Sunday Stealing and Hello Again

Haven't posted anything here at Joysweb in quite a while. But here we go again with a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes, of Funny the World) — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was borrowed from Hodgepodge.

1. What's something you've recently accomplished solo?

Hmmm. That's a hard one. Since we retired, the hubby and I do most things together. I like it that way. 

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Ibuprofen.

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

Well, I'm too old to go looking for another place, so I guess I have found my place. Unfortunately, it seems to be Texas. 

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

Wow! In my long life of movie-watching I've seen some real stinkers, so it's hard to name just one. But one that's certainly in the running for worst movie ever made would have to be Wonderwall — the 1968 British psychedelic film mostly remembered for the soundtrack with music by George Harrison. On the Internet Movie Database I gave it a single star, just to get it into my list of movies I've watched/rated. Definitely meant to be watched when stoned. Good music, awful movie. I waited almost 50 years to see it. That wasn't long enough. 

5. What's the last fun thing you did? 

This summer has been so hot, we really haven't been out much. So, the only fun things we've done have been pretty tame — like streaming the new season of Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. 

6. What's your favorite Italian dish? 

Marcello Mastroianni. Sorry. Actually, any kind of spaghetti, although I love ALL pasta. 

7. Have you ever been to France? Any desire to visit there, and if so what would site or city would you most want to see?

I've been to Paris once, and always wanted to go back. I'd also love to see more of the country, especially the Côte d'Azur. 

8. Have you ever been to Disney, any of the parks at all? Are you a Disney superfan or something less than that? They're open right now so tell us, would you go if you had the time/money/a free trip?

Never been to any of the Disneys. Not a huge theme park fan, Disney or otherwise. I suppose if I was offered an all-expenses-paid trip, I might take it — but it's not really something I'd spend my own money on.

9. Your favorite place to go when you want to be quiet as a church mouse? Would those who know you well describe you as more church mouse or perhaps more like mighty mouse?

I wouldn't say I'm church-mouse-quiet, but I'm not really a blabber mouth, either. I can talk a lot when I've got something to say (just ask my husband!), but basically I'm pretty much an introvert. Don't really have what you'd call a "quiet" place, though. 

10. Do you bake your own bread? Last time you had hot out-of-the-oven homemade bread? What's your favorite kind of bread?

I used to bake my own bread once in a while, but haven't done it in many, many years. My fingers are so arthritic now, I'm afraid my kneading days are over. I've always planned to get one of those bread-making machines, but so far I haven't done anything about it. My favorite bread is French bread — soft and chewy on the inside, nice and crusty on the outside.

11. What's something you might say is 'the greatest thing since sliced bread'?

The microwave oven.

12.  Share with us five little things you're grateful for today. Small blessings. One catch-they all must start with the letter T.

Gotta pass on this one. I'm not religious, but I am superstitious, and the whole "gratitude" thing makes me very nervous. 

13. Tell us where you were and something about what life was like when you were 20-21.

Well, back in the Pleistocene, it was really cold and we mostly just hunted mammoths and tried to keep ahead of the expanding glaciers. 

14. What's on the menu at your house this week?

No idea. I don't usually plan that far ahead. And we haven't been doing much cooking lately — just eating a lot of salads and sandwiches, to keep from having to heat up the kitchen. 

15. Something you recently purchased where a coupon was involved? Do you regularly shop with coupons?

I used to do a lot of coupon-ing. It got to be sort of a hobby. But now that everything is so computerized, all our discounts are digital. Definitely a time saver, but not as much fun. 

🙋‍♀️

Sunday Stealing: For Those Who Celebrate Christmas (#1)

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere.

This week's list is borrowed from Pinterest.

1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

They only happen once a year.

2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?

I do still send out cards. In fact, the sending and receiving of cards is one of my favorite things about the season, and I'm sad to see the custom dying out. We don't send nearly as many as we once did, and this year we sent out fewer than twenty.

3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

I've never written one, but I like them. I know I'm probably in the minority on that. I think it's a nice handy way of catching up with all the family and friends and what they've been up to during the year. Of course, I'm not a Facebook devotee — I suppose if I were, I wouldn't need the newsletters. 

4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

Don't really have a strong opinion on this. Honest.

5. How soon do you start shopping?

Usually not early enough. My mother was a wonderful Christmas shopper. She would shop all year long and have everything ready to wrap by the first week in December. I did not inherit her organizational skills. But I do like to get it all done as early as possible — definitely no last minute Christmas Eve shopping.

6. Real or fake tree?

Well, I would prefer a real tree, but the hubby and I both have allergies. I can't even have cut flowers in the house for longer than a few minutes before my eyes start itching and swelling shut. So — no real trees for us.

7. When do you put up your tree?

Usually right after Thanksgiving, but this year we had it up before that.

8. When do you take down your tree?

Twelfth Night — January 5th or 6th. Although we've been known to leave it up later than that. 

9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type). 

10. What do you top your tree with?

For the last few years, we've had a Saint Nicholas topper that we bought at Hobby Lobby. 

11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?

Not recently. When we first moved into this house, M put up lights around the front roofline, but it's an awful lot of trouble. And an awful lot of him climbing up and down on ladders — which is something I find really scary. When we lived in the condo in Virginia, we used to put lights on our balcony every year. 

 12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?

Yes, there is, and this is it:

13. Do you hang up stockings?

Yes, but just for decoration. Santa never fills them, darn it. 

