Merry Christmas 2015

Grandma May be Down, Not Out - Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979)

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

1) According to a marketing research firm, this song is both one of the most played and most hated songs of the season. Do you like it? Not really.  It usually becomes an earworm, every time I hear it on the radio....It's playing in my mind as I blog.

2) In this song, Grandma's troubles start when she drinks too much eggnog. Do you like eggnog? Yes, I usually mix it with with a little milk as it is too thick and sweet for my taste.  Silk has a good almond milk nog that is just right. I haven't put rum or liquor in it for years.....so drinking too much will only make this Grandma chubbier. 

3)  In the song, Grandpa recovers from losing Grandma by drinking beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. Will you be celebrating the holidays with cousins? No just DD2, this year...most of my cousins are in CA. We always celebrated with aunts and cousins on Christmas with a chili dinner.  We still have chili on Christmas here in MO.

4) When did you most recently drink a beer? Was it in a bottle, a can or a glass? In college in the 60's.  I never cared for the taste. It was probably in a bottle or glass.

5) The lyrics refer to "pudding of fig." In "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the carolers demand figgy pudding. Yet despite its popularity in holiday songs, Sam has never tasted fig pudding. Have you? I think so, my grandma made a tasty, moist, made in a loaf, Christmas sweet.  It had lots of nuts and raisins, it wasn't a fruit cake and she did not refer to it as figgy pudding, but the consistency was pudding like...Though not chocolaty Jello pudding like.  The English seem to refer to all desserts as pudding.

6) Thinking of holiday sweets, would you prefer a gingerbread cookie or slice of pumpkin pie? Ginger bread anything. I prefer my ginger bread more cake like, but I don't mind a good gingerbread man. Mr BC likes pumpkin pie and I will make a sugarless one for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

7) This song was recorded by a duo named Elmo & Patsy. It occurs to Sam that she has never met anyone named Elmo. How about you? Any Elmos in your life? Yes, my first 'boyfriend's' dad was named Elmo. They were originally from Texas.

8) Do you need snow to get "into the spirit?" I usually spend my Christmas in CA since I grew up there.  Christmas was never snowy.  We haven't had snow here exactly on Christmas here that I can recall, though I know it must have.....sometime. 

9) Random question: Are you going to get/have you gotten a flu shot this year? I would like to get one but I keep forgetting.  I have heard the shot this year won't protect from the flu, they are expecting.  I was going to get one anyway.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem? I can't use the fax on my printer/copier, since I gave up my land line for Verizon's wireless home phone. I am sure there is a way to use it but I have not found a way to make it work yet, I hate to call Verizon, just because it is usually a hassle. 

2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? I was not familiar with her until the refugee issue. I guess she is deserving of it. Just as long as Trump isn't honored by anything this year I am fine. If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? Nurses!  The great nurses at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, were so caring and wonderful to Mr BC. All the staff should be commended.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces. We had one when the girls were younger.  It was displayed on the mantle, got broken in the move and is in pieces in a decoration box up stairs. I don't have a mantle here, and since we usually go to CA, I haven't decorated in a few years.

4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year? Since this year, Mr BC has been so sick, my encouragement is directed to him.  I usually try to give a gift to those who are less blessed than we are, I will take a name from a tree and shop for that person. I notice my Walmart had one, I have to go today so I hope there are some names left. 

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why? I loved shopping for the girls when they were young...I have transferred that love to the grandsons.  I try to come up with special gifts that will be meaningful to them. This year I have ordered a subscription from Kiwi Crate to deliver a box of crafts, books and experiments to do every month for the next 6 months. I told DD1 that I would continue it if she felt it was worthwhile and the boys used and enjoyed it.  Since they will be back after Christmas, I will send some other thing I have later. Now I have to start thinking about birthday gifts for everyone's birthday in early Feb. I hope Mr BC will be doing well enough for me to go out there for the birthdays.

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate? Sweet potato fries at the hospital (they are fat and crispy and delish!), while I was waiting for Mr BC outpatient surgery to be completed*. I also loved the chocolate mousse like desserts we had when we were in Paris.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is keeping a positive intent, not worrying about how others may or may not celebrate. Whether they say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, not getting upset that someone's community have secular or religious celebrations.  No one can take your joy away, unless you let them.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I do not see how anyone could work at a department store anymore, the fragrance department has taken over all the fresh air on the first floor.  When I walk by the candle/bath works etc, I can smell it when I walk the mall, even when it is closed.  I am getting very affected by too strong fragrances, I use to hate getting trapped in an elevator with some one who smells so strongly, now it overpowers me sometimes in a whole store.

