Saturday 9: On the Radio
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The action begins when a letter falls out of the pocket of a brown overcoat. What color is your coat?
A. Black
2) The lyrics ask if it "kinda strikes you sad when you hear our song." We don't want to be sad this Saturday, so we're asking what song makes you happy.
A. Uptown Funk.
3) Right before this song hit the charts, Donna Summer hit the cover of Newsweek. Are there any magazines in your home now? If yes, who is on the cover?
A. There's an AARP magazine that just came in the mail. It has Shania Twain on the cover. Apparently she's now AARP old.
4) Donna wrote the lyrics to this song, while producer Giorgio Moroder wrote the tune. Moroder is known as "the father of disco." Is disco a genre you enjoy?
A. Yes. I love disco. I always have.
5) This song got additional airplay throughout the 1980s because the game show The Price Is Right played it every time a contestant won a stereo. Today, the most popular audio equipment sold at Best Buy is a sound bar to improve the quality of TV audio. Have you added a sound bar or sound system to your TV?
A. We have a sound system that is at least 15 years old hooked up to our TV.
6) Moroder has won two Academy Awards for Best Song. The first was for "Flashdance . . . What a Feeling" from Flashdance and the second was for "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun. Do you have a favorite movie soundtrack?
A. I own the Lord of the Rings soundtracks, and I listen to them when I'm in the mood, but the one I think would be the best to own would be the soundtrack from Forrest Gump.
7) He grew up in Ortsei, Italy. Located in Northern Italy, the Ortsei economy is fueled by tourists who ski in winter, hike in summer and shop for woodcarvings all year around. Do out-of-towners find their way to your hometown more often in summer or winter?
A. More often in the summer.
8) Kourtney Kardashian was born in 1979, the year this record was a hit. Keeping Up with the Kardashians has been on since 2007. Have you ever seen it?
A. I have never watched an episode. Nor will I.
9) Random question -- When getting dressed in the morning, what's the second item of clothing you put on?
A. My underwear.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Thursday Thirteen #645
Every answer must start with the first letter of your FIRST name. (I stole this from Facebook.)
WEAR - Apron
DRINK - A & W Rootbeer
PLACE - Antarctica
FOOD - Apple
ANIMAL - Aardvark
GIRL’S NAME - Ann
BOY’S NAME - Austin
PROFESSION - Accordion Player
WORD TO DESCRIBE SOMEONE - Astute
SOMETHING IN YOUR HOME - Attic
BODY PART - Abdomen
SOMETHING ON YOUR DESK - Apple iPhone
SOMETHING IN YOUR FRIDGE - Apple Butter
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 645th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
WEAR - Apron
DRINK - A & W Rootbeer
PLACE - Antarctica
FOOD - Apple
ANIMAL - Aardvark
GIRL’S NAME - Ann
BOY’S NAME - Austin
PROFESSION - Accordion Player
WORD TO DESCRIBE SOMEONE - Astute
SOMETHING IN YOUR HOME - Attic
BODY PART - Abdomen
SOMETHING ON YOUR DESK - Apple iPhone
SOMETHING IN YOUR FRIDGE - Apple Butter
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 645th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Sunday Stealing
Sunday Stealing
1. What is your favorite color?
A. Blue. Or purple. It depends on my mood.
2. If you could get on a plane tomorrow and travel anywhere, where would you go?
A. New Zealand.
3. Were you closer to your mother or to your father?
A. I am the black sheep of the family. You figure it out.
4. What is your favorite meal (savory and dessert).
A. I'd like some spaghetti with garlic toast followed by chocolate cake with loads of icing.
5. Can you wink with each eye? (How about curl your tongue?)
A. Yes to both.
6. Beach or forest?
A. Forest. The beach is a nice place to visit, though.
7. City or farm?
A. Farm. I live on a farm, of course I would say farm.
8. Would you rather be blind from birth or turn blind as a teenager?
A. Good grief. What a question! I'd rather do neither but I guess I'd rather turn blind as a teenager.
9. Would you rather always be overdressed or underdressed?
A. I'd rather be overdressed.
10. If you could pass alone one of your attributes to your children, which would it be?
A. I don't have children, but if I had had them, I would hope they would be creative.
11. What are you most insecure about?
A. People not knowing me for who I really am.
12. What are you afraid people see when they look at you?
A. A big fat blob.
13. What is the saddest you’ve ever felt?
A. I'm an old woman. I've felt sad many, many times.
14. Would you rather have your own private island, or your own private jet?
A. My own private island, although I suppose I might also need a jet to get off of it every now and then.
15. How do you think you will die?
A. Probably a heart attack. I just hope it's fast and quick.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
1. What is your favorite color?
A. Blue. Or purple. It depends on my mood.
2. If you could get on a plane tomorrow and travel anywhere, where would you go?
A. New Zealand.
3. Were you closer to your mother or to your father?
A. I am the black sheep of the family. You figure it out.
4. What is your favorite meal (savory and dessert).
A. I'd like some spaghetti with garlic toast followed by chocolate cake with loads of icing.
5. Can you wink with each eye? (How about curl your tongue?)
A. Yes to both.
6. Beach or forest?
A. Forest. The beach is a nice place to visit, though.
7. City or farm?
A. Farm. I live on a farm, of course I would say farm.
8. Would you rather be blind from birth or turn blind as a teenager?
A. Good grief. What a question! I'd rather do neither but I guess I'd rather turn blind as a teenager.
9. Would you rather always be overdressed or underdressed?
A. I'd rather be overdressed.
10. If you could pass alone one of your attributes to your children, which would it be?
A. I don't have children, but if I had had them, I would hope they would be creative.
11. What are you most insecure about?
A. People not knowing me for who I really am.
12. What are you afraid people see when they look at you?
A. A big fat blob.
13. What is the saddest you’ve ever felt?
A. I'm an old woman. I've felt sad many, many times.
14. Would you rather have your own private island, or your own private jet?
A. My own private island, although I suppose I might also need a jet to get off of it every now and then.
15. How do you think you will die?
A. Probably a heart attack. I just hope it's fast and quick.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Saturday 9: Buttons & Bows
Saturday 9: Buttons & Bows
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Here it here.
1) The lyrics extol the beauty of "rings and things and buttons and bows." When you're getting dressed, do you give much thought to accessorizing?
A. Not really. I wear my wedding band and alternate between a couple of pairs of earrings. I sometimes wear a pearl necklace or a silver necklace.
2) Dinah Shore sings that she doesn't want to live where the cactus hurts her toes. Sam can sympathize, as she has a blister on one of her toes from where her winter boots rub. Do you have any aches and pains to report this morning?
A. Yes. I have done something to my elbow. I think it is tennis elbow although I don't play tennis. It is probably from using the computer.
3) Dinah was such a popular entertainer that people were surprised to learn she earned a degree in sociology from Vanderbilt University. What is something we'd be surprised to know about you?
