully 82 percent of Republicans actually view MAGA favorably, but the non-Republicans who agree with them are few and far between.
Man alive, it was quite a week for me by Tuesday. TGIF.
Sunday morning we woke up to a big branch down in the yard. Thankfully it really only damaged some wire frames I had for climbing plants, a shephard’s hook, and a couple of pots. So we spent Sunday on tree clean up.
Monday hubby had an appointment with an ENT across town, and early. The ENT was kind of pretentious and offputting, but he did give the referral for a neurologist, which was the point of the visit.
By some miracle the neurologist he preferred had a cancellation and we could get in Tuesday, if we were once again able to go across town bright and early in the worst direction for morning traffic. Traffic was even worse than anticipated AND THEN google maps told me the best route was to get on the Canton Connector and drive a mile and make a u turn instead of going right on a highway for 250 feet.
I was worried we were going to be late, but then it turned out this appointment was 15 minutes later than I thought and we were right on time. Ooops. Stressing myself out for nothing.
The doctor was absolutely fucking fantastic. His staff fumbled a follow up referral request though when we saw the hospital system quote for imaging and asked them to send the referral to a third party imaging place instead.
So now in limbo, waiting for the fax to go through and of course their office is closed today.
You and yours HAVE had a week. Your husband is surrounded by the light of healing, which light penetrates and permeates the hearts, minds and hands of all entrusted with his care.
If you graduated from law school, even the best law school, in 2011, and have not been admitted to the bar or practiced law in any jurisdiction, even in the skies over the Pacific Ocean, in the fifteen years since, then you are not an attorney that anyone with any lick of sense would seriously consult with on matters of law; and furthermore, you could be setting yourself up for what is known in the profession, and in statute, rule, and case law, as Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL). And you probably never have obtained any malpractice insurance.
There's a question a reporter, if there are any left, ought to be asking Bubbly Katie -- do you carry an active legal malpractice insurance policy? If the answer is yes, then she is an attorney (and ask her who the policy is underwritten by). If the answer is no, then better call Saul.
I read that thing about Zampolli. He seems to have a bad case of rich White man entitlement syndrome. "You're not the boss of me" does not play very well when you are a State Department employee and you have an actual boss.
after 50 years of smoking, it’s been 23 days since my last cigarette. And let me tell you the nicotine withdrawal is real.
It’s manifested in a low-grade fever and diarrhea and depression. It’s getting better but let me tell you nicotine withdrawal is a real fucking thing and I really underestimated It’s effects.
But what keeps me going is the enormous amount of money I’m saving. Oh yeah, the health thing too,is good but the fucking money I’m saving. when cigarettes are around $13-$14 a pack and you smoke almost a pack a day. I feel like I’ve won the lottery.
I quit smoking in 1983. All that happened was that my normally grumpy disposition became many times worse - for about a year, maybe a bit more. However, it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did for myself. If I had not quit, I would not be alive today.
I quit in 2010 with no withdrawal, but I did have the flu (I think it might have been swine flu) 4 times over a 3 month period, and was too sick to smoke most of the time. Then I just never started again.
I'd still like a cigarette with my morning coffee, though....
You have my deepest sympathy and admiration. As a smoker myself, I understand how very difficult it is to quit. Not just the withdrawal, but the psychological aspect as well. I wish you all strength in this endeavor. Maybe every day put that money you're saving in a big jar on the counter as a physical reminder of what it means to you to quit.
Persevere. The detoxing is hellish, especially with American cigarettes and their extra special chemicals. I had brain fog and depression but I knew it would pass. The fact that you're trying is awesome.
Pretty much everybody is a criminal if you looks closely enough at every detail of their lives. If the law was not applied only approximately, and only to the extent that it allows us all to live peaceably, we would all be in jail. The tRump regime intends to use the strict application of the law to disable its opponents. Omar is the test case.
We’ve made it to another Friday. Congratulations!
