Thankful Thursday

Hello, friends! As we begin a new month and leave January and all it's illness and other bad things behind, I am feeling thankful for quite a few things. Here's a partial list.

** For the most part, I'm feeling well again. The cough is still lingering, but I read an article that said it seems to be the norm for a majority of people this winter. In fact, it suggested the cough could linger 3 months or more. I could live without that, but I'm not complaining. It just feels so good to be up and about again.

** My visit to a store that caters exclusively to the running crowd. I don't run. If you see me running, you'd better run, too, because there is something really awful coming behind me!

The nurse at my new doctor's office tipped me off about the store and said they watched her walk, talked with her about physical problems, and then recommended several shoes they thought might work for her. She chose one of their suggestions and loved them because she had no more pain.

The wonderful staff did the same for me yesterday and I ended up purchasing a new pair of Brooks because I learned they had the best arch support of any sneaker out there and they also have a wider sole and other support built in. I wore them today and I believe they are doing what they are supposed to do, which is support my feet by lifting the arch. I think they are doing that because the muscles along the inside of my knee were aching by the end of the day. My legs are being forced into alignment. I'll let you know how it goes as time goes on.

** Tim is also beginning to feel better so whatever bug he had must be running its course. It should help that he called his doctor's office today about a prescription refill and questioned why other refills that were to have been called in a couple of weeks ago never were. They all came in (2 for blood pressure and 1 for his acid reflux) so those should help.

** My mom and stepdad have, so far, managed to avoid any of the illness going around.

** His work is kind of slow right now so Tim is actually thinking about taking Monday and maybe even Friday off. Can you believe it? Our weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 50's all weekend so he said it would be a good time to get a lot of outside stuff done.

** The junkman our daughter sent to our house today didn't cost us anything. We had him haul a lot of metal stuff and the old dishwasher away. He scraps it and gets money that way. So nice to be rid of it all.

** We found a new area rug at Lowe's to go with the new furniture. It's more "rustic lodge" than I wanted but it's pretty and the colors go with the room. I'll add photos once it's down. We aren't doing that until Tim gets the TV stand/fireplace assembled and I get a chance to clean the floor.

** An early supper out with Tim after we got the rug. He had a bourbon bacon chicken breast, mashed potatoes and corn. I had a cheeseburger and onion rings. I haven't had either in ages and it sure hit the spot.

** A friend has agreed to go see Casting Crowns with me in March. I've wanted to see them for a long, long time but they are always in Pittsburgh and always on a weeknight. This time they are playing in a theater in the same town where I work...and on a Saturday night. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. I'm so excited!

That's where I'm going to end it tonight so I can head to bed in just a little while. Now that the cough has subsided enough for me to sleep at night I'm trying to break my habit of staying up late. I hope your week has been filled with good things. Tell me a few of them!

Currently

I returned to work today after being off nearly the entire month of January. It was not how I imagined kicking off 2024, but you play the cards you're dealt and this year dropped covid in my lap on New Year's Day and quickly followed it with an unidentified virus that really knocked me for a loop.

😊Work was not bad. My coworkers kind of kept their distance while welcoming me back. I can't blame them. My voice is still terribly hoarse and cuts out all the time. I'm still coughing...at times, a lot. At any rate, it was good to be back and nobody expected me to do anything too strenuous. The consumers were really glad to see me again and gave me lots of hugs. I was okay enough that I went after work and got a long, long overdue manicure.

☔As for the weather here, temperatures have dropped back into the 30's and 40's. We had a bit of snow this morning. It was better than the weekend's ceaseless rain that left our backyard looking like it was ready for Swamp People and alligators to move in! It looks like we're going to stay dry until Friday night now, so hopefully things will dry out.

📖I finished reading Murder at the Bookstore over the weekend. I liked it so much I ordered the 2nd book in the series. Jen Dawson isn't as hilarious as Stephanie Plum, but she's pretty amusing and there's an interesting cast of characters surrounding her. I gave the book 4 stars on Goodreads.

🏫Megan brought Colton over last night. He had a big packet of make-up work that needed to be done due to his missing school last week with the flu. He was throwing a fit and refusing to work at home. I didn't think it was going to go well here at first, but thank goodness teaching the reluctant is what I do every day at my job. I did some of the same things I do there and he responded. We got done in record time and he says he wants to always do his homework with me. That will be great....until we get to the harder math.