A. It took me eight years to obtain my bachelor's degree. I think I've mentioned that before, though. Hmm. Oh, I know. I play the harmonica a little bit. But maybe that's not a surprise since I play other musical instruments. Hmm. How about this: I prefer silver to gold.
4) Dinah's was the best selling version of this song, which was introduced by Bob Hope in the movie The Paleface. Hope had success early in his career as a song-and-dance man on Broadway. Are you better at telling jokes, singing, or dancing?
A. I am not very good at any of the three, really. I can sing a passable tune, so I will go with that one.
5) Both Bob and Dinah donated their time to entertaining the troops in WWII. It was during a USO tour that Dinah met and fell in love with actor George Montgomery, who was serving in the Air Force. They were married for 20 years and had two children. Their daughter followed her parents into show business and became an actress. If a young person asked you for career advice, what would you tell them?
A. Don't go into journalism.
6) Dinah was an avid golfer and even sponsored an LPGA tournament. She was also an excellent cook who hosted TV cooking segments. Which would you find more relaxing -- an afternoon on the golf course or in the kitchen?
A. How about I sit in the golf club house and drink a soda and read a book while someone serves me lunch?
7) In 1948, the year this record was a hit, Scrabble was introduced. Do you prefer word games, card games, board games or jigsaw puzzles?
A. I like them all. I am not sure I have a preference.
8) Also in 1948, LPs (33 1/3 rpm records) were introduced. Do you have any vinyl records in your home?
A. Yes. My husband and I both brought our collections with us when we married, and we have never rid ourselves of them even though we have nothing to play them on. Maybe a record player should be on the Christmas list this year.
9) Random question -- Which of these would you consider the greatest insult: to be called boring, untrustworthy, or stupid?
A. Untrustworthy. I'm sure a lot of people think I'm boring and I imagine a great many people think I am stupid, as well. But I hope no one thinks I am untrustworthy.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Here it here.
1) The lyrics extol the beauty of "rings and things and buttons and bows." When you're getting dressed, do you give much thought to accessorizing?
A. Not really. I wear my wedding band and alternate between a couple of pairs of earrings. I sometimes wear a pearl necklace or a silver necklace.
2) Dinah Shore sings that she doesn't want to live where the cactus hurts her toes. Sam can sympathize, as she has a blister on one of her toes from where her winter boots rub. Do you have any aches and pains to report this morning?
A. Yes. I have done something to my elbow. I think it is tennis elbow although I don't play tennis. It is probably from using the computer.
3) Dinah was such a popular entertainer that people were surprised to learn she earned a degree in sociology from Vanderbilt University. What is something we'd be surprised to know about you?
A. It took me eight years to obtain my bachelor's degree. I think I've mentioned that before, though. Hmm. Oh, I know. I play the harmonica a little bit. But maybe that's not a surprise since I play other musical instruments. Hmm. How about this: I prefer silver to gold.
4) Dinah's was the best selling version of this song, which was introduced by Bob Hope in the movie The Paleface. Hope had success early in his career as a song-and-dance man on Broadway. Are you better at telling jokes, singing, or dancing?
A. I am not very good at any of the three, really. I can sing a passable tune, so I will go with that one.
5) Both Bob and Dinah donated their time to entertaining the troops in WWII. It was during a USO tour that Dinah met and fell in love with actor George Montgomery, who was serving in the Air Force. They were married for 20 years and had two children. Their daughter followed her parents into show business and became an actress. If a young person asked you for career advice, what would you tell them?
A. Don't go into journalism.
6) Dinah was an avid golfer and even sponsored an LPGA tournament. She was also an excellent cook who hosted TV cooking segments. Which would you find more relaxing -- an afternoon on the golf course or in the kitchen?
A. How about I sit in the golf club house and drink a soda and read a book while someone serves me lunch?
7) In 1948, the year this record was a hit, Scrabble was introduced. Do you prefer word games, card games, board games or jigsaw puzzles?
A. I like them all. I am not sure I have a preference.
8) Also in 1948, LPs (33 1/3 rpm records) were introduced. Do you have any vinyl records in your home?
A. Yes. My husband and I both brought our collections with us when we married, and we have never rid ourselves of them even though we have nothing to play them on. Maybe a record player should be on the Christmas list this year.
9) Random question -- Which of these would you consider the greatest insult: to be called boring, untrustworthy, or stupid?
A. Untrustworthy. I'm sure a lot of people think I'm boring and I imagine a great many people think I am stupid, as well. But I hope no one thinks I am untrustworthy.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Thursday Thirteen
Virginia is in its legislative session. None of the things I am discussing here have become settled law and may not. Until the governor signs off on it, nothing is a done deal, and even then, it can be undone.
People around here are freaking out because those horrible "ultra liberal" Democrats are in control this session. You'd think demons from hell had risen up and taken over the government the way people are acting. This is crazy thinking and people really need to get a grip on both sides of the aisle. We're all human beings with common causes and common needs. Figure that out and things will go along much more smoothly.
1. For 20 years, Virginia was under Republican leadership. They had an agenda. Now the Democrats are in control and all I hear are Snowflake Republicans crying, "The Democrats have an agenda." Of course they have an agenda. The Republicans had an agenda. Grow up. Learn to compromise.
2. Nothing that has gone forth legislatively to control guns is extreme nor will it impede on anyone's beloved 2nd Amendment rights. When did someone else's right to carry a gun become more important than someone else's right to life? The lines in the declaration are "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness," not "shoot, defend, and fuck the rest of you." I am a gun owner, by the way. I don't feel infringed upon in the least except for when I'm in public and see some crazy scaredy-cat numb-nuts open-carrying his gun, "because he can." Then I feel scared because how am I supposed to know this person's state of mind?
3. The Republicans oppose increasing the minimum wage in this state. According to my own state senator, only 1.3 percent of the Virginia workforce currently makes the Federal Minimum Wage or less (I guess those are restaurant servers, who don't fall under the Federal Minimum Wage), so what is the big deal? If it's that small of a number, why the opposition? It can't affect that many businesses if the number of workers is so small.
4. The Virginia Senate is looking at a tax on gasoline to pay for the roads. This is bad, the Republicans say. They seem to think it better to pay to have your tire fixed when you hit a pothole than it is to pay a small tax to keep up our infrastructure. I'd just as soon pay the gas tax as be inconvenienced by a blown tire or shattered shock absorbers.
5. The state Senate is also looking a "green new deal" - the Republicans apparently are allergic to "green" except for where it concerns money - and this is bad because it could (likely won't) increase the cost of electricity. There are so many "could happens" in the language my state senator uses to talk about this that it makes my head spin. He makes the worst-case scenario sound like it is the only outcome. But it isn't.
6. A tax on plastic bags. This only affects certain localities in Northern Virginia as an immediate tax and apparently other localities (like my rural area) get to decide for themselves as the bill is currently written. I don't have a problem with carrying my own tote bags and used to do that. My only issue with those tote bags is that the baggers load them down so heavily that I can't lift them. I have back problems so I stopped using them since I couldn't keep the baggers from stuffing them full. I would simply go back to using the tote bags and maybe I'd have to ask for help loading them into the car. That would become the grocery store's problem then, unless they can teach their baggers to listen when someone says, "Pack it light."
