Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Nonstrosity
October is my least favorite month. Give me some reasons to like it a bit more!

1. What’s a good movie for October that has nothing to do with monsters or Halloween?

   Infinitely Polar Bear is supposed to be good. Doesn't When Harry Met Sally have an autumnal bit? I know Four Seasons does--I do like that movie.

2. What’s a good couple of songs for October that have nothing to do with monsters or Halloween?

   U2's got a song called "October," and Amy Winehouse did something called "October Song." I don't remember either of them, but I can't think of any songs I know about October.

3. What are some reasons to love October?

   Around here it's generally the last month you can count on any warm temperatures (i.e., not-coat-wearing weather) until late March. The leaves are lovely this month. It's rarely humid. It smells good. [I adore October!!]

4. Radio stations sometimes call this month Rocktober, doing special playlists or giveaways in celebration of rock music. What would be a better rhyming name for this month, and how might it be celebrated?

   Mocktober, when all the jokes make fun of the President.
   
   Oh, wait....

5. What would be a good holiday to establish in October for those U.S. states not commemorating Columbus Day?

   "Sorry We Killed Off 95% of Your Race Day But You NEEDED Those Blankets"

Of course, my old favorite Dusty Rose (NOT PINK)

Your Autumn Lipstick is Dusty Rose

You are wise and quietly smart. You often know more than most people, but you tend to keep that to yourself. You appreciate subtlety in everything. You think most people try too hard, and you always prefer nuance. You are naturally stylish, and you've got that effortlessly chic thing down. You have an eye for beauty. No one sees how much work goes into your look, and you like it that way. Your makeup enhances but doesn't distract.

What's Your Autumn Lipstick Personality?

"Your makeup enhances but doesn't distract." ha ha ha I never wear anything but (clear) lipgloss or chapstick. This is so much BS, but I do like the color they say I should use. If only I could remember to put it on and not chew on my lips....

Hear me roar!

You Are Powerful

It's true that you seek power, but you don't seek it to rule over others. You just want the freedom to do your own thing. You are strong, independent, and very driven. You prefer to rely on yourself and don't like asking others for help. While you are self-made, you are also willing to help those around you do better. You champion those who have fallen on hard times. More than anything else, you just want to be yourself. You will do almost anything to protect the life you've made.

The Autumn Tree Test

What a weird result considering the events of the last week. It's not all wrong, either, but I mostly picked that tree because I like red-leaved trees in the fall.

Sweater Weather

(From Kwizgiver)

1. Favorite Candle Scent

I really like Yankee Candle's Clean Cotton

2. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate

Most of the time, of those three I'd prefer tea

3. What’s the best fall memory you have

Jumping in leaf piles

4. Best Fall Fragrance

Burning leaves. No, seriously

5. Favorite Thanksgiving Food

All of it. I even like squash and green bean casserole, in small servings. But I mostly like the trifecta of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes (with gravy). You can keep the sweet potatoes for yourselves

6. What is autumn weather like where you live?

Approx 70 in the day. right now overnight lows in the low 30s. Perfect!

7. Most Worn Sweater

I have a couple that I wear at home on really cold days. They're ancient and holey

8. Football Games or Jumping in Leaf Piles

These days I watch these things, and I totally prefer football

9. Skinny Jeans or Leggings

I loathe skinny jeans. But I rarely wear leggings either. Give these two options alone, though....leggings

10. Combat Boots or Uggs

Combat boots. I will never wear Uggs

11. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

Yuck

12. Favorite Fall TV Show

We haven't investigated anything new

13. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?

"Monster Mash"?

14. What do you want to be for Halloween?

I'm being pressured to dress up for work. I'm not sure what I'm doing at this point--frumpy librarian? I prefer just handing out candy dressed like myself

15. Hats or Scarves?

Scarves. I hate hat-hair. And it's nowhere near cool enough for either yet anyway

16. What’s your #1 favorite thing about fall?

The temperature and lack of humidity

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Wish List Meme, part one

1.) What are 3 things on your wish list and why?

Well, in the Big Wish Scheme, I pretty much have to go with Trump not being elected, world peace, and a winter that isn't horrible. In the Amazon wishlist scheme of things the top three things on my list currently are a pot scraper, a book of color photo spreads of libraries, and a Gogol Bordello CD.

2.) Do you miss your childhood?

Sometimes. Then again, I was completely powerless, not to mention clueless, so I don't really miss it, not truly. Nice to be ignorant sometimes though....

3.) What do you do on your spare time on the weekends?

