Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When was the last time you relocated? Did you move yourself or leave it to the professionals? Are you happy staying put or is there a move in your future? Best thing about moving to a new city or town? Least favorite and/or hardest thing about moving house?

We’ve been here for sixteen years. I love my home, but as Savannah gets older, I want to be closer. Hubby wants to stay here, so we will for now, and I do a lot of driving. Someday, I want to move closer, where we actually are closer to the world, the shops, and my Savi.

2. When were you last ‘moved to tears’? Explain.

Oh, I am menopausal, so I cry all the time. Movies, TV shows, Commercials. Yeah, I cry all the time.

3. Do you have rules about eating in the car…any forbidden foods? What’s the last thing you consumed in your car? Your go-to car snack when traveling long distance?

No rules. I do love popcorn and tend to eat that in the car. Must remember to toss in some dental floss!

4. Share a favorite song relating to cars and/or driving.

It’s from an old movie that Gweneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis made. “Duets”. It’s a fun song, even if the movie was a B-movie.

5. What’s your most frequently visited drive-thru…Starbucks? the bank? the pharmacy? some other window?

It’s a tie between Dunkin Donuts for coffee and McDonalds.

6. “He who hesitates is lost”…would you agree? When it comes to making decisions do you generally act quickly or do you more often than not fall into the ‘lost’ category?

7. When was the last time you got lost? Was it stressful or an unexpected happy adventure?

When I went down to Connecticut to see my Dad when he was dying. Coming home, I cried so hard, I missed my exit. After that I got a GPS.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I was thinking the other day about how people just are not nice to each other any more. I do not mean in their own circles and family, but in general public settings. Here is a good example. I was shopping for groceries and was in the Italian section. I was trying to remember the name of the sauce with no sodium (Hubby has trouble), and I had stopped to look. Well this lady came up to me and started to curse and swear, and called me every name in the book. Why? I do not know. She was rude and nasty, and guess what? I wasn’t even in her way! That’s what got me thinking about a general malaise as far as manners go. It makes me very happy that my daughter is diligent teaching Savannah manners. Without them, we are all lost.

1. I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

Overcoming my fears and facing them head on. I tend to try to hide from my fears, but of course, you never really escape them do you?

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

I’d go shopping for Savannah. Did I mention that Savi and I had our first online shopping experience? Oh my, it was so much fun!

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet…which ‘trip’ have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

Round trip. I drove down to Mandy’s (1 hour 10 minutes) and then the next day, drove back. It was a good time!

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

The thing is, I have done so much in my life. Since the advent of my arthritis, I will answer by saying, I would, once again, love to master gymnastics. I just loved that part of my life.

5. As July draws to a close, let’s take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you…been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book? Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

Swimming-Yes, Enjoyed and ice cream cone-no, seen a blockbuster at the movies-no, camped-no, eaten corn on the cob-yes, gardened-yes, unplugged-no, read a book-yes. I would love to have one last cookout!

6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What’s your question?

How can you protect America, globally?

7. What’s your most listened to song so far this summer?

I’m not sure. I’m an oldies kind of gal!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My eye is bad again. On antibiotics and my doctor told me that if this doesn’t work, I will need it cut out! Yikes!!! Prayer for divine intervention, so I heal!

1. Is your home air conditioned? If it’s not air conditioned, is that by choice? Did you grow up with air conditioning? If not how did you cope with the heat? Share about a time or place you remember as being too hot-the temperature kind of hot, lest anyone be confused.

Yes, my home is air conditioned. We really need it, as our house is out in the open, with very little shade. Since joining the menopausal set, I simply hate to be hot!

My one memory of being too hot occurred a few years ago. I was on my way home from Germany, when I had to transit Charles De Gaulle Airport. It was in early June, and the hottest day of the year there, with no air conditioning, and no ventilation!

As I walked from one gate to the next, the area seemed to sizzle and I felt so light headed, I thought I would faint! Then the thought hit me…I was alone, in a country where I did not speak the language, and so I had better just get over it and get to the gate. Resolutely, I walked, and as I passed a small stand, I purchased a large water, and proceeded to both drink it, and splash my face with it! And yes, I did survive! LOL

2. What’s something in your life right now that falls under the heading ‘up in the air’?

I go on Friday to see a hand surgeon. I have a tricky, trigger finger, that has reached the discomfort level, so I am considering surgery. We shall see.

3. Your favorite light and airy dessert?

Angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries!

4. When did you last feel like you were ‘floating on air’?

Been a while, but perhaps at Savannah’s Birthday party. Almost every time I spend time with Savannah I feel I am on Cloud 9 and thank my lucky stars that I am her Oma!

5. Airport, airmail, airtight, airhead…which have you most recently encountered? Explain.

Oh gosh, right this very second, Hubby was trying to speak to a Phamacist at the VA to ask a question about his medications and as Hubby had him on the speaker phone I was listening. Right in the middle of Hubby’s questions, the phone went dead! Airhead indeed!