7. The Republicans also oppose a mandate for sick leave, which requires employers of 15 or more people to let people stay home when they have the flu. Frankly, I'd just as soon people stayed home when they have the flu. I shouldn't have to scan the check-out clerks at the grocery store to see which one is sneezing and coughing so I know who to avoid. People go to work sick because they can't afford to lose the money they are docked if they don't show up. This spreads germs and illnesses and drives up the cost of healthcare. I'm all for letting folks stay home when they're germy. Yuck.
8. My state senator voted against a cancer bill for first responders. Firefighters and first responders are exposed to all types of carcinogens, time after time. This bill looks like it is going through, but no thanks to my representative. I do not appreciate the fact that he attempted to take this away from my husband and his brothers and sisters in the fire departments. Jerk.
9. Another senate bill allows localities to remove, relocate or do what they want with monuments or memorials for war veterans located in its public space, regardless of when it was erected. I think localities should be able to do what they want with their public space so long as it doesn't infringe on someone else's rights. The monuments in many cases are art and if moved should be preserved somewhere, I suppose, like the local museum. We are a very white county and our Civil War monument is an obelisk with inscriptions of the fighting companies. Does it offend our small black population? I don't know. It has never been an issue. It's been there so long I think most people ignore it. I don't like the canon that sits beside it, but then as a pacifist I wouldn't. However, I am not making any noise about it. The courthouse will soon undergo extensive renovations; some of those items may need to be removed anyway for these changes, and maybe then reinstalled - or not. The courthouse renovations are still under study.
10. Removal of the 24-hour waiting period for abortion is something that I applaud and I hope this goes through. I am tired of men legislating the personal lives of women. Do we make them wait 24 hours to get a vasectomy? No. Are there any laws that legislate the personal health care of men like they attempt to do to women? I can't think of a single one that is strictly male-oriented. Can you?
11. There is also the potential for the removal of "informed consent" language regarding abortion, which means that the 14-year-old raped by her uncle or her father can have an abortion without telling her parents. That poor girl is going through a hard enough time without the state's intervention.
12. There is also the possibility of the repeal of a photo ID requirement for voting. I don't have a problem with this, either, because voter fraud is not the big problem that Republicans want it to be. They've spent years trying to infringe upon voting rights and this simply rolls things back to the way they were.
13. There is also an effort in the Virginia House to allow Virginia's 13 electoral college votes to go to the national popular candidate instead of who Virginians vote for. I would like to see a study on this issue, one that ultimately does away with the electoral college. The electoral college was put in place to ensure that only "the right" people are elected. Until there is a national study underway to determine how voting should be best done in this country (fairly, freely, and hopefully one vote per person with mandatory voting), I'm not sure about this particular issue.
I think the verbiage that my Republican House of Delegate and my Republican Senator shared in my local newspaper this week in their "weekly updates" is revealing. That's where I took these items from, and I didn't do follow-up research to see exactly where the bills stand, so I am basically simply arguing against the way they worded these issues.
Their priorities are business, not people. Virginia is known as a great place for business. I'd rather it be known as a great place for people to live. I mean, what is our happiness rating? We're not ranked in the Top 10 and we live next door to West Virginia (and some folks want to join West Virginia), which is ranked at the bottom.
I want to live in a happy place. Can't the best place for business also be the best place for its people?
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 644th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
People around here are freaking out because those horrible "ultra liberal" Democrats are in control this session. You'd think demons from hell had risen up and taken over the government the way people are acting. This is crazy thinking and people really need to get a grip on both sides of the aisle. We're all human beings with common causes and common needs. Figure that out and things will go along much more smoothly.
1. For 20 years, Virginia was under Republican leadership. They had an agenda. Now the Democrats are in control and all I hear are Snowflake Republicans crying, "The Democrats have an agenda." Of course they have an agenda. The Republicans had an agenda. Grow up. Learn to compromise.
2. Nothing that has gone forth legislatively to control guns is extreme nor will it impede on anyone's beloved 2nd Amendment rights. When did someone else's right to carry a gun become more important than someone else's right to life? The lines in the declaration are "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness," not "shoot, defend, and fuck the rest of you." I am a gun owner, by the way. I don't feel infringed upon in the least except for when I'm in public and see some crazy scaredy-cat numb-nuts open-carrying his gun, "because he can." Then I feel scared because how am I supposed to know this person's state of mind?
3. The Republicans oppose increasing the minimum wage in this state. According to my own state senator, only 1.3 percent of the Virginia workforce currently makes the Federal Minimum Wage or less (I guess those are restaurant servers, who don't fall under the Federal Minimum Wage), so what is the big deal? If it's that small of a number, why the opposition? It can't affect that many businesses if the number of workers is so small.
4. The Virginia Senate is looking at a tax on gasoline to pay for the roads. This is bad, the Republicans say. They seem to think it better to pay to have your tire fixed when you hit a pothole than it is to pay a small tax to keep up our infrastructure. I'd just as soon pay the gas tax as be inconvenienced by a blown tire or shattered shock absorbers.
5. The state Senate is also looking a "green new deal" - the Republicans apparently are allergic to "green" except for where it concerns money - and this is bad because it could (likely won't) increase the cost of electricity. There are so many "could happens" in the language my state senator uses to talk about this that it makes my head spin. He makes the worst-case scenario sound like it is the only outcome. But it isn't.
6. A tax on plastic bags. This only affects certain localities in Northern Virginia as an immediate tax and apparently other localities (like my rural area) get to decide for themselves as the bill is currently written. I don't have a problem with carrying my own tote bags and used to do that. My only issue with those tote bags is that the baggers load them down so heavily that I can't lift them. I have back problems so I stopped using them since I couldn't keep the baggers from stuffing them full. I would simply go back to using the tote bags and maybe I'd have to ask for help loading them into the car. That would become the grocery store's problem then, unless they can teach their baggers to listen when someone says, "Pack it light."
7. The Republicans also oppose a mandate for sick leave, which requires employers of 15 or more people to let people stay home when they have the flu. Frankly, I'd just as soon people stayed home when they have the flu. I shouldn't have to scan the check-out clerks at the grocery store to see which one is sneezing and coughing so I know who to avoid. People go to work sick because they can't afford to lose the money they are docked if they don't show up. This spreads germs and illnesses and drives up the cost of healthcare. I'm all for letting folks stay home when they're germy. Yuck.
8. My state senator voted against a cancer bill for first responders. Firefighters and first responders are exposed to all types of carcinogens, time after time. This bill looks like it is going through, but no thanks to my representative. I do not appreciate the fact that he attempted to take this away from my husband and his brothers and sisters in the fire departments. Jerk.