🚙We dropped Tim's truck off at my cousin's garage tonight. He's going to inspect it tomorrow. This way Tim doesn't have to leave work early since Megan is letting him drive her vehicle.

📪Received another letter from my father today. All is well in Texas. Well, the part he is in anyway. Just lots of news about the weather, the birds, medical appointments, family history, and some family drama my half-siblings are facing with their mother. He's unaware that I've been sick. I've been laying low all month. I guess now that I'm on the mend I should get in touch and catch him up.

🏉We're celebrating the Super Bowl a bit early at work with a party this Thursday. I guess the timing is so there's a bit of a break before we have to do the Valentine's Day party, which is probably the BIGGEST party of the year. Last year they were only two days apart and it was a lot.

That's all that's going on. I hope you're having a good week so far!

Sunday Stealing

Stolen from League of Extraordinary Penpals

1. What are your plans for February?  I don't really have any yet. After spending most of January sick, I'd say my main plans involve staying healthy. Oh, I am planning to get online on February 1 to get tickets for a friend and I to see Casting Crowns at a local venue.

2. Did you ever have or go to sleepovers as a kid?  As many as my parents would allow me to have or attend. Tim and I still host sleepovers for the grands quite a bit.

3. Which books would you pick for a book binge?  Cozy mysteries. They are fun and easy to read.

4. What features do you love most about your home?  I used to love our deck but then we cut down the big Catalpa tree that overshadowed it and kept it cool. It's too hot to enjoy it most of the time now. I love my office/library/craft room. Having two bathrooms is nice. This is the first and only home I've lived in that has two. I love having the swimming pool in the backyard, too.

5. How often do you try something new?  Almost daily when I'm at work. My job involves being creative and entertaining.

6. What type of sushi is your favorite?  I've never had any sushi I've liked. It's just not my thing.

7. Do you prefer to relax or go on adventures during vacation?  It doesn't matter. I can be content lazing on the beach with a good book every day or I can be just as content running around and doing things every day.

8. Which colors look best on you?  Really bright cobalt blue always gets lots of compliments when I wear it. Left to my own choices I will choose black and the colors of autumn.

9. Do you like brunch?  Sure.

10. Do you get stage fright?  Oh my, yes!

11. Which podcasts do you like at the moment?  I don't really listen to any.

12. One thing that immediately makes your day better.  Spending time with my grandkids. 

13. Which family members are you closest to?  My husband, my daughter, and our two youngest grands.

14. Something you practice often.  Patience (it gets me through the day at work) and forgiveness (gets me through life in general).

15. Are you a light sleeper or a deep sleeper?  I don't sleep that many hours anymore, but for those I do sleep I'm a deep sleeper.

Saturday 9: Joanna

Thanks goes out to Crazy Sam for the music and questions. Enjoy the meme? Play along here.

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

1) The subject of this week's song, Joanna, is described as someone who never lets you down and can always be counted upon. Who in your life is like that? To some degree I'd have to say everyone in my inner circle is like that. I mean, who wants friends who aren't there for you. We all let someone down now and then, but if you are consistently that kind of friend, you probably aren't going to last long in my life unless there is a very good reason for it.

2) Kool and the Gang vocalist James "J. T." Taylor sings that he will do his best to do what's right for her. Reflect on the last week. What did you devote special effort to?  Resting, getting well, and seeing a doctor in person. It's finally working, too. The virus that has owned me for the last two weeks is beginning to let up and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not sure I'll actually be ready for it, but I told my boss that I will return to work on Monday.

3) This video was filmed at the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, NJ. Still open 40 years later, the Colonial is known for their Boom Boom Shrimp, aka fried shrimp in sweet chili sauce. Think of your favorite local restaurant. What menu item would recommend?  The zucchini fries. They are coated, deep-fried, zucchini straws. Dipped in ranch dressing they are my Kryptonite. For an actual meal I'd recommend either the burgers, the hot turkey sandwich (with fries and everything smothered in gravy), or the lasagna. All are excellent.  

4) Kool and the Gang's biggest hit was 1980's "Celebration," which is popular today with disc jockeys at wedding receptions. Are you likely to get up and dance at a wedding reception? Or would we find you enjoying the party from your seat?  If I have someone to dance with I'll be on the dance floor.

