Triskaidekaphobia Friday Fill-Ins and Frtday Fragments

This is a fun meme co-hosted by McGuffy's Reader and 15 and Meowing. Be sure to visit and join in the fun!

1. My guiding word for 2017 is take a deep breath before speaking or posting, and turn Trump off the TV.

2. It is hard to make it to my California class reunion now that I live in Missouri.  I would have tried to go to the 40th, last year, but we were on vacation....in Europe a few days later!

3. Truth be told I am superstitious about butterflies. When ever a butterfly comes close or even lands on me....I say hello Mom/grandma, depending on who I am with. Mom loved butterflies and I am sure she is close in spirit when a butterfly is close.

4. Lately, I have been worried about Mr BC's peace of mind and health. He has been not feeling well and has to use oxygen during the day, since before Christmas.   He is also having a surgery procedure at the end of the month and he is a bit low about that. I want to help him keep his spirits up.

*Today, as I get ready to go to the grocery store to stock up, there are reports of an ice storm that may be coming our way early Friday morning and Saturday. Snow is one thing ice is another. We are suppose to be at the hospital at 8 am, for an pre-op anesthesia appt.  That can be problematic.

* My dogs are getting older and grumpier and lately, not getting along each other. Gwennie will charge at him because, he barks at her.  He barks because he is afraid she is going to attack him. They spend the day annoying each other.  They are getting a walk most every day, if the weather permits. Mainly so they will be too worn out to argue. 

          

*Well, we woke up to rain, there was ice on the roads, but we made it to the hospital for the pre-op meeting. The temp was below freezing and the roads were slick but there was no sliding.  By the time we left it was raining and the temperature was in the 40's.  It is supposes to happen again tonite, but we have nothing to do this weekend but stay warm and toasty.....as long as the power doesn't go off.

*DD2 was here last night and she is excited to go to CA next week, she is going for the Women's March in LA, and she will be seeing the boys. I won't be seeing them for their birthdays, I am going to get out and pick something up for them. I had to postpone my visit in Feb because of Mr BC's procedure.  I would like for him to feel so much better that we can both go to CA sometime early Spring....in the RV.  We will see.

         

Friendly Friday and Friday Fragments

The Friendly Fill-Ins are four fun and easy statements to complete. Ellen of 15andmeowing provides the first two statements and the final two are offered by Ann at mcguffeysreader. They try to make sure it will be fun to both answer and share. If you are also a cat lover, or if like me you have only dogs, you should join in the fun!

Week 34: December 30, 2016
 
1. The highlight of my Christmas was really getting what I wanted and needed. I made an Amazon wish list of quite a few things, and Mr BC picked several to surprise me with. He doesn't get out and about to shop, but he was an adept learner, once I showed him how to order. Amazon let me share my Prime with him on his own account.

2. My New Year's resolution is to let the election go it is what it is and I am going to try to meditate again, so I can remain calm through the next four years. I would truly like to be surprised.


3. This year, 2016, especially the last quarter, has been truly sad and disappointing, we have lost of lot of luminaries.  Especially Carrie and her mom. Several generations have seen icons pass away too soon.

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Tumbler Mlkshk

4. Next year, 2017, please Oh please: Let's have the legislative and executive branch, work toward seeing to the needs of ALL Americans, not just Republicans, CEO's and other fundamentalists. That they work towards compromise and good sense on the economy, health care, human rights, immigration and terrorism. And if THEY don't, a judicial branch who will see the constitution as our benchmark and; as the living, breathing, and growing document, it should be. I don't ask for much, just that Washington, helps me keep my resolution to remain calm.

Did you see what I did there.....I sort of, made my own meme/button here. I wish I knew more about computers and making images.  I was able to make a meme out of a picture of Gwennie, that turned out well last week.

I just wish I knew more like how to make gifs. When I want one, I google who I want to put on my blog, like Debbie Reynolds gifs, then click images.(That information is for you. Valerie) I also need to get better at attribution, instead of being so lazy.

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 Carrie Fisher had been a shocker this week, but to wake up this morning to see that her mother had died overnight was so sad.  She was the star of my youth, I imagine I have seen all of her movies. There is truth to the adage that parents are not meant to  outlive their children. It was too much for her.


Christmas was quiet and lowkey, DD2 was here and brought the wine to have with our lasagne. We had a nice afternoon and evening. I got an almost full face hat for winter walking. Next week is going to be cold. and while I might look like a green ninja, I will be protected. 

Yesterday I paid my property taxes, I don't know why they have to be due at the end of the year.  I liked paying them twice a year in CA.

We will ring in the New Year quietly, as usual. with the exception of the gun shots, from somewhere in town. I don't know why someone would do that either, so dangerous.

I got some pictures of the boys....they are in Rome in this week before New Years....what an experience.    I hope they will be safe from all harm and have a great time.

Sunday Stealing-The Boat Questions

Still not sure why it is called the Boat Questions.

1. YOU HAVE 10 BUCKS AND NEED TO BUY SNACKS AT A GAS STATION. WHAT DO YOU GET? I would be on a road trip so I would get a couple of bottles of water, coffee, and nuts, popcorn or candy if I am driving next, a 5 hour energy.

2. IF YOU WERE REINCARNATED AS SOME SORT OF SEA DWELLING CREATURE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A manta ray, they are slow and beautiful swimmers and can be playful.

3. WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE REDHEAD? Julianne Moore and Prince Harry.

4. WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU'RE AT A DINER? Usually breakfast as that is the time we would probably stop at a diner.

