https://panthersfanz.com/board/ Mon, 18 May 2026 13:07:39 +0000 MyBB https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2284 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:47:42 -0600 Hobbit99]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2284 YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS...!!!  

Just starting to settle in because of the severe cold around here. I decided to make a quick trip to the grocery before - well, you know. So I go out the door and notice the tailgate down on my truck. I quick check on my dog then jump down 4 steps to put the tailgate up while my dog is doing her bathroom break. It's too cold to leave her out so I'll put her back in the house before I  go. I called her back 'after..' and turned to open the door for her.... Now understand... I live out in the wilds,. so to speak. BIG country house (5000 sq. ft +/-) and acreage where wildlife flourishes. I open the door and call Gypsy to go back into the house. She's coming up to the porch steps when I see a grey streak run past my feet, through the open door and disappear into my house. Didn't even have time to open my mouth. I noticed the critter disappear around a corner into the foyer when I identified it as a possum. Gypsy didn't seem to care, she just stood there looking goofy wanting inside. So back in she goes where she walks over into her inside "spot", a HUGE open wire cage with a bed where she stays while I am on errands.

Just finished a quick search, to no avail. This is a big place. Two floors and lots of open doors and innumerable hiding places. I have no idea what to do.

After a quick search on Google I guess my trip to the grocery will include a stop at my local Tractor Supply, where I will purchase a 'live-trap' of some sort then make plans to bait and trap this unwelcome visitor.  SERIOUSLY... You can't make this shit up.!!

---

Well, I started this diatribe about three hours ago. It's now almost 6:00 PM and I am the proud owner of a medium sized "live-trap". Have to figure out what to use as "bait" and where to place this thing.  ***sigh*** 

SMDH]]> YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS...!!!  

Just starting to settle in because of the severe cold around here. I decided to make a quick trip to the grocery before - well, you know. So I go out the door and notice the tailgate down on my truck. I quick check on my dog then jump down 4 steps to put the tailgate up while my dog is doing her bathroom break. It's too cold to leave her out so I'll put her back in the house before I  go. I called her back 'after..' and turned to open the door for her.... Now understand... I live out in the wilds,. so to speak. BIG country house (5000 sq. ft +/-) and acreage where wildlife flourishes. I open the door and call Gypsy to go back into the house. She's coming up to the porch steps when I see a grey streak run past my feet, through the open door and disappear into my house. Didn't even have time to open my mouth. I noticed the critter disappear around a corner into the foyer when I identified it as a possum. Gypsy didn't seem to care, she just stood there looking goofy wanting inside. So back in she goes where she walks over into her inside "spot", a HUGE open wire cage with a bed where she stays while I am on errands.

Just finished a quick search, to no avail. This is a big place. Two floors and lots of open doors and innumerable hiding places. I have no idea what to do.

After a quick search on Google I guess my trip to the grocery will include a stop at my local Tractor Supply, where I will purchase a 'live-trap' of some sort then make plans to bait and trap this unwelcome visitor.  SERIOUSLY... You can't make this shit up.!!

---

Well, I started this diatribe about three hours ago. It's now almost 6:00 PM and I am the proud owner of a medium sized "live-trap". Have to figure out what to use as "bait" and where to place this thing.  ***sigh*** 

SMDH]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2283 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:29:19 -0600 Hobbit99]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2283 --- but they won't give me a plastic bag to carry it home because the plastic BAG is bad for the environment..?????


]]> --- but they won't give me a plastic bag to carry it home because the plastic BAG is bad for the environment..?????


]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2065 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:44:50 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2065 Been out of commission for a few days.  Had some issues we were trying to address as an outpatient...things just worsened...last Fri night was the worst...Sat morning I drug myself to my doc's office (they have a same day clinic till noon with only 1 provider working)  lucky to get an appointment...she sent me to ER  Those people were great...did a big workup...said I needed more testing and assesment/treatment...and strongly recommended that I agree to admission.

They helped me a lot...and I cannot say enough good things about how I was cared for (well...the food service could stand some improvement). I was amazed at the quality of care. A lot has changed over the years.