9. Another senate bill allows localities to remove, relocate or do what they want with monuments or memorials for war veterans located in its public space, regardless of when it was erected. I think localities should be able to do what they want with their public space so long as it doesn't infringe on someone else's rights. The monuments in many cases are art and if moved should be preserved somewhere, I suppose, like the local museum. We are a very white county and our Civil War monument is an obelisk with inscriptions of the fighting companies. Does it offend our small black population? I don't know. It has never been an issue. It's been there so long I think most people ignore it. I don't like the canon that sits beside it, but then as a pacifist I wouldn't. However, I am not making any noise about it. The courthouse will soon undergo extensive renovations; some of those items may need to be removed anyway for these changes, and maybe then reinstalled - or not. The courthouse renovations are still under study.
10. Removal of the 24-hour waiting period for abortion is something that I applaud and I hope this goes through. I am tired of men legislating the personal lives of women. Do we make them wait 24 hours to get a vasectomy? No. Are there any laws that legislate the personal health care of men like they attempt to do to women? I can't think of a single one that is strictly male-oriented. Can you?
11. There is also the potential for the removal of "informed consent" language regarding abortion, which means that the 14-year-old raped by her uncle or her father can have an abortion without telling her parents. That poor girl is going through a hard enough time without the state's intervention.
12. There is also the possibility of the repeal of a photo ID requirement for voting. I don't have a problem with this, either, because voter fraud is not the big problem that Republicans want it to be. They've spent years trying to infringe upon voting rights and this simply rolls things back to the way they were.
13. There is also an effort in the Virginia House to allow Virginia's 13 electoral college votes to go to the national popular candidate instead of who Virginians vote for. I would like to see a study on this issue, one that ultimately does away with the electoral college. The electoral college was put in place to ensure that only "the right" people are elected. Until there is a national study underway to determine how voting should be best done in this country (fairly, freely, and hopefully one vote per person with mandatory voting), I'm not sure about this particular issue.
I think the verbiage that my Republican House of Delegate and my Republican Senator shared in my local newspaper this week in their "weekly updates" is revealing. That's where I took these items from, and I didn't do follow-up research to see exactly where the bills stand, so I am basically simply arguing against the way they worded these issues.
Their priorities are business, not people. Virginia is known as a great place for business. I'd rather it be known as a great place for people to live. I mean, what is our happiness rating? We're not ranked in the Top 10 and we live next door to West Virginia (and some folks want to join West Virginia), which is ranked at the bottom.
I want to live in a happy place. Can't the best place for business also be the best place for its people?
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 644th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Put On a Poncho
Virginia's weather this winter has been unseasonal, to say the least.
It has rained a lot.
The weather has been much, much too warm.
The grass is greening, we're at least two weeks ahead of schedule with the flowers, and the trees have budded out.
Will we have peaches? Apples? How will this affect my friends who are fruit tree farmers? Will my own lovely deciduous trees survive this perplexing weather?
This was not the year to put away your fall clothes. Some days it has been so warm one could wear shorts and be comfortable.
We've had a few below-freezing days, but I think I can count them on one hand. Does this mean the stink bugs will be roaring back with vengeance, staining everything they decide to spit up on? Will other bugs be abundant? How about ticks? Will Lyme Disease be as scary as the Coronavirus?
The gray days, of which there have been many, have forced me to use my seasonal light therapy doohickey nearly every day. I tend to be more depressed in the winter, you see. My doctor recommended this light therapy as way to help ease the darkness wrought by the lesser sunshine of the season.
However, it is hard to have sunshine with constant cloud cover. Sheesh.
The rain has made it difficult for the fellows who are helping my husband out by feeding our cattle while he is recovering from his surgery. They're having to battle the mud to get out in the fields. They are traveling in the ruts from days before. It's only slightly better than snow, and that's just because it's warmer. At least a cold, frozen ground would make getting back and forth less of an ordeal.
But we've not had enough cold to freeze the ground for any length of time.
I hear there is no such as climate change. I hear that folks don't believe there is any reason to make the air cleaner, or to stop chopping down trees, or to stop pollution. I hear that deregulation and ridding the US of the Environmental Protection Agency would be a good thing.
Because there's no such thing as climate change. We don't need clean air to breathe, and who cares what is in the water that falls from the sky, right? We can't be costing corporations money to clean up their act! We can't put people first in this country, no way.
We're the little guys. All replaceable.
Wonder what "they" will do when the only people left to replace us are the ones they won't let in the country anymore?
Sorry, got off track there. Not sure how a little essay on Virginia weather turned into a sarcastic climate change snit. Of course the climate is changing. Of course we need regulations and a vibrant, working EPA. Of course we need clean air and clean water.
Maybe we need more rain, to wash away the grim realities that half the country refuses to face.
Let's get wet, Virginia.
It has rained a lot.
The weather has been much, much too warm.
The grass is greening, we're at least two weeks ahead of schedule with the flowers, and the trees have budded out.
Will we have peaches? Apples? How will this affect my friends who are fruit tree farmers? Will my own lovely deciduous trees survive this perplexing weather?
This was not the year to put away your fall clothes. Some days it has been so warm one could wear shorts and be comfortable.
We've had a few below-freezing days, but I think I can count them on one hand. Does this mean the stink bugs will be roaring back with vengeance, staining everything they decide to spit up on? Will other bugs be abundant? How about ticks? Will Lyme Disease be as scary as the Coronavirus?
The gray days, of which there have been many, have forced me to use my seasonal light therapy doohickey nearly every day. I tend to be more depressed in the winter, you see. My doctor recommended this light therapy as way to help ease the darkness wrought by the lesser sunshine of the season.
However, it is hard to have sunshine with constant cloud cover. Sheesh.
The rain has made it difficult for the fellows who are helping my husband out by feeding our cattle while he is recovering from his surgery. They're having to battle the mud to get out in the fields. They are traveling in the ruts from days before. It's only slightly better than snow, and that's just because it's warmer. At least a cold, frozen ground would make getting back and forth less of an ordeal.
But we've not had enough cold to freeze the ground for any length of time.
I hear there is no such as climate change. I hear that folks don't believe there is any reason to make the air cleaner, or to stop chopping down trees, or to stop pollution. I hear that deregulation and ridding the US of the Environmental Protection Agency would be a good thing.
Because there's no such thing as climate change. We don't need clean air to breathe, and who cares what is in the water that falls from the sky, right? We can't be costing corporations money to clean up their act! We can't put people first in this country, no way.
We're the little guys. All replaceable.
Wonder what "they" will do when the only people left to replace us are the ones they won't let in the country anymore?
Sorry, got off track there. Not sure how a little essay on Virginia weather turned into a sarcastic climate change snit. Of course the climate is changing. Of course we need regulations and a vibrant, working EPA. Of course we need clean air and clean water.
Maybe we need more rain, to wash away the grim realities that half the country refuses to face.
Let's get wet, Virginia.
Monday, February 17, 2020
A Long Way
Happy Presidents' Day!