14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s)

Please don't get me started. Christmas movies are a real problem around here. M loves any movie that even mentions Christmas, and over the years he's added a couple of dozen to the list he just must see every year. Of course, we very seldom actually watch them all — but it gives him a goal. The only one I do try to see every year is "It's a Wonderful Life" — not because I really like it, but because I've watched it every Christmas since I was a toddler. And I prefer watching it on Christmas Eve.

15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you hate

Well, I don't really hate any of them (although I'm extremely tired of most of them), but I've never been terribly fond of any of the film versions of "A Christmas Carol." Not a Dickens fan. Also, don't care much for "Miracle on 34th Street."

16. Favorite Christmas Song(s)

I like a bunch of them, but I think my favorite is the song from the Charlie Brown Christmas special, "Christmas Time Is Here."

17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up

"Santa Baby" is probably the only one that could make me barf. 

18. Give or Receive?

Receive, I think. But only because I'm the world's worst chooser of gifts to give.

19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?

Well, I'm lactose intolerant — so cider, I guess.

20. Ham or Turkey?

Ham. 

🙋‍♀️

Sunday Stealing: Halloween

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere.

This week's list is borrowed from League of Extraordinary Pen Pals.

1. What is your favorite spooky song?

The only "spooky" song I can think of right now is Monster Mash. Are there others?

2. What do you want etched on your tombstone?

"She'll be right back."

3. Who is your favorite horror movie villain?

I suppose it would have to be Dracula, although I'm really not a vampire fan. But I loved both Bela Lugosi and Frank Langella as the blood-thirsty Count D.

4. Have you ever seen a ghost?

Yes. Several times. Not all the same ghost.

5. Do you prefer gore, thrillers or supernatural movies?

I enjoy most thrillers and usually love movies with supernatural elements. I really don't like gore, in movies or books. I don't find that frightening — just nauseating.

6. What is your favorite scary book?

Wow, it would be hard to choose just one. Probably Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Or maybe Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. I've also enjoyed a lot of Susan Hill's books, and several by Jonathan Aycliffe. And Ira Levin's Rosemary's Baby is a spooky-fun read.

7. Have you ever had a tarot card reading?  Was it accurate?

Never had one. I've played around with tarot cards myself, but never had an actual reading.

8. Are you superstitious?

Yes, about some things.

9. Have you ever used a voodoo doll?

Yes. It sort of worked. That's all I'll say.

10. Have you ever participated in a seance?

Only on stage, in a production of "Blithe Spirit." Never in real life.

11. Have you ever heard voices when no one was around except you?

Yes, but I don't smoke that stuff anymore. (Heh-heh!)

12. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

I'm not really sure what qualifies as Halloween candy these days. As a kid I used to love candy corn, but it's been decades since I had any.

13. What was your most memorable Halloween costume?

When I was about ten or so, I dressed up as a "gypsy princess" with lots of scarves and clunky jewelry and a long skirt borrowed from one of my aunts. It wasn't scary but I loved it, even though I probably looked more like a homeless person.

14. Do you like going through haunted houses (not real ones)?

Haven't gone through a "haunted house" since I was in elementary school, and I think I helped put that one together.

15. If someone dared you to spend the night in a haunted house (a real one) would you do it?

Possibly. Would I have a private bathroom?

 

🙋

Sunday Stealing: The Household Meme

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere.

This week's list is borrowed from MimiWrites.

1. How many gravy boats do you have in your kitchen?

One, I think. It's stored way up on one of the highest shelves in our kitchen, and I can't really even see it without getting on a stepladder. I don't make a lot of gravy.

2. Do the clothes in your laundry basket need ironing?

Well, around here things get ironed as we need them. Otherwise, they just get put away wrinkled.

3. What is the last thing you wallpapered?

I have never wallpapered anything. I was going to put wallpaper in a kitchen once upon a time, and even bought a couple of very expensive rolls of the stuff. Then decided it was too busy for our tiny kitchen (we were living in an apartment at the time), and gave up on the project. So I don't know if I'd be any good at wallpapering. But I'm VERY good at giving up on projects.

4.  Wooden floors or carpet?

I love wood floors and that's mainly what we have, although we do have carpet in a couple of areas. I actually don't mind carpet, and think it's especially nice in bedrooms. But I have asthma and allergies, and carpet is not the best choice for me.

5.  Why do we put out guest towels if no one is supposed to use them?

Well, we don't actually have "guest towels." We have a bathroom that we call the guest bath and we do have some different towels for that room, but mainly just because its color scheme is different from the one in our master bath. So around here, the guests really just get the same towels we use ourselves. I do try not to put out the ones with holes or bleached patches or ragged edges.

6.  If your spatula could talk, what would it say about your duvet?

Probably "where the heck is that duvet?" I don't have a duvet. I do have several spatulas.

7.  Have you replaced the batteries in your smoke alarms this year?

Um, I think so. That's the hubby's job and he's pretty dependable about those sorts of things. So I'm gonna go with Yes.

8. If you could put thyme in a bottle, what is the first thing that you'd like to do?

Thyme? Or time? And could I take them out of the bottle to use them? Thyme is not one of my favorite spices and I don't use it much. Time, on the other hand, is something I'm always happy to have plenty of.

9. Do eggs really crack or do they merely have a nervous breakdown?

I'm not sure what a nervous breakdown in an egg would look like. And can you avoid such a problem by coddling your eggs?

10. Why are you whipping the butter? What did it ever do to you?

Mostly just wrecked my gall bladder. But I don't whip the butter. Just switched to margarine.

11. Do your spoons spoon in the drawer? Have you ever noticed? And more importantly, if wooden spoons spoon do they get splinters?