*He was fine afterwards...he has very little pain.  He had a peritoneal port installed for when he starts dialysis, the kidney doctor wanted it healed and ready when the dialysis was necessary.

Sunday Stealing

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part two
I didn't participate last week....but I like these questions better.

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself. Reading, Bathing, Shopping. 

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.) I would like to live in a Snow White forest with small animals who would come to me while I sing.

27. How do you like being roused in the morning? Naturally, not by alarm or pain.  This morning I did not mind being awakened by alarm, other than I was deep in REM sleep.  I was having an uncomfortable dream, where I could not hold on to things and when they dropped there was even more to pick up and no where to put them....also I could not find my phone and I needed to make a phone call for someone to pick me up...a lot of things were interrupting me....I guess I needed to wake up. I the meaning seems obvious to me...how out of control things seem for me right now.

28. How was your day? What did you do? My days are generally the same...taking care of Mr BC and his medicine.  Luckily I can leave him by himself after lunch and Friday I tried to do some Christmas Shopping.   I am going to try to get some decorations up today and clean the kitchen....this week I was only able to walk the dogs....I did not get to the mall to walk again. Monday will be a little different as Mr BC is going to the hospital for an out patient surgery to have his dialysis port placed so he will be ready for dialysis when he needs it....it has to heal well. 

29. What did your last text message say?  I don't text a lot....It was to DD1 about her dad.  He had been doing better in the hospital and was going to go home.  I answered one from SIL telling him he was weird.

30. Do you respond to texts quickly? Yes I do when I can hear the alert and it is safe to answer.

31. Who was the last person you called? DD2, the pharmacy.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list. 
Mr BC will be well enough for me to go to Cali in February.
To get over this sinus bug that is wearing me down then stay healthy myself.
That my family will be happy and healthy this coming year.
World Peace would be good. A new pair of slippers for Christmas.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for? My fashion sense...Yesterday I walked the dogs in plaid jammy pants and a polka dot rain jacket.  The dogs didn't mind.

34. Winter or summer? Winter when I can be cozy. I would not have  liked to go to work in the snow. Summer in our area is too humid to be comfortable the air conditioning is on all the time. 

35. What is a quality that all people should have? Empathy and Honesty

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be? 
Opals, I love opals.

37. What have you been thinking about lately? Lots of worries.....I am tending towards worst case scenarios....and I really need to snap out of it.  His health is still so up in the air ....I keep hoping things will settle down and he will start feeling better.

38. What is the secret to a happy life? I don't know...finding a purpose to your life and enjoying the things you have to do.  

39. What are some phrases you say often? Yeah..but, You have to eat so you can take your medicine, You Okay?

40. Favorite food? Unfortunately, dessert and sweets. 

41. What is your wish for the world? That terrorism would abate. That fundamentalism would change to universal-ism and religion.  

42. What are some of your greatest fears? This man:

eucalyptusfire

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?  Pictures of my Boys. The second one is them in their 'tank'. Boys and their cardboard box imaginations. 

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)? My babies and my grand babies..

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike? I have trouble with spicy, but I'm ok if my Pepsid is near.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?  Dislike, unless they have some tongue and cheek humor.
  47. Do you like to travel? Oh yes, but I am always glad to come home.

48. Any regrets? Not too many, they don't seem so regrettable the older I get. 

49. Do you like rain? Not for long...It has been gloomy all weekend, and finally started overnight.  It is rather cozy this morning, but I am ready for it to be over soon, I have to get out and about next week.

Ten Things on Tuesday

http://mindfulrambles.blogspot.com/

Can I come up with 10 thing?  Let's see....

1.  Last week I finally changed the slip cover on my Ikea sofa.  It will look very Christmassy, with the right accessories, and maybe stay cleaner.

2. Totem was in my face today. It has been 5 days since we took a walk... Rain and clouds. Totem wanted out early, since the sun was finally shining thru his window. I threw on a jacket for our walk and he was delighted.....Time to get out the knit hats and gloves for our daily dog walk, I thought my ears were going to fall off they were so cold, but the sun was shining but it was cold. I had to keep my hands warm with the poop bags. Today is a beautiful day but....Mr BC's, physical therapist said we would have an awful winter, last week when came for his first visit.  This weeks sunshine would belie that statement....but then this is Missouri and weather changes on a dime.

3.  Did you know that Medicare pays for a nurse and a PT, to come to your house when you are released from the hospital at no charge to us?  I didn't know that.  I am sure it depends on how sick you are, but Mr BC's failing kidneys apparently qualify.  It was good to have her around, when it turned out he had to go back to the hospital 4 days after his first release.

