Old US person here, we used to call it Peking too. I think (haven’t looked it up, but it was what I was told at the time we changed it) it’s a less-accurate version from Westerners who didn’t really listen or asked the wrong person, and Beijing is closer to how the people who live there pronounce it.

I understand the gut-level aspect, even though for me it’s the yucky feeling of bare feet on wood or tile floors. No carpet or rugs in our place, it’s easier for the wheelchair. Which by the way can’t change its wheels when coming in. I tried outdoor shoes but they were disgusting in a week. I’m trying out a habit of stepping barefoot into the room, (from the balcony) picking up my shoes and clapping them outside before putting them back on, rubbing each already-dusty-feeling foot on my leg as I do. We shall see. I’m terrible at consistency.

I live in LA by the 405 so probably.

By the time I get to my apartment any dust I picked up outdoors (Los Angeles, little mud and no snow) has been lost to the hallway carpet. Meanwhile road grime blows in through every air gap, and the great majority of household dust is generated by indoor life, whether it’s the detritus of our own skin, lint from fabrics, particles of paper, cooking vapors, asthma nebulizer, and even cleaning products. What has made the most difference is using a MERV13 filter in my HVAC and keeping the doors and windows shut except when I go out to my balcony garden to tend to my plants.

I’ve tried it but I could’t keep track of which was which, especially when I go out one door, across the big balcony (10 meters) and in the other door, to a different room, which would have another “outdoor” pair but no “indoor” pair sitting there. I would have to put down the watering can, go back around the other way, and back around through the apartment.

I also noticed no difference in floor dirt when I was trying to be strict about it. So it seemed like a lot of attention paid for no payoff, and I stopped.

Huh. 8 can’t wear crocs, they mess up my plantar fascia. The shoes I wear 98%of the time are a version of these sparkly Skechers, with great arch support: https://theflipflopzone.com/products/119631-vinyasa-happy-spring

It feels very impersonal, which is probably because/why it’s used so often by detectives investigating deaths. There’s a noncommittal “… but yes you’re a suspect, and where were you at 7:22 pm last night?” that goes with it. I’m sorry for your loss, but what did you gain?

As a human talking to a friend you can probably do better. But think it out and practice it beforehand, because saying something, anything, is better than getting tongue-tied and saying nothing. Or worse, avoiding them altogether.

If you don’t like the idea of saying “I’m sorry for your loss” because it feels like apologizing for something you didn’t do, you can use the classy and traditional “My deepest condolences on the loss of your…”

And it’s a legit question, no hate generated.

I have tried the “no shoes inside” thing and can’t stand the constant feeling of dirt particles on my bare feet even while I’m walking on the floor behind a swiffer, broom, or mop. I’d rather keep my shoes on and just assume the floor is not 100% clean even when someone has just cleaned it.

But I have a logistics question: I know you have a place for shoes by the front door, but what do you do about the back door? Or in my case the three sliding-glass doors onto balconies that I use daily? Is one supposed to keep going to the front door to get shoes and carrying them through the house? My balconies overhang the street and get a lot of road grime, plus my plants drop leaves etc., so shoes are very necessary out there. And many people have back yards. I’m curious about what you do.

Awww, glad Lemon has you!

But the person with the 4 chihuahuas, and the 4 chihuahuas, are missing out!

I hope you typed that you had them spayed/neutered and autocorrect screwed it up

Naming something after a person feels like an honor, but a PARASITIC WASP?

Way to pick up the right kind of man, Jucika!

I tried it when she was a kitten and same, she didn’t like it so I took it off. Tried again later with just a breakaway collar, she ignored it. Added a bell, she ignored that too. Although once in awhile (maybe 6 months?) she’ll pull it off just to show me she can. Then I test to be sure her neck hasn’t grown and it’s still a little loose. A breakaway clasp is important for cats in case it snags mid-jump.

Yeah it’s the reason my indoor void has a collar at all, is to hold a little bell so I don’t injure us both some night tripping over her. I did also write my cell # on it, just in case.

The best part is, it’s both sarcastic and also a neglected compliment.

Poor Matt.

I hope he has a bell to help you avoid stepping on him

Found the aphid!

They can USE them just fine, it’s choosing NOT to use them that takes maturity. I’m convinced kittens wind up in car ar engines just because they can’t resist sticking their claws in the tires, and next thing they know they’ve climbed up into the engine block

Thumbnail looks like IUDs