Raccoons using those agile paws in the hed gif: https://martiniambassador.substack.com/p/racoon-gang-enjoys-a-stuffed-pumpkin
And your meme chat: https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/78084a24-23a0-4416-b008-d91057be1436?r=angu9&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=share
Teach them to sabotage data centers, it won’t be difficult for them.
I tried to get our trash pandas to clean-up the blossoms from our mimosa tree, but they want over union scale!
Raccoons are amazing.
My cat likes pumpkins too, also!
The true nature of trash pandas has been revealed! They will eat your eyeballs. Be afraid. Be very afraid.🎃
Thank you for featuring my fellow trash pandas!
My cousins had a raccoon birth, her kittens in their basement. This was a long time ago and the basement was even a longer time ago Stone walls with big cracks in them and that’s where she lived.
Unfortunately, where she lived in the crack was right by the stairs going down into the basement. Also, unfortunately, the basement was where the washing and dryer machine. So you’d have to creep down those stairs and hope a mother raccoon with her babies didn’t take offense that you walking near them.
I was too young, but I can remember my cousin’s screaming and running up the stairs occasionally, because “Sapphire” was growling at them.
It's been a shitty week all told
Friday couldn't come too soon
But it's ending on a high note
With a pumpkin and raccoons.
Though Raccoons slyly wear a mask
And pumpkins bare their faces
It seems a sign of better times
To see them sharing places.
Beautiful, Me! Just what I needed this morning, thank you.
You are so welcome.
One of my friends apparently surprised a raccoon at night, which proceeded to sink its teeth into her and run away. So she had to get the rabies shots.
Do not pet.
My late wife was attacked by one once. They can be viciously defensive.
These raccoons remind me of the time a groundhog ate a hole in the back of our garage so the raccoons had free access to our garbage bins. An arms race ensued, in which I tried ever more extreme measures to keep them out, and they defeated each in turn. (Mrs. Skunk is an excellent cook, so we have some great leftovers.) Ultimately I got a bin too large for them to knock over and strapped it closed with bungee cords, which finally did the trick. I could tell from all the little raccoon paw prints all around the sides of the new bin, like they were praying to the alter of good eats.
My then husband once bought garbage cans that were "guaranteed raccoon proof," because they snapped shut. I laughed. He was upset. The cans were not raccoon proof, so I did what I had suggested in the first place - a long two by four on top of the cans. Now, the raccoons could have figured out how to move it, but....as mighty as they are, they were not strong enough to move the heavy two by four. It's the only thing that ever worked for me. I'd never thought of bungee cords - that would have been easier on MY back.
Now, if we can just make it THROUGH another Friday...
Peter Peter
Pumpkin eater
But Trash Pandas
Nom nom neater
It's a racc-o-lantern!
Raccoons are clever. They beat the bears to tearing up your pumpkin.
It's the opposable thumbs. We'd be in biiiiig trouble if bears had them.
That's good eating for young raccoons. Vitamins and minerals and fiber.
Had no idea raccoons could carve a punkin' like that.
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/10/hegseths-dubious-low-t-screening-may-flag-up-to-25-percent-of-the-army/
Hed: Hegseth’s dubious low-T screening may flag up to 25 percent of the Army
Subhed: Medical experts explicitly recommend against blanket screenings.
Today in "This is Some Bullshit:"
"The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals permanently barred California from enforcing a state law that required federal immigration agents to display identification while on duty."
https://archive.is/20261014212254/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-10-14/california-no-vigilantes-act-id-law-blocked-9th-circuit#selection-3197.0-3197.171
Ta, Rebecca. Ta, Martini. We're sipping flowery white tea this chilly, grey morning. Yesterday was a perfect autumn day. We stopped for lunch in Tannersville at Maggie's Krooked Kafé and Juice Bar. Don't go in starved; everything is made to order and it takes a while to get food, but the ginger iced tea and vegan options are delicious and the portions are generous. From there it was a short ride to Kaaterskill Falls. Maggie had remarked that the place is overrun with tourists, and there were license plates from all over the country in the parking lot. One of the couples walking in the opposite direction was speaking Mandarin. We enjoyed ourselves anyway; we have solitude here. Good day, beloved Wonketteers. We love and appreciate you all and we bless us all with love, health, peace, and grace.
