May 31, 2017

An Accomplished Hodgepodge

1. What makes you feel accomplished? Explain.

Usually, it's as simple as getting a lot done.  I tend to be a procrastinator, so getting a lot done isn't the norm for me.  It's awesome when it happens!

2. If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be? Tell us why.


Wow...this is really hard.  I guess I'd start with my favorite author, James Rollins because I'd love to pick his brain and chat with him. Then maybe I'd invite the cast of The Big Bang Theory just because it would be such a hoot.  Last I would invite President Trump to sit down, one on one and just talk to me as a normal person.

3. Do you have a great burger recipe? What's in it? What do you like on a hamburger and where is your favorite spot to order one out?


I can't say I have a recipe.  I tend to just toss in whatever seasonings sound good on a given day.  No special spot to order a burger...I rarely eat one when I go out.

4. What's the biggest anxiety producing thing you do on a regular basis?


I can't really think of anything that causes me anxiety except snakes and getting in the ocean with sharks and I don't deal with either of those on a regular basis.

5. This is the last Hodgepodge of May. Tell us about your summer plans.

I really don't have a lot of plans this year.  School ended on Friday so I am off for the next three months.  Our daughter starts a job next week so I will be babysitting our grandson at least every other day.  The rest of the time I'll be working on getting our daughter's wedding pulled together.  Other than that I hope to spend time in the garden and relaxing on the deck reading lots of good books.  What I hope I am NOT doing is going to a lot of medical appointments with my husband.

6. Insert your own random thought here.


My husband goes in for an out-patient procedure this morning to remove a bladder stone.  There may be more going on than that so please keep us in prayer.


Please be sure to stop by From This Side of the Pond and check out the other blogs linked up today.
Maybe you'll even join in the fun with us.

May 30, 2017

Let the Summer Vacation Begin!

Good morning and welcome to the first "official" day of my summer vacation! Yes, I know I've been done since noon on Friday, but the weekend didn't count since I'd be off anyway.  Same deal for Memorial Day.

First off, I came down with a cold...like, literally, the minute I walked in the house on Friday.  Welcome to summer, here's your prize.  Boom!  Anyway, I spent Saturday being miserable and not doing anything.  My big accomplishment was to finally watch Mama Mia!  Nothing like coming to the party 10 years late.  Loved it!  The musical numbers were fun and oh, my, stars.....that gorgeous Greek scenery!

Sunday was not much better as far as the cold went.  I still didn't feel like doing much.  And quite frankly, I didn't.  Tim was home and got a load of topsoil to fill the second raised garden bed in the morning.  Our daughter and her family showed up at noon with steaks and cooked them on the grill.  (We had cancelled plans for a big family cookout because the weather forecast was so crappy.) Everyone, but our daughter's fiancee napped after that.  Okay, we didn't nap...we just watched TV with our eyes closed.  You know how that goes.

When the van Winkle family woke up, our daughter and her crew took off to cookout with her future in-laws.  Tim and I went to Home Depot for more garden plants and flowers for the planters on the deck.  We did get them, but we also got stuck in a huge rain storm.

The most important thing about Sunday is that it was THE DAY THE PUPPY WENT HOME!  We came home from Home Depot to find that Mom and my stepdad had arrived home and taken the puppy.  It's funny, when I walked up to their house to say hello, the puppy wouldn't leave me alone.  I am her new favorite person in the universe.

Oh, Mom "paid" me for keeping the puppy.  She said she figured I needed it after two weeks with her.


Tim had to work for a few hours yesterday morning.  I tried to work in the garden and flower beds, but it was way too muddy.  My chore boots had about five pounds of mud clumped on them before I called it quits.

When Tim got home we took a drive up into the mountains and just enjoyed the beautiful day, stopped at a few shops to poke around, and had a late lunch at a little log restaurant.  It was a nice break and when we got back it was dry enough to plant the garden plants.

