Book: Yes, I'd forgotten you're moonlighting as a criminal mastermind now. Got your next heist planned? Simon: No. But I'm thinking about growing a big black mustache. I'm a traditionalist.

'War Stories'


Natter 78: I might need to watch some Buffy for inspiration

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


Sheryl - Oct 01, 2026 3:08:29 pm PDT #14185 of 14508
Fandom means never having to say "But where would I wear that?"

Timelies all!

The furnace has been fixed. Luckily, this past week the nighttime temps have been in the 60s, so not having the furnace has been fine for us.

I also have a new Bluetooth mouse. (Hey, it's the little things.)

This weekend we are going to the local folklore society's annual retreat. I need to figure out what to pack, given that it's supposed to be cool and rainy for much of the weekend.


Calli - Oct 01, 2026 3:18:15 pm PDT #14186 of 14508
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs

Ok, it’s been longer than I planned, for no good reason.

Are you mostly remote, Calli? How often do you have to be in office? 1.5 hours is a long drive.

Yes, I’m mostly remote. I’ve gone in about once a mont so far, which is totally doable. Also, t-, I’m glad your mom’s surgery went well.

Debet, I’m sorry work is awful, and I hope you’re in a better situation soon.

Tom, I’d love to hear more about the bookbinding class. That’s something I’ve been interested in learning about, but the timing/opportunity just hasn’t happened for me yet.


Pix - Oct 01, 2026 6:05:14 pm PDT #14187 of 14508
The status is NOT quo.

Hi, all. I've been reading and nodding and feeling sympathetic thoughts for those struggling, but I realized I haven't typed much in...awhile. So hi. I'm still here. I'm sorry I'm not being very responsive. I'm using all my spoons for work and personal stuff.

My hormones are just a hot mess. I've been on BC pills since I was 16 because of PCOS (now called PMOS, much more accurate), so my perimenopause symptoms have been mostly masked. It was funny to me when — despite not changing doses AT ALL — my PCP started labeling my pills HRT rather than BC last year. I have the occasional hot flash, especially at night, but not much else. Well, I have brain fog, but that is also ADHD so...chicken? Egg? However, my body has decided that it wants to keep on having those monthly periods and nasty headaches DESPITE my being 51, which is just Not On. My gynecologist said she would switch my current dose down once I hit 52 since that's the average age for American women to have menopause. Is that right? That seems like it can't be right. But I may just be bitter.


Dana - Oct 01, 2026 6:19:57 pm PDT #14188 of 14508
I haven't trusted science since I saw the film "Flubber."

I'm 50 and bitter that I'm not done.


Steph L. - Oct 01, 2026 6:27:13 pm PDT #14189 of 14508
It's actually been a really hard year, when you stop and do the math. Eliot would cry, too, if it didn't take him seventy minutes of therapy, two cocktails, and a Sondheim medley before he can experience a human emotion through the haze of his PTSD.

I'm 50 and bitter that I'm not done.

I'm 55 and ready to see if one of those Etsy witches can make me be done. The longest I've made it without a period was 222 days. I'm back at 199 days as of today. I can be done! I'm not using it!


Sheryl - Oct 01, 2026 6:28:47 pm PDT #14190 of 14508
Fandom means never having to say "But where would I wear that?"

I'm 58, and started menopause in the spring, so YMMV. I've been on HRT since then.


Pix - Oct 01, 2026 6:30:08 pm PDT #14191 of 14508
The status is NOT quo.

OOOF no. I don't want to do this for another six-and-a-half years!


Dana - Oct 01, 2026 6:32:22 pm PDT #14192 of 14508
I haven't trusted science since I saw the film "Flubber."

nope nope nope


Sheryl - Oct 01, 2026 6:44:41 pm PDT #14193 of 14508
Fandom means never having to say "But where would I wear that?"

Sorry, didn't mean to freak anyone out. I'm probably an outlier.


lisah - Oct 01, 2026 7:03:38 pm PDT #14194 of 14508
Punishingly Intricate

Ooh I was done at 52! Go, being average! Choose being average!