5) Kool and the Gang are proud of their NJ roots. Group founder Robert Bell was given the nickname "Kool" by his Jersey City friends because he was so "laid back." Do you think your friends would describe you as "laid back?"  Yes. Most everyone comments on my calmness and go with the flow-ness.

6) One of the Jersey City's biggest employers is Evergreen, a transportation and shipping company with offices in Evertrust Plaza, a high-rise near the waterfront. What is the tallest building you've ever been in? Were you there for business, or to enjoy the view?  I've been in a few high-rises in Pittsburgh, but never more than a few floors up. I've been to the top of the Skylon Tower at Niagara Falls, Ontario and the top of the Washington Monument, but do those count as buildings?

7) In 1983, when "Joanna" topped the charts, Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Today, Miss America is still among the most popular televised pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. Do you watch beauty pageants?  Growing up it was a big deal in my family. We'd all watch and pick our "winner" then track the votes and see who won bragging rights. I probably haven't watched any of the pageants since the early 90's. Tim's not into that and it's no fun on my own.

8) Also in 1983, superstars Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson joined forces for the #1 song, "Say, Say, Say." Each man began his career as part of a group but went on to have success on his own. Can you think of anyone else who started out in band or group but also scored as a solo artist?  Lionel Ritchie, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Darius Rucker, and Vince Gill to name a few.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten bread sticks or carrot sticks?  Bread sticks. I love bread sticks, especially if they're garlic ones.

I really am beginning to feel better after nearly two weeks of being home with a nasty virus. It wasn't covid, flu, or rsv. I can't tell you what it was. There are two schools of thought about it. One is that since I got it right on the heels of having covid, it hit me harder. The second is that it is another big nasty that's floating around. I don't pretend to know the answer, but I've heard several other people from all over the blogosphere/Facebook worlds describe having the same symptoms and duration. All I can say is stay healthy out there. This one is no fun.

On a happier note, the new furniture got delivered today. I promised a picture, but please ignore any mess you see....a month of me being down sick hasn't done anything good for the house.

Thankful Thursday

Time to take a look at life's positives and give thanks for some of the blessings in my life this week.

I am thankful...

** I was able to be seen in person by a PA this morning. She was very nice, but she didn't really give me any answers as to what's been going on with me. It still comes down to "a virus." They can tell me what it isn't, but not what it is. 

The congestion does seem to be the slightest bit better today so it may mean I'm turning a corner. Even so, the PA said I'd been dealing with this long enough that it wouldn't hurt for me to take a Z-pack of antibiotics.

** My work has been so understanding through my illness. I don't have any vacation time left, but it is what it is. I let my boss know I plan to come back on Monday.

** Tim has been great through all of this, stopping at the store to get things I need, picking up take-out food for dinners...

** So many people have been praying for me. It means a lot and I do believe God answers those prayers...maybe not in the timing I'd like, but He does answer.

** Colton was good for me both Tuesday and Wednesday when he had to come stay here while his mom went to appointments. He is okay now, but was down with the flu so he stayed on his side of the living room and I stayed on mine. We watched TV and he played on his tablet.

** With so much time at home and off my feet, my leg doesn't hurt. I'm sure it will flare back up once I go back to work, but the respite is nice.

** I've watched a lot of good movies and documentaries that I probably wouldn't have had I not been stuck at home.

** I've enjoyed a few good books.

** My mom and Megan have been great, checking on me and running to pick-up prescriptions and such.

** The frigid weather gave way to a run of 50 degree (or more!) days. Nice for this time of year. The cold and snow will be back by the end of the weekend, I guess.

** Pinterest is such a great tool. I love having thousands of recipes at my fingertips. I have porkchops in the slow cooker today with a sauce made of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and ranch seasoning. I've made it before and it is so yummy.

I could go on, but will end for now. I hope you've enjoyed a beautiful day filled with blessings of your own. 

Another Update

Well, I was still at home today. Still coughing uncontrollably. I called my PCP's office to check in today just like he told me to do. Only to find out he wasn't even in the office today and no one seemed to have any idea what was going on with me. 

