Goodbye 2021

 It's just anoooother New Year's Eve...

Happy last day of this sucky year! Woohoo!!

We started watching "Maid" this week. Fantastic show! My favorite moment so far is Andie McDowell's whirlwind of a character angrily declaring that her ex-boyfriend's wife, Petal, who is cradling a baby in the background, "looks like a f*ing bitch!" Bwahahaa. (You may have had to be there. Seriously hilarious.) So far the lead character (played by Andie McDowell's real-life daughter) is making questionable life choices, but I'm hopeful she will start standing up for herself and taking help when it's offered. It's not really about being a maid, like I thought it would be. Looking forward to the next episode.

I've temporarily gone back to curbside shopping now, with the new covid spike in full force here. Hoping it will be shorter than the previous ones. Then maybe we can all start back towards actual normal-normal!

Saturday 9: Drivers License (2021)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a girl who just got her drivers license. Who taught you to drive?

my boyfriend at the time, in his Fiat

2) Do you like your drivers license/state ID photo?
It's fine. 

3) Think back to the first ticket you received. How old were you, and what was it for?

I was 20, and it was for having an outdated registration sticker. He also mentioned the A&M stickers I had on my license plate were illegal (even though they were very cool and we ALL had them!), but didn't ticket me for those. 

4) In this week's song, Olivia Rodrigo is brokenhearted, driving through her boyfriend's neighborhood, certain that he has taken up with the sophisticated blonde girl. When it comes to romance, do you have a jealous streak?

not generally

5) Olivia grew up in Temecula, California. Temecula is home to 40 wineries and dozens of tasting rooms. Have you ever attended a wine tasting?
several, yes

6) Her first on-screen appearance was in a commercial for Old Navy stores. Old Navy is owned by the same company as Banana Republic, Gap and Athletica. Have you done any of your holiday shopping at one of those stores? (Yes, their websites count.)
Nope.

7) She went on to star in projects for Disney studios. That's also how pop stars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, and Christina Aguilera got started. Arguably the first teen star created by Disney studios was Annette Funicello. Do you remember her?
I do, because she was in the Beach Blanket Bingo movie(s?) with Frankie Avalon, who was in Grease.

8) "Drivers License" was one of this year's most popular songs. One of this year's most popular books is John Grisham's The Judge's List. Do you expect to do much reading between now and the end of the year? If so, what's on your TBR (to be read) list?

Mostly cookbooks.

9) Random Question: What is the longest line you ever stood in, and was it worth it?

I have been in many, many overnight lines for concert tickets, back when we had to buy them at record stores. SO fun! Always worth it.

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Randomness!

That Target commercial where they say "Come in for a soccer ball... leave a part of the team." should be "Come in for a soccer ball... leave with a cart full of crap you didn't need."

Can anyone tell me why Apple Fitness+ HIIT workouts do not go with the beat of the music? Is that typical of HIIT? It gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Sunday Stealing

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

Need mascara.

2. What shirt are you wearing?

Texas A&M t-shirt, baby! WHOOP

3. Do you label yourself?

I labelled myself "not a survivalist type" last night. We were talking about a worldwide catastrophe situation, where one would have to find their own food, build a shelter, etc. I know nothing about that kind of stuff. Also, I sunburn easily. That is the first clue that you are not going to survive the apocalypse.

4. What does your watch look like?

Looks like... an Apple watch, silver with a blue band.

5. What were you doing at midnight last night?

sleeping

6. Last furry thing you touched?

Maya the kitty

7. Favourite age you have been so far?

There are wonderful things about every age, but 30 was pretty great. The kiddo was a toddler and I was really active in my mommy club and Bunco group. Superfun!

8. What is your current desktop picture?

I have the dynamic "Tree" background on my MacBook. Pretty.

9. If you had to choose between $1,000,000 or to be able to fly what would it be?

Million bucks.

10. The last song you listened to?

OneRepublic, "Someday"

11. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?

Sigh and walk away. Eh.

12. Would you move for the person you loved?

Yep.

13. Name three things that you have on you at all times?

mask, credit card, allergy medical alert bracelet

14. What’s your favourite town/city?

Scottsdale, AZ or San Diego,CA

15. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
No

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Vaccination Complete!

Got my second Moderna vaccine on Thursday. I had a fever for about five hours on Day 2, and was super tired Days 2-3. That's it. First round, I had slight nausea, so I was worried about being really nauseated this time. I didn't have any nausea at all after the second shot. Whew.

 

Some lady on an online group was irate that pools aren't fully open, because "they are filled with chlorine," so there is no risk of coronavirus spread.

 

Bless her heart.

 

We finished Broadchurch Season 3. Surprise ending! I thought I had it figured out at episode 1, all the way through. Then BOOM. Who knew? Great show!

Saturday 9: Here Comes Peter Cottontail

 
1) Which do you prefer: colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate marshmallow eggs, or plastic eggs with coins inside?

Um, Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? Among these three, plastic eggs.

2) What's your favorite color of Peeps (yellow, purple, or pink)?

Purple

3) All this talk of sweets is making Sam hungry. What's for lunch?

We're going to be scavenging the fridge/freezer for lunch today. HEB was closed on Sunday, so all the curbside spots were taken until this evening. No groceries until then!

4) This song was introduced by country singer Gene Autry and it's still a favorite. Please share some of the lyrics.

Here comes Peter Conttontail, hoppin' down the bunny trail. Hippity hoppity, Easter's on its way...

 
5) Gene Autry was so popular that a town in Oklahoma named itself for him. Have you ever been to Oklahoma?

We visited Jeff's college friend, Steve, in Tulsa once. Steve now lives in Australia. We need to visit him again.

6) He and his horse Champion also had a TV show. Can you name another famous horse?

Secretariat

7) Gene Autry also recorded "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," and it was, of course, wildly popular, too. Who is your favorite recording artist?

Ed Sheeran

 

8) In 1950, the year Autry recorded this song, Diner's Club issued the first credit card. Think of the last thing you purchased. Did you use cash, a credit card, a debit card, an e-wallet service (Visa Checkout, Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay ...) or a check?