This, mostly. I don't have a lot of free time on weekends these days.

4.) What do you appreciate most in your life?

My family and friends. I know: how trite. But I do appreciate them putting up with me, and without them everything else would be haRdddd.

5.) Would you rather be rich or healthy?

Healthy.

6.) If you could go back in time would you and why?

Not permanently. I'd like to go back and visit, and be invisible while doing so.

7.) Favorite game as a child?

Either jumprope or jacks.

8.) What is your dream career?

I'm in it!! OK, maybe archivist or something where there are no members of the public allowed. Generally, though, I do love my job.

9.) What do you do in your free time?

Didn't we cover this? I read. I do this. I Facebook.

10.) Favorite clothing stores?

Wherever they have nice stuff that fits me and doesn't cost a mint. I'm really not that fussy.

11.) What TV shows can't you live without?

There really aren't any that I can't live without. I enjoy all the NCISes and Whose Line Is It? and a few others, but I could easily live without TV.

12.) 3 things you need in your life are:

Air, water, God.

13.) What can't you sleep without?

If I knew this...man, I have been sleeping for absolute SHIT lately. I think I just need to take something at this point--I'm tired ALL the time!

14.) Who do you have a celebrity crush on?

Mark Harmon? Barack Obama? Michelle Obama??

15.) What is your favorite Season and why?

Autumn. It's less humid, the trees are putting on a good show, and the holidays all involve FOOD!

16.) What is your favorite Wild Animal?

Wolf.

17.) Name 3 of your favorite childhood shows:

Bewitched, Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie.

18.) If you could live as a character in a movie who would it be?

Nope. Character in a book, now I could list dozens of those. Movies are too short.

19.) Favorite vegetables?

Corn, peas, beans (almost all kinds!), spinach... It's easier to list what I don't like at all: tomatoes, and cukes.

20.) Favorite fruit?

Apples, bananas, peaches, berries, kiwis.... Again, it's probably easier to list those I don't like: {{crickets}}

21.) If you had a dragon what would you name it?

I wouldn't. I'd just ask it what it preferred to be called.

22.) What do you put on hotdogs?

If this is available: ketchup, mustard, onions, celery salt. Otherwise, I can go with whatever's available off that list, or nothing at all.

23.) Do you play online games?

Not so much.

24.) What's your favorite way to get inspired?

Sleep. Seriously, I need to physically recharge and feel awake or there is not a lot of inspiration happening for me.

25.) Do you have a middle name?

Yes.
...
That's not it, but I do have one.

Blogthings

You Are the Espresso

No matter what the season is, you're the type of person who has a ton of energy. And a chill in the air always puts a spring in your step. You are easily motivated, and you are often buzzing with excitement. You can sort through chaos and find your inspiration. You are always excited for the first signs of fall. You love this beautiful season, and you relish every little delight it brings. You may not chill out much, but your energy has a steadiness to it. You can sustain enthusiasm when those around you have lost it.

What Part of a Pumpkin Spice Latte Are You?

Except, y'know, I hate both coffee and pumpkin. So there's that.

Saturday 9 x3

(Link in meme-roll)
Mr. Boombastic (1995)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a rather shameless come-on by an accomplished ladies' man. Do you enjoy flirting?

Flirting is fun. Yes, I enjoy it, though it's almost entirely "window shopping" these days, except when I'm flirting with Beast.

2) Shaggy sings that he's like a turtle coming out of his shell. Do you think turtles, snakes and lizards make good pets? Or would you prefer a companion animal that has fur or feathers?

I'd prefer a furry pet, but since I'm allergic to almost all furry things, it looks like any future pets will not have any. I have a friend who owns a tortoise that she adores. Kind of thinking about that. Or nothing.

3) He also sings that if you don't feel like driving, you should hand him the keys. Are you comfortable letting others drive your car?

Last week, I would've probably said no, but as we are down to one car now, Beast is driving mine and ... yeah, it's bugging me a little.

4) He tries to woo the girl with the promise of a bubble bath. Do you enjoy relaxing in the tub? Or do you view baths and showers as simply part of your hygiene routine, like brushing your teeth?

I love baths, but I don't get time to soak very often anymore. Showers, though, are strictly business. Clean and out.

5) Born Orville Burrell, Shaggy took his stage name from his shaggy hair. Using your hair as inspiration, what would your stage name be?

Lately, the best adjective would be "sweaty."

6) Sam admits she hadn't thought about this 20+ year old song in years, until she heard it on a Chase Bank commercial. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, checkwriting dropped more than 50% between 2000 and 2010. Who received the last check you wrote?

