Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)

American Soldier (2003)

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

My dad served in WWII stateside. FIL was in the Army during the Korean War (or is it still a "conflict"?) but he was in Germany for the duration. Neither saw combat, for which I remain very grateful. My former lawn-mowing neighbor kid is in the Marines. Otherwise, I don't seem to run the same gang with a lot of soldier/sailor/flyer folks. 

Oh! My sister WORKED on an army base in Germany as the daycare supervisor for several years in the 90s. Not in the army, just at the army. 

2) In this song, Toby Keith reminds us soldiers "work straight through holidays," even this one, and we are grateful for that, too. Have you ever had to work on a federal holiday? If yes, did it make you sad to be on the job when everyone else was celebrating?

I have traditionally worked on a lot of federal holidays. The 'only' official days off we are closed are Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4 and Thanksgiving. All others the library is open for business, although we do occasionally close early on Xmas Eve or NY Eve.

It's not hard or sad to be at work when everyone else is partying anymore. I'm used to it after 35 years and we always adjusted to having whatever party it was on a day when I don't work, or Beast and Sparky went without me, which is  fine with me.

3) The video for this song was filmed at Edwards Air Force Base. This site was chosen to make it easier for off-duty soldiers, reservists and their families to appear. Have you ever visited a military base?

See above re sister working in Germany. That's it. We aren't big Armed Forces folks. My dad was not thrilled about life in the Army, and my brother was 'of age' during Vietnam so he did whatever he could to not be drafted.

4) Toby Keith never served in the military but often performed for the USO. While the USO is best known for providing entertainment to our troops, they also have a "Canine Comfort Crew." Local USO centers make dogs available to troops who long to see a wagging tail. Are you a dog lover?

I love dogs. Almost all my immediate neighbors have dogs, big 'uns, and I know them better than the people living in the houses. I've owned a couple of dogs over the years (one at a time) and would have loved to have more, but it turned out that I'm allergic. And now I'm just too lazy to have a dog; I'd be in better shape if I had to entertain and walk a furball.

5) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

Today, I would pretty much murder someone for my mom's potato salad. None better! But I'm also up for whatever you're serving at a picnic.

6) Let's welcome summer with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

I do not like chocolate ice cream. Vanilla with some chocolate syrup or sprinkles is fine, but I really prefer peppermint. Or birthday cake. OK, well, honestly, I'd eat any gelato you put in front of me because GELATO! In a cup. Always.

7) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?

I simply do not go outside long enough to need this in years. Much as I love summer, I'm allergic to everything else alive out there, so I run from building to building, car to car, etc. with only very occasional forays onto the front porch or middle of the street to chat with a neighbor.

8) Or swam?

I don't can't swim. There is a (man-made) lake for which my town is named, but it is ill-advised to get in the water without a lot of precautions, even if I had access to it, which I don't. 

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? 

The house fan is on because my brother cleaned out all his water containers from his RV this morning so I'm moving the air around to make sure the smell doesn't permeate. I could turn it off, but I forgot to after he left earlier. Otherwise, it's too cold outside for cooling on the inside. As I sit here, I'm wearing a fleece over a T-shirt, all-weather pants, and my bare feet have lost all feeling in them due to cold (and poor circulation). In fact, I was considering going up to take a shower after I finish this so I can warm up.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Love Me Some Questions
These are from Love Me Some Surveys.

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?

Of course: I like disco, and people crap on that all the time.

2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?

Today is my brother and his wife's birthdays, and their wedding anniversary. They celebrated by moving into a brand-new house. My sister's is Tuesday. Four of my friends had birthdays today, another four tomorrow and in the following ten days there are 11 more, not counting my sister. See why I no longer send cards??

3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight?

I have a notebook somewhere with this in it. I think that year it was Larry C. and Ron M. I'm Facebook friends with both of them now. The world is weird.

4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?

It's been awhile since I had a kitchen accident. Having said that, I will undoubtedly do something stupid this week. I haven't even had a sunburn this year.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?

Ten bucks? I'd probably buy lunch for a friend. What I need right now, today, is about $30,000 to pay the nursing home for the last three months.

6. What are you most excited about right now?

I'm a little excited about the prospect of moving, but mostly I'm dreading all the work. Otherwise, I honestly have nothing big to look forward to as far ahead as I look.

7. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military?