So, that was our weekend...nothing too exciting, but it was a nice relaxing time. I'm still coughing today, but I already have an appointment with the doctor for my CDL physical so maybe he'll take a look at that, too.  Tomorrow we are off to the hospital for Tim's procedure to have the bladder stone removed.  

For now, I guess I should get moving and get something done.  Have a blessed day!

May 28, 2017

Sunday Stealing: The Procrastination Tool Questions

 From Bud:


We found this gem from a blogger called Vylar Kaftan from the blog Vylar Kaftan: Writer of Science Fiction & Fantasy. The title refers to WHY she did the questions this week as a "procrastination tool". She does not explain where she stole the it from. But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Please consider liking WTIT on Facebook. Click here.

Cheers to all us thieves! 


Sunday Stealing: The Procrastination Tool Questions

1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Locally, it's probably Sharky's, a sports bar and restaurant that has surprisingly good food and a fun atmosphere.  In general, I love to go to Joe's Crab Shack. I am all about seafood!  We have to go all the way into Pittsburgh to go to one, though.

2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?


I guess I kind of answered that in #1.  Seafood.  Specifically, shrimp.

3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?


My gall bladder is long gone.  I've also had my eye brows waxed countless times...does hair removal count?

4. What is the last heavy item you lifted?


I guess it was my grandson.  I can't seem to recall lifting anything heavy lately, but at 5.5 months and nearly 18 pounds the little guy sure feels heavy real quick!

5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?


Nope
6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

No.  If I knew I might change things and that may or may not be for the better, but also "no", because it's more likely that I'd give in to worrying and other unproductive feelings.

7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to
?

I'll just leave it alone.  It's worked this long.

8. What’s your goal for the year?


Lose weight and survive our daughter's wedding.

9. Last person you hugged?


My husband.

10. First place you went this morning?


I haven't even left the house today (Saturday) other than to take the dogs out.

11. Do you always answer your phone?  


Not if I don't know the number.

12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?


I can't imagine anyone but my daughter texting me at that time.

13. If you could change your eye color what would it be?


A bright, vivid green.

14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday?


A weekend away with my hubby would be nice.

15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?


A little bit of both.

16. Do you have any saved texts?


Not so much saved as I'm-too-lazy-to-clean-out-my-inbox.

17. Ever been in a car wreck?


Yes. I was stopped to make a turn and a delivery van ran into the back of my car, flattening the trunk right up against the backseat.  That was the only and only time I was glad to have that big old ocean liner of a car....my kids were 5 and an infant and in that backseat!

18. Do you have an accent?


I don't think so, but if you're not from here you'd tell me I do.  Southwestern Pennsylvania has it's own sound and vocabulary.

19. What was the last song to make you cry?


I can't think of one.

20. What did you do last night?


Watched TV with my hubby and went to bed at 10:30...quite the end of school celebration, huh?

21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?


There was a period several years back....maybe not rock bottom, but awful darn close.

22. Current hate right now?


Mud.  It's been so wet here.  My husband is a commercial construction project superintendent.  The job site is a mud hole and he comes home covered in it.

23. Met someone who changed your life?


My husband.  And Jesus.
24. How did you bring in the New Year?

Visiting with friends

25. What song represents you?


Both of these:







Don't forget to visit the Sunday Stealing
site to read other bloggers' posts
or to join in the fun yourself!





May 26, 2017

Saturday 9: Stars and Stripes Forever




Saturday 9: Stars and Stripes Forever by The Muppets

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

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. Though our song choice is humorous, we honor their sacrifice in our hearts.


1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

Not in my actual neighborhood, but there's one about half a mile away.  They just revamped it a few years ago and it's very nice even though it's not one that there is typically a ceremony at.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial Day (then called Decoration Day) was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents? 

Bill Clinton made a stop at our local airport during his first term.  I took the kids and went to see him.  I got to shake his hand.  My step-father took them several years later and they met George W. Bush.

3) According to the AAA, 36 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend? 