Not my finest moment, but I kind of threw a fit and asked just how they expected to know what's wrong with me or get me better if no one ever sees me in person?

Guess what? I have an in-person appointment tomorrow morning. It's with one of the PA's rather than my doctor, but at least a live person is going to look at me. I have been sick all of January at this point and have used up all but 2 of my vacation days for the year (my work's policy is that if you call off, even with a dr's excuse, you have to use your PTO time if you have it). Enough is enough.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Currently...

Cough, cough, cough. That about sums it up as to what I'm currently doing and what I've been doing all weekend. Much to my dismay, I called off work again today and plan to call my new doctor's office to see if they can fit me in. I don't want to see the crew at MedExpress again if I don't have to, but enough is enough. I'm miserable and in all honestly, pretty gross.

Anyway.

Reading... Well, going to start reading Murder at the Bookstore (Book 1 in the Bookstore Mystery Series) by Sue Minix and Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-aging Culture by Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt. The first is for fun. The second is for the women's reading group at church. In case I'm well enough to participate.

Watching... Yesterday I spent most of the day watching a Laverne & Shirley marathon on Cozy Comedy via the Frndly streaming service. Unlike so many shows I remember as being hysterical then watch again only to find they didn't hold up over time, the girls did not disappoint. Sad, though, that I think the guy who played Lenny is the only member of the core cast still alive.

Listening... to nothing (except my own coughing). It's really quiet this morning. And the sun is actually coming up! We haven't seen that in a while.

Thinking... I hope our grandson is feeling better today. His mom took him to get checked out yesterday because he had been complaining of headaches and stomach aches and then started spiking a fever. Turns out he is constipated (explains the stomach ache) and has to take Miralax 3 times a day until the problem is solved. However, he also tested positive for Influenza A.

Grateful... we finally got the Christmas decorations down yesterday. It took us all day, but we did it. Slow and steady won the race. They'd been up so long it seems so strange to have them gone.

Looking forward... to the arrival of our new sofa and chair-and-a-half later this week. I was going stir crazy on Saturday so we stepped out for a little bit of fresh air and a change of scenery. It was only supposed to be a trip to Walmart for a few things we needed, but I wasn't coughing quite as bad. So, armed with a pocket full of cough drops and tissues we decided to look at sofas. I love the sectional I bought 2 years ago at an auction for $50, but it just hasn't held up to constant use by the family or Tim's tendency to sleep part of the night on it. We caught the New Year's sales so got a good deal on the two pieces. 

Oh, and temperatures around 50 degrees this week. Even if rain is coming with them. I've had enough of the deep freeze!

Feeling... I guess, hopeful, other than the yuckiness already mentioned.

Wondering... if I'll have enough energy to make a big pot of chicken noodle soup today. It sounds so good and would probably help my congestion at least a little.

 Giggles...

Saturday 9: Young Girl

Saturday 9: Young Girl (1968)

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

1) The song is about a girl who is too young for romance. How old were you when your parents allowed you to date?  I don't really remember it being discussed, but I didn't go out on an actual date until I was a senior in high school. I was 17.

2) Lead singer Gary Puckett mentions the girl's perfume. What scent do you wear most often?  I don't wear actual perfume because it kills my sinuses. I wear body sprays, usually from Bath & Body, usually food scented. Right now I'm using "warm vanilla sugar" but I also have "winter candy apple" and a couple of tropical scents that feature coconut and/or pineapple.

3) "Young Girl" reached #2 on the charts and stayed there for three weeks, but it never hit #1. It was stuck behind Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay." Are you competitive by nature? Or would you be satisfied doing well, but not being #1?  I can be competitive, but I'm not nearly as much so as when I was younger. In most things I can be satisfied with a job well done these days.

4) The Union Gap got together in San Diego, California's second most populated city. Have you ever visited California? If yes, where did you go?  No, I've never been to California. I've always had this fear in the back of my mind that the moment I step foot in the state will be when the "big one" hits and California (along with me) will fall off into the ocean just like they told us would happen back in school.

5) The Union Gap performed at a White House state dinner for special guests Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Some in attendance that night maintain that President Nixon seemed to be playing matchmaker that night between the Prince and his daughter, Tricia. Have you ever tried to fix people up? If yes, did romance result?  I introduced my sister-in-law and her husband. They've been married for almost 30 years so I guess romance resulted.