4.  We have had a real education on dialysis this week.  I was not aware that in some instances you can DIY at home, and not be chained to the 3 day a week schedule.  We are going to try that first, when Mr BC must go to dialysis...which he will. 

5. I told my grandson Caшa,3+ that I loved him to the moon and back,when we were on the phone and he replied he loved me to the moon and beyond. Snap...he wins.

6.  I don't know what I was thinking, when I went out to run a few errands on the weekend, the first chance I had in my busy week.....first free weekend with Mr BC out of the hospital and the first weekend in December, not smart.  crowds everywhere, even the pet store. I was in and out then home.

artimpressions.com

7. I also started back walking at the Mall this week.  It was nice visiting with some of the folks we see out there and catching them up with Mr BC.  They are looking forward to when he can join us again. The men folk wanted to know how he was doing and the ladies wanted to know how I was doing.....Well walking I am doing for myself.

8.  Since we will be home for Christmas, I need to bring a few things down from the loft to decorate.  It will be just us two and DD2.  The California contingent are going to make a trip to Serbia for a change and a different Christmas Day, Jan 7th.  My ladies who walk have a head start with their trees up already.

9. We both miss our Mr Caspar, he was a sweet guy and a good buddy.  It is bittersweet, that he no longer gazes every time I have something to munch on in front of the TV. I realize that now I can eat undisturbed, with out his sweet brown eyes looking longingly at my food and feeling so bad that I couldn't give him any.  He put on a few pounds under our care and I feel bad about that. It took a while for us to realize that he was eating anything not nailed down....including things left in the other dogs bowls.  He was a chow hound.

10. Mr BC and I are entering a new period in our life.  His health is still not back to any sort of normal.  He is in renal failure and that is not changing.  We have that and possible chronic heart failure to look forward to.  I have to be mindful when he request help from me that it is because he really needs my help.  I hear tones of voice enter my head and I need to make sure they don't exit my mouth. I pray for patience every day, and a good nights sleep.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Perfect Storm (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it  here.

1) This song is about "the thrill of a lifetime" kind of love. Do you believe we each get one great love? Or do you think it's possible to fall in love more than once? I think there are folks that have fell in love that second time....maybe that is then, their thrill of a lifetime.

2) Brad Paisley endured his own "perfect storm" in 2010, when he lost his guitars in the massive flood that hit Nashville. Tell us about a time when you had to clean up after Mother Nature. Now that we are in MO we have to do a lot of cleaning up after wind this fall.  We have been lucky that we have not had that perfect storm either in CA or MO.

3) He is married to actress Kimberly Williams, who played Steve Martin's daughter in the Father of the Bride movies. He has admitted he was a little in love with her before he met because he'd seen her on screen. Do you have a crush on anyone right now? No, I am too tired to think about anyone but Mr BC right now.  He is back in the hospital right now, we are worrying about whether he will go on dialysis now rather than later.  No crushes here unless it is on the nurses who are wonderful to him.

4) He's a passionate Cleveland Browns fan. Are you following the NFL this season? No, never have I followed any pro teams.

5) Brad has developed his own line of western wear for Boot Barn, including some pricey items. (A "Perfect Storm" felt hat goes for $230.) What's the most expensive item you've added to your wardrobe recently? I really don't purchase really expensive items to my wardrobe.  Can't see the point.  Before our European trip I made many clothing purchases, that I might not have made if I weren't making the trip, but nothing was very expensive but the outlay of money was probably the most I have spent at one time. 

6) "Paisley" is also a term for a popular print. Are you wearing a print or solid right now?  I am still in my solid nightgown, covered by my new faux fur throw that looks like silver fox.

7) Crazy Sam is not a big country fan, but she can sing along with this song because it played so very often at a bar she frequents. What's the last song you sang? I have been singing along to Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in their Baby It's Cold Outside commercial. DD2 and I are going to see Willy Nelson, Sunday night so I will probably be sing his songs to Mr BC, who I bought the tickets for a few months ago/

8) Though Brad Paisley has recorded songs about drinking, he never touches alcohol. His favorite beverage is Yoohoo, a chocolate beverage bottled by the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Company. What's the last beverage you drank directly from the bottle? Some Life Water I picked up from the coffee shop at the hospital.

9) Random question from a Sat9er: What's your favorite handmade item? My cousin took up painting while she was fighting breast cancer.  I have a number of pictures and items she has painted and treasure the memory of her, when I look at them.