Apple Pay

9) Easter is recognized as the start of the spring season. What are you looking forward to this spring?

 Getting out more! Yay, vaccine!

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Snowmageddon 2021

We never lost power in the great Texas Snowmageddon 2021, thank goodness. SO lucky. We are beginning Day 5 without any water though. We had a trickle for a day or two, which we used to boil for drinking. We have several bottled waters, and a lot of melted snow that we collected during the freeze. Melted snow is only good for toilets really, because the dirt and gunk in it is so gross. Like...

Ha!

 

We're definitely coming to the end of Austin residents' drinking and toilet water at this point. Our community pool was opened to give residents pool water for toilets. We also have access to a friend's pool in the 'hood. Jeff's coworker has running water about 30 minutes away, which we may pick up soon, for drinking. Tick tock. We'll see how bad it gets.

My favorite neighborhood group comment when people were asking where to get toilet water was to "pee in the back of the toilet." Ahhhhhhhhahaha. Someone also suggested it is time for all men to start peeing in the yard. So, be ready for that while taking your daily stroll.

 

I hope voters remember Senator Cruz's Cancun trip when he is up for re-election. And the fancy lie he concocted to explain it. And the fact that the Cruz family left their dog in a home they declared too cold to live in. And yes, I feel exactly the same about the Cali governor and our Austin mayor, displaying elitist disregard for their communities. Find good people to fill those positions! Don't support bad behavior based on party affiliation. Whichever party you support surely has a far better human to put up for the job.

 

Concert survey making the rounds...

 

First Concert: Go-Go's

Last Concert: 10,000 Maniacs (a couple of years ago)

Best Concert: Prince

Worst Concert: I can't remember any "bad" concerts, but when we saw The Cars back in the day, they literally said nothing to the crowd the entire night. They just played through the setlist and left. SO weird.

Loudest Concert: Daughtry

Seen the most: tie between Prince, Duran Duran and NSYNC- 3 times each

Most Impressed: Lady Gaga

Wish I could have seen: Bette Midler

Next concert: would love to see OneRepublic sometime

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Staycation

 For my 80's pals:

 

And some vintage Go-Go's for funzies...

 

 

Who didn't want to dance like Belinda Carlisle? So cute. And I had those earrings. Well, not THOSE, but you know, ones just like them.

 

Sunday Stealing: COVID

 
1. Day 1 of serious isolation behavior: March 13, 2020
2. First trip you had to cancel. We had reservations for first weekend of April in Fredericksburg with my brother- and sister-in-law. :(
3. Other trips canceled: No Christmas in Dallas for the first time in decades.
4. Last trip out of town before isolation. Christmas in Dallas 2019.
5. Farthest from home since isolation. I feel like we drove down to Granzin's in New Braunfels at some point after the lockdown. Because, sausage.
6. Last Meal sitting in a restaurant before Isolation. Oh man, I have no idea. Might have been Mandola's or Pieous.
7. How many books have you read? 0
8. First event you didn’t attend due to virus. O'Henry Pun-Off
9. Date and event of last over 200-person event. Probably a show at Zach Theater or a homes tour.
10. Last live music event. 10,000 Maniacs at the One World Theater in 2018
11. Things you are eating more of since isolation. Popcorn. We bought a small popcorn maker to replace our huge movie theater-style one. MUCH easier to maintain.
12. Things you are eating less of since isolation. Meals out at nice sit-down restaurants. Takeout from most of them is not great, so we get takeout from casual restaurants.
13. What restaurants have you gotten take-out meals from? Mandola's, Chuy's, Kerbey Lane, Salt Lick, The League
14. Have you found yourself bored in isolation? YES
15. Have you gained or lost weight? Gained :(. Still in the same size clothing, just tighter.
16. Do you drink alcohol? yes
17. If so, more or less in isolation? less
18. What entertainments have you explored? mostly streaming TV/movies, puzzles, video games
19. Gotten into anything new? Nah.
20. Have you done crosswords? Board games? Jigsaw puzzles? No, no and yes. LOTS of puzzles. We lost our puzzlebuddies due to the lockdown, so we're a duo most of the time. Lauren joins us now and then.
21. Have you cleaned out some cabinet, drawer, closet, etc. thoroughly? Several! Biggest improvement was cleaning out and reorganizing the junk drawer in the kitchen. Last weekend, we finished paring down and deep cleaning Lauren's living space upstairs, which was quite an accomplishment.
22. Are you spending about the same amount of money? Much less. Reduced dining out, and no weekend road trips. Not spending much on Target runs and that sort of miscellaneous stuff either.
23. Done Zoom, Facetime, etc. meetups? Yep.
24. Had a social occasion with a small group of people you consider safe? The only in-person socializing I've done, other than very short interactions at a distance, is once with KathyL and once with Laura. We hung out outside, socially distanced. Jeff and I had dinner with Jim on the back porch one evening.
25. Did you vote? In Person? On Election Day? I voted early, in person.

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Survey Time

Answer each category with a song title that includes something in the category. No repeats and don’t use the internet. (It's tempting, but try not to!) Go with the first song that comes to mind.

 

Something to Wear - "Raspberry Beret" Prince

A Place - "A Summer in Ohio" from The Last Five Years musical

A Food - "Watermelon Sugar" Harry Styles

An Animal - "Black Cat" Janet Jackson

A Number - "1, 2, 3, 4" Plain White T's

A Color - "Brown Eyed Girl" Van Morrison

A Girl’s Name - "Adia" Sarah McLachlan

A Boy’s Name - "Samson" Regina Spektor

A Profession - "Tiny Dancer" Elton John

Day of the Week - "Friday I'm in Love" The Cure

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Friday Five on Tuesday

I keep thinking of additional binge-worthy shows I forgot to mention in my original quarantine TV list. We really enjoyed a series on Netflix called 3%. It's a Brazilian show about a future dystopian society. Very good!