6) After six Top 20 hits in three years, the Union Gap disbanded. Today Gary Puckett tours as a solo artist on the "oldies circuit" with Peter Noone of the Herman's Hermits. Without looking it up, can you name any of the Herman's Hermits hits?  "I'm Henry the VII, I Am," and "Can't You Hear My Heart Beat?"

7) In 1968, when "Young Girl" was a hit, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or groom?  I don't think we've been to a wedding since our daughter got married, so that would definitely be the bride.

8) Also in 1968, the most popular movie in theaters was Funny Girl, starring Barbra Streisand. What's the last movie you watched?  I watched so many movies when I was off work with covid that I have no idea what the last one was. Tim had a few movies on last weekend, but I didn't watch them.

9) Random question -- Come clean: Right now are there more dishes in your sink or clothes in your hamper?  With me being sick so much lately, it's kind of been a tie most of the time. However, I did load the dishwasher and run it today so the hamper "wins" this time.

Thanks as always, Sam, for the music and questions! If you enjoyed this, you can play along here.

Feeling Thankful on a Snowy Friday

I'm running behind this week, but I wanted to post a few things I'm feeling thankful about and for something different, share a few of the things I've found on Amazon lately in a nod to Friday Finds.

I'm feeling thankful to be home on this snowy Friday. (I could have lived without the sick part, however.) We've gotten about 5 inches of the white stuff at this point...not a big snow by any means, but enough to be a pain and the wind has picked up so there is blowing. The kiddos, at least, have had a great day sledding with friends. It's the first time they've been able to do that in a couple of years since we had no snow to speak of last year.

Also on the thankful list today is that I am beginning to feel better. The cough is really all that is still going on, but when it gets going I just can't stop. It wears me out physically. I know I'm not better as when I had to go out to shovel a spot in the snow for Daisy to do her business it had me drenched in sweat. It wasn't hard shoveling, just that cold, yucky sweating you do when you still have a bug. Still, I am ever so thankful to be feeling a lot better.

Tim has not been feeling well lately, either. I strongly suspect that since I had covid he did, too, but we'll never know for sure since he refuses to get tested. He should be negative by now, anyway. He never gives himself the opportunity to rest by just staying home and being sick. He has worked all along, but... he has only been working 8 hour days this week and he beat me home the days I worked. He falls asleep once he is home and sleeps several hours before getting up for dinner and a little TV. I'm thankful (and surprised) he is allowing himself even that much time to rest.

Of course I am thankful for the usual things: my relationship with Jesus Christ and my church family; my family and friends; my home; my pets; and all of you who stop by to visit.

As for Friday Favorites, I guess I'm thankful to have discovered these things on Amazon.

This awesome electric fireplace/TV stand.

 

This HUGE 30x20 inch cutting/noodle/charcuterie board.
Megan borrowed my old bread board years ago and never gave
it back. I've been looking forever for one that is big enough
and wouldn't break the bank!

This decent sized foldable litter pan. It has an opening on the top
that Oliver much prefers to use. He could still use the door on
the front, but doesn't. At least it keeps curious Poodles out. I
also love how easy it is to clean with the drawer that pulls out.

These awesome highlighters that are perfect for 
Bible study. The colors are nice and bright but they 
don't bleed through thin pages.

These are my normal vitamins, but I had
never seen them in a mini size before. I have to
take 2, but it's better than the usual horse pill size.

And the very book I needed for the ladies'
reading group at church.

So what are you thankful for this week? Have you found any cool things that make life a little easier? 

A Quick Update

I didn't feel very good this morning but I went to work because I didn't want to use up any more of my PTO time. Wishful thinking. I felt awful all day so when I got off work I went to MedExpress.

The good news is that I'm negative for covid, flu, rsv, and all the other nasty bugs floating around. The bad news is that I'm apparently experiencing rebound symptoms from taking the paxlovid. It seems some "lucky" souls experience this about a week after the fact...and there's nothing they can do about it. You just have to ride it out and use over the counter drugs to treat individual symptoms.

Yay, me. I get to experience all the symptoms of covid again (and I feel worse than I did when I actually had it) without having it. 

And I get to use more PTO time, anyway.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. It is currently 8 degrees. At 8:00pm we are already at the predicted low. 