Or maybe it's Happy George Washington's Birthday!
Whichever it is, I hope you had the day off.
We're hanging loose here at the farm, with the husband still hobbling around after his ankle fusion. He's out of his cast and walking boot and into physical therapy. He's having pain, still, which is a concern, but the doctor didn't seem to think it was a problem.
I have not been pleased with the follow-up care with this surgeon. At the moment, I wouldn't recommend him, but to be honest I would rather die than have a Carilion doctor operate on me, so I suppose one must take my anger and condescension toward Carilion physicians into consideration.
At least I'm honest about it. I will be really upset when I wake up one day and find someone from Carilion has performed a heart catherization for that heart attack my primary care doctor insists I am going to have before I am old enough to have dementia.
Anyway, the saga of the husband's foot began on November 22, which was the day of his surgery. We're coming up on 3 months of healing up and being at home.
It's been a long process and much more intense than my husband anticipated.
It is has been exactly what I anticipated.
My husband had arthritis in his ankle and he was walking on the side of his foot. It was painful to watch. He'd been getting worse in the last two years but wouldn't listen when I suggested doing something about it. Finally, it pained him more than he could stand and this surgery was the result.
This is a video I took back in the summer to show him how he walked. I cringe every time I look at it. For some reason it is sideways, sorry about that.
Mostly he's been a good patient. Once the anesthesia was out of his system, he felt a little better. Then he was in a hard cast and he was able to get around on a knee scooter. After a while he grew bored so he started helping with the laundry. I did not complain even though I have never in my life seen someone fold towels like he does. I cringe when I see them but I don't say anything and I leave them alone. It isn't the end of the world if the bathroom closet looks odd.
The fact that he still has pain is frustrating for us both. I did not expect him to magically recover but he seemed to think that would be the case. He wasn't counting on having to relearn to walk, to have to have me standing there constantly going "keep your leg straight" while he walks across the room. He slips easily back into dragging it like he was before the surgery. His hip and knee are accustomed now to the odd limp, not the new gait created by the ankle fusion.
I consider this long extended home-stay to be a trial run at his retirement. Hopefully when he does retire, he will be more active because if I have to watch one more episode of Bitchin' Rides I am going to cancel the DirecTV without telling him. How many car shows can one man watch, anyway? Sheesh.
As regular readers know, I am not a TV watcher. I don't have it on all day when I am alone.
He has it on ALL THE DAMN TIME.
I shut the door to my office a lot now. I can't think straight when I hear the TV running or when I am listening for him. Even after three months, I am not used to having him in the house and I can round a corner to find him standing someplace unexpected and scare myself.
Sometimes, I confess, I've pitched a fit and told him to turn the TV off. Well, more like I demanded he either turn it off or I was going to throw a rock through it.
I listen to music when I'm home alone. I miss my music. He doesn't like my music, because it interferes with the TV racket.
He needs a mancave. One that is not close to the house. Maybe a real cave with bears in it.
Just kidding.
Or maybe it's Happy George Washington's Birthday!
Whichever it is, I hope you had the day off.
We're hanging loose here at the farm, with the husband still hobbling around after his ankle fusion. He's out of his cast and walking boot and into physical therapy. He's having pain, still, which is a concern, but the doctor didn't seem to think it was a problem.
I have not been pleased with the follow-up care with this surgeon. At the moment, I wouldn't recommend him, but to be honest I would rather die than have a Carilion doctor operate on me, so I suppose one must take my anger and condescension toward Carilion physicians into consideration.
At least I'm honest about it. I will be really upset when I wake up one day and find someone from Carilion has performed a heart catherization for that heart attack my primary care doctor insists I am going to have before I am old enough to have dementia.
Anyway, the saga of the husband's foot began on November 22, which was the day of his surgery. We're coming up on 3 months of healing up and being at home.
It's been a long process and much more intense than my husband anticipated.
It is has been exactly what I anticipated.
My husband had arthritis in his ankle and he was walking on the side of his foot. It was painful to watch. He'd been getting worse in the last two years but wouldn't listen when I suggested doing something about it. Finally, it pained him more than he could stand and this surgery was the result.
This is a video I took back in the summer to show him how he walked. I cringe every time I look at it. For some reason it is sideways, sorry about that.
The fact that he still has pain is frustrating for us both. I did not expect him to magically recover but he seemed to think that would be the case. He wasn't counting on having to relearn to walk, to have to have me standing there constantly going "keep your leg straight" while he walks across the room. He slips easily back into dragging it like he was before the surgery. His hip and knee are accustomed now to the odd limp, not the new gait created by the ankle fusion.
I consider this long extended home-stay to be a trial run at his retirement. Hopefully when he does retire, he will be more active because if I have to watch one more episode of Bitchin' Rides I am going to cancel the DirecTV without telling him. How many car shows can one man watch, anyway? Sheesh.
As regular readers know, I am not a TV watcher. I don't have it on all day when I am alone.
He has it on ALL THE DAMN TIME.
I shut the door to my office a lot now. I can't think straight when I hear the TV running or when I am listening for him. Even after three months, I am not used to having him in the house and I can round a corner to find him standing someplace unexpected and scare myself.
Sometimes, I confess, I've pitched a fit and told him to turn the TV off. Well, more like I demanded he either turn it off or I was going to throw a rock through it.
I listen to music when I'm home alone. I miss my music. He doesn't like my music, because it interferes with the TV racket.
He needs a mancave. One that is not close to the house. Maybe a real cave with bears in it.
Just kidding.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Sunday Stealing
Sunday Stealing
Have you ever:
1. Broken a bone? Yes.
2. Broken a window? No.
3. Been on TV? Yes.
4. Had a friend who shared the same birthday as you? Yes.
5. Locked your keys in the car? Yes.
6. Accidentally sent a text or email to the wrong person? Not that I recall.
7. Sat in the back of a police car? Yes.
8. Fallen asleep at work? Yes.
9. Made a snow angel? Yes.
10. Ridden in an ambulance? Yes.
And other questions:
11. What is the worst household chore? Cleaning the toilet.
12. What is the worst color? Orange.
13. What is the worst pizza topping? Black olives.
14. What is the worst weather? Wind.
15. What is the worst self-care job (e.g. dressing, washing, shaving, teeth, toe nails)? Flossing.
16. What is the worst game? Horseshoes.
17. What is the worst school subject? I liked them all, even math, so I don't know.
18. What is the worst animal? A stubborn mule.
19. What is the worst season? Winter.
20. What is the worst TV show? Anything on Fox.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Have you ever:
1. Broken a bone? Yes.
2. Broken a window? No.
3. Been on TV? Yes.
4. Had a friend who shared the same birthday as you? Yes.
5. Locked your keys in the car? Yes.
6. Accidentally sent a text or email to the wrong person? Not that I recall.
7. Sat in the back of a police car? Yes.
8. Fallen asleep at work? Yes.
9. Made a snow angel? Yes.
10. Ridden in an ambulance? Yes.
And other questions:
11. What is the worst household chore? Cleaning the toilet.
12. What is the worst color? Orange.
13. What is the worst pizza topping? Black olives.
14. What is the worst weather? Wind.
15. What is the worst self-care job (e.g. dressing, washing, shaving, teeth, toe nails)? Flossing.
16. What is the worst game? Horseshoes.
17. What is the worst school subject? I liked them all, even math, so I don't know.
18. What is the worst animal? A stubborn mule.
19. What is the worst season? Winter.
20. What is the worst TV show? Anything on Fox.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Saturday 9: Secret Valentine
Saturday 9: Secret Valentine (2008)
In honor of Valentine's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics talk about a song that's so romantic it "turns out the lights." Are the lights on in the room you're in right now?
