Wednesday Hodgepodge

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1. What's something you're curious about right now? 

I am quite UNcurious about almost everything right now. Too much stress in my life, so I'm keeping the focus on the next step I need to take. ... Once I figure out what that is.

2. If you could plan the perfect girl's weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months? 

Bwaahh ha ha ha ha ha
No.

3. What's the most unique item in your refrigerator right now? 

I just found some prosciutto that I forgot I bought. How long is too long to keep prosciutto? I also keep my Ozempic in there--because I'm diabetic! Not because I have a strong need to be skinny.

4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging? 

Everydamnthing. Maybe less work-related stuff today (though I have my annual eval today so that could change--every conversation with my boss has a tendency to piss me off in some way or another), more house-related stuff (guys are here working on some repairs that should've been done Weds, but then ... wasn't).

5. Do you collect anything? If so why that? 

My stock answer for this is "dust." I also have quite a healthy collection of salt-and-pepper containers. All covered in DUST. 😇 Generally though, I have too damn much of everything; if you need it, ask me and I probably have at least one. It's stupid. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Despite everything--or maybe because of everything--I have yet to really break down and sob for hours. I guess (going back to question #1) I am a little curious about when that dam will break. I don't WANT to do it, but it's going to happen eventually.

Saturday 9 x 2

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Why Did I Choose You? (1965) 

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

1) In this song, Barbra Streisand reassures her lover that, if she had it all to do again, she would still choose him. Tell us about a decision you've made that you never, ever regretted. 

Despite weeks of homesickness freshman year, I never actually regretted going to college so far from home. It was the only decision I could make to save myself from stagnation.

2) The music was composed by Michael Leonard, who studied classical music at Julliard and the Handel Conservatory of Music in Munich. Do you often listen to classical music? 

Not much. It tends to make me sleep, or else I fall too deeply into listening to parts and replaying and crawling inside it. 

3) The lyrics were written by Herbert Martin. He taught music in the NYC public school system and during the summer worked in summer stock. That's how he met and began collaborating with Michael Leonard. Tell us how you met someone important in your life. 

See question #1. Some of the best relationships, long-lasting ones, of my life started at college, including meeting my now-husband. Almost all of them were distinctly driven by chance and being aware in the moment of the goodness of people.

4) Ms. Streisand was a very good student, graduating fourth in her class at Erasmus Hall High School when she was only 16. One of Barbra's classmates was Neil Diamond. Do you have a favorite Neil Diamond song?

"America" is meaningful to me. Aside: I saw on Facebook this week that he is now 80! Unreal. 

5) While she didn't go on to college, she continued her education by attending two different acting schools simultaneously. Did you enjoy being a student? 

I was an excellent student: attentive, a sponge for info and meaning, good at tests, quiet, well-behaved. None of these things have been particularly useful as a functioning adult except maybe the attentiveness and understanding meaning (rather than surface information).

6) Barbra and her first husband, Elliott Gould, shared a New York apartment over a 5th Avenue restaurant called Oscar's Salt of the Sea. Elliott originated the role of Trapper John in the movie M*A*S*H. On TV, the role of Trapper was played by Wayne Rogers. Can you think of another role that's been played by more than one actor? 

Aunt Viv. Darren Stevens.

7) Oscar's Salt of the Sea has ties to Sesame Street. Jim Henson loved their food and was amused by how inhospitable the owner, Oscar, could be. That's how Oscar the Grouch got his name. Which is your favorite Muppet?

I am developing a deep understanding of Oscar, but I feel mostly like Grover, which is an old family (first) name too. 

8) Back to Barbra ... She is a successful recording artist (nominated for 45 Grammy awards, winning 8) and an Oscar-winning actress, but she's suffered career disappointments, too. In 2010, she read the book Hidden Figures and tried to buy the rights so she could direct the film version. She lost out to fellow Brooklynite, director Theodore Melfi. In 2016, his movie of Hidden Figures was released. Did you see the movie or read the book? 

I saw the movie: stunning! The book was reputed to be deadly dull so I skipped it.

9) Random question: Your best friend takes up painting and proudly presents her first framed work to you. You think it's atrocious. Would you hang it in your home anyway? 

I would, for awhile, and maybe not in an obvious place where I'll see it that often.

 

Friday 5

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Korea Guidance

1. What would be a better name for the color of goldenrod-colored paper?

   How about just gold? That's what I call it.

2. Where did you get your silverware?

   I think I got it at an outlet store, or with coupons or something. I hated the stuff we started our marriage with. And we still have. Somewhere.

3. It is a weird tradition in America (and possibly elsewhere) for parents to have their children’s baby shoes bronzed. What artifact from this past week would you have bronzed as a keepsake and heirloom?

   Great timing for this: I spent the last week getting rid of stuff, either via taking stuff to resale shops or straight up garbaging it. My family never did the bronze shoes thing, and I don't really understand the concept of bronzing things. Seems like just one more thing to dust. So to answer the question: I'll just take the bronze and make some jewelry out of it.