Actually, yes they do. Get splinters, that is. (They spoon too, but that's OK -- they're spoons.) And they give splinters to the people who use them. And to avoid spoon splinters in the fingers (or, worse, in the tummy) I have purged all drawers of wooden implements and replaced them with acrylics. They don't splinter; they do melt.

12. You hear: "Dumpling, my Dumpling, come hither." The candles are lit, the fondue is dipping, the Godiva is pouring, the scallions are steaming and the music is playing.....but wait, the windows are open.  Why did you close them?

I have absolutely no idea. But if anyone ever called me Dumpling, the fondue would be pouring all over his head.

13. Do you need a recipe to cook or are you a bohemian chef?

I do need a recipe for most things. There are just a few things I'm really good at cooking without a recipe. I make a great meatloaf, and a fantastic pot roast. I'm also pretty good at fried chicken. Unfortunately, those are things we never eat anymore. I never fry anything, and I haven't cooked beef in over twenty years.

14. Is your pot black?

Hmmm. I think I do have a black cast iron skillet, but I have no idea where it might be hiding. Haven't used it in decades.

15. What is the sexiest spice or condiment in your cabinet?  What makes it so? 

No comment on this one, folks. I'm much too old to know what makes anything sexy. Most spices just give me indigestion.

🙋

Sunday Stealing: Conversation Starters

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere.

This week's list is borrowed from Two Drifters and it's all about "Conversation Starters."

1. What do you think is the greatest television show of all time?

Wow, greatest show of all time? Too many to choose from. I guess if I had to pick just one, I'd have to say the original Star Trek. It's been so influential and has had such amazing staying power. I never get tired of re-watching it.

2. Would you rather win a Nobel Prize or an Academy Award?

And the Oscar goes to..... Definitely an Academy Award. I'd just like to thank everyone I've ever met.

3. What one food would you banish from this earth if you could?

Well, I'm not crazy about kale, but I don't know that it deserves to be banished. Just keep it out of my salad.

4. What’s the scariest story you’ve ever heard?

The tale of the 2016 US Presidential election.

5. Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Hmmm. I haven't met that many famous people. And most of the ones I have met are no longer with us. Once met Leonard Cohen after a concert in Austin, and took him back to his hotel. Met Townes Van Zant several times over the years. I'm not really a celebrity collector.

6. What’s something you’ve done that most people wouldn’t know or guess about you?

No comment on this one, folks.

7. You’re strapped in a rocket ship about to go to the moon. Are you thrilled? Or terrified?

Probably both. Or maybe just amazed.

8. What is the correct way for toilet paper to sit on the roll?

With the paper coming over the top and from the front, NOT underneath and from the back. There should be no debate about that.

9. Talk about a mistake you made, or something you regret.

Never learned to play a musical instrument, and really wish I had. Too old to learn now.

10. What would be the best gift I could give you?

I don't really need many material things at this point in my life. I'd like someone to come up with a way to wipe out this current pandemic, before it wipes us out. If you could do that, you'd have my eternal gratitude.

11. What makes you feel better when you’re sad or stressed?

Spending time with the hubby. Almost always works. Unless he's the one making me sad or stressed.

12. What is the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen?

Hmmm. Hard question. I'm not a huge fan of romantic movies – I generally prefer mysteries or action films. I guess I'd say "Somewhere in Time" (with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour), or maybe "Doctor Zhivago" (Julie Christie, Omar Sharif, and a great cast).

13. What is the worst date you’ve ever been on?

It's been so many eons since I dated, I've sort of repressed all that. I know there were dozens of really dismal dates before I met Mr. Right. (Who is, by the way, napping in the bedroom down the hall right now.)

14. What is the glue that keeps couples together?

Well, love, I hope. And trust, of course.

15. What was your first crush.

My first crush was in first grade, and the young man's name was Ronnie (I think). I don't really remember his last name right now, but I'm sure I still have some school photos of him somewhere. As far as I know, he was completely unaware of my feelings, and never spoke a word to me that I can remember. I worshiped from afar.

16. When did your parents talk to you about the birds and the bees?

I don't remember ever having that discussion with an adult. It would have been a big help.

17. What is your greatest achievement?

Well, I'm officially among the elderly now and still getting around on my own. I've been married to the same man for over 50 years. I've never been in jail or rehab. I think those are achievements of a sort.

18. Were you close to your parents growing up?

Very close to my mom. My father died when I was ten and he had been very ill for several years before that. We were as close as his illness allowed us to be.

19. What was the most life-changing event you’ve ever experienced?

Two of them – one sad, one happy. My dad's death and my marriage.

20. Have you ever had a falling out with a friend? What happened?

Not as an adult. I'm sure it happened many times when I was a kid. Making friends gets harder as you get older – or at least that's how it's been for me. I try very hard to do whatever it takes to get along with the ones I've got.

🙋

Sunday Stealing: Music Asks

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere.

This week's list is borrowed from Stark Raving Parker: and it's all about music. I should probably start out by saying that even though I do enjoy music, it's been quite a while since I paid any attention to the current music "scene." So most of my favorites are from at least twenty years ago (or more).

1. A song you like with a colour in the title

Brown-eyed Girl (by Van Morrison).

2. A song that needs to be played very loud

Anything by the Rolling Stones.

3. A song that makes you want to dance

See answer to no. 2, above.

4. A song to drive to

Hmmm. I like to listen to jazz when I drive. So, maybe something by Dave Brubeck.

5. A song with a number in the title

Eight Miles High. 

6. A song that makes you happy

Come on Eileen, by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Great video, too. 

7. A song that makes you sad

Memory from "Cats" — I used to use it for sense-memory exercises in acting classes. It's great for bringing on the tears. Also Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Always makes me misty.