2. We will be waking up to a windchill advisory that will last all day.

3. Schools are already calling 2-hour delays for tomorrow after being closed today.

4. I am freezing. I am in my jammies, fuzzy socks, thick fleecy robe, and have a blanket on top of me.

5. I am afraid I am getting sick again. There's the chills, but also coughing, aching, and tiredness.

6. Peppermint tea is my best friend right now.

7. I am going to be in bed by 9:00 tonight.

8. My work does not close or cancel. Ever. Even when all the agencies close and the roads are horrible (like this morning) we still open for the few stragglers who show up.

9. Temps next week are supposed to get close to 50.

10. I am over winter.

 

Currently...

The weather... is a "lovely" 21 degrees with snow. Thankfully, the wind has finally died down. Not so thankfully, we may see up to 3 inches of snow by 9:00 tomorrow morning.

Reading... Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson. It is book 6 in the Longmire series. I loved the show and the books are good. Different from the show (big surprise, right?), but good.

Watching... a re-run of The Big Bang Theory. I recently finished watching the Pittsburgh Steelers blow their shot to move on in the play-offs.

Feeling... much better, but my cough has picked up today. It's not to the point where I can't stop coughing, but it's happening often enough to be annoying.

Thinking... that I really need to get the Christmas stuff packed up and put away this week.

Celebrating... um, I guess MLK Day. Monday's are my day to do the lesson planning at work and I went with all things MLK today. The consumers seemed to enjoy it and I think we all learned at least a couple of new things.

Loving... that the days are growing noticeably longer.

Looking forward... to the arrival of the electric fireplace we ordered.

Grateful... that with all the cold weather and wind we've been having we haven't gotten very much snow.

Giggles...

Sunday Stealing

"Stolen" from Pinterest today.

1. Your favorite part of the day. When I had jobs that allowed me to work my own hours or have summers off, I would have said mornings were the best part of the day. I loved them because they were quiet and it was just me. I would spend time doing my Bible study or getting lost in a good book. Now that I must get up and leave the house all year round, I think I enjoy the evenings the best. Tim and I are both home and spend the time relaxing, catching up, playing on our screens (tablet for him and laptop for me) or watching television.

2. Something you know a lot about.  I suppose I know a good bit about the different areas in which I have been employed: driving a school bus; dealing with those who have dementia; and these days dealing with those who have intellectual disabilities. I have to say that there is actually a good bit of overlap among the three.

3. An important person in your life.  There are several important people in my life, but today I will highlight my beautiful, precious, granddaughter. Though I am 55 years older than her, she is my soul sister. We are very much alike and she delights my heart!

4. Your favorite recipe.  I don't know that I have a favorite, but my family has always liked my meatloaf, which can be found in a copy of the older Betty Crocker cookbook. The newer ones do not have it. These days I know it pretty much by heart, but I rarely measure and just toss in this and that.

5. An event that turned out differently than planned.  I'd have to say New Year's Day since I woke up sick with Covid this year.

6. How you procrastinate. Why, I procrastinate very well, thank you! Seriously, I will procrastinate on just about everything.

7. The best type of surprise.  Ones involving family or friends and that catch me completely unaware.

8. Music that helps you relax.  I find any music that I like and can sing along to relaxing. 

9. A thing your life has in excess. Loved ones with health challenges...physical pain...stuff/clutter.

10. A book you want to read.  I'd like to read Matthew Perry's autobiography this year.

11. A person you’re always happy to see.  Any of my family.

12. What time do you go to sleep?  Usually between 10-11pm. If I go earlier I'll be awake in the night. I used to be a great sleeper, but age has stolen that from me.

13. A word to describe the past year.  Fast. Seriously, it went by in a blur!

14. Your favorite household chore.  A domestic goddess I am not, but if I must pick a chore....washing the dishes.

15. One thing you’d like to see.  Just one? There's so much of this world I haven't seen and would love to see. I guess maybe I'd put Greece at the top of the list. Photos from there are always so breathtakingly beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by. You can play along here if you'd like.