4. What was the most recent ceremony you attended?

   I can't think of anything beyond worship at church or something like that. Unless visiting Beast has become something of a ritual at this point.

5. What east Asian cuisine is good for your Seoul?

   ...oh the PUNS! 😲 I live in Nowhere; we have Chinese. Within 45 minutes, I might be able to find Thai or Japanese, but I'm relatively certain Korean or Vietnamese is going to be a trek.

Sunday Stealing

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Friday Questions

1. Have you ever tried to learn (or re-learn) a foreign language as an adult? Which one? What worked for you?

I have a minor in Spanish, but I've really had to relearn how to speak it properly as an adult. I definitely still hear it better than I say it.

2. Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

I'm O+ (boring), and I can't donate anymore. Too much bad ju-ju in my body these days.

3. Have you ever been in a play or musical?

As a tiny child, yes, once. I've been in the orchestra of a couple of musicals.

4. Do you use certain text or ring tones for specific people? Who gets their own? Or do you just use the default on your phone?

Oh yeah. My extended family has been designated the Darth Vader Theme. Beast is a U2 song--wow, that's a bummer, since it's doubtful he'll ever call me again--Sparky is "Crazy Train" from Ozzy, and I've got the doctors and other people like that set up with their own sound. I'm really pathetic, to be honest. Oh, and a small number of best friends have their own ring too.

5. When did you get your first digital camera? Do you still shoot on actual film, or all digital now?

I think we bought our digital camera towards the end of the 90s. It might still be around here somewhere, too.

6. What do you think someone else would say the most daring thing you’ve done is?

Oh, I don't know. People would undoubtedly say different things about this.

7. Do you talk with your hands?

Yes. Bigtime.

8. Do you have a lucky number? What is it, and what is the story behind it?

Not really. I like 3.

9. What kind of milk did you drink, growing up? And now?

2% as a kid, sometimes mixed with powdered milk (yuck). We 'graduated' to skim by the time I was a teen. Now I rarely have milk in the house.

10. What is your favorite kind of pie?

Fruit with a nice light crust.

11. Are you a note taker?

Yup. And a doodler.

12. Do you have an eclectic mug collection, or is your stuff all matchy matchy?

We have a shit-ton of coffee mugs which are basically never used since I don't drink coffee at all, and Beast can't drink coffee--and isn't at home anyway. I need to clean the house out, starting some time later than today.

13. Do you have a junk drawer in your house/garage/at work/wherever?

At home, yes. I guess I do at work too, come to think of it.

14. What is the longest amount of time you’ve worked at one job – and what was/is it?

I've been employed at my current workplace for just about exactly 22 years.

15. How old were you when you took your first commercial flight? To where did you fly?

We flew Denver to Milwaukee when I was a small child. I remember because it was my brother's first flight too and I remember him looking out the window as we landed. I was probably 4.

Friday 5

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Five of Whatever

1. How tidy are your kitchen cabinets?

   The insides are pretty tidy. We don't tend to throw stuff in them willy-nilly. Everything has it's approved place and things tend to stay put. My spices are alphabetized if that gives you any ideas...

2. What’s an art project you did in school that you remember fondly?

   We did wood-burning one year, burning designs into wood with a hot iron.
   We were, like 8 or 9. No eye or hand protection. I don't even remember anyone having issues with either the plan or the tools. It would never happen today.

3. What’s the best thing you ate on your most recent trip?

   My most recent trip was a weekend getaway about 60 miles from here, alone. I don't remember any fabulous food. I mostly slept and read and did puzzles in the hotel room.

4. What’s the dumbest non-political thing you’ve seen lately?

   I love that you have to make this stipulation! I see stupid, or at least super-strange, stuff pretty much every day at work. I'm trying to think of the latest thing that made me actually take notice....maybe the continued appearance of people checking significant others' phones for reasons to get pissed off. Why do people do this? Why are you looking for anything? I mean, if you already don't trust the girl, why are you still dating? Focus should stay on what YOU are going to do with information you already have.

5. What’s something in your home that’s lasted longer than you expected?

   I have a table I "appropriated" from the house I stayed in between junior and senior year of college. It's got lovely lines and minimal damage (although the addition of a lower shelf kind of throws things off). It's been refinished but otherwise continues to be a nice piece in our upstairs hallway holding a lamp and a phone.

Saturday 9

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Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This week's artist, Elton John, was made an Office of Arts and Letters -- one of France's highest honors for people who have contributed significantly to the arts. What's the most recent compliment you received?

I can't think of anything. I've been thanked, but I can't think of a compliment. Probably, it's because I am not geared to listen to them?

2) In 2013, Elton had to cancel an international concert tour because he had an appendectomy. Do you still have your appendix?

I do not. It came out "just in case, while [they] were in there anyway" in 1997. The surgeon was absolutely sure that my appendix was the cause of the immense pain I was having; it was not. (It was a baseball-sized tumor, which had burst. I'll spare the details.)

3) In 1979, Elton John was the first Western rock star to tour the Soviet Union. Would you like to visit Russia?

