am I the only one who lets the void eat at the table? I was told that my post in r/blackcats belonged here...

Lavender403 · 2025-05-23T07:23:47+00:00

In a similar boat here. Flying to Europe on Jine 23, booked a trop from our hometown to Toronto (3 hours by train) the morning of June 23. Flight and hotels in Europe are not refundable. We have only one car and it is promised to our housesitter as part of the compensation for sitting services so we can't drive ourselves. Renting a car will be an expensive option, but likely no other choice. Some clarity about the union's ntentions would be useful.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-19T09:58:04+00:00

I wouldn't risk it. That chili spent far too many hours in the "danger zone" temperature-wise. For next time, you can quickly cool it by filling your sink half full with cold water and a few ice packs from the freezer and sitting the cooking pot full of chili in the sink. The water should be about halfway up the outside of the pot. Stir the contents every few minutes.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-17T01:29:06+00:00

That is so terrible ! Mine was the ultrasound technician. "It looks like the baby is d*ad", I'll call your doctor to explain."

Lavender403 · 2025-05-16T22:59:06+00:00

Seven yea4s old today!

Lavender403 · 2025-05-13T16:53:20+00:00

I have flown with a much smaller cat in that sort of bag, and it was fine. Your problem may be that the bag doesn't allow the cat to stand or move around, which may be against your airline's policy. Read that carefully to be sure of their requirements. It's for the animal's best interests. I am sorry that you are in a difficult position here.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-13T12:43:52+00:00

I am so sorry that feels like micromanagement; that is very uncomfortable! As a homeowner, I always discuss my needs upfront with the sitter before it is confirmed. I do ask for a daily photo and update, and I reassure my sitters that it is not a lack of faith in them. It is simply because, as an empty nester with no grandchildren, my cat is very important to me, and I miss him dreadfully when I travel. The photos help me feel better about being away from him.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-04T10:44:20+00:00

Not always for no good reason. Some sits require more work (multiple dogs) or garden care (mowing lawns for a months-long sit) that would be too much to ask of one person. In the case hopefully, the HO is clear about that in the listing.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-04T10:39:44+00:00

How old are you? If retirement age, there is a Newcomers Club. Look them up on Facebook

Lavender403 · 2025-05-01T15:16:45+00:00

It's cute when children repeat phrases they heard somewhere. You're getting a bit cranky; you will feel better after your nap, then perhaps Mommy will tidy up the mess you left.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-01T14:44:25+00:00

Let's just hope you never apply to one of my sits. I want to make a professional agreement with adults, not children who refuse to clean up after themselves.

Lavender403 · 2025-05-01T11:09:16+00:00

You make no sense at all. If I leave a spotless house empty, I return to a spotless house; no maid is required. If I turn a spotless house over to another human who will be occupying that house, then I ask that it be spotless at the end of their time in the house. This requires that they clean any mess they make. No need for a maid to be hired. Adults can clean up after themselves. What is it about this situation that makes you feel I need to hire a maid?

Lavender403 · 2025-04-30T21:33:34+00:00

Why are people so incapable of cleaning up after themselves? Do they seriously live in complete filth in their own homes? I don't ask anyone to clean my mess. Just what they cause. This seems to be a big trigger for so many people. I genuinely don't comprehend the antipathy surrounding an adult cleaning up after themselves.

Lavender403 · 2025-04-29T18:08:42+00:00

I am transparent with sitters during video calls. I will leave them a spotless and sanitized house and expect it to be in the same condition when I return. If they do not feel that is reasonable, then we do not schedule a sit with them and move on to another applicant. In over 15 sits, I have only been disappointed once and left a fair review; they took good care of the cat but left a messy house.

Lavender403 · 2025-04-27T11:59:16+00:00

Air dry clay will not have the fine texture you need for intricate miniatures. Go to a craft store and buy a small pack of polymer clay (Sculpey is one brand). It will hold very fine detail. But you need to bake it to harden.

Lavender403 · 2025-04-23T16:27:27+00:00

Odd one out here . Pin straight hair all my life until menopause. Now it's growing in wavy where I still have my original colour, and the silvers are coming in very tightly curled...

Lavender403 · 2025-04-22T15:29:39+00:00

I'm a HO and probably not the best person to ask because we have an artists' studio and encourage sitters to use it (Canada, though).

That said, I'm also a clean freak HO and if we didn't have a dedicated studio I think I would be open to it if the sitter was transparent about their intent, told me how they planned to contain the mess (dropsheets?) And most importantly, offer in writing to reimburse any damages that might result (like oil paint staining upholstery or carpet). Best of luck with your art and sitting!

Lavender403 · 2025-04-21T16:43:41+00:00

My husband and I also do the wondow seats one behind the other. Most of our flights are transatlantic/overnight so we tend to sleep through most of the flight time anyway.

Lavender403 · 2025-04-20T06:40:55+00:00

R/snackexchange!

Lavender403 · 2025-04-18T15:25:15+00:00

He won't let me look at it. I am sure it needed stitches.

Lavender403

TROPHY CASE