Nope.  The weather is supposed to be crappy so we're putting off the family cook out till next weekend.

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

Grilled steak, grilled shrimp, grilled ribs, potato salad, marshmallows. 

5) Have you packed away your winter clothes? Or is the weather still so changeable that you still may need something warm?

I still have that wonderful job to look forward to.  I hope the weather gets nice and stays that way soon.  Right now it's really chilly and rainy and promises to stay that way throughout the weekend.

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

I have a fan running because I appear to be coming down with a cold to start my summer vacation and I'm hot even though it isn't really warm.

7) This week, we are featuring the Muppets. Jim Henson made the first Muppet out of an old coat, and he used ping pong balls for the eyes. Do you have a talent for do-it-yourself/arts and crafts projects? 

Not really.  I can do a decent job at it if I put some effort into it, but it doesn't really come naturally.

8) Random question: Think of the last thing you bought. Did you get a good deal?

I bought a Broyhill coffee table and two end tables at an auction for $17 a couple of weeks ago.  I think that was a pretty good deal.

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!

Billy Joel, Piano Man
Katrina and the Waves, Walking on Sunshine
Travis Tritt, It's a Great Day to Be Alive
John Denver, Rocky Mountain High
Steve Miller Band, The Joker

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day!
And be sure to visit the Saturday 9 site.

May 22, 2017

Weekend Wrap

I was going to say "Good morning!" but then a friend called and we had some serious chatting to do (you know how it goes) and now it's after noon.  Time sure is flying right now.  This is the last week of school and my work schedule is crazy to say the least.  I just keep reminding myself that after today....ONLY 4 MORE DAYS!!!

It was a quiet weekend around here.  I spent Saturday catching up on some chores and then we kept our youngest grandson overnight.  It was his first time staying here.  The poor little guy has a cold and was feeling pretty miserable, but he is blessed with such a sweet disposition.  He was maybe not as smiley as usual, but still pleasant with no crying and crankiness even though he had good reason.

Sunday morning was just a time of hanging out with our little guy until his momma and daddy came to get him.  Once they'd gone home we got one load of topsoil toward filling the raised beds and I bought quite a few garden plants. We're going to need at least another load (maybe 2) to finish filling both beds. I'm going to need a lot more plants, too, but need to try another venue.  I like the plants at Lowe's and have had success with them in the past, but there didn't seem to be a lot of variety this year.  Guess I will have to bite the bullet and go to the local nursery where I know they will have a lot, but the prices are higher.

Puppy sitting is still not the most fun thing.  She spent most of the time the baby was here either in her crate or outside because she kept trying to chew on the baby.  Now she is spending more time in the crate than I feel good about, but I'm at my wits' end.  I can't imagine how one little dog can cause so much destruction or how she can possibly pee that much!

Here's the little terror trying to look innocent:


I am off to take dogs out and then it's back to work.  Have a wonderful week...I will try to catch up if I can.  If not, I'll see you Saturday!

May 21, 2017

Sunday Stealing: Q & A

I wasn't at all sure I was going to get to a Sunday Stealing post today.  We kept our youngest grandson overnight for the first time last night.  Poor little fellow has a miserable cold, but he is so easy going and pleasant.  Not a whimper out of him even though he was horribly congested and had a tough time sleeping.  I sure do love the little guy.


Anyway, Mommy and Daddy finally got up and came to get him so I've got time to sneak in my answers to this week's questions.  On with the show!




This from the Sunday Stealing site:

We found this gem from a blogger named Geebee from the blogGeebee’s Trip. He states that he was tagged by Buttercup. But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Please consider liking WTIT on Facebook. Click here. Have a great Sunday!

 Cheers to all us thieves! 
Sunday Stealing: The Q & A Questions

1. where is your significant other?

Currently?  In the shower.

2. your favorite thing?

Thing.  As in an object?  That would be the massive corner cupboard my husband bought me for Christmas a few years ago.

3. your dream last night?