8. A song that reminds you of summer

Surfin' USA by the Beach Boys. Come to think of it, just about anything by the Beach Boys.

9. A song that you remember from your childhood

I think my first "favorite song" (that I can remember, anyway) was All in the Golden Afternoon, from the Disney feature-length cartoon version of "Alice in Wonderland." I think I was about five when I saw it the first time.

10. A song that breaks your heart

Deep Purple, an oldie from the 1930s and '40s. My mother always said she and my father considered it "their" song. Daddy died when I was ten, and I don't think my mom was ever really happy after that.

11. A song that you never get tired of

Well, I could probably get tired of just about anything if I had to listen to it too many times. But there are some things I do listen to repeatedly, although they're not exactly songs. Anton Dvorak's String Quartet no 12 ("America") is one. And for something more modern, I can listen to John Klemmer's Brazilia album over and over and over.

12. A song from your preteen year

Which preteen year? When I was 12, I think my favorite song was Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin.

13. A song that is a cover by another artist

Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen. Dozens of versions (if not hundreds) by other artists, but my favorite cover was by KD Lang (although I'm not sure if she ever actually recorded it).

14. A song from the year you were born

No idea about this one — I'd have to do some research.

15. A song that makes you think about life

Good question. I've got no answer, but it's a good question.

16. Your favourite song with a person's name in the title

Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond.

17. A song that you think everyone should listen to

Imagine, by John Lennon. 

18. A song by a band you wish were still together

Wow. Most of the bands I used to love are either no longer together, or dead. Depressing thought. So... maybe The Weight, by The Band. I wish they were all still alive and together.

19. A song by an artist no longer living

Refugee, by Tom Petty. 

20. A song by an artist with a voice you love

You Don't Know Me, by Ray Charles.

🙋 

Sunday Stealing: Love Me Some Questions

I didn't manage to get this done in time for the Sunday link-up, but thought I'd go ahead and post it anyway. Joysweb is a dying blog, but every now and then I drop back in with a random post. Didn't want to let August get away without at least one check-in. So, here we go....

Sunday Stealing is hosted by Bev Sykes and has questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This list was stolen borrowed from Love Me Some Surveys.


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

Frequently.

2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?

Not this month, but September is a very busy birthday month in our family. 

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

Not really. I have only very vague memories of eighth grade. Too long ago. I remember close friends, but not "crushes." 

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

Um. Strange question. Haven't burned anything lately. Thank goodness.

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

Something frivolous, no doubt. Probably a book.

6. What are you most excited about right now?

Lunch.

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

Yes, my dad was in the Navy during World War II. Here's a snap of him in his whites.

8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?

Not really. I'm more of a good-enough-ist.

9. Do you like sour candy?

Yes, but it's been years since I had any.

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

Well, I do tend to stay up late, but not all night.

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

Yes. I have very sensitive eyes, and can also get migraines from too much bright light, so I wear sunglasses almost all the time when I'm not indoors, and that includes when I'm in the car. Even on cloudy days. 

12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?

Well, I wouldn't wear someone else's, now would I? Sorry. Yes, I usually do wear shoes around the house. In this part of Texas, if you go barefoot you run the risk of stepping on something that might fight back.

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?

My well-worn cotton nighties.

14. Are you good at painting nails?

Pretty good, I guess. Although I never attempt anything very fancy -- no nail art or special manicure stuff.

15. Smoothies or slushies?

Smoothies! And the hubby makes really yummy ones. Is it lunchtime yet?

🙋

Sunday Stealing: I Love Questions (Oh yeah?)

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. I haven't joined in on any of these for quite a while, but it's always fun. This week's list is from Questions, Memes, Asks, Etc.:

1. Are you satisfied with the way your life is right now?

Pretty much. Summer is my favorite time of year, so that's keeping me happy at the moment.

2. Do you drink enough water?

Probably not, although I do try to, and generally have a glass or bottle of water with me at all times.

3. When was the last time you ate at Burger King?

Sometime in the 1980s. Used to love their Whopper Jr.® burgers. Haven't had a burger of any kind in years.

4. Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?

The beach, although I cover myself up so thoroughly, I might as well NOT be at the beach.

5. How do you usually feel when you wake up on a morning?

Glad I made it through one more night.

6. Would you rather take someone on a date, or be taken on a date?

What's a date? Seriously, folks — dating is so far in my past I can just barely remember what it was like.

7. When was the last time you wore high heeled shoes?

Oh, wow...probably something like ten years ago. Maybe longer.

8. Vodka or wine?

Wine, generally. Although I do like the occasional Bloody Mary with vodka.

9. How often do you cry?

I seem to answer this question a lot. I honestly cannot remember the last time I cried, so ... not often.

10. Ever had a crush on a teacher?

Yes.

11. Can you wire a plug?

No, but I can plug a wire.

12. Do you wear socks to bed?

Sometimes in winter, if it's very cold.

13. What is currently bugging you?

At this very moment? Not much, really. I've got a medical appointment scheduled for the end of this month, and I'm not terribly thrilled about that. But it's not really bugging me.

15. Can you change a car tire?

Well, I do know HOW to change a tire. Theoretically. But I've never had to do it, so I'll say...maybe.

16. Have you met more than ten celebrities?

I guess that would depend on what is meant by "celebrity." I've met quite a few bright lights in the academic world, but I don't suppose they'd qualify. So, no.

17. Do you sleep naked?

Definitely not. Well, not anymore.