 

Now we're watching Money Heist (also on Netflix), from Spain. I've watched so much foreign language drama at this point, that I'm almost used to the mouths not matching the voices.

Haircut time again. Thank goodness for husbands who do a really good job at it. Luckily, my hair isn't too complicated. I've been cutting his hair with clippers, a new skill I've learned this year. While my clipping abilities aren't perfect, his hair looks pretty good, I have to say! (He can't wait to get back to Sport Clips.)

I've been plagued with earworms during the pandemic. GAH. It's one thing when BTS is swimming around in your head, but right now... it's the Funk and Associates ad jingle. 

 

Just. The. Chorus.

Now it's in your head, too. You're welcome, Austinites.

Let's see what's up with Friday Five these days!

1. How have you been sleeping lately? Crappy.
   
2. What kinds of linens and stuff do you have on your bed today? I've moved to winter bedding, so: L L Bean flannel sheets, sateen cotton pillow cases because we like them cool, winter fuzzy blanket and a quilt.
   
3. What’s the latest you’ve gotten out of bed these last few months? 11:30 am
   
4. Have you had any pleasant or unpleasant dreams lately? Pleasant enough.
   
5. What helps you relax these days? Playing The Witness.
   

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Happy Friday! It's the Saturday 9!

Adam is leaving The Voice??!! WHAAAAAAT?

Bummer, dude.

The only good thing about it is that maybe there will be less experimental hairstyles/colors and facial hair in his future. Hee.

Cannot wait to see Songland! What a genius idea for a show. Yes!!


Saturday 9: God Bless America
Unfamiliar with Deanna Durbin's rendition of week's tune? Hear it here.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle.

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, this is when memorials, as well as the graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers on this day to show our appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?
Not in my 'hood specifically, but there are monuments for several wars, including the Korean War, WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War on the grounds of the state capitol.

2) Andrew Johnson, our 17th President, was in office the first time Memorial/Decoration Day was celebrated. Have you ever met one of our 45 Presidents?
No. George H. W. Bush spoke at our A&M graduation, although not at the engineering school's "session." That's the closest I've been. We visited his gravesite when we were in College Station a few weeks ago:

3) According to the AAA, more than 30 million Americans will hit the road this weekend and drive more than 50 miles. Will you be traveling far from home this weekend?
Staying here!

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

5) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?
Hell yes. This is Texas, y'all.

6) Though she's belting out one of America's best loved patriotic songs, Deanna Durbin was born in Canada. Is there anyone in your family or circle of friends who wasn't born in the USA?
I was born in Germany. My aunt was born in England. My dad's whole family is in Germany.

7) No longer a household name, Ms. Durbin was once one of the biggest stars in the country. One of her most popular films was 1937's One Hundred Men and a Girl, which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Recommend a movie that you really like, but don't think many Saturday 9ers have seen.
I can't think of a movie I love that few have seen. I like popular movies I can talk about with other film fans, but I do have a couple of TERRIBLE movies to recommend, that you may not have seen! The #1 worst, most horrifying and disgusting film I've ever ever ever seen is The Human Centipede (now available on iTunes and other streaming services!). My #2 least favorite all-time movie: Boxing Helena.

8) Back in 1938, Deanna Durbin had her handprints cemented in front of the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Have you ever visited that Los Angeles tourist attraction?
No, but I would love to someday, if I get over my earthquake phobia. Thanks a lot, California.

9) Random question: What food did you hate as a child, but enjoy now?
Brussels sprouts

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Friday!

Are you watching too much television true crime, if you ponder whether the man in front of you at the supermarket checkout with three bottles of bleach cleanser just killed his wife?

Asking for a friend.

Maya knocked over an entire fresh 12 ounce soda in a glass full of ice yesterday. While I was cleaning it up, I had to wipe off an "I Love My Cat" coaster. smh

What other randomness do I have for today?

I could go for a Biden/O'Rourke ticket. Well, let's be honest, I would go for anyone against the current crazy, with very few extreme exceptions. But Biden/O'Rourke would be interesting.

And OMG, this movie!! From the writer of the incomparable Love, Actually.

Ed Sheeran- "...Hey DUDE." Ha! June 28 release.

Saturday 9: Molly Malone
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) Are you of Irish descent?
I am about 1/8 Irish, via my maternal grandmother's mother.

2) Legend has it that the heroine of this week's Irish ballad was a real lass. 17th century birth and burial records confirm that a woman with that name lived in Dublin. Can you think of another song about a real historic figure?

Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"

3) Molly sold fish from a cart that she wheeled through the streets. What's the last seafood you ate?

ceviche at Cuba 512

4) The lyrics tell us that, after her death, her ghost continues to wander the streets of Dublin with her wheel barrow. Do you believe in ghosts?

not really

5) This week's featured band, The Dubliners, are obviously from Dublin. They were introduced to American audiences on The Ed Sullivan Show. Today, Stephen Colbert tapes his show in The Ed Sullivan Theater. Who hosted the last talk show you watched? 

Seth Meyers

6) Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish. Is it a favorite of yours?

I haven't had it, but I would try it.

7) According to Irish legend, leprechauns earned the gold in the pot they guard by repairing shoes. Crazy Sam can't remember the last time she got a pair of shoes repaired. When the heels wear away, she discards the shoes and buys new ones. What about you? Do you get your shoes fixed (either by leprechauns or just by ordinary repairmen)?

Nope.

8) Do you look good in green, the signature color of St. Patrick's Day?

Yes

9) Random question: Did you more recently sneeze or cough?

I've been sneezing like crazy. Seasonal allergies! Don't move to Austin, SXSWers! ;)

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Roomie No More

Now that the cat is out of the proverbial bag, I can say, Crystal got MARRIED to her roomie last week! Whee!

Me: So why did you guys finally decide to make it official?!
C: Well, it's a very romantic story involving health insurance.

Bwahaha. Hey, whatever it takes. I like to see people formalize their love with a piece of paper.

She and I went to Blue Genie market on Monday. It's at a new location this year, and the parking sucks, but it's always fun to see all the art and other handmade stuff there. Just plan to park on the street!