I was pretty wiped out last night so I slept like the dead.  I don't remember any dreams.

4. your goal?

To lose weight and improve my health.

5. your hobby?

Reading, browsing flea markets/antique malls/auctions/yard sales, gardening, cooking, and the internet.

6. where do you want to be in 6 years?

Right here (hopefully with my husband), healthier, and enjoying my family.  Oh, and if I wasn't driving a school bus any more that would be good, too.

7. where were you last night?

Right here, babysitting our grandson.

8. what you're not?

Dishonest, a poser, rude, inconsiderate, liberal....I am honest, polite (sometimes to a fault),  an open book and content to be what I am.

9. one of your wish list items?

Still waiting to get that room added on to the house.

10. your pet?

Two dogs...Miss Daisy Mae, my little 9 lb. poodle diva and Elvis, my mellow, lovable old beagle/basset mix.

11. missing someone?

My mom.  I wish she'd come home from Florida and take her puppy back!

12. your car?

A red Toyota Camry.

13. something you're not wearing?

Socks...a snowsuit...a formal gown...the list is endless.

14. love someone?

I love many in the normal sense and I try to love all as Jesus commanded.

15. w
hen is the last time you laughed?

Just a little bit ago when our grandson was giggling at something.

16. last time you cried?

I was really feeling stressed the other day and I may have shed a tear of frustration at the time.

17. favorite past time?

Isn't this the same as the hobby question?  That answer applies here.

18. are you a hater or a lover?

Lover.  Hate is a wasted emotion and more often than not it damages the hater, not the one who is hated.  When someone angers me I try to make like Ilsa and "let it go!"

19. any vices? 

Diet Coke and junk food.

20. favorite questions blog other than Sunday Stealing

Saturday 9 and the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

May 20, 2017

Saturday 9: Either/Or

Saturday 9: Him or Me -- What's It Gonna Be? (1967)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In this song, a man pleads with his girlfriend to make up her mind. Do you consider yourself decisive?

Most of the time I have no problem making decisions, but there are those times when all I want to do is pawn it off on someone else.

Since this song is all about either/or, we're using that as our theme this Saturday ...

2) Choose a condiment: Catsup or mustard?


I choose Heinz Ketchup (it's a Pittsburgh thing).



3) Choose a sci-fi series: Star Wars or Star Trek?


Star Wars, but just the first 4.  I quit watching after that.

4) Choose your spy: James Bond or Jason Bourne?


Bond.  James Bond.  Not even a contest.



5) Choose your winter
 sport: Football or hockey?

Football...though a certain hockey team from Pittsburgh is doing alright.



6) Choose your breakfas
t: Pancakes or waffles?

Waffles....all those little pockets to hold the butter and syrup.

7) Choose your side: French fries or potato chips?

It totally depends on what kind of fries and how well they are cooked.  I'm very picky about fries.  And of course, if the potato chips are of the homemade variety they always win.

8) Choose your chore: Washing dishes or doing laundry?


Dishes.  I loathe doing laundry...at least the folding it and putting it away part.

9) Choose your nextdoor neighbors: Munsters or Addams Family?


Totally the Addams Family.  The Munsters were just like everyone else...except for the whole being monsters thing.  The Addams Family, now there's some interesting neighbors!



Don't forget to visit the Saturday 9
and sign up to join in the fun!

May 14, 2017

Sunday Stealing: The Getting to Know You Questions

This from Bud:

We found this gem from a blogger called Adrienne J. from Definitely Not Technical Writing. She said that she swiped the meme via her husband and his sister. But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. We are not sure whether Adrienne is the one who married Rocky. Who the hell knows? We loved our Chicago trip last weekend. We are sorry we did not hook up with our Chicago blogger friends, but we tried. My Yanks swept your Cubbies. Next time meet me to get a chance at a win. Enough of this crap. We think you'll like today's questions. At least some. Maybe one. Please "like" us on Facebook!

Cheers to all us thieves!