It was our last (as in final) cleaning service appointment a few weeks ago. I don't pay most of the bills, and I never carry the checkbook.

7) Which would you prefer to receive in a birthday card: a $25 check or a $20 Target gift card?

Check. There's no longer a Target very nearby.

8) Sam's mother refuses to pay bills online. All the news stories about data breaches scare her. Have you ever been hacked? If so, did it take long to get the situation resolved?

Yes, we've had our credit card hacked a couple of times, but nothing worse than that. Fortunately, the bank caught it immediately. Yay, for credit security checks.

9) In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you made that you wish you could undo.

Some incredibly stupid things I've said to people over the years would be nice to "take back."

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September in the Rain (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song refers to "leaves of brown." Can you see any leaves outside your window? What color are they?

We're still rockin' the green in our yard. There are trees down the road from us that are turning, though. One is almost completely red.

2) It also mentions whispered words of love. What did you say last time you lowered your voice?

Pretty sure I told Beast I love him quietly a few minutes ago. He's got a very upset stomach today and is feeling yucky.

3) Clearly this song is about a treasured romantic memory that took place in autumn. Think about your favorite romantic memory. In what season did it take place?

We've had some very good vacations in the fall over the years. Probably something to do with our birthdays both being in November... 😏

4) This week's featured artist, Julie London, was famous as a singer and actress. Less prominent in her bio is her appearance as a "pin up girl" in Esquire magazine when she was just 17. What's in your resume that you'd prefer to de-emphasize or gloss over?

About the only thing I'd leave off would be my stint as a paper carrier when I was a SAHM with Sparky when he was little.

5) Julie recorded more than 30 albums and was named "most popular female vocalist" by Billboard magazine in 1956. If you could see any entertainer -- male or female -- in concert, who would you choose?

Of all time? It would be fascinating to watch Elvis perform c. 1957-58.

6) She became well-known to another generation when she appeared in the 1970s TV show Emergency! The younger actors credited her for keeping everything calm on the set. Who has a calming influence on you?

Beast.
Yeah, I know. Too easy.

7) Her Emergency! costar was her husband, Bobby Troup, and the show was produced by her ex-husband, Jack Webb. Do you have an ex that you're on very good terms with?

Nope. My exes have been out of my life for over 30 years. It would be really awkward to talk to most of them.

8) Julie was a chain-smoker since she was a teenager and in the 1950s recorded a jingle for Marlboro cigarettes. Yet in the 1970s, when she saw Bobby Troup's health negatively effected by smoking, she pressed him to quit. Tell us about a time you found yourself in a "do as I say, not as I do" situation.

I'm currently trying get Beast to understand that he needs to schedule his glucose his checks and do them, but I'm not doing mine. OTOH, my situation is way less dire than his. So far.

9) Random question: You have won an all-expenses paid trip to an exclusive resort in the Hawaii. When you get there, you discover that the private beach is bathing suit optional. Do you swim nude?

I don't swim. At all. So, no.

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One Night in Bangkok (1984)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is from the play Chess. It's been said that the most successful players are fluid in their thinking. Do you consider yourself flexible or set in your ways?

Depends. In some ways, I'm super flexible about things. In other ways, I'm very much not. I'm trying to work through why some changes irk me when others are practically unnoticed.

2) Nigel Short, a real-life chess grandmaster, used to wear a t-shirt that said, "He who cares, wins." Do you always play to win? Or do you play board/card games or sports for the fun of it?

I want to win! I try to keep myself from being horrible--some other family members are far worse about winning than I am!--but sometimes I just get angry about bad luck.

3) The singer is in Bangkok for an important tournament. He maintains that he doesn't mind missing the sights and dismisses Bangkok is just another "crowded, polluted stinking town." Do you find big cities exciting? Or do you think of them as noisy and dirty?

I like visiting cities. I love London, and San Diego, and even parts of Chicago and Athens and Rome. But I would never want to live in one all the time.

4) Air pollution has reached serious levels Bangkok. Do you suffer from allergies, asthma or another condition that could be aggravated by pollution?

Yup. Thank goodness I'm not interested in Thailand!

5) To reduce traffic, commuters travel through Bangkok on ferries that make regularly scheduled trips up and down the Chao Phraya River. When was your last boat ride?

Hmm. It's been awhile. With the lack of swimming ability comes what I consider to be a healthy fear of falling out of a boat. So I rarely get onboard.

6) Round trip airfare between ATL and BKK is $1750. If we gave you a travel voucher for that dollar amount, how would you spend it?