Friday Five

1. How do you feel about candy sprinkles (on ice cream, doughnuts, cupcakes, or whatever)?
Ew. No thank you.

2. Where’s a good place to look at Christmas lights?
Pedernales Electric Coop in Johnson City. The coolest! (Open through Jan 6!)

3. What’s a good idea for a drive-through service or product that doesn’t yet exist?
Drive-through new tires or tire rotation. They lift your car up a little and do it superfast, like at the race track, and you're on your way. No sitting in a crowded, dumpy waiting area for an hour.

4. How confident a parallel parker are you?
Not at all. Had to parallel park at Blue Genie. Yoiks.

5. How much plaid do you own?
I have two plaid shirts.

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A Horrifying, Sad and Somewhat Amusing Story of a Lizard

So there was a dead lizard just outside our garage last Monday. It was weird, because I don't think I've ever seen a lizard just dead on the ground, like, ever. If something in nature kills a lizard, it usually eats it (I guess?). I pondered that all week long, while I left the lizard on the ground by the garage door. I never had anything handy to push it into the grass, and I was always on my way somewhere when I opened the garage door, so I just kept leaving it there.

Lauren and I went to a doc appointment on Friday. I told her about the lizard when we got into the car. When we got home, we took a look at it.

It was mostly black, having lost all its green by that point. It was dried out, because the sun had come out for the first time in about 16 years three weeks, and it was sort of flat and leathery. We leaned way over, and I said, "I don't know why I've left it here. It's been dead for five days..." Literally, at that exact moment, it...

SLOWLY. RAISED. ITS. HEAD.

And opened its mouth.

I'm not kidding.

Me: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

Most bizarre thing ever. After I finished freaking out, I was so disappointed that we couldn't do anything for it. Lauren poured some water on the ground and it lay its head down on the water, although I don't know if it actually drank anything. Then it raised its head and arm again. We were probably scaring the crap out of the poor thing.

Jeff had come out by then, and noticed its leg was all messed up. I said I was willing to make it one of those rolling thingers for its back legs, so it could run around with its front legs. Jeff asked if I was going to catch mosquitos and feed him, too.

Well, maybe!

Wah. :(

So, we couldn't have done anything to save it on Monday either, but at least we could have put it out of its misery sooner. Sad day. Poor little guy!


Sunday Stealing

1. What is on your mind right now?
deciding whether or not to plant some plants in the front yard, or to wait until spring

2. Do you know anyone who has attended Harvard University?
Julie has a master's degree from Harvard

3. How many books are in the room you’re in?
in the living room- 9 decorative books on the shelf above the TV

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

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

6. When was the last time you stayed home from school/work?
I work from home, but I haven't been sick in years. *knock on wood!*

7. Do you write “yes” or “no” answers to surveys or do you explain more?
I try to explain more, usually briefly for a yes/no, unless an explanation would be pointless.

8. Is there any type of medicine you can’t take? For what reason?
Bactrim- I developed a sudden, extremely severe allergy, after taking it with no issues for forever.

9. Do you have a favorite pair of pajamas? What do they look like?
I hate pajamas. Too much fabric to deal with under the sheets. I almost always wear a short nightgown. I do own one pair of pajamas. They are super-soft navy blue capris with a matching top with a cute, tiny metal anchor in the front of the collar.

10. Would you rather have potato or chicken noodle soup if you had to?
potato- carbs are my weakness

11. Do you believe that when a person appears in your dreams, that person wants to see you?
Um, no, But that would make my dreams more interesting.

12. When’s the last time you saw your mom?
At the nursing center, about 10-15 minutes before she passed away in December 2006.

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

14. Have you ever spray painted something about your love somewhere?
hmm, no

15. Do you live in a town where basically everyone knows everyone else?
Nope. Austin metro is over 2 million people now.

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Brent and Julie Moonves

Julie Chen called Brett "Brent" last night during her Big Brother sign-off, before calling herself Julie Chen Moonves, so I guess she was a little thrown by the whole "statement" she was making. The Talk is one of the shows I record and watch every day, and I really like Julie a lot, but I have mixed feelings about her public reaction to the Les situation. The Talk co-hosts have been supporting the women during the MeToo movement, and I don't think you can give an auto-pass to someone just because he's your husband, and so far, that's Julie's message.

I think that in order to move forward in her career and especially The Talk, she is going to have to explain her support. I personally think it is fine and very personal since it is her husband and father of her child, and people stay in marriages despite similar issues for various reasons we don't need to know... except no one can reconcile this with her previous MeToo commentary without some sort of heart-to-heart with her viewers. She of course has zero fault in the Les accusations, but women are just wanting to know that she isn't completely ignoring or denying the accusations. I assume she isn't, but I'm just saying she should say something more than "I support my husband."

And perhaps, she doesn't believe the accusations one single bit, in which case, I think she would be fooling herself and eventually she would figure out that at least something was happening with so many accusers coming forward.

(I think they should have voted JC out last night! I've grown to like Brett and his sense of humor, after finding him really arrogant and annoying before, and was sad to see him go.)

In football news, the Fightin' Texas Aggies are looking FABULOUS so far! Should have won the Clemson (#2) game (bad call- grr), but we're very happy with the game play!


Saturday 9: Teenage Dream (2010)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Much of the video for this week's song takes place in a convertible and on the beach. How's the weather where you are? Would you be comfortable riding around with the top down today?

It's rainy and 10000% humidity. Not a great day for a convertible.

2) This video was filmed all around Katy Perry's hometown of Santa Barbara. Amtrak runs through Santa Barbara via The Pacific Surfliner. Tell us about a memorable train trip.

Dad and I took a train from Brighton to London to see Duran Duran during my visit there (I've told this story a million times- best. story. ever.- well, other than my John Bon Jovi story...). The trains stopped running before we could get all the way home, so we ended up taking a few other methods of transportation, which was hilarious and adventurous and expensive as all get-out.

3) Katy sings that her boyfriend thinks she's funny, even when she gets the punchline wrong. Do you think you're a better joke-teller or audience? 