A. Yes, even though it is daylight outside. I need a lot of light to see by these days. I used to read practically in the dark and kept the lights off all the time - my husband thought I was part vampire. But as I have aged, I find I need more light.
2) In the video, our heroine's Valentine's Day adventure begins with a note slipped into her pocket. What's in your pocket right now?
A. Lint.
3) This week's band, We the Kings, are proud sons of the state of Florida. Bradenton, to be exact. They even called one of their CDs Sunshine State of Mind. Have you ever been to Florida? If so, where have you visited?
A. I went to Florida as a child to visit a great-grandparent, but I have no idea where in Florida that was. I was quite young and the only thing I remember about the trip is a long drive, a cat had a litter of kittens underneath a porch while we were there, and palm trees. In 1993, my husband and I went to Disney in Orlando for a few days to celebrate my graduation from college.
4) Lead singer Travis Clark has a pierced lip but doesn't always wear a lip ring. Do you have any piercings? If yes, are you wearing jewelry in your piercing(s) right now?
A. I have a hole in each ear but I don't have on any earrings at the moment.
5) The band's name comes from a cheer they did when they attended Martha B. King High School. Have you attended your high school reunion?
A. I attended our 30th high school reunion in 2011.
6) Hearts are the symbol of Valentine's Day, so here's a little heart trivia: whales have largest heart of any animal. When we say a person is "big hearted," it means we think of them as generous. Think about the people in your life. Who would you describe as big hearted?
A. My husband, some of my friends, my brother when he wants to be.
7) It's estimated that 9 million people buy Valentine's Day presents for their dogs and cats. Have you ever purchased a holiday gift for a pet?
A. No.
8) Valentines to teachers are also big sellers. Did you ever have a crush on one of your instructors?
A. When I was in school, all the girls swooned over Barry Kinzie, who taught 5th grade, I think. But I did not have him as a teacher. I was almost always the teachers' pet in class; I think I loved all of my teachers but not as a "crush." They were nice people who took an interest in me.
9) With the popularity of e-cards, fewer Valentine messages are sent via the USPS. What's the most recent thing you dropped into a mailbox?
A. I mailed off a batch of the county's 250th magazine to several folks who'd asked me for copies.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
In honor of Valentine's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics talk about a song that's so romantic it "turns out the lights." Are the lights on in the room you're in right now?
A. Yes, even though it is daylight outside. I need a lot of light to see by these days. I used to read practically in the dark and kept the lights off all the time - my husband thought I was part vampire. But as I have aged, I find I need more light.
2) In the video, our heroine's Valentine's Day adventure begins with a note slipped into her pocket. What's in your pocket right now?
A. Lint.
3) This week's band, We the Kings, are proud sons of the state of Florida. Bradenton, to be exact. They even called one of their CDs Sunshine State of Mind. Have you ever been to Florida? If so, where have you visited?
A. I went to Florida as a child to visit a great-grandparent, but I have no idea where in Florida that was. I was quite young and the only thing I remember about the trip is a long drive, a cat had a litter of kittens underneath a porch while we were there, and palm trees. In 1993, my husband and I went to Disney in Orlando for a few days to celebrate my graduation from college.
4) Lead singer Travis Clark has a pierced lip but doesn't always wear a lip ring. Do you have any piercings? If yes, are you wearing jewelry in your piercing(s) right now?
A. I have a hole in each ear but I don't have on any earrings at the moment.
5) The band's name comes from a cheer they did when they attended Martha B. King High School. Have you attended your high school reunion?
A. I attended our 30th high school reunion in 2011.
6) Hearts are the symbol of Valentine's Day, so here's a little heart trivia: whales have largest heart of any animal. When we say a person is "big hearted," it means we think of them as generous. Think about the people in your life. Who would you describe as big hearted?
A. My husband, some of my friends, my brother when he wants to be.
7) It's estimated that 9 million people buy Valentine's Day presents for their dogs and cats. Have you ever purchased a holiday gift for a pet?
A. No.
8) Valentines to teachers are also big sellers. Did you ever have a crush on one of your instructors?
A. When I was in school, all the girls swooned over Barry Kinzie, who taught 5th grade, I think. But I did not have him as a teacher. I was almost always the teachers' pet in class; I think I loved all of my teachers but not as a "crush." They were nice people who took an interest in me.
9) With the popularity of e-cards, fewer Valentine messages are sent via the USPS. What's the most recent thing you dropped into a mailbox?
A. I mailed off a batch of the county's 250th magazine to several folks who'd asked me for copies.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Thursday Thirteen
Things I like:
1. Dreams
2. Guitars
3. Music
4. Reading
5. Writing
6. Talking
7. Hugs
8. Computer games
9. Chocolate
10. Puzzles
11. Newspapers
12. Strong heroines in stories
13. Fantasy
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 643rd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
1. Dreams
2. Guitars
3. Music
4. Reading
5. Writing
6. Talking
7. Hugs
8. Computer games
9. Chocolate
10. Puzzles
11. Newspapers
12. Strong heroines in stories
13. Fantasy
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 643rd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Movie Nights
We recently watched the Downton Abby movie and Tolkien.
I liked them both, but I think I liked Downton Abby best.
The Downton movie was rather plotless - basically the entire plot revolved around a visit from the king and queen - but it was fun to revisit the characters. The coup by the staff to keep the royal staff from taking over Downton was cute and clever. But good theater? Not really. Just entertaining.
The Tolkien movie, from what I understand, was not sanctioned by the family of the famous writer. This movie delves into Tolkien's early years and uses metaphors from his writings to imply that the legends of Middle Earth were, at least in part, Tolkien's way of getting World War I and his early orphaned state out of his system. I have no problem with this; I do not believe a writer can be entirely separated from his or her work, no matter the subject. I have seen this argued both ways in many different forums.
Since I have read a biography or two or three about Tolkien, I knew what to expect. I think the theatric choices were reasonable.
For some reason, the Tolkien movie reminded me of the Dead Poet's Society. I think it was the young men's grouping that brought that about. I wonder if there are young men today who sit around and talk about the classics, look into literature, and discuss the values of Henry James or D. H. Lawrence. I rather doubt it; we're all too busy looking at our phones now to have much discussion.