My dad was in the Army Air Corps in WWII, stationed in Lake Charles, LA, because he had hearing loss and wasn't allowed to go overseas, thank God!

8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?

I struggle daily against this, and I'm much better about leaving things undone, or badly done, these days. I do not have time (or energy) for perfection.

9. Do you like sour candy?

I love sour candy!!

10. Are all-nighters something you have grown used to?

I haven't done an all-nighter in a long time, at least not in the sense of staying up partying. I've stayed up at hospitals all night, and I've stayed up with insomnia for hours. I'm tired all the time, whether or not I sleep 8 hours or 10 or 4.

11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving?

My glasses darken when I'm in the sun, so yesss...?

12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?

Nope. My mother never was able to train me to do this.

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?

T-shirts and loose pants/shorts (elastic waist). I've given in to the expanding waist 100%.

14. Are you good at painting nails?

I'm ok at it. I'm probably better at doing other people's, and my toes, than my own fingers.

15. Smoothies or slushies?

Slushies. I loathe thick, chunky drinks, unless it's a malt!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (1968)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
This performance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is from Robert Kennedy's funeral. So this week, we focus on him.

1) During WWII, when he was just 17, Robert Kennedy enlisted in the Navy. He was disappointed he was never involved in combat. Tell us about a time when you felt fate/circumstances kept you from something you wanted.

Well, I really wanted dance lessons as a kid, and that never happened. There were a few jobs I really wished I'd gotten, but I wasn't. There were some guys... Honestly, I can't think of anything much recently, except for my boss to PAY ATTENTION! Really, after three years of talking about one issue at virtually EVERY MEETING we've had with him, he just last week figured out that everyone on staff is COMPLETELY FURIOUS about the way he has handled it. Even the cool, calm, moderate ones are pissed. The boss says he didn't understand the depth of people's annoyance. Duh?! Really? So, apparently, we have to shout to get his attention. smh

2) Bobby was trained as an altar boy and throughout his life regularly attended early morning mass. When is the last time you attended a worship service?

Two weeks ago? We'll probably go tomorrow too. Or, well, I will. Maybe Beast will. Sparky is unlikely to; he informed me last week he's a Satanist. I suspect he's poking the wasp nest to see if I'll flip out. I did come home and wiki myself up on the subject though. tbh, I'm not surprised; the general theory is something I can see him going for. ANYWAY, I don't think he's a "practicing" Satanist, in the sense of attending worship of any kind, since apparently that's not a thing. I dunno--I need more info from the boy.

3) He may have been an altar boy, but he was no angel. During junior high he was suspended for punching a classmate. Who is the last person who made you very, very mad?

Beast. And then myself for failing to stick to my program. And before that, my boss. In case you didn't notice after the first question.

4) He had his first date when he was a senior in high school. Looking back, Mary Bailey Gimble told Kennedy biographers that she knew he had a crush on her and wondered why it took him so long to ask her out. Tell us about one of your early crushes.

I never actually dated any of my crushes, thank the good Lord! I did kiss one of them though. He's on Facebook--and holy crap he's only gotten better-looking over the years! lol

5) Bobby's wife Ethel is as bubbly and talkative as he was introspective and shy. He was organized, she's messy. While opposites may attract, do you believe the happiest marriages are between partners who are more similar than different?

I do think that people have to have something they can share in common. But I also think that if two people are too similar it doesn't work either. It's extraordinarily complex.

6) By November 1960, when he was 35 years old, Bobby already had served as legal counsel to two Senate committees and run his brother's successful Presidential campaign. He was looking forward to a quieter life teaching law but gave in to family pressure to become President Kennedy's Attorney General. Tell us about a time when you were at a crossroads. Who influenced your decision?

Prayer and advice from people I trust. And some gut.

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What is your neighborhood doing to observe the day?

Oh yeah, the fireworks started about 10 days ago. Last night they were going off until at least midnight. Tonight it will be later. We don't participate. We will probably grill brats and burgers tomorrow or Monday and have macaroni and cheese one night while Sparky's home. And we'll be able to see several towns' fireworks shows from our backyard if we want.

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run rum on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July?

Nope. I know a couple of Guard members, but they're not currently serving.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?

Oops, jumped the gun. We're probably ordering pizza tonight when Sparky gets here...or something. So there'll be leftovers. And the usual grilled stuff. And some corn.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Star Spangled Banner, as sung by Whitney Houston
From the archives
Memorial Day is a federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? (We are grateful and want to hear about it.)

