That's so good to hear, Anne.

Cass, I'm so sorry.

I cannot believe how exhausted I am from this week. Slept a million hours last night, am unclear if I'll do anything before dinner plans.

Oh, good, Anne. I'm glad something so simple has a marked positive improvement.

Cass, time is horrible that way, and it's been pretty horrible to you over the past little while. Breaks, world! We need, at least, breaks.

That lyrebird was amazing. For some reason the second camera sound was more impressive.

I have a jar (of pasta sauce) that I can't open. My hands are always moisturised to this side of slick, so not much grip there, but normally I can fend for myself. I've tried heat, popping the bottom of the bottle, as well as my make-do friction addition--using my version of the LiveStrong band (it says Apathy) to improve friction. But nothing. Any in-home trick suggestions? I would also consider buying a simple thingy to do it when I finally leave the house for errands today.

It must be exhausting to be one, the one in my neighborhood calls all day and I've certainly heard it in the night, too.

I think it must be a pleasure to them; like singing karaoke at the gas pump.

For no particular reason at all, I've recently decided that bees are probably blissed out when they're collecting nectar and rolling in pollen and tripping out on wildflower fields. Rather like a Doors after party but with flight.

Hit the side of the jar lid with the side of a knife -- the idea is to make little dents, which I think helps pop the seal.

Hit the side of the jar lid with the side of a knife -- the idea is to make little dents, which I think helps pop the seal.

That's my go-to for jars/bottles that won't open. I whack the lid all the way around the lid with a butter knife. I usually leave dents.

yeah, me too Anne. poor kitty.

Poor kitten cat.

If you have an inexpensive knife, stick the tip between the jar and the lid and pry to break the seal.

Oh Cass, I'm so sorry. Holding you in my thoughts today.

And Anne, glad to hear Jeeves is more comfortable, but much kitty~ma to him and to you.

If you have an inexpensive knife, stick the tip between the jar and the lid and pry to break the seal.

Or do it gently with a bottle opener.

I don't know how widely available they are, but I have a sort of torque wrench like a big rubber band with a handle that is aces for opening jars. I can't find the exact thing online, but [link] is close.

For no particular reason at all, I've recently decided that bees are probably blissed out when they're collecting nectar and rolling in pollen and tripping out on wildflower fields. Rather like a Doors after party but with flight.

I totally agree. I mean, they go home and communicate where they've been by dancing! And follow a meandering, loopy path from flower to flower.

Now staying home and air-conditioning the hive with your wings, that's probably a more workmanlike affair.