At any rate, these movies were both set in England, which was about they only thing the two had in common.
We enjoyed them and they certainly were better than watching another round of Bitchin' Rides. (If I never see another car show I will be fine with that.)
I liked them both, but I think I liked Downton Abby best.
The Downton movie was rather plotless - basically the entire plot revolved around a visit from the king and queen - but it was fun to revisit the characters. The coup by the staff to keep the royal staff from taking over Downton was cute and clever. But good theater? Not really. Just entertaining.
The Tolkien movie, from what I understand, was not sanctioned by the family of the famous writer. This movie delves into Tolkien's early years and uses metaphors from his writings to imply that the legends of Middle Earth were, at least in part, Tolkien's way of getting World War I and his early orphaned state out of his system. I have no problem with this; I do not believe a writer can be entirely separated from his or her work, no matter the subject. I have seen this argued both ways in many different forums.
Since I have read a biography or two or three about Tolkien, I knew what to expect. I think the theatric choices were reasonable.
For some reason, the Tolkien movie reminded me of the Dead Poet's Society. I think it was the young men's grouping that brought that about. I wonder if there are young men today who sit around and talk about the classics, look into literature, and discuss the values of Henry James or D. H. Lawrence. I rather doubt it; we're all too busy looking at our phones now to have much discussion.
At any rate, these movies were both set in England, which was about they only thing the two had in common.
We enjoyed them and they certainly were better than watching another round of Bitchin' Rides. (If I never see another car show I will be fine with that.)
Sunday, February 09, 2020
Sunday Stealing
Sunday Stealing
1. Is it more important to love or be loved?
A. They are equally important. Loneliness is at an all-time high and is a known stressor, adding to early deaths of many, especially the elderly. They probably do love many people, but are not shown love in return (forgetful sons and daughters). But if they did not love, they would not generally be loved in return. They might be idolized or something, but that is not love.
2. If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing, would you do it?
A. Yes.
3. If a doctor gave you five years to live, what would you try to accomplish?
A. I have a friend who has this diagnosis; she has been magnificent to watch, making the best of her life. She has traveled, visited all 50 states, and worked hard to maintain her quality of life. She's very inspiring - and I suspect, probably a better person than I am in this instance. I would probably continue floundering along. I like to think it might make me actually write that novel, but I doubt it. It is hard question to answer until you're actually faced with it for real.
4. What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?
A. Innocence is not knowing that there are different things, thoughts, and feelings about something in particular. Ignorance is knowing that there are differences and ignoring them without consideration.
5. What is the simplest truth you can express in words?
A. I am.
6. What gives your life meaning?
A. My writing, making other people happy, and chocolate.
7. Can there be happiness without sadness? Pleasure without pain? Peace without war?
A. Yes to all three.
8. What’s the one thing you’d like others to remember about you at the end of your life?
A. "She did the best that she could."
9. Is there such a thing as perfect?
A. Only if you are #45.
10. What do you love most about yourself?
A. My ability to be observant.
11. Is it more important to do what you love or to love what you are doing?
A. If you love what you are doing it stands to reason you are doing something you love to do. Are they not equivalent?
12. What do you imagine yourself doing ten years from now?
A. In 10 years I will be 66 years old. Hopefully I will still be writing, be healthier (and thinner), and maybe I will have traveled a little more.
13. What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
A. My dentist saw me on a Saturday.
14. To what degree have you controlled the course your life has taken?
A. About 180 degrees.
15. If you looked into the heart of your enemy, what do you think you would find that is different from what is in your own heart?
A. Lies, deceit, and a lust for power.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
1. Is it more important to love or be loved?
A. They are equally important. Loneliness is at an all-time high and is a known stressor, adding to early deaths of many, especially the elderly. They probably do love many people, but are not shown love in return (forgetful sons and daughters). But if they did not love, they would not generally be loved in return. They might be idolized or something, but that is not love.
2. If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing, would you do it?
A. Yes.
3. If a doctor gave you five years to live, what would you try to accomplish?
A. I have a friend who has this diagnosis; she has been magnificent to watch, making the best of her life. She has traveled, visited all 50 states, and worked hard to maintain her quality of life. She's very inspiring - and I suspect, probably a better person than I am in this instance. I would probably continue floundering along. I like to think it might make me actually write that novel, but I doubt it. It is hard question to answer until you're actually faced with it for real.
4. What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?
A. Innocence is not knowing that there are different things, thoughts, and feelings about something in particular. Ignorance is knowing that there are differences and ignoring them without consideration.
5. What is the simplest truth you can express in words?
A. I am.
6. What gives your life meaning?
A. My writing, making other people happy, and chocolate.
7. Can there be happiness without sadness? Pleasure without pain? Peace without war?
A. Yes to all three.
8. What’s the one thing you’d like others to remember about you at the end of your life?
A. "She did the best that she could."
9. Is there such a thing as perfect?
A. Only if you are #45.
10. What do you love most about yourself?
A. My ability to be observant.
11. Is it more important to do what you love or to love what you are doing?
A. If you love what you are doing it stands to reason you are doing something you love to do. Are they not equivalent?
12. What do you imagine yourself doing ten years from now?
A. In 10 years I will be 66 years old. Hopefully I will still be writing, be healthier (and thinner), and maybe I will have traveled a little more.
13. What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
A. My dentist saw me on a Saturday.
14. To what degree have you controlled the course your life has taken?
A. About 180 degrees.
15. If you looked into the heart of your enemy, what do you think you would find that is different from what is in your own heart?
A. Lies, deceit, and a lust for power.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, February 08, 2020
Saturday 9: Two Divided
Saturday 9: Two Divided by Love (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? You can hear it here.
1) Sam's teacher told her she'd use math every day. What's the last math problem you solved? (Did you add to/subtract from the balance of your checkbook ... use division to figure out how much you'd save with 25% off that sweater …)
A. I think it was to calculate a tip on at a restaurant bill. I do it this way for 15%. The bill is $25.75. Ten percent of that is $2.57. Half of that is 1.25 or so. Add those together to get $3.75, which I round up to $4. Yes, I know, those are not exact numbers but they are close. If I wanted to leave 20%, then I'd double the $2.57 to $5.
2) The lyrics tell us that if you take away the rain from a flower, the flower just won't grow. Do you have any indoor houseplants? Could they use a drink of water this morning?
A. I have one cactus out in the garage. Someone gave it to me last year and it is still alive even though I planted it in what was mostly mulch and not dirt. Occasionally I give it a bit of water. It's a cactus. It doesn't need much.
3) This week's artists, The Grass Roots, are introduced in this video by country music superstar Kenny Rogers. Who is your favorite country music singer?
A. I don't listen to country music now. I stopped when I discovered I could turn the channel on the radio to a pop music station. I liked Dolly Parton back in the day, though. I also like Ann Murray. I still listen to some of her music on a CD.