My situation seems to be a very "complex" one.  I am much improved and pointed in the right direction.  But s lot more follow up to be done.

Will say more about a few things (some humorous) later.  Right now going to try to drag my butt to work for a few hours.  At least I sit at a desk.


Glad to see all the Panther posting...going to take me some time to catch up!]]> Been out of commission for a few days.  Had some issues we were trying to address as an outpatient...things just worsened...last Fri night was the worst...Sat morning I drug myself to my doc's office (they have a same day clinic till noon with only 1 provider working)  lucky to get an appointment...she sent me to ER  Those people were great...did a big workup...said I needed more testing and assesment/treatment...and strongly recommended that I agree to admission.

They helped me a lot...and I cannot say enough good things about how I was cared for (well...the food service could stand some improvement). I was amazed at the quality of care. A lot has changed over the years.

My situation seems to be a very "complex" one.  I am much improved and pointed in the right direction.  But s lot more follow up to be done.

Will say more about a few things (some humorous) later.  Right now going to try to drag my butt to work for a few hours.  At least I sit at a desk.


Glad to see all the Panther posting...going to take me some time to catch up!]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2019 Thu, 22 May 2025 23:14:18 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2019 https://www.washingtonpost.com/education...mencement/

How cool.

Appreciate the people around you, Kermit the Frog urged University of Maryland graduates Thursday, because they are what makes life worth living.

“Seriously, go ahead, look around,” he told the crowd. “You’re probably sitting next to some of your people right now. These are friends you will have for your whole life, and there will be many others to collect along the way.”


The superstar of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show” fame was the featured speaker at this year’s U-Md. commencement, or the “Kermencement” as it was known on the campus in College Park.


The ceremony was part of a final wave of college graduations across the D.C. region and beyond this month. Thursday’s festivities celebrated a group of graduates who earned more than 9,000 bachelor’s degrees, 3,000 master’s degrees and nearly 1,000 doctoral degrees, according to the university.

Before the ceremony started, flashes of bright green could be spotted in the crowd as some attendees held Kermit toys in their hands — and for at least one graduate, their hair.

“It is so important that we find ways to experience joy during challenging times,” Geoff Gonella, vice chair of the University of Maryland System’s Board of Regents, told graduates. “After all, joy should be at the heart of any ‘Kermencement’ ceremony.”


A graduate wearing a miniature Kermit the Frog arrives to the U-Md. ceremony. (Allison Robbert/For The Washington Post)
Kermit the Frog is a familiar figure in College Park. Jim Henson, who graduated from U-Md. in 1960, initially used his mother’s coat, a pair of his blue jeans and a sliced ping-pong ball to create the first version of Kermit, according to the National Museum of American History, where the first Kermit puppet is stored.

Henson, who died in 1990, was the brains and voice behind Kermit for years. He is memorialized in a statue with his most famous creation outside the U-Md. student union.

The graduation speech marks the latest visit to campus for Kermit. With Matt Vogel as the puppeteer, Kermit told attendees at a September lecture to follow their dreams and be okay being different, the Diamondback student newspaper reported.

Thursday was not Kermit’s first commencement speech. In 1996, he told Southampton College graduates they were “no longer tadpoles” and that it was time to drop their tails and work hard to save other swamps.



]]> https://www.washingtonpost.com/education...mencement/

How cool.

Appreciate the people around you, Kermit the Frog urged University of Maryland graduates Thursday, because they are what makes life worth living.

“Seriously, go ahead, look around,” he told the crowd. “You’re probably sitting next to some of your people right now. These are friends you will have for your whole life, and there will be many others to collect along the way.”


The superstar of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show” fame was the featured speaker at this year’s U-Md. commencement, or the “Kermencement” as it was known on the campus in College Park.


The ceremony was part of a final wave of college graduations across the D.C. region and beyond this month. Thursday’s festivities celebrated a group of graduates who earned more than 9,000 bachelor’s degrees, 3,000 master’s degrees and nearly 1,000 doctoral degrees, according to the university.

Before the ceremony started, flashes of bright green could be spotted in the crowd as some attendees held Kermit toys in their hands — and for at least one graduate, their hair.

