The Weirdly Wonderful Seneca Wallace Small Talk Chit Chat Talkin' Topics Thread

[oldgoldy97]

Four degrees. High of 24.

[ssbledsoe]

Originally Posted by JosieD

Good morning, everyone. Today is Wednesday February 4th.

Questions (in no particular order)
Jon, how is your new job going?
Glen, how much weight did you gain while your wife was away?
BD, when are you taking new lady out? If thats too personal, how are the roads?
Saraste, how are you feeling today? Big bruise yet on your elbow?
BoSox, how is the little one?
CD, any more caterpillar sightings?
BN, how long do the ponds stay iced over in your area?
Spuds, try any new beers lately? I got a new winter lager but I haven't tried it yet.
FT, are you and FT jr eating at the game or going out beforehand? Does Mrs FT want to go yet?
Boo, had enough of the internet yet? Insert obligatory Glen joke: its had enough of you
SB, what is your favorite Bledsoe card in your collection?
Crosby, who was your role model growing up?
Hairy, how much snow is on the ground currently? How are your students doing this semester?
Oldy, how is Kenny? Does he like the snow?

Good morning Josie!

My favorite is, and will always be, my 1993 #130 Topps TTM Auto

It's the card that made me a fan of DB11 and the Patriots. All others could be sold (for the "right" price, of course). That was is the only definitive NFS

Great question!

Counterquestion - Of all the lovely work that you've done helping people through the years, which instance is the one you're most proud of and are you still in touch with the person(s) you helped?

[oldgoldy97]

Glen and Boo with the savage questions

[oldgoldy97]

Very light snow falling. Big, fluffy flakes drifting down.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by jlzinck

Pretty good. Ready to take my CDL test, hopefully in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
Driving in this incredible crappy snow weather, while being nerve wracking, will make driving easier in good weather

How many orange traffic cones have you disfigured so far?

[Boo]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

How many orange traffic cones have you disfigured so far?

Has he been out of the parking lot yet? Or does he do all of his training on a computer?

[oldgoldy97]

[JosieD]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

Morning!

The little one is well. I'm solo for the rest of the week as Mrs. bosox is taking a short work trip.

Hopefully she has safe travels. Lots of bonding time with lil' bosox. I love that.

Originally Posted by BostonNut

Late March is when I call it. I’m sure they are fine well into April but I’d rather not chance it.

Always good to err on the side of caution.

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

Kenny loves snow but not ice. When the snow is deep, he runs through it like a bunny.

That sounds adorable!

Originally Posted by jlzinck

Pretty good. Ready to take my CDL test, hopefully in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
Driving in this incredible crappy snow weather, while being nerve wracking, will make driving easier in good weather

Learning the worst of conditions will help you thrive in the best of them.

Originally Posted by ssbledsoe

Good morning Josie!

My favorite is, and will always be, my 1993 #130 Topps TTM Auto

It's the card that made me a fan of DB11 and the Patriots. All others could be sold (for the "right" price, of course). That was is the only definitive NFS

Great question!

Counterquestion - Of all the lovely work that you've done helping people through the years, which instance is the one you're most proud of and are you still in touch with the person(s) you helped?

That must have been an amazing experience!

That is a great questions. This is going to be a long response:

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many people. The one that comes to mind is an older gentleman who was approaching his 80's when I met him. He was in the reserves for many years but didn't qualify for any VA benefits because it was "during a time of peace". He even had a tour of duty overseas. He was very grumpy when I first started working with him. He lived in his truck which was a run down Ford that had seen much better days. He owned a machine shop for many years and when he wanted to retire, he sold the shop and his house. Moved in with his daughter and paid off her house in full. She kicked him out a couple months later. I met with him every week at this local park, same spot every time. We would sit at pavilion 33, he would drink his senior cup of coffee from McDonalds, smoke these odd smelling mini cigars and we would just chat. He called it his "summer office". The park rangers contacted me about him because he was close with 2 of them and they were very worried about him. He insisted the one had a huge crush on me and would tease us both about it. I don't think it was true. His feet were swollen and purple from having to sit upright to sleep and a heart condition. It took me 2 years to convince him to let me help him. He made less than $900/month. We got him enrolled in this housing program that had more resources than I had access to. They eventually came back to me and said he was "unhousable" and I could take over if I wanted but he was too picky, stubborn and grumpy. He turned down every room they showed him and that was all he could afford. I was still in contact with him during all of this. All his food stamps went to subs and ice cream at the local turkey hill. We were extremely lucky during COVID because they released several housing vouchers and I was able to apply on behalf of 2 people. He was the first person I thought of. We had to have a tough conversation because he was pretty upset about what the housing program had said to him and he thought it was going to be impossible to find a place. I told him we would try our very best and walk through the process together. The crappy thing about vouchers is they expire. We applied at so many places. He really wanted the southern end of the county. We were able to enroll him in this hotel program but he ran out of days while we were going through this process so I had to find another agency who would be willing to keep him in the hotel. An agency whom had 3 low income senior apartments in our area said I could call weekly for availability. They, thankfully, took the voucher because he made too little to qualify for low-income housing. Yes, that is really a thing. I literally called every week. Finally, an apartment opened up because someone was transferred to skilled nursing but it was on the Western side of the county. I asked him to just go look at it with me, if he didn't like it we would keep searching. He said that he would go because he trusted my judgment. I drive us there and we take a tour and fill out paperwork. The apartment was his if he wanted it. The apartment manager made a point to tell him how I would call all the time. We get to my car and he tells me he can't accept the apartment. I asked if it was because of the location. He said no, that wasn't it, he actually really loved the area. It was very quaint and quiet. He said it was too nice for him and he didn't deserve it, I should give it someone else. I told him this was meant for him and he deserved to live someplace nice. The crazy thing was the voucher was about to expire in a week. He moved in and still lives there to this day. I had to take him grocery shopping and teach him how to shop again, how to write a check, how to keep his place clean ,etc. We talked about how he was eating hot meals again. We got furniture donated so he had a bed, living room furniture, and a dining room. I got him a bunch of little things that he needed. His health is failing right now and he is very aware of this. We have talked on the phone but I have not visited him in person since before Christmas because of him being sick. The last time I saw him in person he told me I saved his life. He said he wouldn't have been able to make it through another winter in his truck. He also said he is very glad I convinced him to move into this place. It took us over a year to get him an in-home aide. He has been housed for over 5 years now.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by JosieD

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many people. The one that comes to mind is an older gentleman who was approaching his 80's when I met him. He was in the reserves for many years but didn't qualify for any VA benefits because it was "during a time of peace". He even had a tour of duty overseas. He was very grumpy when I first started working with him. He lived in his truck which was a run down Ford that had seen much better days. He owned a machine shop for many years and when he wanted to retire, he sold the shop and his house. Moved in with his daughter and paid off her house in full. She kicked him out a couple months later. I met with him every week at this local park, same spot every time. We would sit at pavilion 33, he would drink his senior cup of coffee from McDonalds, smoke these odd smelling mini cigars and we would just chat. He called it his "summer office". The park rangers contacted me about him because he was close with 2 of them and they were very worried about him. He insisted the one had a huge crush on me and would tease us both about it. I don't think it was true. His feet were swollen and purple from having to sit upright to sleep and a heart condition. It took me 2 years to convince him to let me help him. He made less than $900/month. We got him enrolled in this housing program that had more resources than I had access to. They eventually came back to me and said he was "unhousable" and I could take over if I wanted but he was too picky, stubborn and grumpy. He turned down every room they showed him and that was all he could afford. I was still in contact with him during all of this. All his food stamps went to subs and ice cream at the local turkey hill. We were extremely lucky during COVID because they released several housing vouchers and I was able to apply on behalf of 2 people. He was the first person I thought of. We had to have a tough conversation because he was pretty upset about what the housing program had said to him and he thought it was going to be impossible to find a place. I told him we would try our very best and walk through the process together. The crappy thing about vouchers is they expire. We applied at so many places. He really wanted the southern end of the county. We were able to enroll him in this hotel program but he ran out of days while we were going through this process so I had to find another agency who would be willing to keep him in the hotel. An agency whom had 3 low income senior apartments in our area said I could call weekly for availability. They, thankfully, took the voucher because he made too little to qualify for low-income housing. Yes, that is really a thing. I literally called every week. Finally, an apartment opened up because someone was transferred to skilled nursing but it was on the Western side of the county. I asked him to just go look at it with me, if he didn't like it we would keep searching. He said that he would go because he trusted my judgment. I drive us there and we take a tour and fill out paperwork. The apartment was his if he wanted it. The apartment manager made a point to tell him how I would call all the time. We get to my car and he tells me he can't accept the apartment. I asked if it was because of the location. He said no, that wasn't it, he actually really loved the area. It was very quaint and quiet. He said it was too nice for him and he didn't deserve it, I should give it someone else. I told him this was meant for him and he deserved to live someplace nice. The crazy thing was the voucher was about to expire in a week. He moved in and still lives there to this day. I had to take him grocery shopping and teach him how to shop again, how to write a check, how to keep his place clean ,etc. We talked about how he was eating hot meals again. We got furniture donated so he had a bed, living room furniture, and a dining room. I got him a bunch of little things that he needed. His health is failing right now and he is very aware of this. We have talked on the phone but I have not visited him in person since before Christmas because of him being sick. The last time I saw him in person he told me I saved his life. He said he wouldn't have been able to make it through another winter in his truck. He also said he is very glad I convinced him to move into this place. It took us over a year to get him an in-home aide. He has been housed for over 5 years now.