I have. And I'd go back in a heartbeat, though perhaps not right now. I'm sure it's changed a bit (hah) since I was there 30 years ago.

4) Elton and his mother hadn't spoken in years but he reached out to her and healed their b[r]each in honor of her 90th birthday in 2015. Who is the oldest person you know?

Hmm, interesting. I know a LOT of people in their 70s and early 80s. I used to know a lot of folks in their 90s. I can't actually think of who I know that's the "winner" here.

5) Flowers and plants are popular on Mother's Day. How is your yard or garden? Is it green and/or blooming?

It's kind of a mess right now: thousands of dandelion stalks in the yard, weeds in the gardens, unmown this weekend. At some point, Beast is just going to have to face reality and hire a yard service..... But, yeah, it's green under all the dandelions. That's rarely a problem 'round here.

6) Mother's Day is a big holiday for card shops. So are birthdays, weddings, and St. Patrick's Day. Hallmark sells greetings for everything from "Congratulations on Your New Job" to "Happy Retirement." Who received the most recent card you bought?

I'm pretty sure that was Val Day cards for Sparky and Beast.

7) Sam's mother is very careful when she unwraps presents because she likes to save money by to reusing wrapping paper and gift bags. Tell us one way that you economize.

I wash and reuse plastic storage bags (i.e. baggies). Yes, I've been warned multiple times about it. I don't reuse anything that had raw meat in it.

8) Mother Winters used to scold Crazy Sam for leaving her dirty dishes in the sink. Sam admits it: as a grown up, she still leaves dirty dishes in the sink. How about you? Is your sink or dishwasher empty?

I emptied the dishwasher before dinner, then immediately emptied the sink and drainboard into it, so now the counter is clear(er). Honestly? I can't get ahead. I'm so tired of living in untidiness, but I'm so tired, period, that I just don't seem to get things cleaned.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What size mattress do you sleep on -- twin, full, queen or king?

We have a Sleep Number bed, king-size, with split mattresses so we can adjust head and feet separately. Aside from the hassle of buying sheets and the random separation of mattresses with use, I adore my bed. It is the absolute best investment we've made in furniture.

Friday 5

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Food Me Once; Food Me Twice
Five questions inspired by a quick look through my pantry.

1. What do you like on your frozen yogurt?

   I don't eat frozen yogurt very often. Maybe I should get some today. And I'd be most likely to eat it plain.

2. How do you feel about hot breakfast cereals?

   We had the greatest sweet polenta on the cruise. I've been craving that ever since. Otherwise, I'm not a fan.

3. What did you last put brown sugar in or on?

   Hmm. Something for Christmas baking...? Did we make chocolate chip cookies? I don't remember--I think Sparky and Beast collaborated after I got all the ingredients together.

4. What’s a food item you willingly overpay for?

   "Over"pay no, but I will pay the full price when not on sale for Dr. Pepper.

5. What did you last add vinegar to?

   I was, undoubtedly, cleaning something. I don't actually eat much vinegar. {{shudder}}

Saturday 9

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Along Alone Again, Naturally (1971)
Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1. Friday was St. Patrick's Day, March 17th! Did you celebrate with green beer or a green milkshake?

Hell no. I did have Irish Soda Bread, brought to work by a coworker. I don't add green to food that shouldn't have it, though.

2. Did you remember to wear green?

I did. Of course; too many childhood pinchings to dare to forget green on St. Pat's.

3. What color do you look best in?

I have a purple sweater that I got at a resale shop last fall that someone told me this week is a good shade for me. I try to avoid red, since I tend to have a bad case of red-face even without it. And I think I do OK with teal/turquoise.

4. This week's featured artist, Gilbert O'Sullivan, was born in Waterford, Ireland. Waterford is famous for Waterford Crystal. Do you have glassware that you save for special occasions?

We have two full (glass-front) cupboards full of glassware we basically never use: beer mugs, martini glasses, luncheon dishes. I just can't get rid of them.

5. This week's featured song includes the line, "To think that only yesterday I was cheerful, bright and gay." How were you feeling yesterday?

Yesterday was ok. I got a fair amount of work done, attended to some great tunes while reorganizing the worms and spiders sections of our Dewey books. (That was probably meaningless--Dewey has updated most of the animal sections, so I'm working through the 'corrections' in our books--someday maybe I'll fix the collection itself....)

6. It begins with reference to a wedding that didn't quite come off because the bride left the groom at the altar. When were you most recently at church? Was it for a holiday service, a regularly scheduled service, a special event (a wedding or baptism)?

I teach Sunday School, so I'm there every Sunday, including last week. I'll be there tomorrow as well. I'm the Donut Lady.

7. In 1971, when this song was popular, Malibu Barbie was a big seller for Mattel. This doll had a perpetual tan. For a human to achieve this, a tanning bed or self tanner is usually required. Have you used either method to give yourself a tan?