Audience. I laugh easily, and will probably very honestly LOL at your joke, no matter how lame.

4) Her "teenage dream" lover is shown working out with a heavy bag. When is the last time you visited a gym?

With Crystal, about 4 years ago. We went to a boxing gym and I got a cramp so bad the trainer had to stretch me. Oy.

5) Katy changes her hair a lot. She's gone from long black hair to cropped blonde hair with stops at red, green and purple. Today, are you having a good hair day?

Yep

6) Katy thinks dimples are "irresistible" and can't help poking a finger when a dimpled friend smiles. Do you have dimples?
No

7) Two of Katy's fragrances (Meow and Purr) are sold in cat-shaped bottles. Are you wearing a scent as you answer these questions?
Nope.

8) Katy's favorite dessert is ice cream (specifically Cold Stone Creamery's Birthday Cake Remix). What's the last dessert you ate?
a Magnum Chocolate Infinity ice cream bar a couple of nights ago

9) Random question: How often do you change your bedsheets?

once per week

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Somebody Feed Phil

We've now completed the two seasons of "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix, along with the original PBS version, "I'll Have What Phil's Having," also on Netflix. SO GOOD! Phil's show reminds me of "Better Late Than Never," Henry Winkler's show on network TV, where Henry, Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman and William Shatner travel all over the world together. Both shows dive into local traditions, food and attractions in foreign cities.

"Somebody Feed Phil" and "I'll Have What Phil's Having" are hosted by Phil Rosenthal, a very funny comedy writer/producer who has been involved in a ton of successful comedy television shows, including "Everybody Loves Raymond." Each world city he visits is so different, and they do a fantastic job of integrating the foodie aspects with the real flavor of the culture. The food is far more casual than the upper crust, fine dining of "Chef's Table."

Now we're sad we've seen all the episodes so far. Looking for a new show to watch until The Crown is back!


Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There (Theme from Monk) (2003)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from the detective show that ran from 2002-2009. Were you a fan?

Yes!

2) The song warns us about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Does your home have an air or water filter?

Doesn't every home have an air filter on the AC? Sometimes these questions worry me. Reminds me of when JulieP's AC froze up (literally with a giant sheet of ice) because she didn't know she was supposed to change the air filter... for THREE YEARS. Yes, we have an air filter on our AC. We have a water filter only on the water from the fridge dispenser.

3) The lyrics say, "People say I'm crazy to worry all the time." Are you a worrier? Or do you just take things as they come?

I'm a worrier, but not nearly as much as I used to be. I've found that whatever you're worrying about probably won't ever happen, and things you never imagined definitely will. So, what's the point really?

4) TV's Adrian Monk is known for his outstanding deductive powers, an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Have you read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books featuring Sherlock Holmes?

Yes, and I loved Robert Downey, Jr. in the film.

5) Monk was also known for fastidiousness and precision, an homage to Hercule Poirot. Have you read any of Agatha Christie's books featuring Poirot?

Nope, but I played and enjoyed very much the original PC video game And Then There Were None. It doesn't include the Poirot character, but... just... saying...

6) This song was written and performed by Grammy and Emmy winner Randy Newman. Do you have any trophies or plaques? 

I have a trophy from the Foundation, when I was awarded Volunteer of the Year a few years ago.

7) Before winning an Oscar in 2001, Mr. Newman had the distinction of having the most nominations (15) without a win. Do you consider yourself a graceful loser?

Very. 

8) In 2003, when this song was introduced, Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France. Later, he was disgraced in a doping scandal. Can you think of a time when a hero disappointed you?
When my dad left my mom to marry his childhood girlfriend, I was totally blindsided. I would never have guessed that he was the type of person to leave his family. Never. Later, I would find out that not only had he had done it to a wife and son before us, he would do it again, to the new wife. Disappointing is a nice word for it. To find out it was part of his modus operandi really threw me for a loop. Eventually, he married his last wife and stayed with her. He and I talked a lot about marriage and life, and I was happy that he learned that marriage is a commitment worth honoring, and just packing up and leaving when things go a little wonky isn't appropriate.

9) Random question -- We're catering lunch. Should we put you down for a burger or a taco?

burger

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Markle Family Weirdness

I don't have anything against Megan Markle. I mean, a former-American princess is always cool in my book, but I feel like people are ignoring a huge point in her family drama- her mom is the only family member who seems to support her. I agree that her dad and his kids appear to be a bit kooky, but everyone has some kooky family members. The kookiness doesn't really explain why they would make up villainous things about her. There aren't any other family members who are the average Joe, who are in her life, who have anything positive to say? Did she distance herself from everyone? If so, why?

And why completely cut off all communication with your father? If she were speaking with him, probably not telling him anything of any real importance he might share with the press, but just keeping cordial lines of communication open, perhaps he wouldn't feel left out. It all seems super weird to me.

Also, the people she invited to her wedding were her mother... and her coworkers from her last job. If my mom and some coworkers were the only friends and family I had at my wedding, everyone would have wondered what was up with me. Yes?

Just saying. lol


Saturday 9: The Nanny (1993)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from a sitcom that originally aired from 1993 to 1999. Were you a fan?

I watched occasionally.

2) The song tells us that Fran once worked in a bridal shop. Have you ever worked in a retail setting?

I worked in a shoe store one summer during college- not the kind where you have to put shoes on people, the kind with shoes on racks, thank goodness. I can't remember the name of it!

3) The kids in the Sheffield household appreciate their nanny's "joie de vivre," which is defined as "exuberant enjoyment of life." Are you feeling joie de vivre this morning? 

I'm feeling good. Maybe not "exuberant." Ha!

4) "The Nanny" is the colorful one, the one who wears red when everyone else wears tan. What color do you think you look best in?

Purple. Always good with green eyes.

5) The TV show, The Nanny, was the brainchild of actress Fran Drescher. She got the idea while visiting her an old friend in London. Her friend's pre-teen daughter enjoyed having Fran as a confidante and shopping buddy. Do you enjoy shopping as a leisure activity? Or would you prefer to just dash into a store, grab what you need, and get out and go home?