My dad and my father-in-law were the last veterans in the family, and they're both dead. My sister was a consultant with the Army about 10 years ago. Otherwise, we all tend to be aware that we would suuuck at military life.

2) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

My mom's potato salad. Which I haven't had in 20 years, I think.

3) Let's celebrate the Memorial Day holiday with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

Peppermint in a dish. Or birthday cake, in a dish. I'm not much of a cone eater.

4) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you rode a bike?

At least a decade.

5) Or went hiking?

We did some urban hiking on our trip last month.

6) Or rode a horse?

OK, so, that's less than ten years.

7) Or toasted a marshmallow?

Probably three or four years. This is not really my thing, honestly. I'll just have the graham crackers and chocolate; you can have all the marshmallows.

8) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

I think the fan's on. Maybe the a/c? I'm not sure. It's been muggy as heck the last few days, so we may be sucking the water out.

9) Crazy Sam needs your help: What song or a performer would you like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer? You'll begin seeing your suggestions as Saturday 9 themes in mid-June. Thanks!

Oh I love this question! Radiohead's "Daydreaming" would be fun. So would Ariana Grande's "Into You." And for an older one, "Tonight" from TobyMac would be interesting. I could go on...

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
These Boots Were Made for Walkin' (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song/video, Ms. Sinatra's boots make a serious fashion statement. Do you choose footwear for comfort or fashion?

I try to balance the two things. I am kind of a shoe whore, though, so I've bought far too many pairs of shoes for how they look and found them impossible to wear. Increasingly, I'm buying comfy first, looks second.

2) This is by far the biggest hit of Nancy Sinatra's career, which includes 6 top ten hits. Can you name another?

She had other songs? Other hits? I'm off to Google, because honestly I thought this was her only song.

3) Nancy recorded it on Reprise Records, which was founded by her father, Frank. Did your parents give you a leg up in your chosen career?

Hah! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Not a one of us got that. Or took that, in my brother's case.

4) Professionally Nancy has been involved in espionage, singing the theme to a James Bond movie and appearing in an episode of The Man from UNCLE. Do you enjoy spy/secret agent stories?

I do, but only up to a point. If there's a car chase involved, I'll meet you in the lobby. :-)

5) Nancy maintains the official Sinatra family website, which includes a link to the site of Mia Farrow. Ms. Farrow was, briefly, Nancy's stepmother, and obviously they are still on good terms. Do you have a big, extended family?

I do. I think if we all got together, the crowd would total 30 today, though my nephew is due to get married in 3-4 months. Eight of those 30 are under 10 years old.

6) Nancy's music -- and posters -- were very popular with the troops during the Vietnam War. Nancy continues to return their loyalty and affection with her efforts on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Here's your chance to promote a cause that's near and dear to your heart. What charity gets your support?

Kids. Are. Important. That's all. Find a way to support them.

7) Nancy hosts a Sirius radio show devoted to her father's music. Do you have a subscription to a satellite radio or podcast network?

Beast pays for Sirius for him, and got me a hookup for my car too. I pay for Spotify Premium so I have stuff to listen to at work that I can program.

8) Nancy has said that she and her sister Tina had a more comfortable relationship with their famous father than their late brother, Frank, Jr., did. Do you think it's easier for mothers to get along with their sons, while fathers have an easier time with their daughters?

I think there's far less competition between opposite sex parents as a rule, but I think that if everyone behaves like grownups, it all works out when the kids are adults.

9) Random question: Tonight's dinner is on us. Would you prefer to eat at a casual restaurant with exceptional food, or an exclusive restaurant with so-so food but a celebrity clientele?

The former. I couldn't care less who is at the tables around me.

glove slap, I don't take crap! glove slap, shut your big yap!

(Found at Amy's--who also gave it the title)

Can you do any accents other than your own?

I can do Western (because, family) and generic "Southern" and Midland English. And I guess I could do Mexican if I wanted, but I don't.

Do you have a strong local accent?

I'm sure I do, and I hate it. I can actually feel my vocal cords lengthening whenever I go back to Colorado, and I stop talking like I have to say ALL THE WORDS in three minutes. Through my nose.

If evil-doers invaded your country would you rush to the battle-lines to defend the motherland, or hide in a box?