Nope. I've got that northern European white skin with freckles and when hit by sun it mostly just burns, peels, and goes back to white-with-maybe-two-more-freckles. I've probably given myself enough sun damage from tanning with baby oil as a teenager. I don't need more. Also, self-tanning (spray) is ORANGE! Ick.

8. In March, 1971, James Taylor appeared on the cover of TIME magazine. What's your favorite James Taylor song?

"You've Got a Friend"

9. Random Question: What word or phrase do you hear yourself saying too often?

"Actually" (ack-shul-lee) or "derp." I swear a lot too, though.

Friday 5 x3

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Yule Never Be Alone

1. About how many family Christmas photo-cards did you receive this year*?

Maybe 3 or 4. I don't remember, though they are literally scattered everywhere in the house. I need to clean.

2. About how many family Christmas newsletters did you receive this year?

I can only remember two.

3. What do you do with the Christmas photo-cards and newsletters you get each year?

I used to save them, but more recently I just stack them up in assorted places.

4. What’s a good solution for singles who want to participate in this tradition without coming across as a loser?

Single people aren't losers. Talk up all the stuff that married couples would kill for: privacy, quiet, cheaper travel (sometimes), etc. I always loved getting letters from singles when we had a kid. It made me terribly envious.

5. About how many old-school, hand-addressed Christmas cards did you receive this year?

Not more than about 5 that I recall. We stopped sending them about 5 years ago, and we're down to the die-hards, mostly family.

* Yeah, yeah. It was last year, but you know what I mean

Rest

1. When did you last need a few days of complete rest and nothing else?

I took last weekend off completely: left town on my own and spent two full days just hanging out and reading and sleeping.

2. How do you keep yourself occupied when you have to be in bed all day and night?

Reading, puzzles, mindless TV if can stagger to the living room.

3. Who do you most want to hear from when you have to withdraw to your bed for a few days of rest?

If I'm that sick, I really don't want anyone near me. For their sake, but also because I'm so easily annoyed.

4. What adverse effects have you experienced while staying in bed for a few days?

Total loss of stamina and muscle tone.

5. When you first notice a few symptoms, are you more likely to shut everything down right away, or try to power through until you don’t have a choice anymore?

No, I crap out as early as possible and sleep.

Something’s Astir

1. What did you last use a spatula for?

I bought a take 'n bake pizza at Aldi's last night after work. I spatula'd the slices.

2. What did you last use your can opener for?

Hmm. Chili makin's last month. There's still hardened condensed milk on it. I need to figure out how to soak it....

3. What did you last pick up with a pair of tongs?

I can't remember. I remember using them sometime or another fairly recently, but not sure what I was doing.

4. What did you last use a ladle for?

The aforementioned chili, of course!

5. What did you last stir with a wooden spoon?

The last batch of mac'n'cheese required two, per the norm.

Sunday Stealing

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The Shipwreck Questions

1. If you were shipwrecked with friends (whether in real life or virtual life or both) think about it and pick some friends and tell us why...

   I would be eminently unlikely to be shipwrecked having been on a ship precisely once (for an extended period). BUT in the interest of saying who I would mind being trapped for a significant period of time with: Beast (cuz I like him and he knows stuff), Librarian M (she knows a lot about a lot of sensible things like what to eat and not eat, plus she's fun to talk to), Amy (she'd have books with her), Jet (he'd have a gun with him), Sparky (cuz I like him, he knows stuff, and he has a strong back), and Tech S. at work (because I've never seen her freak out, she can make clothes, and is sensible). This reminds me of doing "Values Clarification" in high school....

2. Who would throw the wildest parties, and why did you pick them?

   I don't really know anyone who throws wild parties. Sorry. I'm too old for that shit.

3. Who would always fall asleep on the couch, and why did you pick them?

   Beast, me, or Sparky. We've done a lot of couch-napping in the past three weeks, all of us.

4. Who would enter to be in a talent show, and why did you pick them?

   Annie, because the girl's got pipes.

5. Who would try to get out of doing their chores and why did you pick them?

   Me. Because I do that so regularly it's not at all funny.

6. Who would accidentally set the kitchen on fire whilst cooking and why did you stupidly pick them?

   I don't think I know anyone this incompetent. Maybe one of my nephews--James or Don--but since they're in their 40s and share a house with each other, by now they've surely learned to make food, right?

7. Who would try to domesticate an island pet and why did you pick them?

   Double pick: Librarians A & C because they are ALL ABOUT animals. Also, my niece Katherine since she's a vet.

8. Who would make the other carry their bags on a shopping spree and why did you pick them?

   Sparky, because he's used to carrying mine. Normally, I would say Beast, but he's in no shape to be carrying anything at all.

9. Who would throw the first person of[f] the boat and why did you pick them?

   Hmm. Can I have my brother do this? He's good at pissing people off--maybe the other person will just jump.

10. Who would be the best caregiver when someone got sick & why did you pick them?

    Guess that would be Julie, who is a nurse and nursing supervisor.

11. Who would try to force the another to play sports with them & why did you pick them?

    Todd. No contest. He's always messing around doing something sports-related: golf, softball, football, soccer....