I do a lot of shopping as a leisure activity. More a shopper than a purchaser.

6) The friend Fran was visiting in London was Twiggy, who was the world's most famous model in the 1960s. Name another famous model.

Christy Brinkley

7) The Nanny: The Complete Series is available on DVD on Amazon. It consists of 19 discs and takes 55 hours to watch, start to finish. What TV show have you recently binge watched?

"Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix

8) The Nanny theme was sung by Liz Callaway. Her father, the late John Callway, was a long-time Chicago newscaster. Have you, or has a loved one, ever been on TV?

I was on the news once with Gordie Howe at a Houston Aeros game, when I was a kid.

9) Random question -- Which of these adjectives comes closest to describing you: sexy, sophisticated or down-to-earth?

down-to-earth

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Step!

FYI, 99% of the time I write a political rant on here, I never post it. Ha! You're welcome!! Maybe it's therapeutic for me anyway.

So I started working out 4-5x per week again, about three months ago. When I last stopped working out regularly (several years ago) I had tweaked my knee doing aerobic kickboxing. The best thing about starting again was that it doesn't hurt anymore! Amazing how much more you feel like you accomplish when your knee is functioning properly. Funny I even realized that. I guess that tells me how much it was hurting back then.

I've been doing Jenny Ford's videos on YouTube on AppleTV. I still love good ol' step aerobics, and she has tons of those. She also does other types of aerobic workouts, like marching and dance. So far, it looks like all of her vids are easy to do with minimal space at home, no matter the weather and without equipment. Exactly what I like. No excuses and no need to get all dolled up for the gym. 

Just search for her name on YouTube and her vids will come up. If you are a step beginner, the #1 video in her series "Step Across America" is the ultimate beginner video. Her step vids are divided into Beginner/Basic/Intermediate/Advanced. She also provides endless adjustment options in every workout to increase or decrease the intensity, which is so helpful. (You can do step without a step, so no worries there. My step is long gone in the trash heap.)

Sunday Stealing

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

at home, putting away groceries

2. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Egads, do people do that? No.

3. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

Kiptyn sleeps in a bright pink cardboard shipping box that was a package Lauren ordered.

4. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Wednesday, looking for a wedding outfit

5. Are you wearing socks right now?

nope

6. When was the last time you drove out of town?

the weekend before Independence Day, we went to Jeff's family reunion in Frisco

7. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

no

8. What was the last thing you had to drink?

unsweetened decaf iced tea

9. What are you wearing right now?

What are YOU wearing? heh. Black capris and a black-n-white patterned top.

10. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

I do both, depending on the temperature outside.

11. Last food that you ate?

cantaloupe

12. Where were you last week at this time?

probably at home, working on genealogy stuff

13. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

no

14. When is the last time you ran?

For exercise? Or like, if I saw a snake? Last time I ran for exercise was probably college.

15. What's the last sporting event you watched?

World Cup championship on TV, Round Rock Express in person

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Man and Wo-MAN?

A couple of things on my mind this afternoon...

During various discussions lately about weddings, people make a point of saying something along the lines of "It's their first wedding." Yikes, is that where we are now? Just expecting people to marry multiple times? Sad! I guess I should be glad people are getting married at all. Ha!

I also have to mention that I watched $100,000 Pyramid last night, and the word the lady was trying to get the celeb to guess was "man boobs." She said, "A woman has these..." and they buzzed her, because the wacky judges there think "woman" is a form of the word "man." WTF? So weird! No one even put up a fuss about it. #thingsthatmakeyougohmm

Saturday 9: (There's) No Gettin' Over Me (1981)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Ronnie Milsap sings about how worrisome it can be when you realize you forgot to pay a bill. It's happened to all of us, hasn't it? Tell about about a time you accidentally missed a payment.

I don't think I've ever missed a payment!

2) He also references a dream that keeps him awake. Do you have any recurring dreams?

Several. One recurring dream is in a building with lots of floors and windows that face into the center atrium. I'm usually in and out of the elevators and up and down the stairs, trying to get somewhere I can't get to.

3) He sings about the face you see in the crowd. Tell us about someone you see regularly, but don't really know.

There is a family of four in the neighborhood who were out together riding a few years ago on what seemed the first day of getting new bikes. They were in shorts and T-shirts, clumsily working out who was going to ride on the sidewalk and who was going to ride on the street, and in what order, etc. One of the kids fell over.  Well, I still see them riding together occasionally, and all four are on the street, in the bike lane, wearing biking outfits. They look like professional cyclists!

4) He mentions the book that you just can't put down. What's the last book that you finished?

I haven't finished one in a long time, but I am currently reading Dan Harris's Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics.

5) Ronnie Milsap is a big fan of new technology, and believes the advancements make both his professional and personal lives easier. What about you? Do you embrace new technology? Or do you long for the good old days, when we weren't so connected to personal devices? 

I love new tech, but also long for the days when we connected more personally.

6) As a child, Ronnie used to surreptitiously listen to late night radio, especially gospel broadcasts. When you were a kid, what rule did you break again and again?

I would sneak out of bed and watch The Tonight Show or Saturday Night Live. My parents were facing the TV and I would peek around the corner from the hall behind them. They caught me now and then, but not very often!

7) Country star Blake Shelton says Ronnie Milsap was a big influence on his music. Do you watch Blake on The Voice?

I do!

8) In May, Ronnie appeared at the Choctaw Casino in Grant, OK. Do you enjoy games of chance?

Not really. If money is on the line, I would rather play a game of skill, rather than luck.

9) Random question -- When did you last "do it yourself" and repair something around the house or yard?

I can't even remember!

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"Austin's Fun..."

Jerry Seinfeld said on the new Letterman bonus episode on Netflix that he loves the show Portlandia, and that Fred Armisen is so talented, and people should look up a video online where he does Texas accents by city. I actually remembered to look it up, and his accents are hilarious. The Texas part of this particular clip starts about 1:30, but the whole thing is awesome.