18. What was the best music gig you’ve ever attended?

Wow. I've been to some great concerts. None very recent. I saw Leonard Cohen perform live several times, and those were some very special events.

19. Have you ever had sexual feelings for anyone you follow on line?

That's a little personal, don't you think?

20. Who is someone who has changed your life positively.

The guy I'm married to.

21. Favourite city?

I have several. I love my hometown of San Antonio. Also Chicago, New York, London and Paris. Haven't been to any of them in quite a while. Oh, and Mexico City. Again, haven't been there in many years.

22. Can you drive?

Yes.

22. Cigarettes or alcohol?

For what? Do I smoke? No. Do I drink? Yes, but not much.

23. Favourite and least favourite accents?

No opinion on this.

24. Did you play Red Rover when you were a child?

I think so. Don't think it was a favorite game.

25. Do you like 1980s fashion?

I liked it during the 1980s. Looking back at that time, I realize there were some very odd fashion trends back then. But I guess that can be said of just about any era, including the present one. (I'd insert a photo of myself in leggings here, but fortunately I've destroyed all of those.)

🙋

Sunday Stealing: Storywise

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list is from a set of "Storywise" cards that were made for Alzheimers patients.

1. The strangest place you've ever been.

Junior high gym class.

2. Unusual food combinations you enjoy.

I guess I like pretty normal things. The weirdest things I can think of are peanut butter, bacon and mayonnaise sandwiches. Is that an unusual combination? Also cream cheese and sardines on rye. I used to love those, but would not dare eat one now.

3. Your best cure for hiccups.

Well, the old trick of breathing into a paper bag usually works for me.

4. Something you have never done but would like to try.

Always wanted to ice skate. Much too old to try it now, though.

 

5. A routine you do every day without fail.

Daily dental upkeep -- always. Even when I'm sick or traveling.

6. Something new you've recently learned.

Can't think of anything for this one. Haven't learned anything really new for quite a while. That's sort of depressing, isn't it.

7. Your keenest sense.

Once I would have said sight, but my eyes are not what they were. So I guess my sense of smell is probably keenest now.... Unfortunately. 

8. Whether you prefer cooking or cleaning up.

I really hate to cook, so if there's a choice, I'm usually on clean-up duty.... But I hate to clean up, too.

9. Where were you the last time you saw the sun rise.

Here at home, I'm sure. I'm not usually up that early, though.

10. A recent time you were embarrassed.

Nothing recent. I'm not easily embarrassed. Too old and nasty.

11. An everyday sound that delights you.

The mockingbirds that sing around our yard. They're actually mean little things, but I love their songs.

12. The last conversation you had with a stranger.

Haven't had what I'd consider a real conversation with a stranger lately. Made small talk with the checker at the grocery store today. Does that count?

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Sunday Stealing: Joy!

So my first post of the new year is a new round of Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  — questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list is from Sleepy Rambles.

1. Are you filled with joy today?

My name is Joy, so I suppose you might think that I'm filled with joy EVERY day. You'd be wrong about that. But I am pretty joyful today — would be more so if I didn't have dental work scheduled this week.

2. Has it been a rough week?

Not really, just kind of hectic. Dental adventures. Starting the un-decorating after the holidays. Catching up on laundry and errands that got put off while we were doing Christmas stuff. 

3. If given the opportunity, would you like to star in a musical?

Goodness, yes! Wouldn't it be luverly? Of course, I'd need to get a singing voice from somewhere — allergies and asthma have pretty much destroyed mine.

4. Name one person you’d take a bullet for.

Mmmm. I don't think so. 

5. Did you trip over anything today?

Not so far. But the day is young.

6. Last time you painted a picture?

Ooh, that would be a VERY long time ago. I've done some sketching in recent years, and some collage work. But no actual painting in at least thirty years.

7.  Is your favorite color yellow?

Yellow is definitely ONE of my favorite colors. Also turquoise and aqua.

8. Were you born in a hospital? Do you know the name of the person who delivered you?

Yes, I was born in a hospital. Don't know the name of the doctor, but I've got all my mother's medical records from back then, so I could go look it up — but that would mean moving around a LOT of packing crates.

9. Have you ever had a friend or relative who's incarcerated?

Yes. And that's all I'll say about that.

10. Do you enjoy romantic movies, even when they’re cliche?

Not really. I prefer mysteries, thrillers, action movies, comedies. Not a huge romance fan.

11. Would you rather watch a movie or listen to music?

Depends on the movie, the music, and what else I've got going on. Most of the time, I'd probably rather read.

12. Ever been to Rhode Island?

I don't think so, although I might have been there briefly while we were driving around New England one summer. 

13. Can you tell the difference between a Scottish & an Irish accent?

I'm pretty good with accents, so I'm gonna say yes.

14. Can you read music?

No, much to my regret. Over the years, I've had some vocal training classes that included lessons in reading music, but I don't remember much of it now.

15. Have you been to McDonald’s in the past month?

I have not been to McDonald's in the past decade. If I'm lucky, I might never need to go there again.

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Sunday Stealing: Sleepy Rambles

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Sleepy Rambles.


1. What is on your mind right now?

Mostly medical stuff, unfortunately. 

2. Do you know anyone who has attended Harvard University?

Yes.

3. How many books are in the room you’re in?

I haven't counted them. We've turned a bedroom into a "study" where we keep most of our books. I've tried to keep them out of the living/dining room area (where I am right now), but we ended up putting one bookcase in here, too. Mostly art books. 

4. Do you save at least 15 percent of your income?

No idea. The Hubby is our financial officer. We save, but I don't really know what percentage.