Please, please stay safe. Wear a mask or two, wash your hands, sanitize when you cannot wash and let the sanitizer dry completely, stop touching your face, take Vitamin D, get a booster shot six months after your last, catch up on any other vaccines you need, and get any kids in your family vaccinated as well, and stay the fuck away from us and anyone with whom you do not share a roof. Do this because you love yourself, and because we love you, too. Do this in memory of 27 Club member Treg, Holly's heroic pilot friend Tony, Dolly Parton, who put up a million dollars of her own money to make the Moderna vaccine possible, and nearly eight million dead worldwide, possibly including Gav, who had long COVID. Do this to honor the nurses and other frontline medical personnel (we love you, medicos of Wonkette, from student to active to retired), especially ICU Hera Mrs Land Shark RN. Stay safe. When we vote, we WIN!!
Slava Ukraini 🌻🇺🇦💙🇺🇦
I love you, darling. The falls are worth seeing, I did pick up some litter on our hike though.
Did someone mention raccoons?
https://youtu.be/9KRj1o_tsDs?si=7wHG5LQc2pWjywqn&t=2180
Jeff Tiedrich reprinted a post he made a few years ago - and it is so perfect, I needed to let you all see it:
"Republicans were so busy protecting children from learning that Rosa Parks was black that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from seeing that Michaelangelo’s David has a penis that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from finding out that men can love men and women can love women that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from being read to by grownups wearing costumes that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from eating a subsidized school lunch that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from reading that Roberto Clemente experienced discrimination that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from discovering why Anne Frank had to hide that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from knowing how their own bodies work that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
Republicans were so busy protecting children from having access to healthcare that they forgot to protect them from being murdered in their classrooms.
oopsies!"
I so want to shove that in some MAGA gun lover's face, even tho' I know it would not faze them one bit. "Thoughts and Prayers", baby!
Be careful what you wish for from Republicans. The extended context for what Charlie Kirk said about why "it's worth it" argued that if we chose to, we could protect schools, even in a society armed to the teeth, using as one example the record of how "protected" gun shows are. That seems like a problematic model for elementary schools to me.
https://billmuehlenberg.com/2025/09/13/kirk-and-the-second-amendment/
Given her performance, I’d like to know, is Katie Zacharia an underaged drinker?
TBC, I think they’re taking the shift to a younger generation a bit too far. (Edit: Oops, she’s 41? Just another one trying to *look* like she’s 18. I iz old, apparently. But she does *act* like she’s 18.)
I want investigations, trials, impeachments, and jail time for the lot of them. Please and Thank you.
Every time they air one of these yahoos saying we'll hold hearings, that we'll impeach or jail them all [why not both dot gif], I think, "well, then don't fucking break the law and fuck with democracy, you assholes!"
Natural consequences, amirite?
82% of Rs want fascism and project 2025 provided the blueprints for the wealthy to establish that goal. They want supreme control and will stop at nothing to get it as they have clearly shown daily.
---------------------
Fully 82 percent of Republicans actually view MAGA favorably, but the non-Republicans who agree with them are few and far between.
"Give me absolute control over every living soul
And lie beside me, baby.
That's an order."
- Leonard Cohen, THE FUTURE
Man alive, it was quite a week for me by Tuesday. TGIF.
Sunday morning we woke up to a big branch down in the yard. Thankfully it really only damaged some wire frames I had for climbing plants, a shephard’s hook, and a couple of pots. So we spent Sunday on tree clean up.
Monday hubby had an appointment with an ENT across town, and early. The ENT was kind of pretentious and offputting, but he did give the referral for a neurologist, which was the point of the visit.
By some miracle the neurologist he preferred had a cancellation and we could get in Tuesday, if we were once again able to go across town bright and early in the worst direction for morning traffic. Traffic was even worse than anticipated AND THEN google maps told me the best route was to get on the Canton Connector and drive a mile and make a u turn instead of going right on a highway for 250 feet.