Saturday 9: It's Impossible (1970)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Mr. Como maintains it's impossible to ask a baby not to cry. When did you most recently hold a baby? Did you ask him or her not to cry?

I think the last baby I held was Jen's little girl. She's 3 now. She didn't cry.

2) Perry Como was known for his casual, easy going style. Therefore people were surprised to learn that he could lose his temper. His long-time musical director reported that bad drivers really got under Perry's skin. What is one of your pet peeves?

Bad drivers, yes!

3) Though Perry Como was born in Pennsylvania, he didn't speak English until he began grade school. His parents were Italian immigrants and the family only spoke Italian at home. Do you know any words/phrases in Italian?

Buona sera!

4) He met Roselle, the girl he would marry, when they were both still in high school. Tell us about a high school classmate you were crazy about back in the day.
My two high school boyfriends were a gregarious, hilarious actor/free spirit... and a sweet, super-chill artist/world traveler.

5) When he was just 14, his father's ill health made it essential that Perry begin working after school to help support his family. He apprenticed to a barber but was so short, he had to stand on a box when he cut hair. Again, going back to school, were you taller than your classmates? Shorter? Or were you the average height for a kid your age?
I was taller than almost everyone until about 7th grade, when everyone caught up, and eventually passed me.

6) While taping his annual holiday special in 1971, he fell from a platform and broke his knee. He had to wear a cast and endure 8 months of rehab. Have you ever broken a bone?
Nope.

7) During the decades when he was a recording and television star, Perry Como was also an avid golfer. He was so popular that many of the best pro golfers of the day -- Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, etc. -- were happy to play with him. It's estimated that it takes about 4 hours to play 18 holes of golf. What celebrity would you most like to hang around with for four hours?
Michael Symon

8) After he retired, Perry's passion switched from golf to fishing in the waters near Palm Beach, Florida. His catch of the day often ended up as his family's dinner. What's for dinner at your house tonight?
Italian rotisserie chicken, lemon roasted potatoes and a cup of halved strawberries

9) Random question -- They say "birds of a feather, flock together." But that's not always true. Can you think of an area where you are out of step with most of your friends/family?
I'm more silly and lighthearted than most of my friends/family. 

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Saturday Life Hints

I don't use a lot of brown sugar, so despite my awesome OXO Good Grips vacuum-sealed containers, it still gets clumped and rock solid in there over several months. Well, I bought some sort of "nonclumping" brown sugar a while back. While it is fabulous at not clumping, it is absolutely crappy at being brown sugar. It doesn't dissolve into anything- batters, salad dressings, sauces... Anything. I don't recommend it, other than perhaps for sprinkling over oatmeal (if you eat disgusting oatmeal *shudder*). Just stick with normal brown sugar.

Another tip- I bought a balance ball for my kiddo and hubby to stretch their backs to relieve back pain. I thought they could lean over it on the floor, but it's a little difficult to get down on the floor and back up with advanced age back pain, so just put it on a chair or the sofa and lean over it to stretch. The 55cm ball works well on a chair, but definitely get the 75cm size if you're going to use it on the floor.

Y'all know I hate when people use "cheers" as a verb (referring to toasting with alcoholic beverages). Well, Andy Cohen used it as a verb, in the past tense, the other day! Yep. "You cheersed..." he says. Oy. Vey. I think I'm going to have to accept it, now that it's become overwhelmingly present in conversation. *sigh*


Saturday 9: Standing on the Corner (1956)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, four friends congregate on Main Street to look longingly at pretty girls. In your town, where is the best place for people watching?

SoCo

2) This song was written for the Broadway musical, The Most Happy Fella. Who is the happiest person you know?

Cathy

3) The members of The Four Lads met at Toronto's St. Michael's Choir School. Growing up, did you attend parochial or public school?

public

4) The Four Lads always wore jackets and ties when they performed. Do you enjoying dressing up? Or would you rather keep it casual? 

casual

5) While this song was a hit for The Four Lads, they were completely overshadowed in 1956 by Elvis Presley and "Heartbreak Hotel." Who do you think dominates today's music scene?

Bruno Mars

6) The Wizard of Oz aired on TV for the first time in 1956. Sam was never crazy about those flying monkeys. Tell us about something that frightened you when you were a kid. 

I went through a phase where I couldn't fall asleep because I could hear the ticking clock down the hall on my mom's desk. I imagined it was creeping down the hallway, getting closer and closer. Yikes.

7) What scares you now?

scorpions

8) Since this week's song is about pretty girls: 1956's Miss America was Sharon Ritchie of Colorado. Today Colorado has the distinction of being the home of more microbreweries than any other state in the union. Which are you most particular about -- your beer, your wine, or your coffee?

Beer. I'll drink just about any wine or coffee, but crappy beer is the worst.

9) Random question: We all have small, irritating habits, like soup slurping or not replacing the cap on the toothpaste. What's your nasty little habit?

leaving socks and shoes around the house

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Survey Time

Yet another criminal (most recently that sex cult actress from Smallville...  umm... what the WHAT) ran off to Mexico to escape prosecution. Remember that whole thing when Trump said Mexico was sending their criminals to the US? Yeah, I think the net crossing of criminals has always gone north to south.

That reminds me, I need a new passport.

Saturday 9: Love Don't Cost a Thing (2001)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Love may not cost a thing, but everyday stuff does. What's the most recent thing you bought? How much did you spend? 

I made a Target run that cost about $80 in randomness.

2) This video begins with Jennifer Lopez on the phone, on a veranda with a view of the sea. What's the view from the room you're in right now? 

the forest behind our house

3) She sings that she doesn't want her lover's gifts or money, she just wants his attention. Let's change that a bit. Which would you prefer: a gift that was personally chosen but you know you'll never use, or cash?
I prefer a gift someone picked out.

4) She met her first husband, dancer Cris Judd, while working on this video. She met Ben Affleck, to whom she was once engaged, while working on a movie. Think of those you're closest to -- where did you meet them?