12. Who would have the best holiday ideas for your space on the island and why did you pick them?

    Carolyn because she's constantly over-compensating in areas like this, and she's literally the only person I know who would carry through doing this regardless of what anyone else is doing.

13. Who would need to clean out someone others stuff to make room for their own & why did you pick them?

    Whoever jumped overboard to avoid my brother won't be needing any space, but I'm not sure would be good at packing up their stuff. Maybe Librarian T? She would just get on with it.

14. Who worries about how they will look when they’re older & why did you pick them?

    My sister Marie because it's all she talks about these days.

15. Flashes everyone when they walk by after taking a shower alone & why did you pick them?

    Marie's husband Jan, because given any encouragement whatsoever he'd totally be doing this IRL. He's such a fucktard.

16. Who wakes you to asks weird questions in the middle of the night & why did you pick them?

    Oh goodie, I get to include Rachel, without whom this meme wouldn't be complete. She and Annie would conspire to do this, as they have done in the past. :D

17. Who will constantly ask you “what are you thinking about?” & why did you pick them?

    I don't think I know anyone who does this, except me. Maybe Gail?

18. Which of your friends on this island might being too touchy-feely while you interact, why did you pick them?

    Aside from Jan? There are some patrons who verge on creepiness, but otherwise I don't think there is anyone I hang out with that's any more touchy-feely than I'm comfortable with. Because I probably wouldn't hang out with them then, eh?

Friday 5

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Fair Use

1. What was the last thing you put in the freezer not to freeze, but just to chill?

   Probably a bottle of pop that had been sitting out. I think I even remembered to remove it prior to solid freezing.

2. What’s a non-food item you’re storing in a zippered, plastic bag?

   All my cookie cutters are in bags in the drawer so they don't skitter everywhere whenever the drawer is open. I'm sure I have a zillion other answers, but that's the first thing that popped into my head.

3. What’s the most unusual item you’ve used as a bookmark?

   I use my hairbrush on a regular basis, which seems rather weird to people. Since I read while blowdrying my hair and generally prepping for the day.

4. What’s something unusual for which you’ve used a kitchen utensil?

   I used to use spoons to dig in the dirt outside when I was a kid; Mom appreciated that... I know people who use wooden spoons to spank their kids. I can't think of anything that I take from the kitchen to another room these days, though. Toothpicks, I've seen them used as a miniature shims... seriously, I've got nothing.

5. How many different kinds of balls do you have in your house?

   This made me giggle. I've got one boy guinea pig and some tennis balls inside. There's probably a couple of footballs in the garage, and perhaps a baseball. And bocce equipment. Probably golf balls too, but since Beast isn't playing anymore (fear of worsening his back) and I don't play at all. So, I think that's it.

Saturday 9

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Mama (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Gamal Lewis got the nickname "LunchMoney" in 10th grade because of his round cheeks and because lunch was his favorite part of the school day. What do you recall about lunchtime in the school cafeteria?

In high school, we band people were always cramming food in at record pace because we never got in from rehearsing on time, and the lunchroom was on the other side of the building. In grade school, I just remember the hot lunch line and the fact that I almost always had a lunchbox. The thermos never kept the milk cool. Yuck -- luke-warm milk.

2) His father and uncle were members of the band Inner Circle. Their song, "Bad Boys" was the theme to the reality show Cops. What reality show have you seen recently?

We are addicted to Deadliest Catch, which has just restarted. It's fun to watch because, for the most part, what's happening is real, not scripted, and the guys are just trying to stay alive and make some money. They don't sugar-coat the bad shit either: drug addiction, death, horrific injuries.... These are just regular, occasionally jerky, guys doing their jobs.

3) In this song, Mr. Lewis sings that his mama taught him how to put on pajamas. What did you wear to bed last night?

I put on my summer nightgown last night because it was too warm in the bedroom to wear flannel. But I'm not cashing in the flannels quite yet either. Spring hasn't fully sprung, I'm sure.

4) He claims he can't ever lie to his mama because she'll hear it in his voice. Are you a convincing liar?

Yes.

5) LunchMoney sings that his mama made him chicken soup when he was sick. Do you eat soup all year around, only during winter months, or just when you're battling a cold?

I don't make soup at home very often, maybe 5-6 times a year. And yeah, usually when someone is sick, but sometimes I just feel like a nice chunky chowder for no good reason.

6) The lyrics tell us that when her son was hungry, Mama reliably whipped something up. What's the last food you prepared?

I rolled up some cheese in a tortilla and nuked it for breakfast about 20 minutes ago.

7) He also sings that his mama always made sure he had a few dollars in his pocket. Let's talk about you and money. Did you more recently lend or borrow it?

I guess, technically, I borrowed: charging dinner at Panera last night counts, right?

8) Mother's Day is for grandmothers, too. Sam grew up calling her grandmother "Grandgran." Did you have a nickname for your grandmother?