Saturday 9: Hotel California

Saturday 9: Hotel California (1977)

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

 
1) In this song, Don Henley called the hotel's front desk and asked, "Please bring me my wine." He was told they haven't had wine since 1969. When did you last have a glass of wine?  New Year's Eve was the last time I had wine. It was a very good local red called Red Dog Road. There is still some left, but at this point it's probably not going to be very good. Stupid covid.

2) The lyrics refer to wine as a "spirit." That is incorrect. Wines are fermented, not distilled, and have a lower alcohol content than spirits. When "Hotel California" was popular, listeners who were into wine called radio stations to let them know about the mistake. Are you a wine aficionado? Are any of your friends or family knowledgeable about wine?  I enjoy wine and while I keep learning, I wouldn't say I'm knowledgeable. Several members of our families enjoy wine and we usually go at least once a year to the PA/NY border and drive the Wine Trail (which also includes several distilleries at this point) stopping at wineries to taste and stock up.

3) In the song, Henley sings about looking for the door that will take him "back to the place I was before." Don says that refers to a loss of innocence and a longing for a simpler time. When you think about "the good old days," where does your mind wander to?  Life before social media. While I like a lot about social media, I'll also be the first to admit it has changed us in some very fundamental ways. Life was, I think simpler and more innocent before we knew everyone's thoughts and all the details of their lives all the time.

 

4) With five #1 singles, six #1 albums, and six Grammy awards, it's generally agreed that the Eagles were one of the most popular groups of the 1970s. Which decade produced most of your favorite songs?  It's an equal mix of 70's and 80's music for me. My teen years and early 20's spanned both decades so I love both. The Eagles, by the way, were my favorites in the late 70's and very early 80's.

 

5) The Eagles were formed in 1971 when four of them happened to find themselves hired to play back up for Linda Ronstadt. The men found they really hit off and wanted to keep working together when the gig with Linda was up. Tell us about how you met someone important in your life.  I met my husband at work. I was in college and my dad decided I should start spending my breaks from school working at the foam rubber plant where he was a supervisor. I met Tim the first day, but nothing really happened right away, though I thought he was very handsome with his black hair and blue eyes. It wasn't till I came to work the next summer that we went out on a date and the rest was history.

 

6) The Eagles are still on the road, filling big arenas for their Long Goodbye tour. One explanation for their enduring popularity is that their music spans genres. They scored hits on the rock, pop and country charts. Other popular categories of music include classical, gospel, jazz, Latin, reggae, New Age, and rap. Which do you listen to most often? Which did you listen to most recently?  I usually listen to 70's and 80's pop and rock. They played a lot of country at work today (Friday) as well as allllll the Steeler fight songs during our pizza party/pep rally.

 

7) In 1976, when "Hotel California" was topping the charts, the trend in home decor was vibrant. Intense copper, bright pink and vivid avocado were among the popular colors for bath towels, mats and shower curtains that year. If we were to peek into your 2024 bathroom(s), what colors would we find?  Gray, white, and turquoise.

 

8) Handbags were big in 1976. Not just in popularity but in size. Purses routinely had compartments on the inside and pockets on the outside. When you leave the house, do you travel light? Or do you prefer to carry a lot with you?  It depends. To go shopping or to do some touristy type thing I prefer to travel as light as possible with a small crossbody bag. For work, I lug a big bag with all the "necessities."

9) Random question -- How different is your life today than it was a year ago: (a) a lot; (b) a little); (c) not at all?  Just a little.

Thanks to Sam for the great music and fun questions. You can play along here.

Wednesday Wanderings

A bunch of random things from today.

The wind has finally died down and the snow has ended for now. It's 34 degrees. I am freezing...chilled to the bone as I sit here this evening.

Our daughter is doing better today. The worst of Covid is passing...and she's not sure if the kidney stone passed, but no pain today.

I finally got to keep an appointment with the new doctor I'm hoping to get in with. Well, I saw his PA today. I actually see him in April. She is sending me for x-rays and to an orthopedist for my leg pain.

Oliver actually jumped up on the bed last night. Daisy popped right up and chased him off.

I found out I don't have to work in the document destruction department this week. The college kids haven't gone back to school yet so we are over-staffed. It's an answer to prayer as I'm still feeling pretty rundown from covid and was really worried about having to work back there on Friday.

The parking situation at work is ridiculous and always a problem. Today they made everyone write down what vehicle they drive so they know just who to yell at if a car is in the wrong spot. It's a problem they need to solve in case we are ever at full staff.