I met Jeff in a college class. Met Cathy in 7th grade PE. Met Scott-n-Julie when our girls were in preschool. Knew Kathy from high school, but first really interacted with her at the research program we did at UTMB.

5) She and her current boyfriend, former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, are both workout fanatics. How often do you exercise? 

Practically never.

6) Her high school nickname was "La Guitarra," because her curvy shape reminded her friends of a guitar. Share a high school memory about you and your friends.
I was just thinking the other day about the many times we were up all night outside the record store, waiting in line for concert tickets going on sale at 10am the next morning. It was sometimes boring, sometimes superfun, depending on who was in line. The best times were when someone had a boom box, playing that artist's music, and everyone singing along.

7) JLo just completed filming her third season playing a police detective on NBC's Shades of Blue. Did you see anything memorable on TV this past week?

Maroon 5 singing "Wait" on The Voice

8) Jennifer Lopez posts often on Facebook, and Twitter, and Instagram. Do you feel you spend too much time on social media, do you wish you posted more often, or do you try to avoid it altogether?

I try to avoid it. I only go on Facebook anymore if someone addresses me directly, it's someone's birthday, or I want to check the neighborhood group for the latest news.

9) Random question: You're at a yard sale and come upon an unusual little knick-knack that would make the perfect gift for your best friend. The tag says $7. You think that's rather high for a castoff. Do you pay it? Do you pass on it? Or do you try to get the seller to lower the price?

A perfect gift? Of course, I would pay it! I'm terrible at haggling. 

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A Malapropism Walks Into a Bar...

This little gem is making the rounds on the interwebs:

A dangling participle walks into a bar. Enjoying a cocktail and chatting with the bartender, the evening passes pleasantly.

A bar was walked into by the passive voice.

An oxymoron walked into a bar, and the silence was deafening.

Two quotation marks walk into a “bar.”

A malapropism walks into a bar, looking for all intensive purposes like a wolf in cheap clothing, muttering epitaphs and casting dispersions on his magnificent other, who takes him for granite.

Hyperbole totally rips into this insane bar and absolutely destroys everything.

A question mark walks into a bar?

A non sequitur walks into a bar. In a strong wind, even turkeys can fly.

Papyrus and Comic Sans walk into a bar. The bartender says, "Get out -- we don't serve your type."

A mixed metaphor walks into a bar, seeing the handwriting on the wall but hoping to nip it in the bud.

A comma splice walks into a bar, it has a drink and then leaves.

Three intransitive verbs walk into a bar. They sit. They converse. They depart.

A synonym strolls into a tavern.

At the end of the day, a cliché walks into a bar -- fresh as a daisy, cute as a button, and sharp as a tack.

A run-on sentence walks into a bar it starts flirting. With a cute little sentence fragment.

Falling slowly, softly falling, the chiasmus collapses to the bar floor.

A figure of speech literally walks into a bar and ends up getting figuratively hammered.

An allusion walks into a bar, despite the fact that alcohol is its Achilles heel.

The subjunctive would have walked into a bar, had it only known.

A misplaced modifier walks into a bar owned a man with a glass eye named Ralph.

The past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense.

A dyslexic walks into a bra.

A verb walks into a bar, sees a beautiful noun, and suggests they conjugate. The noun declines.

An Oxford comma walks into a bar, where it spends the evening watching the television getting drunk and smoking cigars.

A simile walks into a bar, as parched as a desert.

A gerund and an infinitive walk into a bar, drinking to forget.

A hyphenated word and a non-hyphenated word walk into a bar and the bartender nearly chokes on the irony.

I laughed out loud when I got to the synonym. So great.

Saturday 9: On and On (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

1) This song describes the plight of "poor ol' Jimmy," who caught his girlfriend kissing someone else. Have you ever spied on a romantic partner?

Nope.

2) In this song, Stephen Bishop sings that he "smiles when he feels like dying." When did you recently put on a happy face, even though you really weren't all that happy? 

I have a balance disorder since taking Levaquin for bronchitis about 15 years ago. Whenever I'm feeling dizzy, I'm almost always covering it as best I can.

3) Stephen Bishop always wanted to be a musician, and as a child he began playing the clarinet. Did you take lessons -- dance, art, music -- as a child? If yes, did you take them because you enjoyed them, or because your parents made you take them?

I took dance and piano. Loved dance, suffered through piano. Sorry, Mom!

4) When he was 12, inspired by The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, he switched to the guitar and began writing songs. Tell us about someone or something that influenced your career path.

My high school physics teacher (and JETS sponsor) helped me choose an college major that combined my medical interests with my engineering and technology pursuits. Although I didn't work in that field, I still ended up with a career that combines healthcare and technology.

5) Stephen Bishop attended Will C. Crawford High School in San Diego. This school requires students complete 20 hours of community service every year. Tell us about an organization, cause or campaign you volunteered for, either as a student or an adult.

Laura and I volunteered at Dennis Quaid's Charity Golf Classic at the Avery Ranch Golf Club in 2003, benefiting Austin area children's charities. It was superfun! Lauren met one of her idols at the time- Jake Thomas from Lizzie McGuire. (Her other crush at the time was Ryan Pinkston, the foul-mouthed kid on Punk'd. Incidentally, Ryan is now playing Jack's married boyfriend, Officer Drew, on Will & Grace... Yes, that was quite a tangent, but wasn't it interesting?... )

6) In 1977, when this song was popular, Seattle Slew won racing's Triple Crown. Sam's mother has always been afraid of horses. Is there an animal you're uncomfortable with?

Large dogs have to win me over. I'm usually very uncomfortable around them.

7) Also in 1977, moviegoers waited in line for hours to see Star Wars. What's the longest line you waited in recently?

Probably Chipotle. That place is always packed.

8) The mini-series Roots first aired in 1977. Today Americans are spending more time and money than ever to research ancestry. How far back can you trace your family tree? 

I currently have one line traced back to Lord Hansculf De Englefield, from England, born in 1056.

9) Random question: It's often said that nobody's perfect. How about you? What quality keeps you from being perfect?

my cooking

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