 Sunday Stealing: The Getting to Know You Questions

1. What is your occupation right now? How long have you been there?  


I drive a school bus.  I've been doing it for 14 years, 11 of those in the school district where I am now. There are only 10 days left in this school year and I can't wait till it's over...the kids get pretty crazy this time of year.



2. Favorite rock band. Ever.


Wow....ever?  That's a tough one.  I guess maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd.



3. What are you listening to right now?


My favorite goofy reality show, Mountain Monsters, on Destination America.  It is so over the top and unbelievable that it's hilarious.



4. Last person you spoke to on the phone. What was it about?


My daughter called to ask me to drive her to Med Express for back pain.

5. How old are you today? Or make up a question. This one bites.


Older than I was yesterday.



6. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?


Football.  Specifically, Steeler football.



7. What is your favorite drink?


Diet Coke with lime.

8. Have you ever dyed your hair?


Have I ever dyed my hair?  Ha!  Next question.



9. Favorite food?


Anything with shrimp.  I'm kind of like Bubba in Forest Gump when it comes to shrimp.





10. What is the last movie you watched?


Some action movie my husband had on last night.

11. Favorite day of the year?


Thanksgiving.  I like that it is about spending time with family, being grateful for the blessings in life, and all the craziness of the Christmas season hasn't started yet.  



12. How do you vent anger?


Once in a while I snap and yell just like anyone, but mostly I write it out in my journal and spend time praying.  I also tend to do a lot of cleaning when I'm angry.



13. What was your favorite toy as a child?


Inside it was my Barbies.  Outdoors it was my bike.

14. Living arrangements? (Of course your pets count. Geez!)




15. What was the last thing that you cried about?


I don't know.  I don't cry all that often so I just don't remember.

16. Who is the friend you have had the longest?


My friend and neighbor, Dana.  We've been friends since high school.

17. What did you do last night?


Went to bed early.



18. What are you most afraid of?


What life will be like when I am old.  What kind of health will I be in?  Will I be alone?  How will I live?

19. In how many areas of your country have you lived? What's your favorite?


Except for two years right after we got married, I've always lived in western Pennsylvania.  I like it here well enough, but as I get older I like the cold winters less and less.

20. What is your favorite flower? (Ugh. Quite the note to go out on. But hell, we steal the questions. I guess you get what you pay for.)


I guess if I have to choose just one I'd say Sunflowers, but Zinnias, wildflowers, Brown-eyed Susans, and roses are up there, too.


Don't forget to stop by the Sunday Stealing
site to find links to the other players' posts
and all the rules if you'd like to play along.





May 12, 2017

Saturday 9: Mama Can't Buy You Love

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 don't know....probably that dinner was good.

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

I do, but I don't have my gall bladder.

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

I'd like to see St. Petersburg, but other than that I don't have a burning desire to see it any more than any other place.

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

Not very many old folks left in the family.  We've lost quite a few of the older generation in the last 10 years.  Both my Aunt Peg and the hubby's Aunt Peg died within about 6 months of each other and they were both just shy of their 90th birthdays.  My uncle passed a few weeks ago at 83.  I guess the oldest person left in my family or the hubby's is my stepdad and he's a mere 76.

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

My yard is still a mess from taking out the pool last summer.  Sigh.  We've had tons of rain, though, so it's definitely green.  Unfortunately, it's mostly weeds.

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 sent a sympathy card to my aunt when the above mentioned uncle passed recently.

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 don't save wrapping paper, but we've got gift bags in the family that have been going around for years.  I clip and use coupons.  A lot of what is in our home was found at an auction, flea market, yard sale or thrift shop.

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 put my dirty dishes in the dishwasher.  My husband does not.  He refuses on the grounds that I will just rearrange them anyway, so why bother.  He's not wrong.  There are dirties in the sink that can't go in the dishwasher.  I'm not great at washing them right away.