My mom's mom for some reason was "Nannie," which ended up just being thoroughly confusing because of all the British nanny stuff, and the fact that there was a plethora of people named Nancy in my life as a child. I couldn't ever figure out who any of the "Nan..." people were! And on the other side there was "Grandma"--usually understood to be my paternal grandmother--but also Grandma [last name] who was my Dad's maternal grandmother; she was gone by the time I appeared on the scene, but she came up in conversation an awful lot.

9) To celebrate Mother's Day, Sam is giving away her own mother's favorite candy: Hershey Bars. Would you prefer milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate with almonds?

No dark chocolate for me; either of the others is fine.

Friday 5

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Dexterity

1. How skilled are you with a chef’s knife?

   I'm ok. Not professional-grade, but I rarely manage to injure myself anymore.

2. How skilled are you with chopsticks?

   I can pick up shrimp and veggies, but the whole "shoveling rice in at speed" thing is beyond me.

3. How skilled are you with a hammer?

   Not as skilled as you might think. My aim is poor. But I know how to use both sides appropriately, and I know when I need a different tool entirely.

4. How skilled are you with a corkscrew?

   I used ours last week for the first time in, literally, years and had no problem. I guess it's like riding a bike.

5. How skilled are you with a needle and thread?

   I'm fairly skilled at hand-sewing/mending. I'm too lazy to get the sewing machine out for anything, so everything I do, I do by hand. Yes, it takes longer, but there are no bobbins required. And I do NOT make Big Things--I'm talking about using the same sewing box--and some of the same thread--that I got when I was 22!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Fool on the Hill (1967)
Unfamiliar with today's song? We can't help you. The YouTube copyright police have removed the Beatles' version. [But I found a tribute video with the original song here today. Who knows if it'll still be available later.]

1) Friday was April Fool's Day. Did you pull any pranks? Did anyone put anything over on you?

I shared a post on Facebook about football that was a prank--and 'got' Beast with it, and I think a church friend who didn't bother to click through--but otherwise I did my usual play-it-cool-and-stay-out-of-the-crossfire. I'm not a huge fan of pranks.

2) The practice of playing tricks on one another on April 1 dates back at least to the 14th century and Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales includes a mention of it. Geoffrey Chaucer has been called England's greatest poet. Quote a bit of poetry for us. (It doesn't have to be English, or great.)

This one's for my Dad:

A wonderful bird is a pelican.
His beak can hold more than his belican.
He keeps fish for the week
Inside of his beak,
But I don't know how the helican. (Dixon Lanier Merritt)

It was, invariably, quoted with punctuation from Mom: "[DAD'S FIRST NAME!]"

3) Beatle Paul is a huge Elvis fan and is happy to own the bass that was played on Elvis' 1954 recording of "That's All Right, Mama." Tell us about one of your prized possessions.

Since all of our kitchen cupboards had to be emptied yesterday* and the contents are mostly still sitting in the dining room patiently waiting for re-stowage....I'll go with my Sunbeam stand mixer. I grew up with my mom's 1950s-era version and when we got married young and poor I bought a cheap lightweight mixer for kitchen tasks. What a cheap piece of crap: plastic, impossible for mashing potatoes, and just junk. So somewhere along the line when we had money to blow, Beast bought me a Sunbeam for Christmas. And it was a very good gift--still works beautifully and is heavy enough to take care of just about anything, even bread dough (I have bread hook attachments).

4) In contrast to his easygoing persona, Sir Paul has been described by former band mate Ringo Starr as strong willed and "determined to get his own way." Do you consider yourself strong willed and determined? Or are you more easy going?

Yes. I'm mostly very easygoing, but I have a temper and a tendency to lose it over the most ridiculous stuff. And I do like to get my own way, in true Youngest Child fashion; my choice of profession didn't help either as I also like to be "right" about answers.

5) The Beatles once bought a Greek island, planning to live and record there, but sold it after a few months because it started to seem like a bad, expensive idea. Tell us about a purchase that gave you buyer's remorse.

We once had a Plymouth Voyager. From the standpoint of having room to cart Sparky's baby equipment around on vacation, it was great. Otherwise...man, I really hated that car....!

6) Legend has it that the Beatles officially broke up in Disney World. John Lennon was staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort when he received and signed the court papers that dissolved the group. Have you ever conducted business while on vacation?

Huh. Of course. In this day of smart phones and 24-hour internet email checking? Beast actually has a job for which he's "on call" whenever customers need him, so he's always doing stuff on vacations. This upcoming vacation will be interesting in that we are limited to one device to check all our accounts, which means sharing, which means potential problems. So I've pretty much decided I'm going dark for the duration. Hurrah.

7) George Harrison loved puttering around in the garden and dedicated his autobiography to "gardeners everywhere." Do you have a green thumb?

I do not. I have, somehow, managed to keep a lovely little cactus-y thing and its offshoots (all gifts) alive for about 5 years now. And some other really easy plants are still alive through no 'fault' of my own. I have killed more houseplants in my lifetime than anyone I know.

8) Ringo regrets not having saved more Beatles memorabilia, which he realizes now would be worth a fortune. Are you a pack rat?