Glen, break this down for me please.

[Siberian13]

Originally Posted by JosieD

Hopefully she has safe travels. Lots of bonding time with lil' bosox. I love that.



Always good to err on the side of caution.



That sounds adorable!



Learning the worst of conditions will help you thrive in the best of them.



That must have been an amazing experience!

That is a great questions. This is going to be a long response:

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with so many people. The one that comes to mind is an older gentleman who was approaching his 80's when I met him. He was in the reserves for many years but didn't qualify for any VA benefits because it was "during a time of peace". He even had a tour of duty overseas. He was very grumpy when I first started working with him. He lived in his truck which was a run down Ford that had seen much better days. He owned a machine shop for many years and when he wanted to retire, he sold the shop and his house. Moved in with his daughter and paid off her house in full. She kicked him out a couple months later. I met with him every week at this local park, same spot every time. We would sit at pavilion 33, he would drink his senior cup of coffee from McDonalds, smoke these odd smelling mini cigars and we would just chat. He called it his "summer office". The park rangers contacted me about him because he was close with 2 of them and they were very worried about him. He insisted the one had a huge crush on me and would tease us both about it. I don't think it was true. His feet were swollen and purple from having to sit upright to sleep and a heart condition. It took me 2 years to convince him to let me help him. He made less than $900/month. We got him enrolled in this housing program that had more resources than I had access to. They eventually came back to me and said he was "unhousable" and I could take over if I wanted but he was too picky, stubborn and grumpy. He turned down every room they showed him and that was all he could afford. I was still in contact with him during all of this. All his food stamps went to subs and ice cream at the local turkey hill. We were extremely lucky during COVID because they released several housing vouchers and I was able to apply on behalf of 2 people. He was the first person I thought of. We had to have a tough conversation because he was pretty upset about what the housing program had said to him and he thought it was going to be impossible to find a place. I told him we would try our very best and walk through the process together. The crappy thing about vouchers is they expire. We applied at so many places. He really wanted the southern end of the county. We were able to enroll him in this hotel program but he ran out of days while we were going through this process so I had to find another agency who would be willing to keep him in the hotel. An agency whom had 3 low income senior apartments in our area said I could call weekly for availability. They, thankfully, took the voucher because he made too little to qualify for low-income housing. Yes, that is really a thing. I literally called every week. Finally, an apartment opened up because someone was transferred to skilled nursing but it was on the Western side of the county. I asked him to just go look at it with me, if he didn't like it we would keep searching. He said that he would go because he trusted my judgment. I drive us there and we take a tour and fill out paperwork. The apartment was his if he wanted it. The apartment manager made a point to tell him how I would call all the time. We get to my car and he tells me he can't accept the apartment. I asked if it was because of the location. He said no, that wasn't it, he actually really loved the area. It was very quaint and quiet. He said it was too nice for him and he didn't deserve it, I should give it someone else. I told him this was meant for him and he deserved to live someplace nice. The crazy thing was the voucher was about to expire in a week. He moved in and still lives there to this day. I had to take him grocery shopping and teach him how to shop again, how to write a check, how to keep his place clean ,etc. We talked about how he was eating hot meals again. We got furniture donated so he had a bed, living room furniture, and a dining room. I got him a bunch of little things that he needed. His health is failing right now and he is very aware of this. We have talked on the phone but I have not visited him in person since before Christmas because of him being sick. The last time I saw him in person he told me I saved his life. He said he wouldn't have been able to make it through another winter in his truck. He also said he is very glad I convinced him to move into this place. It took us over a year to get him an in-home aide. He has been housed for over 5 years now.