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


We have a queen size Sleep Number bed.  I'm not sure they are all they are cracked up to be, but at the price....I'm going to sleep on the darn thing till I die.

Please hop over to the Saturday 9 site
to visit the other players 
or to join in yourself.


I Don't Have to Work Today (neener, neener, neener!)

Good morning!  It's a beautiful day here...  Well, okay it's pretty cloudy, rather dreary, chilly, and there's a promise of rain in the air, but it's Friday AND I don't have to go to work.

(Neener, neener, neener!)

This is Prom Day for all the local schools and they all close since all the girls would take the day off anyway.  Other than a day off, the only thing it really means for me is that I can't get anything done with my hair or a manicure or pedicure because every teenage girl within 50 miles has a salon appointment somewhere.  All the salons (even the one in Walmart) are places you want to avoid today.

I'm going to enjoy a much needed girls'/mental health day with a friend. Ironically, we're going to the town I drive bus for.  It's such a cute little town. Norman Rockwell couldn't have imagined it better.  We're going to start with tea at Crumpets tea shop, then hit a few of the little specialty shops, have lunch (not sure if we will hit the tavern, the roadhouse or the diner for that), and then spend the afternoon in the antique malls (there are 3!).

I can't express how excited I am.  I really need this.  I am so tired and frazzled lately that my mind has not been working at it's best.

While I'm here, I'm going to catch up on my thankfulness with Rebecca Jo and the girls over at Knit By God's Hand.



This week I am thankful...

* that I am off today and get to have a fun girls' day.

* that there are only 10 days of school left!  The kiddos are pretty antsy at this point and if I have one nerve left they are dancing all over it.  I feel like the teachers look when they bring the kids out to the buses in the afternoon...and it's not pretty.  LOL

* that while testing diagnosed our granddaughter with dyslexia, disgraphia, and ADD, it also showed her to be highly intelligent.  Our daughter-in-law home schools and the doctor feels that is perfect for her right now as it gives her a fighting chance she might not get in public school.  She is already doing very well at finding ways to compensate and deal with it.

* for the rain.  I'm kind of sick of it, but it sure has made everything beautiful and lushly green!  And plenty of rain should mean no drought this summer.

* for the coworker who stopped me on my way into the bus lot at the end of the day yesterday and said she'd park my bus for me.  I was whipped and it must have showed.

* for plenty of time with my little luv bug.  He is growing like a weed and weighs 16 pounds already!  His big smiles just melt my heart, but his biggest ones are for his momma only!


Couldn't you just eat him up?!

* that our other two grandkids had a great time running the Pittsburgh Children's Marathon.  Our granddaughter had joined a group and trained for it. The group ran together and finished in 14 minutes.  She is 8.  Our grandson was too young for the group but ran on his own and at 4 years old, he finished in 16 minutes!  No wonder they wear me out.

* that Mom and my stepdad are heading out to Florida on Tuesday.  This will be, according to my stepdad, his last trip down for a follow-up on his cancer treatment (he chose to have his cancer treated at the Proton Center in Jacksonville).  I don't know if this is his last because they say so or because at 75 he's simply decided he's done making the trip.  Either way, he has been cancer free for over 5 years so it's probably okay.

* for all my family and friends and especially for the God who is my everything.

* and, as always, for each one of you who bothers to visit and read my drivel.

Have a safe, happy, and
blessed weekend!

***UPDATE***  For those who admired my beautiful HAPPY grandson's picture, please enjoy another one of his moods. LOL



May 6, 2017

Sunday Stealing: The Chicago Crazy Questions

This from Bud:

We found this gem from a blogger called Johnny at Cannon Fodder. He explains that it was taken from Paterson si. I am in Chicago this weekend, thus the name But, it was probably stolen at that blog as well. But that is as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Like us on Facebook!

Cheers to all of us thieves! 

Sunday Stealing: The Chicago Crazy Questions

1) What was your dream growing up?  I had many dreams growing up, but the one that lasted at least until college was the dream of being a globe trotting reporter.