“It is so important that we find ways to experience joy during challenging times,” Geoff Gonella, vice chair of the University of Maryland System’s Board of Regents, told graduates. “After all, joy should be at the heart of any ‘Kermencement’ ceremony.”


A graduate wearing a miniature Kermit the Frog arrives to the U-Md. ceremony. (Allison Robbert/For The Washington Post)
Kermit the Frog is a familiar figure in College Park. Jim Henson, who graduated from U-Md. in 1960, initially used his mother’s coat, a pair of his blue jeans and a sliced ping-pong ball to create the first version of Kermit, according to the National Museum of American History, where the first Kermit puppet is stored.

Henson, who died in 1990, was the brains and voice behind Kermit for years. He is memorialized in a statue with his most famous creation outside the U-Md. student union.

The graduation speech marks the latest visit to campus for Kermit. With Matt Vogel as the puppeteer, Kermit told attendees at a September lecture to follow their dreams and be okay being different, the Diamondback student newspaper reported.

Thursday was not Kermit’s first commencement speech. In 1996, he told Southampton College graduates they were “no longer tadpoles” and that it was time to drop their tails and work hard to save other swamps.



]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2013 Wed, 21 May 2025 10:13:13 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=2013 Became famous sitting at a bar for years sipping on fake beer.  Seemed like a perfect fit for that role....the guy everyone liked.

]]> Became famous sitting at a bar for years sipping on fake beer.  Seemed like a perfect fit for that role....the guy everyone liked.

]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1926 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:59:59 -0500 Hobbit99]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1926
Fantatic, amazing shot.!!!

]]>
Fantatic, amazing shot.!!!

]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1925 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:29:06 -0500 Hobbit99]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1925
The rest, as we say, is history.!!




]]>
The rest, as we say, is history.!!




]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1901 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:58:51 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1901 World’s 20 happiest countries in 2025

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico

11. Australia

12. New Zealand

13. Switzerland

14. Belgium

15. Ireland

16. Lithuania

8th year in a row for Finland.  US ranked 24th.


When it comes to happiness, the Nordic countries are clearly doing a lot of things right. For the eighth year in a row, Finland is the world’s happiest country, with its neighbors clustered close behind.

“Nordic countries like Finland continue to benefit from universally available and high-quality health, education and social support systems. Inequality of wellbeing is also low,” said Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director at Gallup.

Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden – the top four – remain in the same order as 2024. And Norway is again No. 7.

While social support systems that look out for residents’ welfare are important to Finland’s No. 1 ranking, the people play a role too, according to Helliwell.

“Having a welfare state doesn’t find lost wallets and return them to the owners,” said Helliwell, a longtime lost-wallet researcher, referring to data showing that Nordic nations rank among the top places for the expected and actual return of lost wallets. “Those are individuals caring about the people with whom they live.”


https://www.cnn.com/travel/worlds-happie...index.html]]> World’s 20 happiest countries in 2025

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico

11. Australia

12. New Zealand

13. Switzerland

14. Belgium

15. Ireland

16. Lithuania

8th year in a row for Finland.  US ranked 24th.


When it comes to happiness, the Nordic countries are clearly doing a lot of things right. For the eighth year in a row, Finland is the world’s happiest country, with its neighbors clustered close behind.

“Nordic countries like Finland continue to benefit from universally available and high-quality health, education and social support systems. Inequality of wellbeing is also low,” said Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director at Gallup.

Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden – the top four – remain in the same order as 2024. And Norway is again No. 7.

While social support systems that look out for residents’ welfare are important to Finland’s No. 1 ranking, the people play a role too, according to Helliwell.

“Having a welfare state doesn’t find lost wallets and return them to the owners,” said Helliwell, a longtime lost-wallet researcher, referring to data showing that Nordic nations rank among the top places for the expected and actual return of lost wallets. “Those are individuals caring about the people with whom they live.”


https://www.cnn.com/travel/worlds-happie...index.html]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1886 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:32:21 -0500 Hobbit99]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1886
So many different possibilities.!!!


*** If "The early bird gets the worm", why do "Good things come to those who wait.?"

*** Have you ever considered that the fork you use in a restaurant has probably been in thousands of other people's mouths??