We've had a bad week, Mr BC came home last Friday from the hospital, We had an enjoyable weekend with DD1 and DD2, who had come for a long weekend, that she had planned before he got sick.  On Monday, our sweet old guy, passed unexpectedly, yesterday morning. I had impulsively adopted him one weekend, about 2 years ago and he was my baby. Could this dog frolic? You betcha. I will miss him. Good bye Caspar.
On Tuesday Mr BC was admitted back into the hospital with breathing problems due to fluid build up.  He should be home by early next week, before Thanksgiving, as he is feeling and looking better. We are still waiting on hearing about if he will start the dialysis while he is there.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?
Mr BC is a veteran of 6 years in the Navy, the last 2 years we married and shared his shore duty in Key West, Fl. I like that whenever, he wears his Navy baseball hat someone, almost always, thanks him for his service.  We try to remember to do the same.

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?  
Mrs Miniver

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?  Yes, now that I am older, I get one every year.  I had the flu several years ago.

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November? 

It pains me that fundamentalists, read something evil and conspiratory into everything.  It is a red cup everyone. In past years they had always printed secular Christmas imagery on the cup anyway and most of those are adopted from the pagan anyway.  So tiresome!

Randy Bish.

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one? 

Skunks, and deer on the highway at night....here in the hinterlands.  We live in town but I have seen a dead deer most every week, since it has started to get darker in the evening.

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'? 
Lego towers with my grandsons.

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life? 

Living where the leaves turn in the fall.  Walking the dogs has been a pleasure this fall. This past week or two, has been lovely in our area.  Really fiery trees, even in my yard.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

In past years years I have been grateful for our mutual health....Mr BC and I.....This year I am grateful that Mr BC has had such good care, while being in the hospital for the last....almost 2 weeks. He went in with pneumonia and they found some serious kidney disease that he will be dealing with the rest of his life.  This has been a real kick in the butt for us. I just would like him home ASAP.  

It Don't Come Easy - Saturday 9

Saturday 9: It Don't Come Easy (1971)

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

1) This was Ringo's first big hit as a solo artist. Who is your favorite member of his old, very famous group, The Beatles? I really liked Ringo.  He seemed very funny and quirky. Of course, I thought Paul was dreamy. I love them still.  I would have been one of those girls at Ed Sullivan.  
  

2) In this song, Ringo sings that you have to pay your dues. Do you belong to any organizations that require you to pay dues? We pay dues to the Greater Ozark British Motoring Club. 

3) He also sings, "you don't have to shout." When did you last raise your voice? Probably, in frustration, at Totem....He is back to his fussy eating habits.  Last week he was looking for stuff to eat, this week he looks at it....and walks away. I 

4) Ringo has two piercings on each ear and one tattoo on each arm. Do you have more piercings or body art? Just conventionally pierced ears. 
 

5) Ringo gave his first wife, Maureen, a one-of-a-kind birthday gift. Frank Sinatra made a recording of "The Lady Is a Tramp" personalized to her. Tell us about one of your most memorable birthday celebrations. It was not a  celebration for me but we were.....many years ago, able to throw my Dad a surprise party for his 60th. We lived in a great house for parties and everyone was there.

6) Ringo appeared as Mr. Conductor on Thomas the Tank Engine. He recorded the narration for the entire first season in just a week. Tell us what you did last week.  Not a dang thing, except feel bad.  Fall allergies are really bad for me this year.  It has been raining on and off for a couple of days which should, dampen down the allergens. I was looking forward to a weekend outing, which was cancelled for us, by Mr BC getting sick.

7) Ringo also did the narration for Ladybird children's books. Do you like audiobooks? We listen to audio books when ever we can, on long drives in the RV.

8) As a boy in Liverpool, Ringo loved watching American westerns. His passion for the genre is reflected in the outfit he's wearing on the sleeve for "It Don't Come Easy." Do you like cowboy movies/shows? We are currently hooked on Longmire. 

9) You know what else don't come easy? Nine questions every week. Crazy Sam has heard it all: this meme asks too many movie questions, too many questions about sports, too many questions that sound familiar ...  OK, now it's your turn. Help a tired meme mistress out. Contribute a random question that is not about movies or sports (pro or collegiate) and has never been asked before on this meme. Sam will compile these for an all-random Saturday 9 in November. That way she'll get a much-appreciated week off. Thanks for your help!

Do you have any irrational phobias?

Do you tend to hide something about your personality/essence when meeting new people? If yes, what?

Do you practice any kind of escapism? If yes, what kind? 

Do you have to look in the mirror before going out?

Has your 'resting face' ever got you in trouble?

What would your own fantasy world consist of?

On to Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Backyard

I've been to London to visit the Queen....although she wasn't there, she opened the the Palace for a visit....for £40.  I really wanted to do this, Mr BC almost bailed on me because of....walking.  In making plans, I forgot again that walking the mall in Joplin is different from walking the Mall at Buckingham Palace.  Taxi's from the start next time. 