6. Have you ever been to the Alps? If so where did you go? If not, is this a destination on your must-see list? If you were headed that direction this summer, which of the following would be your preferred activity…a gentle walk, a serious walk, a bike ride, a boat ride around one of the lakes, or summer snow skiing?

I have flown over the Alps, and also visited them. I have done all of the above. As well as shopped! My most favorite activity!!! We once took a trolly up to the top of the Üetliberg and then made the mistake of hiking down in heels! Yeah, the toes were all torn up as well as my pantyhose! I never made that mistake again!

7. What is one saying or phrase that was considered ‘cool’ when you were growing up?

Oh I don’t know. Using the word, “man” or “cool” or something along those lines.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Off to babysit this weekend! I can hardly wait!!!

1.July 15th is National Give Something Away Day. What can you give away? Will you?

I have a bag of clothes and shoes to go to ST. Vincent DePaul. I donate things regularly there. They not only have a Thrift Store, but also clothe the homeless.

2. Do you have a mantra? Please share with the class if you feel comfortable doing so.

“Sometimes Chickens, Sometimes Feathers”. It’s sort of my outlook on life. Neither negative or overly optimistic. Just sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn’t (through no ones fault).

3. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? How many times a week do you shop? Do you make a list or pray for inspiration in the produce aisle?

We do a big shopping about every two weeks. That requires us to drive 30 miles to a nicely priced store. To fill in, we go to the local super market a couple of times a week.

4. Is there a TV show you’re embarrassed to say you watch? You’re going to tell us what it is, right?

Not at all. The only show I am passionate about right now are the NYPD Blue reruns on the satelitte. Every night at 7:00 we sit down and watch the commercial free episodes. We are on Season 10 and by summers end, it will be over and we will have watched it from Episode 1, Season 1. What a great show that was.

I also love Blue Bloods. That is sort of my new favorite. Amazon Prime has it, so my plan is to start with Season 1 Episode 1 and watch up to the last episode of this year. Then I will be all caught up.

I guess I like these two shows because they are about good people, trying to make a diference.

5. A recent article listed fifteen words we should eliminate from our (written) vocabulary in order to sound smarter-

that, went, honestly, absolutely, very, really, amazing, always, never, literally, just, maybe, stuff, things, and irregardless

Of the fifteen, which word is your most overused?

Irregardless, literally, and really, are the ones that kind of bug me. Mostly because they are not used correctly.

6. So apparently dying your hair gray (in your youth!) is a thing right now. It’s called ‘The Granny Hair’ trend. Your thoughts?

I am fighting tooth and nail to keep my sweet, young, pretty, youthful hair! Kind of crazy to actually dye your hair gray. All in good time!

7. A while back Buzz Feed asked members to share the most beautiful sentence they’ve read in a piece of literature. A hard thing to narrow down, at least for me, but let’s try. What’s one of the most beautiful sentences you’ve ever read in a piece of literature?

It is from “A Fault in Our Stars“. Augustus Waters says to Hazel Grace Lancaster: “I am in love with you. And I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we’re all doomed. And that one day all our labor will be returned to dust. And I know that the sun will swallow the only earth we will ever have. And I am in love with you.”

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday, at lunchtime, I walked into my room while speaking with a friend on my cell phone. I looked in the mirror to check out my eye and there it was. A perfectly shaped STYE!

So, I read everything I could find on how to heal it. So I am showering twice a day, using a mild soap to wash the eye lash area (obviously with my eyes closed) and using drops. It is still incredibly uncomfortable, (like sand rubbing under my eyelid), but just knowing what it is, makes me feel a lot better!

1. When did you last ‘swim against the tide’? Explain.

I am more of a go with the flow, kind of girl. However, I am going against the flow in one very important area in my life. My involement with food. My goal is to lose this extra weight, but it is so hard. Food advertisments are everywhere. Restaurants do not really cater to people on diets. It is definately a challenge. One I work on every day.

2. What’s the last self-help or self-improvement book you read?

I read my Weight Watchers books almost every day. I check foods for points values and I am journaling everything I eat.

3. “Tolerance is a tremendous virtue, but the immediate neighbors of tolerance are apathy and weakness.” (Sir James Goldsmith)

Agree or disagree? Discuss. With civility please, because I think we have a good thing going in our very diverse (in geography, age, religion, political persuasion, ethnicity, marital status, upbringing, and cooking abilities) neighborhood here on This Side of the Pond.

OK. I will keep this short and sweet. I think there is very little tolerance in the world. American’s (not all, but a good many) lack any form of tolerance. In fact, if you do not agree with those out standing on soap boxes you are considered a bigot. I believe that people should be left alone to make up there own minds on religion, political persuasion, ethnicity, marital status, upbringing, etc. I want to be left alone. Unfortunately there are always people who tell me I am wrong.