*** Why do you never see baby pigeons??

*** If a male sheep is called a 'ram', why is a 'ram in the butt' called a goose??

*** What do we call 'sunshine' when it's cloudy??  Does it even exist when it's cloudy??

*** If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it ... Does it make a noise??


Things That Make You Go -- Hmm..??]]>
So many different possibilities.!!!


*** If "The early bird gets the worm", why do "Good things come to those who wait.?"

*** Have you ever considered that the fork you use in a restaurant has probably been in thousands of other people's mouths??

*** Why do you never see baby pigeons??

*** If a male sheep is called a 'ram', why is a 'ram in the butt' called a goose??

*** What do we call 'sunshine' when it's cloudy??  Does it even exist when it's cloudy??

*** If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it ... Does it make a noise??


Things That Make You Go -- Hmm..??]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1836 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:13:16 -0600 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1836 Not sure if I have discussed this here before.  If so..apologize for the repeat.


Most companies will give you a discounted year to sign on with them.  I have had Sirius XM subscription for free for years (started out with a free trial when I bought my car...they forgot to charge me after the free trial...finally caught up) last year they wanted to charge me some large fee...do not remember.  I have a much shorter commute to work.  I called to cancel...they made a counter offer.  After 2 counter offers. They got down to $7 per month.  I said OK.

I have an online  subscription to the Washington Post.  My renewal was coming up...the charge was $120 for a year.  I said cancel.  They offered me a year for $29....2nd year in a row.

Have also done that with things such as The Atlantic.

Never pay full price.  If they do not offer it immediately (which most seem to be doing)...they will beg you back.

---

...and I also get the Observer online  for $2 a month.]]> Not sure if I have discussed this here before.  If so..apologize for the repeat.


Most companies will give you a discounted year to sign on with them.  I have had Sirius XM subscription for free for years (started out with a free trial when I bought my car...they forgot to charge me after the free trial...finally caught up) last year they wanted to charge me some large fee...do not remember.  I have a much shorter commute to work.  I called to cancel...they made a counter offer.  After 2 counter offers. They got down to $7 per month.  I said OK.

I have an online  subscription to the Washington Post.  My renewal was coming up...the charge was $120 for a year.  I said cancel.  They offered me a year for $29....2nd year in a row.

Have also done that with things such as The Atlantic.

Never pay full price.  If they do not offer it immediately (which most seem to be doing)...they will beg you back.

---

...and I also get the Observer online  for $2 a month.]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1802 Sun, 29 Dec 2024 15:40:52 -0600 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1802 Probably the most honest and ethical person to hold that office in modern times....likely why he only got 1 term.  He continued to be active with his humanitarian work...at the ground level...until his advanced years when most others are enjoying retirement. 

Was surprised he lived as long as he did after his wife died.  What ever he did...he always returned to Plains, GA living as simple a life as he could and teaching Sunday school.

RIP Mr President.]]> Probably the most honest and ethical person to hold that office in modern times....likely why he only got 1 term.  He continued to be active with his humanitarian work...at the ground level...until his advanced years when most others are enjoying retirement. 

Was surprised he lived as long as he did after his wife died.  What ever he did...he always returned to Plains, GA living as simple a life as he could and teaching Sunday school.

RIP Mr President.]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1712 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 11:00:11 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1712 A couple of people have messaged me, which I greatly appreciate their concern.  Thought I would just post in a thread.

I am in Morganton, NC which was devastated by the storm....but absolutely nothing near areas like Asheville.

Any parts of Morganton near the Catawba River were under water.

The tropical force winds went on for hours.  Trees down everywhere.  I had a lot down, miraculously none hit my house.  Many houses in this county had trees fall on them.  Roads everywhere were blocked with fallen trees or were underwater.