I'm pretty sure that the evil-doers are already here, and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to deal with them. I'll be in my box if you need me.

What's your favourite flower?

Garden roses, with scent. Climbing ones, preferably still on the vine.

Have you ever given blood?

I used to give regularly, have probably done a couple of gallons over time. I don't think they'll have me anymore now though.

Could you ever be a medical guinea pig?

Absolutely, if it meant helping find a cure for something that's killing me. If I'm going to die anyway, experiment away--and make sure I have good pain meds! My sister had experimental brain surgery to explore some possibilities inre PD and MSA. And when she died, she sent her brain back to the university where she had the surgery so they could see...whatever they needed to see.

What's your favourite radio station?

KIMN, ca. 1980. Barring that, I will listen to Sirius, or NPR, or if I need to know about local traffic, the local station. The latter is what wakes me up in the morning--which gets me out of bed very fast.

Have you ever slapped someone in public?

Hmm, I don't think so. I only really remember one slap in my history and it was inside with just the two of us. And that's all I'm going to say about that.

Have you ever drawn on a sleeping or inebriated person?

I have not. This has never seemed remotely amusing to me.

Can you roll your R's?

Rrrruffles have rrrridges. Yes. I have a theory that this is something you have to learn to do while fairly young. If you don't, it is really awfully close to impossible to learn later. And if you take Spanish as a teenager, and haven't learned this skill, the class is much harder than in needs to be.

Rebound relationships: good or bad?

Immediate-rebounds seem to rarely work out, not that I've seen anyway. But they can be fun!

Would you ever sign a prenuptial agreement?

I have no interest in ever getting married again, so no. If I did somehow lose my mind enough to re-up, I would do a pre-nup.

Is your bellybutton an innie or outie?

All innie. Outies gross me out a little; nothing personal if you're an outie.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Battle Hymn of the Republic
(From the archives) [my earlier answers]
Memorial Day was introduced to honor the men and women who died while serving the in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not forgotten this weekend.

1) This recording was made live at St. Patrick's Cathedral, during Sen. Robert Kennedy's funeral. (Hear it here.) While both of Bobby's older brothers were decorated war heroes, he served too -- enlisting in the Navy in 1943. Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? (We are grateful and want to hear about it.)

I am not. No one in my generation, or younger generations, in my family has served. My dad was a WWII vet. The brother of my godson is in the National Guard. Otherwise, we aren't much in the military frame, but I have the utmost respect for those who have served time and seen battle.

2) Memorial Day also kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

The local small grocery store makes the most aMAZing baked potato salad! Better than Mom's--well, better than my mom's, which was actually yummy! I also like fresh fruit.

3) Name a scent that reminds you of someone special in your life.

Old Spice reminds me of my dad and Beast's dad. Alberto VO-5 men's hair goop is my dad's too.

4) When was the last time you had your hair cut or trimmed?

Three weeks.

5) Crazy Sam runs on Dunkin'. Are you loyal to a particular brand of coffee?

I don't drink coffee.

6) If money was no object, what home improvement would you like to make this summer?

We're having the damage repaired from February's mini-flood starting next week. And we desperately need to do some sorting, pruning, and organizing of our possessions.

7) What was the last thing you bought purely for your own enjoyment?

I bought a Twix bar yesterday, and some gum (not to be used at the same time of course). Does that count?

8) When was the last time you rode a bike?

Pretty close to a decade.

9) Sam worries that many of her song selections reflect her decidedly Baby Boomer sensibilities. Is there a song or a performer that you'd like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer?

How about some Ed Sheeran, Elle Goulding, Sam Smith, or Taylor Swift? Maybe Hozier's "Take Me to Church" or Rihanna/Kanye WestMacca's "FourFive Seconds." Or Rihanna's new song "American Oxygen." Kelly Clarkson's "Heartbeat Song" would be fun too.

Lazy Easter Sunday

(Swiped from Amy)

Have you ever had a dream that you chased only to be let down when you achieved it?

Not "let down" per se but this whole Being An Adult thing is not as advertised when I was younger. I don't really have high expectations anymore for most things--I tend toward realistic. Maybe cynical? Nah, not really. Just unwilling to live with massive, preventable disappointment.

Is there anything about the opposite sex you just don't understand or comprehend?