4. What is one of your most vivid memories of the kitchen from your childhood?

Standing on a kitchen chair in front of the sink, which looked out into our back yard, washing and drying dishes with my sister, Melodie. We sang songs and she told me stories to pass the time. I would tell her to tell me a story, but not to start it “Once upon a time…” and then she would say just those words when she started her story!

5. How did/do your own children’s summers compare with your summers as a child? If you’re not a parent, answer as it relates to what you’ve observed about the current generation of children vs. your own childhood.

As a child I spent my summers at the beach, on my bike, or swimming in the ocean. Looking back, my childhood was pretty magical, as to location. Cape Cod! What better place?

6. Tell us what body of water you would most like to be on or near today, and why?

Vineyard Sound! The water just off of my childhood home of Falmouth, Massachusetts.  As I said, Cape Cod is just the best!

7. Share a favorite song about water, or a favorite song with the word water in it’s title, or a favorite song to listen to as you sit beside the water.

I love this You Tube video, made back in 2012, by the Town of Falmouth’s Beach Personnel. It shows the beaches I love and grew up with.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Once again it is Weight Watcher Day and I am nervous about the weigh in. Yeah, menopause is great, but it slows the metabolism down to a snails pace!

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What’s your favorite something pink?

My new pink Otterbox cell phone case for my Galaxy S5.

Trust me, it is bright pink! Makes it very easy to find in my purse, or when I am looking for it in the house. My old cell phone just blended in.

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? How about the least?

I loved doing gymnastics. Unfortunately I outgrew the sport. I never took a shower after gym class. I know, I’m a prude, but I like to think I am just shy.

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?

My daughter, Katie and my Mom. Katie’s nickname was “Rosebud” and my mother just loved roses.

4. Do you prefer to read or write?

Oooooh. Good question. I do love to read, but after 10 years of non-stop blogging, I also love to write.

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, ‘Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.’ Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?

I don’t get to be lazy in the summer or really anytime else. With Hubby and four dogs I am out straight most of the time. My guilty pleasure is when I go and get my hair done.

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast…which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?

I’d take the Disney trip and bring Mandy, Matt and Savi along with me. I can just see how thrilled Savannah would be!

7. What question do you hate to answer?

How many children do you have? How much do you weigh? What’s for dinner?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tuesday we had dark skies and weathermen who were hyping the storm. We literally had three drops of rain, a little wind, but not the tornado everyone was talking about. Totally over hyped! I also learned that through the Weather Channel, the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine can send out rather loud warnings through my phone.

1. June is National Great Outdoors Month. Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month? If so where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns?

Oh yes, I have been in my garden. Each day, it seems I have something to do besides water out there. This year we’re having a lot of trouble getting the cucumber plants going. But I hope (fingers crossed) that the newest replants will take hold.

2. What’s a current hot button issue for you?

I’m trying not to let anything bother me these days. I have too much on my mind. If I allow things to really bother me, then I do not sleep.

3. What’s a food or treat that ‘disappears like hotcakes’ in your house?

For me popcorn. I get the single serving size and those are a great low cal treat.

4. How hot is too hot?

Anything over 80 degrees F. Especially if it is accompanied by humidity.

5. Do you have an artistic outlook on life? What does that mean to you?

I’m really not sure. I think I used to, but now I am just practical. I really need to kick back and let my inner artist flow a bit!

6. What’s one question you’d like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father?

I’d ask him more about his childhood and family. He never talked much about that.

7. Something you learned from your father?

My love of music of all kinds.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am still learning all the little bells and whistles of my new Smart Phone. Oh my, there is so much! I like the phone, but will be happy when I know what I need to, to make this phone work correctly for me.

1. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the month of June?

I am looking forward to warmer temperatures, sunny skies, the growing in my garden, and the continued success on Weight Watchers!

2. In what way have you come full circle?

Thirty years ago, I was lost, didn’t know how I could live, or go on. I wandered, I struggled and with the love and understanding of my family, I found peace and love.

3. Lonely Planet lists 10 spots in America you should see in 2015 and the reasons why. How many on the list have you seen? Which one on the list would you most like to see?

Queens NY, Western South Dakota, New Orleans, Colorado River Region, North Conway NH, Indianapolis IN, Greenville SC, Oakland CA, Duluth MN, and the Mount Shasta Region CA

I’ve seen all but New Orleans. And I’ve got no great desire to see it. I mean, if I got a free vacation to NOLA I would go, but I’m just not into that. In fact, Hubby likes NCIS New Orleans, and I can’t stand it!

4. A song that describes your mood right now?

5. Strawberry ice cream, strawberry short cake, strawberry pie, or strawberries right off the vine…your favorite?

Off the vine!