Gonna need a minute

[Siberian13]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

Glen, break this down for me please.

Copy paste into AI

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by Siberian13

Copy paste into AI

You are brilliant.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by Siberian13

Copy paste into AI

That is such a poignant story of persistence and human connection. It’s clear that your relationship with him was built on a foundation of trust that no other agency could establish.

Here is a summary of that journey:

The Journey from Truck to Home
After being displaced by family and living in his truck for years, an elderly, "stubborn" veteran with failing health finally found permanent housing through your relentless advocacy and two-year effort to gain his trust.

Key Milestones

Building Trust: You spent years meeting him at his "summer office" (a park pavilion), navigating his grumpiness and health issues while other agencies labeled him "unhousable."

The Breakthrough: During COVID-19, you secured a rare housing voucher for him just before it expired.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: Despite his initial refusal of the apartment—feeling he "didn't deserve" something so nice—you convinced him to accept it.

Ongoing Support: Beyond just finding the home, you taught him how to shop, manage his finances, and maintain his household.

The Impact

He has now been safely housed for five years, eating hot meals and receiving in-home care. Though his health is currently declining, he credits your persistence with saving his life, acknowledging he wouldn't have survived another winter in his Ford.

This is a beautiful example of how "the system" often fails people without a dedicated advocate. Would you like me to help you draft a formal version of this story for a professional portfolio or a grant report?

[JosieD]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

That is such a poignant story of persistence and human connection. It’s clear that your relationship with him was built on a foundation of trust that no other agency could establish.

Here is a summary of that journey:

The Journey from Truck to Home
After being displaced by family and living in his truck for years, an elderly, "stubborn" veteran with failing health finally found permanent housing through your relentless advocacy and two-year effort to gain his trust.

Key Milestones

Building Trust: You spent years meeting him at his "summer office" (a park pavilion), navigating his grumpiness and health issues while other agencies labeled him "unhousable."

The Breakthrough: During COVID-19, you secured a rare housing voucher for him just before it expired.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: Despite his initial refusal of the apartment—feeling he "didn't deserve" something so nice—you convinced him to accept it.

Ongoing Support: Beyond just finding the home, you taught him how to shop, manage his finances, and maintain his household.

The Impact

He has now been safely housed for five years, eating hot meals and receiving in-home care. Though his health is currently declining, he credits your persistence with saving his life, acknowledging he wouldn't have survived another winter in his Ford.

This is a beautiful example of how "the system" often fails people without a dedicated advocate. Would you like me to help you draft a formal version of this story for a professional portfolio or a grant report?

Thank you

[Boo]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

That is such a poignant story of persistence and human connection. It’s clear that your relationship with him was built on a foundation of trust that no other agency could establish.

Here is a summary of that journey:

The Journey from Truck to Home
After being displaced by family and living in his truck for years, an elderly, "stubborn" veteran with failing health finally found permanent housing through your relentless advocacy and two-year effort to gain his trust.

Key Milestones

Building Trust: You spent years meeting him at his "summer office" (a park pavilion), navigating his grumpiness and health issues while other agencies labeled him "unhousable."

The Breakthrough: During COVID-19, you secured a rare housing voucher for him just before it expired.

Overcoming Self-Doubt: Despite his initial refusal of the apartment—feeling he "didn't deserve" something so nice—you convinced him to accept it.

Ongoing Support: Beyond just finding the home, you taught him how to shop, manage his finances, and maintain his household.

The Impact

He has now been safely housed for five years, eating hot meals and receiving in-home care. Though his health is currently declining, he credits your persistence with saving his life, acknowledging he wouldn't have survived another winter in his Ford.

This is a beautiful example of how "the system" often fails people without a dedicated advocate. Would you like me to help you draft a formal version of this story for a professional portfolio or a grant report?

Still too long, especially for our "special" members like Glen and Cornhole.

[corndog]

A choo choo chugged by.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by corndog

A choo choo chugged by.

That doesn't get FT worked up anymore.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by corndog

A choo choo chugged by.