Among my down trees were 5 large ones, including 3 oaks that uprooted and fell in my driveway. So...I could not get out.  No power (still do not have it) and for 2 days this weekend no cell service.    Never imagined in this day and time one could be so isolated from everyone and no way to find out what was going on.  One of the last phone calls I was able to make before service went out was to a tree company.  They finally got to me Monday morning.  They said the spent all weekend getting trees off of houses.  Those guys were great...more like they were there to help someone rather than focusing on business. They undercharged me and said that they were not worried about getting paid.  I could get them the money when I could.  One other problem...they came to me and said the water had washed a gully at the end of my drive which I could not drive over. The cut some sticks and filled the hole and directed me as I drove over.  Have to park across the road until I can get  gravel delivery but I got out...thanks to the skill and kindness of those guys.  There are good people in this world.

Was able to find gas and water (I am now on a boil water mandate.  No power folks but boil your water!)

I work in an office that is in downtown area here....they got power this weekend and yesterday internet. Some banks still not open.  A lot of stores that are open can take cash only (lesson learn...stash money for an emergency)

This is an experience I never want to have again.  I cannot even begin to fathom what it is like for the people west of me in the mountains.  WNC will never be the same again.

In all this...I did listen to most of the Panther game (bummer)...listened to the radio in my car.  Had enough gas to run my engine for that and for device charging. (Another lesson learned...never get below 1/2 tank of gas.  Fortunately I had over that and as grateful.)

I hope everyone else made out ok.  Do we have a member that is west of here?  If so, just hope they are ok.]]> A couple of people have messaged me, which I greatly appreciate their concern.  Thought I would just post in a thread.

I am in Morganton, NC which was devastated by the storm....but absolutely nothing near areas like Asheville.

Any parts of Morganton near the Catawba River were under water.

The tropical force winds went on for hours.  Trees down everywhere.  I had a lot down, miraculously none hit my house.  Many houses in this county had trees fall on them.  Roads everywhere were blocked with fallen trees or were underwater.

Among my down trees were 5 large ones, including 3 oaks that uprooted and fell in my driveway. So...I could not get out.  No power (still do not have it) and for 2 days this weekend no cell service.    Never imagined in this day and time one could be so isolated from everyone and no way to find out what was going on.  One of the last phone calls I was able to make before service went out was to a tree company.  They finally got to me Monday morning.  They said the spent all weekend getting trees off of houses.  Those guys were great...more like they were there to help someone rather than focusing on business. They undercharged me and said that they were not worried about getting paid.  I could get them the money when I could.  One other problem...they came to me and said the water had washed a gully at the end of my drive which I could not drive over. The cut some sticks and filled the hole and directed me as I drove over.  Have to park across the road until I can get  gravel delivery but I got out...thanks to the skill and kindness of those guys.  There are good people in this world.

Was able to find gas and water (I am now on a boil water mandate.  No power folks but boil your water!)

I work in an office that is in downtown area here....they got power this weekend and yesterday internet. Some banks still not open.  A lot of stores that are open can take cash only (lesson learn...stash money for an emergency)

This is an experience I never want to have again.  I cannot even begin to fathom what it is like for the people west of me in the mountains.  WNC will never be the same again.

In all this...I did listen to most of the Panther game (bummer)...listened to the radio in my car.  Had enough gas to run my engine for that and for device charging. (Another lesson learned...never get below 1/2 tank of gas.  Fortunately I had over that and as grateful.)

I hope everyone else made out ok.  Do we have a member that is west of here?  If so, just hope they are ok.]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1705 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:04:44 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1705 Hope everyone is safe,  My county (Burke) got a day of rain which caused flooding...before the storm even got here.  Crossing my fingers now about trees down and a road washout.  How is everyone doing??]]> Hope everyone is safe,  My county (Burke) got a day of rain which caused flooding...before the storm even got here.  Crossing my fingers now about trees down and a road washout.  How is everyone doing??]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1704 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:33:54 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1704 https://www.newsweek.com/map-most-popula...te-1957961]]> https://www.newsweek.com/map-most-popula...te-1957961]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1666 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:13:49 -0500 Ladypanther]]> https://panthersfanz.com/board/showthread.php?tid=1666 Panthers have driven me to this:




At least better than cake...no candles needed.

  BIRTHDAY 4.jpg (Size: 412.82 KB / Downloads: 5) ]]> Panthers have driven me to this:




At least better than cake...no candles needed.

  BIRTHDAY 4.jpg (Size: 412.82 KB / Downloads: 5) ]]>