Well, I wouldn't go to Bangkok, that's for sure! It's tempting to consider Tierra del Fuego.

7) The Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok has a McDonald's onsite. When you go somewhere new, do you find it comforting to be surrounded by what's familiar? Or would you prefer to try new things?

We did eat in McDonald's near Heathrow earlier this month when we first got to England, but after that we stayed strictly away from American 'cuisine.' Generally, I'll try local favorites; it doesn't always work out but I often discover things I subsequently love!

8) One of Bangkok's most popular restaurants is DID, which stands for Dine in Dark. The dining room at DID is 100% light free -- cell phones must be stored in the lobby to avoid distracting from the experience -- so customers eat their four course meal without seeing it. This heightens the diner's sense of taste and smell. When you prepare a meal, do you put a great deal of care into its presentation?

Nope. And I am not at all interested in eating in the dark, either.

9) Random question: Think about your last professionally prepared meal. Did you dine in, carry out, or have it delivered?

We ate lunch out on Thursday. At Taco Bell. 👍

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
I Dream of Jeannie Theme (1965)
... Because Harriet requested it. If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

Perk of my job--the complete series package

1) Jeannie was memorably discovered on the beach in an ornate bottle. Have you ever brought a souvenir home from the beach? (It doesn't have to be a genie. A shell or a stone will do.)

Lots of sand, mostly accidental. Some shells and stones. Lots of photos.

2) Major Anthony Nelson, the man who released Jeannie from her bottle, was an astronaut. When you were a kid, did you dream of being an astronaut when you grew up?

I'm was a proper little girl: of course not! Besides, astronauts weren't all that big of a deal when I was a little kid; the moon landing happened when I was not quite 6.

3) Upon discovering Jeannie, Major Nelson's first wish was that she could speak/understand English so they could communicate. If you found a genie, what would your first wish be?

That seems like a sensible wish, actually, right in character for Major Nelson. Let's go with that, since the likelihood of me actually coming across a genie is pretty low.

4) Major Nelson's best friend was fellow astronaut Major Healey. Where did you meet your best friend?

Of my top 3 best friends....My college bestie, Jenny, was in band with me; both of us played flute. I met Beast later that same year, though we didn't get to be actual friends till quite late in the school year. And I met Amy at one of our (old) library system's interminable cataloging meetings and we ended up on a committee together about 12 years ago.

5) This theme song was written by Hugo Montenegro, who is better known for the music he wrote for a pair of Clint Eastwood movies (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars). Do you have a favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

I have fond memories of Bronco Billy. And of course Paint Your Wagon because it's hysterical on every possible level.

6) The last episode of the series was titled, "My Master, The Chili King." What ingredients make up your favorite chili recipe?

Ground beef (or steak if I'm feeling fancy), a couple of cans of beans (random) and/or chickpeas, refried beans, some garlic, maybe chopped onions, tomato sauce, tomato paste, some seasoning...all in a crockpot for the day. Cheese and onions on top at the end.
Do not START with me about how chili should (or should NOT) contain any or all of those ingredients!

7) Jeannie was played by Barbara Eden, who was born in Tuscon, Arizona. Summer in Tuscon can get very hot, with the mercury often reaching 100º. What's your favorite season?

I like Tuscon-style heat. I really like autumn where I live now.

8) Anthony Nelson was played by Larry Hagman, who went on to play the villainous JR on the popular Dallas. Can you think of anything else Dallas is known for?

Was that the first time a character from a soap opera made the cover of Time magazine?

9) In the autumn of 1965, just weeks after I Dream of Jeannie premiered, St. Louis' famous Gateway Arch was completed. An estimated 4 million tourists visit the Arch every year. Do you have any summer vacation plans?

Nope. There's a family wedding in September we are hoping to get to.
I was at the Arch for the first time last fall on the same day I later spent 10 hours in an ER with Beast about 2 miles away. I really liked the Arch. Amazing engineering loved the ride up and seeing out over the whole of southern Illinois and St. Louis.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Up and Autumn

1. Where do you rank October among the twelve months of the year?

   I'd put it in the top 3.

2. What time is the sun coming up where you live, and how does it affect your life or schedule?

   It's rising slightly before 7 these days. The only real effect I can think of is that it's right in my eyes when I'm sitting in the living room in the morning. And of course, it means winter is coming. Boo!

3. How do you manage to get enough fresh air and exercise in bad-weather months?

   Hah! I don't get much of that in the rest of the year, so there's no big change for me!