6. Aesop’s birthday is celebrated on June 4th, although there is some disagreement as to whether or not that’s accurate, or if he was even a real person. Regardless, the name Aesop is associated to this day with many well known fables. Which of the following best applies to something in your life right now? The Tortoise and the Hare (Slow and Steady wins the race), The Ant and the Grasshopper (Be prepared), The Fox and the Goat (Look before you leap) or The Crow and the Pitcher (Necessity is the mother of invention)?

Tortoise and the Hare. Trust me. I just need to follow this course right now.

7. The answer is yes…what’s the question?

Do I love my family with all of my heart and soul?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I stepped on my scale this morning and I think I have finally lost some weight. Of course Wednesday is WW Day, so I will see shortly!

1. Did you do anything ‘memorable’ this past weekend?

No. Took care of Anneliese, did laundry, and cooked meals. You know, the usual.

2. Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying-

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

Your thoughts? Do you somehow acknowledge and appreciate the freedoms you enjoy? Did your upbringing contribute to that sense of appreciation? If you’re a parent, are there specific things you do to pass on this sense of responsibility and appreciation to your own children in regard to the freedoms they enjoy?

I was raised in a very patriotic household. Several cousins served in the military and many gave their lives during World War II.

One who served, was the son of my grandfather’s brother Herbert, Private First Class Ernest Prussman, 13th Infantry Regiment.  PFC Prussman took over his squad on 8 September 1944 during the advance on Les Coates  in Brittany, and disarmed several Germans, including a machine gun crew. Shot by a German rifleman, his dying act was to unleash a hand grenade that killed the man who shot him. His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously.

A street at Fort Benning, Georgia was also named after him. As was a a square in Boston at the corner of Faniuel and Goodenough Streets.

3. Loudest noise you’ve ever heard?

I was napping on my sofa when we lived in Florida. All of a sudden there was an extremely loud explosion! A bolt of lightening had hit the phone pole transformer at the end of our driveway, which was very close to the house! I literally fell off of the sofa!

4. What was the last thing you ate that might be considered ‘junk food’? Did you enjoy it?

We are into week two of the Weight Watchers plan and I have not so much as had a potato chip or a french fry or a cracker! Let’s not talk junk food….

5. When was the last time you were somewhere the crowd felt ‘packed in like sardines’?

At the airport in Boston, last time we went on a vacation. I avoid crowds at all costs.

6. Are you organized when it comes to packing for a trip? Do you make a list weeks in advance or toss items in last minute? Are you a carry-on only sort of packer or do you need an entire suitcase for your shoes?

Oh, I am an over-organizer for sure! My lists have lists! But in many ways this is good. I learned after getting to Germany one time and not having packed socks for Hubby. And then there was the cruise where it rained every day and we had no umbrellas or rain jackets!

7. What was the last sporting event you attended in person? Did your team win? Did you care?

I don’t go to sporting events much. Probably it’s because of the whole crowd thing. Mostly it’s just a real pain to get there from where I live in the mountains of New Hampshire!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Anneliese is better, I’m still waiting for Savannah’s Birthday gift to arrive (not happy about this!), Wednesday is weigh in day at Weight Watchers, and Thursday is planting day for my garden. Busy, busy, busy!

1. Did you make someone laugh yesterday? Was it intentional?

Let’s see, yes. I went to the Post Office and went to the window, where no one was waiting and just said hello to the postal workers I know. They laughed, saying that most people only come by when they need something.

2. What’s a simple question with a complicated answer?

How many children do you have. That just opens a whole can of worms. I have just one living, but I did have another wonderful daughter, so that makes two. But do I really want to get into how she died, and hear for the gazillionth time “Oh, I never could lose a child, I’d go insane!” Yeah, well somehow you do go on, even with a broken heart.

3. Rhododendrons or azaleas…you have to choose. Are either currently blooming in your yard?

We have both, but the Rhododendrons seem to be healthier.

4. May 21st is National Waitstaff Day. Have you ever worked as a waiter/waitress? How would you rate the experience? What was the best/worst part of the job?

No, never worked as a waitress. However, I’m a Mom and years ago, trust me, I was a home waitress.  In some ways with a retired Hubby, I think I still am.

5. What fashion trend for women should be outlawed? How about one for men?

Short, shorts, with the word “JUICY” written on the butt!

6. Name a writer who inspires you….now tell us why.

Many years ago, I read all the books written by Leo Buscaglia. Also known as “Dr. Love,” he was an American author and motivational speaker, and a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California Here are two quotes from his books.

“Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love you will find that you are left holding only yourself.”

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

7. What well known quote or saying sums up your plans for today or this week?

“Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

John Lennon (1940-1980) British musician.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This morning I weigh in for the first time since I started to keep a real food journal. I am both excited and very nervous! I sure hope the scale shows a downward trend.