I got a letter from my biological father today. It's his annual letter to friends and family. It included an unexpected and generous gift. A total surprise because he had said his income had shrunk and he wouldn't be sending any more big gifts. We need new doors and windows. It will probably go toward that.

I am actually going to head to bed now...seriously early for me. I'm whipped.

Currently...

Sitting here in the recliner with Daisy and my laptop at the end of a long day. I went back to work today after being off all of last week with covid. It wasn't too bad, but I am tired. I'll probably head to bed in a little while, earlier than usual for me, but for now I need some time to just relax.

Our daughter fell ill last night and is in pretty bad shape today with a high temperature and a very bad headache. She seems sure it's covid, but has elected not to take Paxlovid, though she has the option to change her mind for a day or two. Her doctor told her that many younger people find the side effects of Paxlovid too much to deal with. There are unpleasant side effects but I didn't think they were severe enough as to be worse than what she's going through.

Anyway, her husband is working midnight shift this week and worked a double shift last night so is sleeping until he leaves for work tonight. So, I had to pick the kids up at the bus stop and bring them home with me until it was time for them to go home for bed. I wish I could stay home and help her more, but after being off all last week I simply can't take more time off right now.

It's 32 degrees outside tonight and the wind is picking up. There is a high wind advisory going into effect at 1:00am as the front bringing the rain that promises a very soggy Tuesday moves through. I hope everything is secure outside. The temperatures will actually be mild tomorrow at 50 degrees for a high. After tomorrow we start cooling back down to more seasonal temperatures and by the end of next week the high temperatures will only be in the teens. Hello winter!

Nothing much is going all with everyone getting sick or getting over sickness. I hope all is well in your corner of the world and that you are staying healthy.

Saturday 9: This Could Be the Start of Something

Saturday 9: This Could Be the Start of Something (1959)

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

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 on 2024.

 

 
1) We're beginning the year with an optimistic song about starting something new. Right now, are you feeling positive about 2024?  Since I've been sitting at home all week with Covid it would be easy to say "no," but I'm managing to hang on to my hopefulness. I signed up with Weight Watchers again and placed an online grocery order with Walmart that was all yummy, healthy foods. I've been thinking of all the organizing projects I want to do...and even made a slow start on one today (Friday).

 

2) In this song, Jack Jones sings that because he's on a diet he declines a rich dessert. Are you trying to lose a few pounds after the holidays?  Hahaha! I'm trying to lose a lot of pounds after all of last year!

3) The specific dessert referred to is a Charlotte Russe, a cake made with custard, fruit, cream, whiskey and gelatin. Preparation sounds like a great deal of work! What's the most recent dish you whipped up in your kitchen?  I peeled an orange last night. Does that count? I haven't been doing any cooking at all this week since I'm sick. Tim's been picking up take-out on the way home every day. 

4) The lyrics contrast dining at Sardi's in New York with sunbathing in Malibu. Do you enjoy nightlife or are you more outdoorsy?  I'm way past the days of enjoying going out until the wee hours of the morning. I'd rather spend some time outdoors.

5) This week's song was written by Steve Allen. While best known for his work on TV (he was the first host of The Tonight Show), he was also a composer who felt most creative at the piano. When do you feel most creative?  Probably at work. There is a lot of opportunity there to come up with crafts, science experiments, games, etc.

 
6) This week's artist, Jack Jones, won a pair of Grammy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Yet he's probably best known for singing the song that welcomed travelers aboard The Love Boat every week. What TV theme song can you sing along with?  Probably every iconic theme song of the 70's and 80's, but for sure all the sitcoms.

 

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, "continuing dramas" (aka soap operas) like Young Dr. Malone and Ma Perkins were broadcast daily on the radio. When you turn on the radio, do you listen for news, talk or music?  Music and the news now and then. I have trouble focusing on talk radio and get bored by it.

8) Now let's turn the calendar and our attention from 1959 to 2024. Is there a skill you're looking forward to learning, or improving, this year?  Healthy cooking and meal planning.

9) Have you purchased anything on impulse yet this year?  I've been home sick and bored for a week....what do you think? I've ordered a new journal, a vitamin blend, a storage cart, and a devotional.