Well, the whole peeing standing up thing is complicated as far as I can tell, seeing as how it seems far more difficult than it sounds to hit a fairly good-sized target with any degree of regularity. Otherwise, men aren't any weirder than women, except for their general lack of a clue about women. ;-)

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?

I struggle with this question because I had pretty excellent teachers throughout my educational career; it would be MUCH easier to list the crappy ones! I even had good Sunday School teachers. It's been fun, thanks to Facebook, to get to know some of these folks as people now that we're all adults. Supposedly.

What's your favourite party game?

Depends on the party. I love Sheepshead, but it isn't something most people can deal with. Poker is fun. Apples to Apples is fun. Whatever. I will play almost any game.

Is it acceptable or unacceptable to smack a child as form of discipline?

Sure. Punching is not ok. Slapping isn't even ok. But the occasional butt-swat is called for, as an attention-getting device. Note that word "occasional"--if you're doing it more than 5 times a week--depending a little on age and the personality of the child--you aren't doing it right.

Can a heterosexual male ever wear pink?

Sure. My dad wore pink. He was definitely hetero. How can I be sure? He wore a pink shirt with an orange-and-green plaid sport coat. {kidding}

Is it criminal to wear socks with sandals?

It's rather silly-looking, but some feet are not ready for public viewing. On the other hand, being comfortable around those you love gives people a bit of a free pass on Ugly Feet Syndrome.

If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?

Lollipop. Question back though: since when do captains get to name their own ships?

If you were to join an emergency service which would it be?

Probably EMT. I would suck at fire/rescue, and being a cop doesn't really work for me either.

If you were to join one of the armed forced which would it be?

At this point, none of them would have me. However, back in the day, the only one I would have seriously considered was the Air Force.

What's the worst thing about being your gender?

The bleeding every month thing, when it was a thing for me, really just sucked. Not just the hassle, but the hormonal stuff and generally feeling like shit on a plate at least 2-3 days every month.

What's the best thing about being your gender?

Being pregnant.

If you swapped genders for a day how would you spend it?

Working out the Pee Mystery--though surely that wouldn't take all day. Would it? So I'd just spend my day as usual, otherwise. I mean, being male wouldn't change my ability to do my job. I'm not a pregnancy surrogate or anything.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
90, part three

61. Do you like current pop stars?

I find myself intrigued by some, and unclear why most others are popular. Miley Cyrus belongs in the former group, Justin Bieber in the latter. I get that he's cute, but I can't get past feeling sorry for him.

62. What is your least favorite chore?

I hate doing anything with floors: mopping, vacuuming, sweeping. Guess what my household chore growing up was? Vacuuming the stairs. Yuck.

63. Last place you drove your car?

I came home from work last night. Probably should have gone grocery shopping later, but I did not.

64. Ever been out of the country?

Yes. Several times, to several places.

65. Where were you the last time you used a public bathroom?

I am in a public building for about 9 hours every workday, and drink about a quart of liquid in that time. You figure it out. ;-)

66. Could you handle being in the military?

Nope. Not that they'd have me now anyway, but I don't like being ordered around.

67. What is your average cell phone bill?

I have no clue. A lot would be my guess.

68. Who or what are you thinking about right now?

1. Should I wake Beast up? He slept in the recliner in the living room after overdoing a maintenance/repair project yesterday.
2. I need to go sort laundry and get a load started.
3. Alternatively, I could go shower and put on day-clothes (I'm in my jammies).

69. When was the last time you laughed REALLY hard?

Probably the last time I watched Whose Line Is It? Sparky set it up to DVR over a year ago, but Beast and I watch them since he's hardly ever here anymore.

70. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Less than Imelda Marcos. Barely. OK, probably about 30. Maybe 40? Whatever--not enough!

71. Are your toes always painted?

I don't paint my toes, but in the summer I try to keep my toenails painted and pedi'd.

72. How many piercings do you have?

One in each earlobe. Call me a traditionalist.

73. What are you doing today?

See #68. Also, cleaning the guinea pig cage and maybe running to the store for food.

74. Have you ever been gambling?

"Been gambling" is a weird way to phrase it for me, but yes I have gamed in Vegas. Also in a couple of local casinos (which are depressing as hell) and some Indian reservations. But I don't make it a priority--going to Vegas is more for the sheer Weird Factor.