I was worried we were going to be late, but then it turned out this appointment was 15 minutes later than I thought and we were right on time. Ooops. Stressing myself out for nothing.
The doctor was absolutely fucking fantastic. His staff fumbled a follow up referral request though when we saw the hospital system quote for imaging and asked them to send the referral to a third party imaging place instead.
So now in limbo, waiting for the fax to go through and of course their office is closed today.
You and yours HAVE had a week. Your husband is surrounded by the light of healing, which light penetrates and permeates the hearts, minds and hands of all entrusted with his care.
Please tell me that his opponent turned Ty Masterson into a newt! Please!!
If you graduated from law school, even the best law school, in 2011, and have not been admitted to the bar or practiced law in any jurisdiction, even in the skies over the Pacific Ocean, in the fifteen years since, then you are not an attorney that anyone with any lick of sense would seriously consult with on matters of law; and furthermore, you could be setting yourself up for what is known in the profession, and in statute, rule, and case law, as Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL). And you probably never have obtained any malpractice insurance.
There's a question a reporter, if there are any left, ought to be asking Bubbly Katie -- do you carry an active legal malpractice insurance policy? If the answer is yes, then she is an attorney (and ask her who the policy is underwritten by). If the answer is no, then better call Saul.
I hope Elmo's karma is in kind. May it be very soon.
Karma is taking her/his/it's sweet-ass time with too many of these sub-human dirtbags. Karma, if you're listening, STEP UP THE PACE!!
HELL YEAH!
The Friends guy was apparently a decent dude and ketamine took him. Here's hoping for Elmo...
(Musk probably has a hoard of weirdo people who follow him toilet to baby mama to shower to K-hole tbh. He's such a cancer on society.)
I read that thing about Zampolli. He seems to have a bad case of rich White man entitlement syndrome. "You're not the boss of me" does not play very well when you are a State Department employee and you have an actual boss.
after 50 years of smoking, it’s been 23 days since my last cigarette. And let me tell you the nicotine withdrawal is real.
It’s manifested in a low-grade fever and diarrhea and depression. It’s getting better but let me tell you nicotine withdrawal is a real fucking thing and I really underestimated It’s effects.
But what keeps me going is the enormous amount of money I’m saving. Oh yeah, the health thing too,is good but the fucking money I’m saving. when cigarettes are around $13-$14 a pack and you smoke almost a pack a day. I feel like I’ve won the lottery.
I’m very proud of you! Don’t quit quitting now!
Make sure you treat yourself a bit—even if it’s getting something fancy for a long soak in the bath, or fancy water to sip.
Right on
Stay strong
I wish you the best of luck.
I quit smoking in 1983. All that happened was that my normally grumpy disposition became many times worse - for about a year, maybe a bit more. However, it turned out to be one of the best things I ever did for myself. If I had not quit, I would not be alive today.
I quit in 2010 with no withdrawal, but I did have the flu (I think it might have been swine flu) 4 times over a 3 month period, and was too sick to smoke most of the time. Then I just never started again.
I'd still like a cigarette with my morning coffee, though....
You have my deepest sympathy and admiration. As a smoker myself, I understand how very difficult it is to quit. Not just the withdrawal, but the psychological aspect as well. I wish you all strength in this endeavor. Maybe every day put that money you're saving in a big jar on the counter as a physical reminder of what it means to you to quit.
Congrats on the achievement and keep up the good work.
With all the money you’re going to save, you may as well have won a minor lottery. :D
Persevere. The detoxing is hellish, especially with American cigarettes and their extra special chemicals. I had brain fog and depression but I knew it would pass. The fact that you're trying is awesome.
Going cold turkey is really impressive. Keep at it - your health and pocketbook will thank you.
Pretty much everybody is a criminal if you looks closely enough at every detail of their lives. If the law was not applied only approximately, and only to the extent that it allows us all to live peaceably, we would all be in jail. The tRump regime intends to use the strict application of the law to disable its opponents. Omar is the test case.