We have a great deal of shit in storage in this house. (She says, looking at the dining room and all the collected crap sitting there. Why do we need four (FOUR!) different sets of wine-glasses??). I will be winnowing while putting things away.)

9) Random question: Which do you prefer, Girl Scout cookies or Boy Scout popcorn?

Nothing against popcorn, but cookies FTW!!

*We had new countertops installed so all the lower cupboards needed to be cleared for access and so things didn't get broken. I posted the before photo on Facebook about how the old counters were going away hurrah hurray, and got immediately guilt-tripped by two nieces to the effect that our old stuff is better than their current counters. Gotta love family.

BEFORE

AFTER

CLOSE-UP and blurry

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Would You Rather Meme

1. Would you rather be stuck on an island alone or with someone who talks incessantly?

   Alone. Even if the other person didn't talk incessantly, I'd probably rather be alone.

2. Would you rather be too hot or too cold?

   Too cold. I can always put more clothes on. (and the circle is complete: I remember being gobsmacked when my sister Ellen said this to me in 1975 on a hot and humid day in Wisconsin, and I swore I'd never feel that way...oh well)

3. Would you rather have a cook or a maid?

   Cook. But a cook who cleans up the kitchen!

4. Would you rather be the youngest or the oldest sibling?

   I'm happy being the youngest, thanks. But once again, we're ignoring the middle kids.

5. Would you rather get rich through hard work or through winning the lottery?

   Hard work.

6. Would you rather have a 10-hour dinner with a headstrong politician from an opposing party, or attend a 10-hour concert for a music group you detest?

   Dinner. I can always wear earplugs and at least with this option, I'll be sitting down and eating theoretically decent food.

7. Would you rather be an Olympic gold medalist or a Nobel Peace Prize winner?

   Honestly, neither sounds attractive. Lots of very hard work for both, but I suppose I'd have fewer outright enemies as an Olympian.

8. Would you rather have a desk job or an outdoor job?

   Desk job. No contest!

9. Would you rather live at the top of a tall NYC apartment building or at the top of a mountain?

   Mountain. duh

10. Would you rather have Rambo or The Terminator on your side?

    Terminator, though probably at least in part because I've never seen a Rambo film.

11. Would you rather be proposed to in private or in front of family and friends?

    Private, please. Beast proposed to me in a restaurant, but without giant fanfare.

12. Would you rather have to sew all your clothes or grow your own food?

    I really hate sewing. But I really really hate weeding, and I do not want to have to start butchering my meat. So....sewing it is, I guess.

13. Would you rather hear the good news or the bad news first?

    Bad news first.

14. Would you rather be your own boss or work for someone else?

    I would love to work for myself, but I'd probably never get anything done, so it might not work out so well.

15. Would you rather have nosy neighbors or noisy neighbors?

    Nosy. I hate noise, but curtains and years of practice in shutting down nosy questions goes a lot way. Also, often nosy neighbors are also good to have around, as I've found out in dire circumstances.

16. Would you rather be on a survival reality show or dating game show?

    I'll MC either. I'm not doing any televised competing, however.

17. Would you rather be too busy or be bored?

    I'm not a fan of sitting around doing nothing at all. So, keep me too busy. [I was with Beast while he got an(other) MRI this week and stupidly brought my ereader to keep me occupied. No electronics near the room-sized magnet. So I sat there for 45 minutes with, literally, nothing to do while seated in a chair that doesn't allow napping. I was crawling out of my skin by the end.]

18. Would you rather watch the big game at home or live at the stadium?

    At home. I hate crowds.

19. Would you rather spend the day with your favorite athlete or you favorite movie star?

    Athlete. Now I have to pick which one that would be. There is more than one option.

20. Would you rather live where it is constantly winter or where it is constantly summer?

    Summer, but not humid summer.

Sunday Salon

(Link in meme-roll)

Time:

10:33 a.m.

Scene:

It's another coolish-for-July day, the morning after the Day of Big Explosions, and my 29th wedding anniversary. My dear spouse just rolled out of bed and is still waking up.

Today's plan:

There was discussion of a movie. There was discussion of going out to eat. I'm not sure what we're doing today, but I don't really mind. I need to clean the guinea pig cage.

Listening to:

The boys discuss Breaking Bad (which Beast just finished binge-watching last night), and the A/C blower.

Drinking:

My first can of diet Dr. Pepper.

Thinking about:

We're talking about getting new kitchen countertops, and maybe a new floor since the lino is peeling up, so that's on my mind. And I'm also pondering what I want to accomplish today: sorting magazines in the office, updating GoodReads, watching NASCAR, and general calendar cleanup. Oh, and playing with my new phone. yay

Blogthings x5

You Should Take a Tea Break

You are an easygoing person, and while you still need breaks in your relatively calm life, you don't need a bolt of energy. If anything, you are always looking for a little more space to clear your head. A bit of ritual always does you good. You tend to be a steady soul, and you prefer change that is gradual. You avoid the ups and downs of life. You aren't big on treats or special occasions as much as you are on living a good life. You try to make each day as good as you can.