75. When is the last time you updated your blog?

...right now? This morning? My book blog, earlier this week, though I have another book I need to add. My regular, non-meme blog has been dormant for awhile, like over a month. There's just a lot of stuff going on that I don't want to post publicly there. Life has not been exactly wonderful this year, though there've been some ok bits. I do occasionally shoot something over to Oh Life when things get completely crazy.

76. Do you like roller coasters?

I do as long as they don't spin or go upside down.

77. Have you ever been to Disneyland or [-W]orld?

Yes. Both. I think that means I'm done, right? I wouldn't mind going back to Epcot and Animal Kingdom, but otherwise...meh.

78. Do you have a favorite cartoon character?

Mighty Mouse.

79. Last thing you cooked?

...hmmm, wow ... I haven't cooked all week. Cold sandwiches and take-out FTW.

80. How's the weather?

Foggy and cool.

81. Do you e-mail more than snail mail?

Helz to the yeah!

82. What's the funniest picture you ever took with your cell phone?

I suppose I should go look, but I've taken a lot of "injury photos" over the years, of myself and of Beast/Sparky. One of my favorite particularly weird non-injury ones is of three people sitting on my couch each 'wearing' a blanket over their heads. They are all adults.

83. Last time you were sick?

Define "sick." I haven't had anything specific for awhile, but this week has been fraught with carpal tunnel and other joint-related pain. Even my injured-in-March tailbone has kicked up the pain again. Of course, allergy season has gotten into full-swing now too.

84. What states have you lived in?

In no particular order: The Centennial State, The Prairie State, and The Badger State. I spent a lot of my childhood in The Equality State took. Unfortunately.

85. Do you wish you could move?

Yes. Well, I can move mySELF, but I'd like to move HOUSE to somewhere not humid, and with less corn pollen.

86. Do you take a lot of quizzes?

Yes, she says shamefacedly.

87. What is your dream car?

Chocolate brown mid-80s Jeep Cherokee or Wrangler soft-top with a manual tranny.

88. Have you ever wanted someone you can't have?

This condition is also known as "Adulthood."

89. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?

In the Rockies or in the Maine woods, sucking in lungfuls of pine scent on the porch of a cabin with a view while listening to the birds and other wildlife (sans mosquitoes) getting on with their lives.

90. Are you happy with your life?

Generally, yes. It's mostly on the upswing. I think. Maybe.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Star Spangled Banner

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? (We are grateful and want to hear about it.)

My father-in-law and my father served in the Army. FIL served in the early 50s during the Korean War in Germany; my dad was in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Neither of them saw combat. No one else has served, not because we aren't patriotic, but, at least in my family's case, we're mostly girls and my brother would have been sent to Vietnam had he been drafted. Beast and his brother came of age in the 80s and we weren't actually fighting big wars at the time. I think both our dads didn't really go with the ordering people around thing and encouraged their kids not to think that was a good work atmosphere.

2) Memorial Day also kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?

Mom's potato salad. She used red potatoes. That makes a big difference.

3) Let's celebrate the Memorial Day holiday with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor?

Vanilla. I'm boring.

4) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you rode a bike?

Probably 9 years. We really should sell the damn things. We live at the top of a hill, so the end of the ride ALWAYS sucks.

5) Or went hiking?

Haven't been on an actual hike in years, but we did wander through some state parks in the Appalachians in Tennessee in March.

6) Or rode a horse?

About 7 years ago. And that would be the only time I've ridden a horse. Yes, in spite of growing up "out west" I didn't actually have to ride a horse to school. Which, yes, I was asked when I started college in the upper midwest.

7) Or toasted a marshmallow?

Maybe a year or so ago. I'm not really a fan of eating them, but I'll toast them for others and then eat the chocolate and graham crackers alone.

8) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or window fan on?

The house fan is on, and the AC is on, but not running today. I may open the front door and a window in back now that it's cooling down.

9) Crazy Sam needs your help: What song or a performer would you like to see featured in a Saturday 9 this summer?

Sleigh Bells--Crown on the Ground, Janelle Monáe--anything really, but especially Dance Apocalyptic, Katy Perry--Roar would be good, Scissor Sisters--I Don't Feel Like Dancing, TobyMac--Speak Life, William Shatner (yes really)--Has Been, I Can't Get Behind That, or Common People, Emeli Sandé--Next to Me.... Is that enough?