4) The two unmarried members of the group -- guitarist Warren Entner and drummer Ricky Coonce -- competed for a lady's affection on a 1968 episode of The Dating Game. Neither of them won! She chose Bachelor #1. Anyway, have you ever appeared on a game show? Do you know anyone who has?
A. I have never appeared on game show. I know some people who appeared on the local version of Classroom Quiz, but by the time I hit high school, that show was over.
5) The Grass Roots were originally called The 13th Floor. They chose this cheeky name because many high rises do not have a 13th floor since 13 is considered an unlucky number, and they were thumbing their noses at superstition. Are you superstitious?
A. I think the weather affects you with headaches and I do think the full moon makes people a little more weird sometimes, but I think there are scientific explanations for that, some of which we simply haven't figured out yet. However, I do not venture out of the house unless I have to on Friday the 13th. I have had three car wrecks and every one of them occurred on a Friday the 13th.
6) At the time of his death in 2011, group leader Rob Grill was still playing music, touring with a reconfigured Grass Roots. His widow Nancy referred to him as "one lucky son of a gun" because he'd been able to support himself as a musician, doing what he loved for 45 years. In what ways do you consider yourself fortunate?
A. I married a nice man and I was able to have a career as a freelance writer. Most writers cannot support themselves with their writing and I was able to for a good while. I don't now because of health issues, but at one time I did okay. I never got rich or anything but I was able to pay my share of the bills.
7) In 1971, the year this song was released, Walt Disney World opened in Florida. The Epcot Center was added in 1982. Have you ever visited this, or any, Disney theme park?
A. We went to Disney in Florida in 1993 to celebrate my graduation from Hollins College (now Hollins University). We went in June and it was incredibly hot and humid (I think it was like 107 or something). We could only stay until about lunchtime and then we had to return to the hotel and get out of the heat. I turned 30 while we were there. (It took me 8 years to get my degree because of health issues.)
8) Fresh chicken was just 43¢/lb. in 1971. Do you prefer the breast or drumstick?
A. I prefer the thigh, actually.
9) Random question: Do you work well under pressure?
A. I wrote for newspapers and magazines for 20 years, so I must. Nothing like a weekly deadline to keep you writing.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Unfamiliar with this week's song? You can hear it here.
1) Sam's teacher told her she'd use math every day. What's the last math problem you solved? (Did you add to/subtract from the balance of your checkbook ... use division to figure out how much you'd save with 25% off that sweater …)
A. I think it was to calculate a tip on at a restaurant bill. I do it this way for 15%. The bill is $25.75. Ten percent of that is $2.57. Half of that is 1.25 or so. Add those together to get $3.75, which I round up to $4. Yes, I know, those are not exact numbers but they are close. If I wanted to leave 20%, then I'd double the $2.57 to $5.
2) The lyrics tell us that if you take away the rain from a flower, the flower just won't grow. Do you have any indoor houseplants? Could they use a drink of water this morning?
A. I have one cactus out in the garage. Someone gave it to me last year and it is still alive even though I planted it in what was mostly mulch and not dirt. Occasionally I give it a bit of water. It's a cactus. It doesn't need much.
3) This week's artists, The Grass Roots, are introduced in this video by country music superstar Kenny Rogers. Who is your favorite country music singer?
A. I don't listen to country music now. I stopped when I discovered I could turn the channel on the radio to a pop music station. I liked Dolly Parton back in the day, though. I also like Ann Murray. I still listen to some of her music on a CD.
4) The two unmarried members of the group -- guitarist Warren Entner and drummer Ricky Coonce -- competed for a lady's affection on a 1968 episode of The Dating Game. Neither of them won! She chose Bachelor #1. Anyway, have you ever appeared on a game show? Do you know anyone who has?
A. I have never appeared on game show. I know some people who appeared on the local version of Classroom Quiz, but by the time I hit high school, that show was over.
5) The Grass Roots were originally called The 13th Floor. They chose this cheeky name because many high rises do not have a 13th floor since 13 is considered an unlucky number, and they were thumbing their noses at superstition. Are you superstitious?
A. I think the weather affects you with headaches and I do think the full moon makes people a little more weird sometimes, but I think there are scientific explanations for that, some of which we simply haven't figured out yet. However, I do not venture out of the house unless I have to on Friday the 13th. I have had three car wrecks and every one of them occurred on a Friday the 13th.
6) At the time of his death in 2011, group leader Rob Grill was still playing music, touring with a reconfigured Grass Roots. His widow Nancy referred to him as "one lucky son of a gun" because he'd been able to support himself as a musician, doing what he loved for 45 years. In what ways do you consider yourself fortunate?
A. I married a nice man and I was able to have a career as a freelance writer. Most writers cannot support themselves with their writing and I was able to for a good while. I don't now because of health issues, but at one time I did okay. I never got rich or anything but I was able to pay my share of the bills.
7) In 1971, the year this song was released, Walt Disney World opened in Florida. The Epcot Center was added in 1982. Have you ever visited this, or any, Disney theme park?
A. We went to Disney in Florida in 1993 to celebrate my graduation from Hollins College (now Hollins University). We went in June and it was incredibly hot and humid (I think it was like 107 or something). We could only stay until about lunchtime and then we had to return to the hotel and get out of the heat. I turned 30 while we were there. (It took me 8 years to get my degree because of health issues.)
8) Fresh chicken was just 43¢/lb. in 1971. Do you prefer the breast or drumstick?
A. I prefer the thigh, actually.
9) Random question: Do you work well under pressure?
A. I wrote for newspapers and magazines for 20 years, so I must. Nothing like a weekly deadline to keep you writing.
______________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Thursday, February 06, 2020
Thursday Thirteen
Right now, we are supposedly in the "Information Age" (1970 - present).
Other ages that you may have heard of include the Age of Enlightenment, the Bronze Age, the Industrial Age, the Victorian Era, etc.
I wonder what people in the future might call this time period. (That's provided humanity manages to last another 1,000 years, something I doubt.) Here are some guesses.
1. The Technological Age
2. The Age of Dictatorships
3. The Age of Ignorance
4. The Age of Me-ism
5. The Dark Times
6. The Doomsday Age
7. The Digital Age
8. The Discombobulated Age
9. The Era of Arrogance
10. The Age of Multimedia
11. The Age of Endless Wars
12. The Bubbleheaded Period
13. The Graceless Age
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 642nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
Other ages that you may have heard of include the Age of Enlightenment, the Bronze Age, the Industrial Age, the Victorian Era, etc.
I wonder what people in the future might call this time period. (That's provided humanity manages to last another 1,000 years, something I doubt.) Here are some guesses.
1. The Technological Age
2. The Age of Dictatorships
3. The Age of Ignorance
4. The Age of Me-ism
5. The Dark Times
6. The Doomsday Age
7. The Digital Age
8. The Discombobulated Age
9. The Era of Arrogance
10. The Age of Multimedia
11. The Age of Endless Wars
12. The Bubbleheaded Period
13. The Graceless Age
_______________
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 642nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
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