4. Holidays and weather aside, what are the best and worst things about the autumn months?

   Best is the smell in the air, the lower humidity, the crisp, cool nights, the light.... Bad things: occasionally brutally cold, and the sense of impending winter.

5. What are some good songs for the soundtrack of the season?

   ...this is why I don't really do mixtapes. I freeze up and can't think of anything. All that comes to mind are Halloween songs for kids!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Working My Way Back to You (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) We're celebrating the last holiday of summer with The Four Seasons. Which season is your favorite?

I love autumn. Most of the allergens start going away, and it's less humid (usually) and cools off at night.

2) Before they settled on The Four Seasons, they called themselves The Four Lovers, The Romans and The Village Voices. If you were/are in a band, please share the name. Or just make up a cool name for your pretend band.

Hmm, after some consideration, how about The 35th Seville. Nothing to do with car names or Spain, either.

3) Lead singer Frankie Valli has occasionally fudged the year of his birth. Have you ever lied about your age?

Nope. Never needed to. Never really wanted/want to.

4) Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Jon Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen ... New Jersey has given us many music superstars. What is your state known for?

The one I grew up in is known for being among the fittest in the country. The one in which I currently live is known for corruption and corn and two very popular former Presidents.

5) In 1965, Frankie was arrested in Columbus, Ohio. But it wasn't his fault! The bandmate he trusted to pay the group's hotel bill neglected to do so. Tell us about a time when your trusting nature got you in trouble.

These days, I'm better about protecting myself, so I'm having a hard time coming up with anything recent that was traumatic. Being lied to pretty much daily for a couple of years by the person I used to trust the most in the world will do that to you.

6) Clint Eastwood directed the movie version of the Four Seasons biography, Jersey Boys. What's your favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

Because I'm weird, I'm going with Paint Your Wagon. His role is unexpected, and he sings!!

Since Labor Day is the holiday established to celebrate the American worker …

7) According to the U.S. Census, more and more Americans are working from home. Are you one of them?

Well, I do work at home sometimes, but I do have to show up at work for 40 hours a week to get paid. Beast works out of the house though, when he's not traveling.

8) Of those of us who work outside the home, 75% travel to work alone. 15% take public transportation and the remaining 10% carpool. How do you get to your job?

I drive, alone. Because local public transportation in this area is practically non-existent, there is basically no other option. At least Beast mostly just walks to work (from bedroom to office).

9) Do you have any big plans for this holiday weekend?

Nope. I'm hoping we get to see Sparky on Monday either here or at his place. We're waiting to hear. We are invited to a 50th anniversary celebration tomorrow as well.

Blogthings Explosion

You Are Grass Green

When it comes to enjoying the summer, you are a natural. The smallest things, like a summer breeze, can lift your spirits. You enjoy every special summer moment, and you don't even have to do anything in order to have the best summer ever. It's all about attitude. Your connection to summer is very primal. You are immediately transported to your summer mindset with the first warm day. Each summer, you try to spend as much time in nature as you possibly can. It's your way of connecting to this amazing season.

What Is Your Summer Color?

Except around here, I can't be outside in the summer because of allergies. And it's not very much fun to be outside anyway, because of humidity. I liked summers in Colorado when I was a kid much better.

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You Are 64% 1950s

You are a big fan of the 50s and just of the past in general. You believe there are a lot of treasures to be mined there. Whether you're grooving to 50s music or enjoying some mid-century cuisine, you get that classic is classic for a reason.

How 1950s Are You?

I'm actually not a huge fan of the '50s. We tend to forget all about some of the crap going on during that era, McCarthyism, rampant racism, depressing sexism....

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You Prefer American Names

You may be surprised to hear that the names you prefer are American, because many of them were popular in Britain years ago. However, the names you've chosen are definitely popular in modern America today, and with good reason!

Do You Prefer British or American Names?

Yeah, well, not shocking based on the specific names chosen. And frankly, the names my English niece has chosen for her kids seem very weird to me.

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You Like to Dress for Autumn

You are a true fashionista, and there is no time of year you look forward to more than fall. It's the best time for fashion! While you may not run out and buy everything new each fall, you like to update your key pieces. You keep your look fresh and on trend. One of your favorite things about fall fashion is that it's so diverse - you can rock anything from a flirty dress to boots and designer jeans. You love to dress from head to toe, and no detail goes unnoticed. You pay as much attention to your accessories as you do to your clothes.

What Season Do You Like to Dress For?

That last line should be amended to add, "which is to say, not much."