2) What talent do you wish you had?  I would give anything to be able to sing worth a darn.

3) If I bought you a drink what would it be?  Either a diet Coke with lime or a sweet wine.

4) What was the last book you read?  Rising Tides by Nora Roberts.

5) Worst Habit?  Procrastination

6) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?  Only if I know you well.  It's been drummed into my head over a lifetime that it's really not smart for a woman alone to pick up someone along the road.

7) What is your favorite sport?  To watch?  Football.  Specifically Pittsburgh Steeler football!  To play?  I'm not really into it these days, but I used to be very athletic and I liked basketball and tennis best.

8) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?  Probably try to be funny about it, keep things light.

9) Worst thing to ever happen to you?  Family feud.  That's all I've got to say.

10) Tell me one weird fact about you.  When I get up in the night to use the bathroom I turn on the light because I'm afraid of finding a snake in the toilet.

11) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?  You might not find us at home (we work long and/or weird hours) and if we are home, we just might be asleep.  If I'm home and awake I'd invite you in for a visit.

12) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?  I'd lose weight and then I'd change my earlobes.  I hate my earlobes.

13) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?  I'd be your conscience.

14) Ever been arrested?  No!

15) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?  Pay for my daughter's wedding.

16) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?  Read or waste time online.

17) Biggest pet peeve?  With all the time I spend on the road....stupid drivers (that will cover a lot of territory).

18) In one word, how would you describe yourself?  Tired.

19) Do you believe in/appreciate romance?  Yes, to both!



Please visit the Sunday Stealing site for 
a complete list of all the bloggers
participating and to join in the fun, too.


Saturday 9: The Tide is High


Saturday 9: The Tide Is High (1980)

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

1) This song was originally performed in 1966 by a Jamaican band called The Paragons. Jamaica is the most popular vacation destination in the Caribbean. What's your ideal vacation? (Relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in a new city, skiing the slopes, spending time with family, etc.)  I love the beach!  Although, I would be happy anywhere there is water...lake, river, etc.

2) In this song, Debbie Harry sings that she's not the kind of girl who gives up easily. How about you? Do you hang on stubbornly? Or do you know when to say "when?"  It took more years than I like to admit, but I think I've finally found the balance between flogging a dead horse and giving up.

3) Blondie is a group that took it's name from the lead singer's most identifiable characteristic, her hair. If your band was named after your hair, what would it be called?  Right now it would be Kinky Brown Curls with Gray Roots.

4) Before her career as a singer took off, Debbie supported herself as a waitress. She even served drinks while wearing bunny ears and tail at The Playboy Club. Have you ever worked in food service?  Just a day or two here and there as a volunteer (my best friend's mom ran the little diner at the hospital) and I hated it.  People can get seriously cranky about their food.

5) Debbie points to David Bowie as a major influence on her music and career. What's your favorite Bowie song?


6) In 1980, when this song was popular, the best selling issue of Rolling Stone featured Robert Redford on the cover. Who is your all-time favorite actor?  
Tom Hanks

7) In 1980, Ted Turner revolutionized how we watch TV when he introduced CNN. Do you have any subscriptions services in addition to cable -- like Hulu, Amazon Prime or Netflix?  We did have Hulu and Netflix instead of cable, but we let them go when we went back to cable.  I have an Amazon Prime subscription, but I don't use it to watch anything.

8) John Lennon was murdered in 1980. Today there's a specially landscaped section of Central Park called Strawberry Fields in his honor. If you had a day to spend in New York, what would you want to see?  I would love to see a play on Broadway and the 9/11 memorial...other than that I'm pretty open to suggestion.

9) We're going shopping! Which do you need to add to your wardrobe: underwear, shoes or a swimsuit?  Are we including bras as underwear, because I really need to buy a few and keep putting it off.

If you enjoyed the questions, please pop
over to the Saturday 9 site
and visit Sam for the rules and
links to all the other players.