5. When was the last time you had a rainy day spent at home?

Please don't get me started on rainy days. Parts of our area are still underwater from all the flooding we've had lately. But, to answer the question — I try not to go out when it's raining, so I spend most rainy days at home.

6. When was the last time you stayed home from school/work?

N/A — I'm retired.

7. Do you write “yes” or “no” answers to surveys or do you explain more?

Depends on the survey and the mood I'm in.

8. Is there any type of medicine you can’t take? For what reason?

Hmmmm. Strange question.

9. Do you have a favorite pair of pajamas? What do they look like?

I wear nighties. I do have a favorite. It looks just like a nightie.

10. Would you rather have potato or chicken noodle soup if you had to?

That would probably depend on who's making the soup. I like them both.

11. Do you believe that when a person appears in your dreams, that person wants to see you?

No.

12. When’s the last time you saw your mom?

My mother died over 15 years ago. I was with her when she died.

13. What is one food you could eat for a month, straight, and not get sick of?

Pasta. But not for breakfast.

14. Have you ever spray painted something about your love somewhere?

No. The only thing I've ever spray painted was a bunch of pinecones for Christmas one year. I did love the pinecones, though.

15. Do you live in a town where basically everyone knows everyone else?

No. Our community is pretty small, but not that small.

😸

Sunday Stealing: Misc. Questions

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Phoenix, the Blogging Mama (private blog).


1. How has your life most benefited from the Internet? Whether it’s meeting people, cutting business overhead, finding rare collectibles, or simply sharing funny cat pictures, share how the web has made life easier.

Wow. Books have been written on this subject. The Internet has made life easier in so many ways, it would be hard to list them here. However, I do not share cat pictures. Well, not anymore.

2. The getaway car is waiting outside – where is it taking you?

Well, obviously away from the scene of the crime. But seriously, I would love to take a trip anywhere. I just hate the planning and packing.

3. Do you reply to comments on your blog? All of them? Or just the really interesting ones?  Do you go back to check if the authors or the blogs you comment on reply to your comments?

I read all comments, and I do try to visit the commenters' blogs (if they have them). And I know it's an awful thing to admit, but no, I don't very often reply to blog comments unless there's some reason to (to answer a question, for instance). And I very rarely go back to check for replies to comments I've made. I'm a bad, bad blogger.

4. On average, how long does it take you to make an important decision?

On average, forever. I'm lucky to have married a guy who makes really good decisions quickly and easily.

5. Do you gather a lot of information prior to making the decision, or do you go with your gut in the heat of the moment?

Depends on the decision I'm having to make. Usually, I do both. Not a very efficient system.

6. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned recently?

Tripping over lamp cords can do a lot of damage to an elderly body.

7. What’s your hidden talent? Are you double-jointed? Can you sneeze the alphabet? Share your unique skill.

I don't have any hidden talents. Well, not any I'd be willing to share with the general public, anyway.

8. Rate the level of intensity you have about wanting to know God – no desire, low priority, curious, great desire, high priority, desperate to learn more. Explain your answer.

I am not religious. I am, however, interested in religions and their attraction.

9. What’s one of your nicknames?  How did you get that nickname?

My family called me Joanie — I'm not really sure how that came about.

10. What do you have to have with you when you travel? Why?

The hubby — he keeps me sane and remembers all the details I'm likely to forget. Dramamine if I'm flying — I tend to get airsick if the flight gets rough. And always, something to read.

11. What do you think about reading books on an electronic reading device? Do you have an electronic reading device? Do you love it? Why? If you don’t love it, why not?

I do have several electronic reading devices and I really love 'em. I was skeptical at first, but I've become a huge fan. I still love reading print books too, but I read much faster on my iPad or Kindle. 

12. Do you prefer writing on paper or a keyboard? Why?

Well, I think I actually prefer writing on paper with a nice pen. Unfortunately, my hands and fingers have become so arthritic, I can't write more than a few sentences without getting really cramped up and sore. So I've been forced into using the computer for just about all my writing.

13. If the shoes make the man (or woman), what do your shoes say about you right now? (Assuming you’re wearing shoes. Although if you’re not, that certainly says something, too.)

They say I like soft, comfy slippers in the morning.

14. Describe your favorite pair of shoes.

A few years ago, I bought a pair of Ralph Lauren ballet flats from Zappos — soft black leather with a little fabric bow on the toes. They were so comfortable, I bought several more pairs. I've really loved them. Wore them just about everyday. The last pair is wearing out now, and I haven't been able to find anything to replace them. Bummer. 

15. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability or quality, what would it be?

I've answered this question in a lot of memes, and never been really satisfied with my answers. There are so many possibilities. Right now, I think my answer would be just to be a better, nicer, and more caring person. More other-oriented, not so bitchy. For instance, why am I sitting here playing with my computer when I should be out there volunteering in the community? Hmmm?

BONUS:  When they "cool sculpt" your body, where does the fat go?

What fat?

😸

Sunday Stealing: Food, Glorious Food!

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions lifted from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Swap Bot.

1.  Do you like pie?

I love it. There are some kinds I can't eat, but I love those too.

2.  Italian or Mexican?

Italian, although Mexican runs a close second.

3.  Can you bake? If so, what are your favorite things to bake?

I'm actually a pretty good baker even though I'm a terrible cook in general. Haven't really done any baking in quite a while because the hubby is diabetic and doesn't eat sweets. When I did bake, I liked baking Bundt cakes and brownies best.

4.  Do you use cook books or do you try to find recipes online?

Both. Lately I mostly look for online recipes and I've found a few that are very good and work even for those of us who are not champs in the kitchen.