Should You Take a Coffee or Tea Break?

Seeing as how I don't drink coffee, this is sort of a no-brainer. This description isn't all that accurate, though, aside from the italicized bits.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

You Are Rebellious

You like to live life on your own terms, and loud music is often a part of that. You have to let it all out! You tend to be a loner, but you prefer to be with your people if you can find them. You rock out better (and louder) with a few friends.

What Does Your Favorite Music Genre Say About You?

I actually like all sorts of different kinds of music, so this quiz was really silly. But this answer is more right as any of the other options.

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You Were Born on World Architecture Day

As well as... Happy Hour Day Fancy Rat & Mouse Day National Pizza With Everything Day (Except Anchovies) National Chicken Soup For The Soul Day

What Day Were You Born?

This just made me laugh. Pizza and fancy rats and mice. Great.

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You Are Adventurous

You are always up for something new, and you don't even bother keeping a bucket list. There's so much you want to do and see. You are an optimist, and you're more inclined to like something than dislike it. And this really fuels your sense of adventure. You soak in every moment, big or small. You have some really great stories to tell - because you notice everything. You don't just live life, you experience it. You are often in awe, but it's only because the world is so awesome!

The Northern Lights Test

Spot on!

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You Have 68% Cooking Experience

You are an experienced and accomplished cook. You are quite proud of your cooking, and the people around you love it when you cook for them. You have a lot of great dishes under your belt, but like any good cook, you are eager to learn more. You are always up for another kitchen adventure.

How Experienced of a Cook Are You?

I know how to cook. I hate cooking though. Knowing how to do something does NOT mean you enjoy it. I know how to prepare for a colonoscopy, but I don't enjoy it at all!!

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Home Is Where the Hearth Is

1. What is your approach to dealing with (or preventing) clutter?

Well in theory, I try to get rid of it ASAP. I do fairly well in my closet with that stuff, but paper just seeps to accrete every-damned-where. I need to go through some stuff in the basement that has piled up. And in storage. BUT, we took the Xmas tree down today and in the process unloaded a box of ornaments we haven't used in years.

2. What kinds of (tangible) things do you seem to have an unreasonable time letting go of?

I'm not particularly good about written things: letters, notes, books signed by people I like, that sort of thing. I totally suck about furniture with family history. We have a LOT of hand-me-down furniture, some of which my dad built.

3. If you could start completely over with your existing living space (and money were only a slight limitation), how would you make it more suited to you and your lifestyle?

I just a couple of hours ago said something that I've said often in the past 11 or so years: I love this house! About the only change I'd make is to get better kitchen cabinets and countertops. However, the fact that it's two stories is becoming more and more of an issue. And its location isn't my favorite place, though we have excellent neighbors.

4. How many standalone small kitchen appliances do you own, and how many do you use regularly?

Let's see: two coffee-making devices, two crockpots (one is being saved for Sparky when he moves out), a blender, an electric frying pan, a mixer, a can opener, and a toaster-oven. I think that's all. I almost never use the blender, but there are a couple of things I can't cook without it, so it hangs on even after 28 years.

5. What does your current living space really need more of?

Shelves. We don't have enough bookshelves, and we never really seem to have much wall space for artwork or pictures.

Blogthings

You Are a Ladle

You love to cook, and feeding others is love for you. You feel at home in the kitchen. Your specialties are home style cooking and comfort food. You always make enough to go around. Anytime people enter your home, you have to feed them something. And you always have good food on hand. You love to open up your kitchen to friends, and pretty much anyone is welcome to dinner anytime.

What Kitchen Utensil Are You?

That first sentence: ha ha ha ha ha. But the rest is true, more or less, as far as it goes.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six

1. How old is the oldest minor appliance you currently own?

I have a blender that's moving up on 25 years old. And the coffeepot (percolator) and waffle iron we got as wedding presents still work though we rarely use them.

2. How old is (or was) the oldest minor appliance you’ve ever owned?

Those listed above. Unless I can count the appliances in my parents' house. I'm pretty sure Mom's mixer was at least a decade old when I was born.

3. What year did you buy your first microwave oven?

The first one we bought was probably 15 years ago. We had hand-me-downs until then.

4. How many electric cookers — crockpots, non-stick grills, griddles, etc. — do you currently own?

I have the aforementioned waffle iron, two crockpots, and an electric frying pan. The older crockpot is for Sparky if he wants it when he moves into his own actual apartment (as opposed to campus housing).

5. Which of the items from Question #4 do you use most often?

It's a toss-up between the newer crockpot and the frying pan. I use the crockpot often in the winter, and the other in the summer; it doesn't heat up the house like using the stove does.

6. Check your cabinets: which minor appliance have you gone the longest without using (and why do you still have it)?

I almost never use that blender, but there are two recipes I make for super-special occasions that require blending (or food-processing). It works, so I'm not replacing or pitching it. And I can't bring myself to throw away a wedding gift that still functions, anyway.