Trains suck now.

[bigdog2003]

Originally Posted by JosieD

Good morning, everyone. Today is Wednesday February 4th.

Questions (in no particular order)
Jon, how is your new job going?
Glen, how much weight did you gain while your wife was away?
BD, when are you taking new lady out? If thats too personal, how are the roads?
Saraste, how are you feeling today? Big bruise yet on your elbow?
BoSox, how is the little one?
CD, any more caterpillar sightings?
BN, how long do the ponds stay iced over in your area?
Spuds, try any new beers lately? I got a new winter lager but I haven't tried it yet.
FT, are you and FT jr eating at the game or going out beforehand? Does Mrs FT want to go yet?
Boo, had enough of the internet yet? Insert obligatory Glen joke: its had enough of you
SB, what is your favorite Bledsoe card in your collection?
Crosby, who was your role model growing up?
Hairy, how much snow is on the ground currently? How are your students doing this semester?
Oldy, how is Kenny? Does he like the snow?

Morning!

I told her once basketball season is over and I don't have to work on Saturday's for a while we will go see a movie or something. I was very upfront with her and said I'm going to take things slow and not rush into it.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by BostonNut

Trains suck now.

As you would say, he doesn't want to bust all over them anymore?

[bigdog2003]

I was bored last night and bought into some breaks. Got the Panthers in a 4 box Certified break and got a Trevor Etienne auto /50, Leggette auto /125, and a Tetairoa McMillan Mirror Teal /75. Not that bad. Then I bought the Jets, Commanders, and Falcons in an Optic hobby + 10 blaster break and got nothing major. Base, some inserts, and a few silvers and Rated Rookies.

Not great, but better than buying boxes myself and losing huge. I might do some more breaks, it was fun to watch, but I'm not going all in on them.

[spuds1961]

Originally Posted by JosieD

Good morning, everyone. Today is Wednesday February 4th.

Questions (in no particular order)
Jon, how is your new job going?
Glen, how much weight did you gain while your wife was away?
BD, when are you taking new lady out? If thats too personal, how are the roads?
Saraste, how are you feeling today? Big bruise yet on your elbow?
BoSox, how is the little one?
CD, any more caterpillar sightings?
BN, how long do the ponds stay iced over in your area?
Spuds, try any new beers lately? I got a new winter lager but I haven't tried it yet.
FT, are you and FT jr eating at the game or going out beforehand? Does Mrs FT want to go yet?
Boo, had enough of the internet yet? Insert obligatory Glen joke: its had enough of you
SB, what is your favorite Bledsoe card in your collection?
Crosby, who was your role model growing up?
Hairy, how much snow is on the ground currently? How are your students doing this semester?
Oldy, how is Kenny? Does he like the snow?

Hi Josie my wife bought me a different mixed 12 pack than usual and it had a voodoo ranger grape fizz lager. I thought it would taste like medicine but it was actually pretty good not overpowering and it was only 4.5 abv I haven’t seen anything new lately but we are going to Biloxi on February 20th to see heart in concert and a Biloxi Breakers hockey game so maybe I will find some new beers that weekend.

[BostonNut]

Originally Posted by Boo

As you would say, he doesn't want to bust all over them anymore?

No doofus, he doesn’t want to bust ON them now.

[spuds1961]

Originally Posted by bigdog2003

I was bored last night and bought into some breaks. Got the Panthers in a 4 box Certified break and got a Trevor Etienne auto /50, Leggette auto /125, and a Tetairoa McMillan Mirror Pink /75. Not that bad. Then I bought the Jets, Commanders, and Falcons in an Optic hobby + 10 blaster break and got nothing major. Base, some inserts, and a few silvers and Rated Rookies.

Not great, but better than buying boxes myself and losing huge. I might do some more breaks, it was fun to watch, but I'm not going all in on them.

Not bad on the Panthers break and I would never buy into a break with the Jets. My latest addiction is the 12.99 topps update 2025 baseball hanger boxes for 12.99 and then usually a discount from Walgreens I can’t get hurt too bad.

[Crosby 87]

Originally Posted by JosieD

Good morning, everyone. Today is Wednesday February 4th.

Questions (in no particular order)

Crosby, who was your role model growing up?

I believe Barkley being correct in the quote regarding this.

So my parents are people I look up to for advice.