5.  Do you own a kitchen aid mixer?

No. At the moment I don't own any kind of mixer. My old Sunbeam Mixmaster died a number of years ago and I just never replaced it.

6.  Ever cooked a meal for more than 15 people at one time? 

Hmmm. Not that I remember. Not a WHOLE meal, anyway.

7.  Do you like hospital food?

I don't like anything about hospitals.

8.  Favorite fast food restaurant?

Does Panera count? We don't really go to fast food restaurants anymore.

9.  Any picky eaters in your family?

Yeah. Me.

10.  Soda or Tea?

Tea.

11.  Hot chocolate?

I love any form of chocolate. Don't really drink much hot chocolate, though.

12.  Favorite holiday dish?

Depends on the holiday. And whether I'm just eating, or doing the cooking.

13.  What is the most tasteful strangest looking thing you have ever tasted? 

I don't eat strange looking things.

14.  Fries or tater tots?

Fries.

15.  Do you like cheese? If so what kind?

Love it. All kinds. Have to be careful about my fat and lactose intake, though. Used to love doing baked Brie as an appetizer, but that would probably kill me now.

16.  Home made or can soup?

I like either, if it's tasty. I don't make much soup from scratch anymore — we eat a lot of Amy's soups, especially the minestrone and the vegetable-barley and the lentil.

17.  Do you like to eat out?

I do. We don't do it as much as we used to.

18.  What kind of food is popular where you are? (Like in Alaska it is seafood)

Texas? Barbecue and Tex-Mex. Also, German food in my hometown of San Antonio.

19.  Do you like cotton candy?

Not really. I liked it when I was a child. But even then, I thought it never tasted as good as it looked like it should.

20.  Turkey or Chicken?

Not crazy about turkey. I like chicken, but get tired of it very quickly.

21.  Hamburger or tuna helper?

Neither. I never used any of the "helper" mixes. And we're almost completely vegetarian now.

22.  Raw or cooked veggies?

Well, I like a nice green salad. Otherwise, I prefer my veggies cooked.

23.  Do you like salad? If so, what is your favorite kind of salad?

Love salad. Green salads, fruit salads, potato salads, pasta salads, tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken. Just about any kind really. (Why am I getting so hungry all of a sudden?)

24.  Favorite pizza topping?

Cheese, mushrooms, olives, peppers. (Okay — time for a little snack.)

25.  Do you like meat loaf?

I do. And I make a great meat loaf. Actually, I make several different kinds of great meat loaf. It's one of the few things I can really cook. Unfortunately, we haven't eaten meat loaf in at least 30 years.

😸

Sunday Stealing: From The Friday Five

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions stolen from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Friday Five.

1. Is there a smell that will immediately sicken you?

We have some millipedes around here that give off a terrible odor, as a defense when they're threatened. It is absolutely the worst smell I have ever experienced (and I used to work in Washington DC!). And the really maddening thing is that my husband has never been able to smell it at all.

2. When you want quiet, where do you go?

The bathroom. (Actually, our house is usually pretty quiet.)

3. Do you need/prefer total darkness when you sleep?

I can't really sleep in a totally dark room — I like to be able to see the walls at least a little or I feel like they're closing in on me. Yeah, I'm just a bit claustrophobic.  

4. What is your least favorite taste?

Hmmm. Hard to think of a least favorite. I guess I don't like things that are extremely tart or sour. But then, I do like the taste of limes. And pickles. So....?

5. How heavily do you rely upon your sense of touch?

At first, I was tempted to say "not a lot." But here I am typing on a keypad and using a touch pad on my laptop. So I guess I rely on my sense of touch quite a lot. And as my eyesight gets worse and worse, I'll probably be relying on it even more.

6. Do you mostly prepare your meals at home or do you eat out more?

Mostly at home. We don't eat out nearly as much as we used to. Unfortunately, I'm a terrible cook. But my husband is a pretty good cook and hasn't seemed to mind taking on more kitchen duties over the years. Actually, he probably sees it as self preservation. 

7. Is there a time of day when you are more likely to buy food already prepared?

Like takeout? Probably for dinner more often than lunch. 

8. What is your average weekly grocery bill (for how many people)? What is your total restaurant/fast food bill for an average week?

That's not really something I'd want to post here on the blog, even if I knew the answer. This is probably an alarming thing to admit, but I honestly have no idea what our weekly grocery/restaurant expenditure might be. I'd have to search out receipts or credit card records and do the math. Which I'm not gonna do.

9. What is your favorite meal to prepare at home?

Spaghetti. Not that I love to prepare it, but I do love to eat it.

10. What is your favorite meal to order in a restaurant?

I guess that would depend on the restaurant, and the condition of my digestive system at the time. My favorite meal used to be steak and salad, but I've almost completely stopped eating beef these days.

11. Do you believe in fate?

Not really, although sometimes it seems very plausible. 

12. If Karma was to visit you now, would it be kind or kick you in the butt?

I'm sure I'd get that karmic butt kick.

13. Do you believe you have lived another life previous to this one?

No.

14. What do you believe in with an unshakable resolve?

Gravity.

15. What one factor influences your life the most?

Once again, it's hard to come up with just one factor. Health? Money? Weather? The government? The hubby's mood? I guess today, the one factor doing most of the influencing is our broken garage door — gotta wait around for the repair guy to get here before we can do anything else. So maybe the major influence changes from day to day.

😸

Sunday Stealing: Mary's Questions

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions stolen from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Blue Haired Mary.

1. If you could, where would you max out a credit card?

Well, since I do most of my shopping online now, I suppose it would most likely be Amazon. 