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You Are Ginger Ale

You are a very powerful person, and you tend to dominate a situation without really even meaning to. You are just naturally strong, and people flock to your strength. Your confidence gets you far. While you can be overpowering, you are quite soothing and comforting. You just naturally set others at ease. You know how to settle nerves and overpower a chaotic situation. You are often just the antidote that people need!

What Type of Soda Are You?

I like ginger ale a lot, and I've been told lately that I am somewhat overpowering. So ok, I guess Blogthings agrees.

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You Are Samuel Adams

You are a passionate person, especially when it comes to your ideals. You will fight for what's right. You're aren't just a revolutionary though, you are also a scholar. You have well thought out reasons for thinking the things you do.

What Founding Father Are You?

Well, sometimes I have well thought out reasons. And sometimes...I don't think at all.

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You Should Visit Washington, D.C.

You consider the 4th of July to be a holiday with deep meaning and traditions. And you'd like to dive in and learn more. For you, there is no better place to spend the 4th than the nation's capital. It's got all the celebrations you could ask for, with plenty of history to soak up.

How Should You Celebrate the 4th of July?

That would be fun. I dunno, maybe not on the 4th though. It would be massively crowded. Maybe in the fall.

Blogthings

You Are a Fall Early Morning

You are very energetic, and your passions tend to change with the wind. You love so many things. Your life tends to be a bit cyclical, and you're constantly rediscovering old inspirations and ambitions. Fall is the perfect season for a colorful yet deep person like you. And morning is the best time to get started. You flourish every time of year, but autumn is especially good for you. There's more openness to art, expression, and the spices of life!

What's Your Time of Day and Year?

I like fall a lot. I'm not sure this is totally accurate, but it would be nice if the highlighted parts were.

You Are Friendly

You are an easy person to get along with, even if you aren't always in an outgoing mood. You enjoy being around people. You love good conversation and good company. You're the type to strike up a friendship with a stranger if you are thrown together for a while. You are quite sure of who you are, but it doesn't bother you to have friends from various walks of life. You can appreciate another perspective. You are open to new possibilities, and you don't like too have too much set in stone. With the right group of people, it's fun to see where the day takes you.

The Chinese Takeout Test

Well, as a matter of fact....

You Are 30% Prankster

You aren't a major prankster, but you love a good prank every now and then. And you've pulled a few good ones in your time. When you prank, you tend to think outside the box. If it hasn't been done before, you're that much more likely to go for it.

How Much of a Prankster Are You?

I've been on the receiving end of pranks enough to really enjoy promulgating them.

You Are Politically More American

You tend to value freedom in politics, and you prefer that the government stays as lean as possible. You are attracted to political figures more than actual parties. And you appreciate a politician who doesn't toe the party line.

Are You Politically More European or More American?

Surprised? Not me.

You Should Live in the Pearl District

You love everything the city has to offer - from dining to shopping to entertainment. While you are quite artsy, you have a wide range of tastes. You like everything from indie to mainstream. You love any thing from a good book to a good brew, and you can find them all in this fun part of Portland. You dig eclectic, welcoming environments. Your ideal neighborhood is one you rarely even have to leave!

What Cool Neighborhood Should You Live In?

I am decidedly NOT moving to Portland or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. I need as much sunshine as possible.

You Are Optimistic

You are energetic, fun, and even a little crazy. You don't let yourself get too out of control though. You are open to and curious about the world. You love to connect, learn, travel, and explore. You don't like to plan, and you are delighted by life's little surprises. You like anything out of the ordinary. You are good to people, and it often comes back around to you. You feel like you live a charmed life - and you do!

What Do Your Favorite Eggs Say About You?

OK then. It really depends on the day as far as favorite. I like omelets and scrambled and the occasional hard-boiled.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Can’t Help Myself I’m Falling

1. When did you last trip and fall?

   I went ass-over-teakettle two weeks ago Tuesday when I was in the parking garage by the hospital. Sheet ice. I haven't tripped and fallen in awhile. I do a lot of sliding into falling.

2. What’s a fond memory you have of this past autumn?

   We rented a cottage about 100 yards from one of the Big Lakes for a weekend. It was a good weekend, till Beast decided to get loaded on the last night. That wasn't awesome. 2014 was not a year for "fond memory"-making.

3. What’s a nice waterfall you’ve visited?

   Hardraw Force is amazing and pretty close to perfect. Plus, the only access to the base is through a pub, which is just so very British.

4. What are your thoughts on Jimmy Fallon as host of The Tonight Show?

   I like him, but I never watch any late-night TV. I'm in bed by then every night.