Mr BC is somewhere on the steps of this statue.

Crowds Everywhere

I planted Mr BC at the Victoria Statue outside Buckingham Palace and went to find the ticket office. Then went back to get him when I found the ticket office around the side of the palace on Buckingham Palace Road.  The whole ticket taking was very well done as you might think.  It was a Friday and next to last day of the tours and crowded as expected. (Pictures of the inside of the palace are from the a web site.

Paul was able to go back stage a bit and take an elevator up and down.

You get the idea, the rooms actually seemed a little smaller with crowds and informational displays.  All very opulent, lots of Dutch painters, Chinese vases, silk, lavish ceilings and wallpaper. Between this and Windsor Castle, they were the reason, I didn't want to see Versailles on the French portion of the tour. I imagine the personal rooms being filled with tweed, tartan, chintz and corgis. 

One could take pictures outside, in the backyard. We had some coffee and sat on the porch, then made our way out. We could see Magpies and sea birds on the lawn and there was a small lake/pond, toilets (finally) and the ubiquitous gift shop with really nice (read, expensive) gifts. 

At the end of the walk out, I found where everyone got the ice cream they were eating, in front of the palace....I was craving something to eat by the time we got there. Good move, Liz and Phil!

We made our way to crowded Victoria underground...It was Friday night, remember and then to our hotel.  We had an excellent room service. We also noted the bus stop in front of the hotel and check bus service to the Tower of London for tomorrow.

Click Home for link to W Hodgepodge-Sunday Stealing

Swiped Meme

Stolen from: Love Me Some Surveys

1. Did someone die in that last movie you watched?
We watched San Andreas Friday night.  A lot of people died in mind boggling quaking.  Dwayne Johnson actually made it seem almost real???? He is kind of cute.
2. Are the trees pretty colors outside for you now or at all? 
They are starting to turn, it might get cool enough this week to make the colors burst.  We are joining our British car group for a leaf peeping ride to Lake of the Ozarks next weekend, I hope for real color then. 

My house in a good year!

3. Have you ever made a bad first impression on someones parents? I don't think so. 
4. When's the last time you video recorded something on TV? 
When we lived in Ca, we had a DVR with our cable and used it a lot. Now, with streaming TV, we don't need it, and we don't get it with our basic cable here in MO.
5. What is a career you wanted to have when you were younger, and still kind of want to have now?  

I wanted to be a nurse or a ballet dancer.  I admire nurses, but after volunteering at a hospital when I was older, I wouldn't want to be one. Ballet dancer is up there with wanting to be a princess, certainly out of the question at my age.

6. What are your views on
 sunflowers? Van Gogh liked them. The seeds are tasty but not really worth the effort.

Giphy

7. What is your favorite incense or candle scent? 
Baking smells. Apple or Pumpkin pie this time of year.  I burned a lot of candles in the dining room before I got my new floor.  The carpet was awful. I am not fond of strong flower smells.
8. Caramel apples or candy apples? Neither, I want to keep what teeth I still have.  I really didn't like them so much as a kid. either.
9.  Have you ever walked into a wall? I have walked into sliding glass doors before...never got hurt badly...but felt very silly.

10. Would you ever or do you make your dog wear a bandanna? They wear them to the car, after a groomer visit, unless I remember to tell the girls not to bother.  I am not big on them and the pups don't care for them. I don't dress the dogs.

11. Do you find dandelions when they're gone all white pretty? 
I use to blow on them to make a wish when I was a kid before I found out they were seeds and just spread to the rest of the lawn. My favorite white weed is Queen Anne's lace, it grows in our wood pile, in the yard.

12. What makes you laugh? Funny babies or dogs.

13. The scariest moment of your life? 
About 30 years ago, Mr BC was following me home after taking a load of furniture etc, to a new house we bought.  Someone, clip me on the back of my car and I spun around several times and ended up facing the other direction on the freeway.  It was late, the guy was drunk and Mr BC was scared too, in the other car... had the where-with-all to slow the traffic behind him from hitting us.  I had DD2 in the car, asleep, with me.  She slept thru the whole thing. It was like seeing your life pass in front of you.  Luckily we were not hurt.
14. What’s the coolest thing you’ve bought lately? 
I bought a bag similar to this in Italy. A souvenir to bring home souvenirs. 

15. What’s the worst you’ve had to do because of losing a bet? I do not have an answer for this.  I guess lose money in a slot machine. I remember we use to play penny-ante poker with friends, many years ago and the brother, of the couple, was caught trying to cheat. A big scene.