2. Why do you like the music you listen to?

I mostly listen to jazz — it's interesting and relaxing. Sometimes I'll listen to classical music, too; same reasons.

3. What are your favorite colors?

Turquoise, aqua, yellow. Just about any shade of green.

4. Do you collect anything?

Yes. Too many things. Though I'm really not actively collecting anymore. But at one time or another I've collected books, comic books, stamps, cat figurines, dolls, paper dolls, greeting cards, postcards, old photographs, vintage patterns and sewing supplies, Hallmark Christmas ornaments, dishware, vintage Pyrex items, and probably several others things I could think of if I sat here long enough.

5. What's your dream job?

The one I've got right now. It's called retirement.

6. Favorite cosmetics brands:

I don't think I have a favorite at the moment. I have to be very careful about cosmetics because I have a lot of allergies and my skin tends to react to chemicals. 

7. Favorite scents:

If we're talking perfume — again, allergies and asthma mean I have to be careful about wearing scent. I used to love the perfume my aunt wore (Fleurs de Rocaille by Caron), but they've changed the formula over the years and it doesn't smell the same. (Never smelled as good on me as it did on her, either.) For years I wore Arpege by Lanvin, but it smells different now, too. All these new synthetic perfumes smell pretty awful on me. Lately I've been using a little amber oil instead.

8. Favorite flavors:

Again I'm not sure I really have a favorite flavor. But I'm addicted to coffee and chocolate. So....

9. Favorite magazines:

Most of the magazines that I always thought of as favorites have either shut down or changed so much I don't recognize them anymore. But I still read The New Yorker and Vanity Fair (I'm liking VF much more since they decided to go after the Trumpster.)

10. Favorite piece of jewelry:

Except for earrings, I don't wear much jewelry. The hubby gave me a pair of diamond studs a few years back (as an anniversary gift, I believe) and those are my favorites, even though I don't wear them very often.

11. Favorite Holiday:

Halloween. Costumes, candy, scary movies on TV, no cooking required. Definitely the best.

12. Favorite season:

Summer.

13. Coffee or tea?

It would be hard to give up either one, but I'm very addicted to coffee.

14. Where would you go on vacation if you could go anywhere?

I've still got a few places on my "must see" bucket list — the Grand Canyon, Italy, Wales. Also always wanted to visit the Bahamas. And Egypt, but I'm just not that brave.

15. What kind of geek are you?

A very old one.

😸

Sunday Stealing: Sleepy Rambles Survey

Time for a little Sunday Stealing (hosted by Bev Sykes)  -- questions stolen from all over the blogosphere. This week's list was stolen from Steph at Love Me Some Surveys.

1.   Would you ever try Fear Factor for one million dollars? Why or why not?

Fear Factor is a TV show, right? One of those contest/reality shows where people do crazy/stupid/dangerous things for money? I've never seen it, but I've seen commercials for it, I think. Not my thing. Not even for a million dollars. Why? Probably just too old.

2.   If you use hair spray, what brand do you use the most?

I try not to use a lot of hairspray. But when I do use it, I use Suave Max Hold (No. 8). It's inexpensive and doesn't make my hair sticky or brittle, and the scent doesn't make me gag. Also, I tend to develop eczema patches on my scalp if I use anything too harsh -- the Suave seems to be pretty gentle.

3.   Is "Catcher in the Rye" in your library by any chance?

Yes, it is. Both hard cover and paperback versions. 

5.  What is the best thing about a Barbie doll?

Most of them are relatively inexpensive, so you can have a LOT of them, if you're into collecting or playing with dolls. And some of them are actually very attractive. I just recently bought one of the new Amelia Earhart dolls for my collection.

No, she didn't come with the airplane. Bummer.

6.   Cherry or peanut ice cream?

Chocolate. 

7.   From one to ten, how big of a movie buff are you?

Probably about a six. We never go out to movies anymore, but I see quite a few on TV, either by streaming or on DVD. I used to be more of a movie buff than I am now, so I've seen pretty much all the classics. But I lost a lot of interest in movies when filmmakers started filling them full of CGI nonsense.

8.  Who is a celebrity you think will never get into trouble?

I wouldn't dare make that prediction. Not in today's world.

9.  What is a museum you would like to go to?

The Musée d'Orsay in Paris. I'd love to see all those impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. And it would give me an excuse to go back to one of my favorite cities. Also maybe the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago -- I worked there back in 1979-80, and I'd love to see how it's changed.

10.  Personally, do you look better with short hair or long hair?

I think I really look better with long-ish hair. But it's a pain to take care of long hair, so I keep it short.

11.  What is the first thing you think of when I say ‘Jack’?

Rabbit.

12.  What do (or did) you call your grandparents?

On my mother's side, they were "MawMaw" and "PawPaw" (but we spelled it MaMa and PaPa). On my father's side, I had a "Granny." My father's father died before I was born.

13.  What color do you usually paint your nails?

Lately I've been using a shade called "Shell We Dance?" by Sally Hansen. It's an almost-transparent very pale pinky eggshell color.

14.  What would be a cool earring design?

??? I'm probably not the best person to ask about earring design. I'm not very adventurous in that area, and I don't wear much jewelry anyway. I tend always to wear the same couple of pairs of earrings -- one pair is a small gold hoop and the other pair is a tiny round gold ball. I have a gorgeous pair of diamond studs that my husband gave me, but I don't wear them very often. 

15.  Besides nightmares, what is the scariest thing about sleeping?

Insects crawling on the wall over your bed. And of course, the possibility of not waking up. 

😸