5. Who has most recently fallen out of your favor?

   I'm feeling pretty cheerful about most people lately. Beast did fall, literally, last weekend in a way that hacked me off bigtime, and ended up in the ER for a few hours. He hasn't fallen out of favor exactly, but he's definitely not at the top of my Reliable and Trustworthy List right now.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in meme-roll)

1) Think of a topic or issue about which you've switched your opinion. Why the change?

I'm slowly learning that I don't need to participate in every argument in the world. I don't even need to have an opinion in most of them. And it's actually BAD for me to get involved in arguments that are about other people's lives. Keeping quiet is hard, but necessary. Why change? I'd like to be a better person, that's all.

2) What kind of trophy would you like to win?

I'm really not at all interested in trophies. Something else to dust. Just...no.

3) What household chore do you like the most?

I don't mind washing dishes, although I hate to do all the prep for just a couple of things, so I usually wait for things to pile up a little.

4) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Public Domain Photo

I really love this time of year when all the leaves put on their last show. It reminds me of the cycle of life and that the best time for beauty isn't always in the beginning of life (spring) but later. That's a very hopeful point of view for me right now.

Blogthings

You Should Visit Paris in Fall

You're fascinated with Paris, but you want to know the real city. You want to live like a Parisian. You would rather visit Paris when all the locals are in town. You want to see the same films and eat at the same restaurants as they do. You have a big affinity for art and culture. Fall is the best time to be in Paris for the newest plays, films, and books. And if you get a few days warm enough to enjoy time outside, you'll love sipping a warm drink while enjoying the beauty of France in autumn.

What Season Should You Visit Paris?

Aside from the whole "I've no interest in going to Paris at all" thing, I'm not against this.

Blogthings

Your Fall Fragrance is Traditional

You love fall, but you don't go out of your way to proclaim your excitement about it. Instead, this is a time of quiet contemplation for you. You appreciate being able to slow down and savor the season. You don't feel pressured to do it all during autumn. Instead, you focus on the few things that give you the most joy. You are attracted to traditional, comforting fall smells. You can't get enough pumpkin, apple, and vanilla this time of year.

What's Your Fall Fragrance Personality?

Yup. Except for the pumpkin, this is spot on.

Blogthings

You Could Live in Autumn

You are the type of person who loves to think long term. You are big on deliberation. Autumn is the perfect time for deep thinkers like you. You enjoy the beautiful colors and the crisp weather. You are a serious person, and you like that everyone is getting down to business in the fall. You feel a surge of energy as the cool weather returns. Everything is better in the fall - clothes, books, movies, and food!

What Season Could You Live in All Year?

The best part of fall is the temperatures and relative humidity, both of which were completely absent from this. Oh well, I got the right season, but don't much like the description. C'est la vie.

Blogthings

You Are a Chocolate Chai Tea Latte

You are a restless and unsettled person. You crave [like] novelty and can't stand to get stuck in a rut. You have a wild imagination and are constantly experimenting. You love to mix things up a bit. You [can be] are enthusiastic and vibrant. Simply put, you are the type of person who says 'yes' to so much. You can't imagine sleepwalking through your days. You are alert and awake to your life.

What Starbucks Fall Drink Are You?

We were going along fairly well. Till the last paragraph. And I don't like Chai or Lattes at all.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Fall/Autumn Meme

First of all, is autumn your favorite season? Why or why not? It is, yes. I like the colors and the smells and the variation in temperature.
Is it 'autumn' or 'fall' to you? I usually call it fall.
What kind of weather does your area get during this season? Cooler, less humid, high clouds, windy.
Were you born in an autumn month? Technically, yes, but I always think of it more as "moving on toward winter."
Do you pay attention to any 'fall fashions'? Nope.
Which leaf color is your favorite? Dark red:

Is it still fun to rake the leaves and jump in piles of them? I am not a fan of raking, and my prayers were answered in our lot: no fence, small trees, and high winds to blow them all into other people's yards. ;-)
When can you really tell that it's autumn? When I need a blanket in bed when the A/C isn't on.
Do you enjoy carving pumpkins? It's not my favorite thing, but I'll do it.
Do you eat the pumpkin seeds? If so, do you put any kind of flavoring on it? I don't hate them, but I don't toast my own.
Are you planning to go to a pumpkin patch this year? Probably not. Will likely buy a couple of pumpkins that we'll carve--as usual--on Oct. 30, or even the morning of Oct. 31, because we procrastinate.
Which was your favorite Halloween costume to wear? I only remember two of them: one was a bunnysuit leftover from one of my siblings, and the other was a clown costume my mom made. They're sort of tied for first. By default.
Are you planning to go trick-or-treating? Why or why not? Uh, no. I'm a Font of Candy not a kid.
Are there any county fairs or festivals held nearby during this time? There's an Autumn Fest for Art (not its actual name) nearby, and of course all the hayrides and corn mazes you could want. This year, my work-town is doing a haunted house downtown...we'll see how that goes. And of course random craft shows. But the biggest thing in the general area is Gourdfest in a town where a friend works. She tends to bug out because it's insane that weekend.
What is your favorite dessert for this time of year? About the same as my favorite dessert any other time of year.
Is your Thanksgiving Day in October or November, if you even celebrate it? We do it up in November.
If you do celebrate it, where do you usually have Thanksgiving dinner? Here. This year might be different because of the addition of a baby to the mix. We'll see.
Do you remember any crafts you used to do that were autumn-themed? Oh, yeah, there were always things at school: turkeys made from traced-hands, pilgrim hats, Indian bonnets (sigh...so not-PC), etc. etc. ad nauseum.
Are any of your favorite bands doing a fall tour this year? No clue.
Which new TV show are you looking forward to this season? I've really been enjoying The Bridge over the summer, and I'm looking forward to CSI, and both NCISes. There's a faint bell ringing about some new show that looked interesting, but I can't remember what it was right now. Oh, and I'm sure we'll be watching Fast 'n Loud and some of the other "guy shows" whenever Beast is around.
How does autumn typically make you feel? Excited. It's still wrapped up in school starting and new clothes and school supplies, which is crazy since Sparky isn't exactly needing any of that, and buying college textbooks is just fucking painful!
What color do you always associate with autumn? Orange and red.
Is there a song that always reminds you of this season? "Bringing in the Sheaves", "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", and "We Gather Together." Also various goofy Halloween songs that I get to overhear the children's librarian doing during storytimes.
Do you have any seasonal traditions? Well, we wrap up the yard in another month or so. And buy candy in late October. And celebrate our birthdays. And, most important of all, WATCH FOOTBALL!!!
Do you spend a lot of time outside during this time of the year? Perhaps slightly more than in the heat of summer.
How can you tell that fall is over? Snow that sticks and accrues. Frigid temperatures. Perpetual cloudy skies.
What is a typical autumn outfit that you wear? Jeans, long-sleeved Ts, sneakers. At work, I tend not to use sneakers. ;-)
Describe a perfect autumn day: Fire in a firepit or fireplace, chatting with friends around a picnic table, a light breeze, and the smell of pine.
Do you hate it when stores start promoting Christmas early? Yes. But here's the thing: if people really hated it as much as we like to bitch about it, we would stop buying shit in July. So, I just don't complain, seeing as how most of my shopping this year is already done.
What is your favorite thing about this season? All of it. Sorry: I can't limit myself to one thing.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

(Link in meme-roll)

1. Are you looking forward to fall?

I like fall, a lot. But I haven't had enough of the HOT summer weather yet to be wishing for fall yet. The last couple of weeks has been way too cool to suit me.

2. What are the three best colors for you to wear, and the three worst?

Best: blue, green, pale yellow. Worst: red, white, bright yellow.

3. What is your favorite kind of juice? If you are not into juice, you can tell us your favorite flavor of soda, tea, coffee, Tang, mud, etc.

I like grapefruit juice, but probably shouldn't have too much of it as it messes with some of my meds. I don't mind grape juice or apple juice, but I really wish it was easier to find juices that don't have a shit-ton worth of sugar added to them. I prefer pop, though, over all, and I'm sure my regular readers know my favorite.

4. Have you ever been in the hospital (at least an overnight)? You don't need to share the ailment, but tell us what the longest time is.

I spent four nights in the hospital when I had my hysterectomy--they thought it was a much worse medical problem than it turned out to be--and four nights when Sparky was born--again, they thought he had some kind of infection that turned out to be a false alarm. Sigh. Medical "practice" in action.

5. Do jingles, songs from ads, and TV or movie themes stick in your head? Do you find yourself singing them? (This question means that I'm trying to find out if I'm the only crazy person who sings quirky stuff!)

Yes. I sing random snippets of all kinds of things and often have no idea why any given tune is running through my head at any given time. I sang "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" to Beast the other night because the words, "Come on, stand up" made me think of that song, out of the depths of my memory; I haven't heard it sung or played in decades.