5. LAST BOOK YOU READ? I just finished the Harry Potter series.

6. DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF UNDERWEAR? Cotton and roomy.

7. DESCRIBE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE INJURED. I sprained my wrist, wrestling my brother in law's very large dog into my yard .  I fell on it, and went to the doctor.

8. ROCK CONCERT OR SYMPHONY? I love most music. LAST SEEN? Willy Nelson, last year.

9. IF SOMEONE WERE TO BUY YOU A GIFT, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE IT TO BE?
I would like it to be plane tickets to California to see the grandsons,any time I wanted.
 
10. WHAT TYPE OF SHIRT DO YOU (look) BEST IN? Well I wear T-shirts mostly.  I probably look best in a long sleeved knit shirt.

11. IF YOU COULD USE ONLY ONE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A chauffeured limo.

12. WHAT IS YOUR DEADLY SIN? Sweets!
 

13. MOST RECENT MOVIE YOU'VE WATCHED IN A THEATER? RATE IT. Les Miserables, not as good as the stage play, but enjoyable.  We don't go out to the movies...mostly stream them on TV.  Last night we saw Joy, with Jennifer Lawrence and I really liked it. Very uplifting.
 
14. IF YOU COULD INVENT ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A transporter like in Star Trek. It would be excellent for travel.

15. NAME AN ACTOR/ACTRESS YOU'VE HAD THE HOTS FOR? Sean Connery, I have told you that before. 
 
16. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CITY? LAST TIME THERE? London, I was there, a year ago.  I love England and would like to see more than London.
 

17. WHAT'S THE FIRST WORD THAT COMES TO MIND RIGHT NOW? Vampire, we are watching a travel show about belief in vampires in Romania, on the travel channel. Mr BC left it on that channel when he took his accidental nap.  He has the remote.
 
18. WHAT TYPE OF PET DO YOU HAVE? We have 2 funny dogs.
 

19. WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED THE LONGEST? In southern California, I grew up there and Mr BC and I lived there the better part of 30 years.

20. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON THAT SPENT $100 ON YOU? Mr BC.
 
21. WHAT'S THE LAST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU BOUGHT? A couple of long sleeved shirts and a purse, last week at Ross.

22. WHAT WAS/IS YOUR FAVORITE JOB? When I did substitute teaching in elementary school about 48 years ago.
 

23. WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST? Mr BC

24. WHAT ARE YOU CRAVING? Macaroni and Cheese.

25. WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? My grandsons and DD1.  She is raising them right. Just got a picture of Лука 7 reading a book to Caшa 5, such a sweet scene!

Breathless-Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Take My Breath Away (1996)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
 
1) When were you last breathless? Since I don't ever run....The last time I was breathless, I had a cold.

2) This is the love theme from Top Gun, and the romance was between a pilot and his instructor. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? I can't think of anyone.

3) The pilots in Top Gun all had cool nicknames -- including Maverick, Goose, Merlin, Cougar and Stinger. Give yourself a cool pilot name. My nickname at home was Katydid and I think they fly, so that would do for me. I'd be a pretty blue one....not the uncool green ones.

 
4) The actress who played the instructor, Kelly McGillis, owns Kelly's Caribbean Bar/Grill and Brewery in Key West. It's known for its cheese and beer dip appetizer, served with warm pretzels. What's one of your favorite between meal snacks? Guacamole and tortilla chips.

5) The group who recorded this week's song is called Berlin, but they're really from Southern California. Have you ever been to Berlin? How about Southern California? We lived in Southern California for at least 30 years among other places, including Key West, before coming to Missouri for retirement.  Never been to Germany.
 
6) Lead singer Terri Nunn has a weekly radio show, Unbound on KCSN. How often do you listen to the radio? Do you tune in for music, comedy, news or talk? We listen to the radio while driving in the car.  It is usually tuned to NPR, but occasionally we listen to the oldies channel too. I'd say I like news and talk.
but I prefer liberal talk.
 
7) In 1986, when this song was popular, PeeWee's Playhouse premiered. While ostensibly for children, PeeWee Herman's show had many, many adult viewers. Do you watch still watch any kid's shows? Only with the grandsons, I kind of like Peppa the Pig. I think the closest thing to a kid's show might be Once Upon a Time. I enjoyed the different take on fairy tales.

 
8) Robert Pattinson, the actor who played Edward the vampire in the Twilight series, was born in 1986. Have you read the Twilight books? Seen the movies?
I have not read the books but we did watch the first movie on pay per view.....sort of dumb.

9)  Random question: In an alternate universe, which of these professions would you like to find yourself in -- United States senator, Ivy League professor, or imminent psychiatrist?  I would say that if Trump is not in this alternate universe, I would choose US senator.

Happiness Is-Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Let's all think happy thoughts...share one of yours here. I am the constant  optimist in this house. I try to keep a smile on my face all of the time. Which is a challenge when you have a resting bitchy face.  I use to get tired of folks telling me to smile when I wasn't really unhappy. So I try to smile every time I look up.

2. There's a Chinese proverb that says, "If you want happiness for an hour take a nap, if you want happiness for a day-go fishing...." What say you? If you want happiness for a day, have a full body massage and a pedicure.. 

3. Where do you go to decompress from the world around you? Walking the dogs is stress-less. I have to do it every day as the dogs can tell time, but once we get started it is very relaxing, especially when we get out of town.

4. What song never fails to make you happy? Don't Worry, be Happy.

5. Wednesday is National Fast Food Day. Should that be a thing? Apparently it is, so tell us what's the last 'fast food' you consumed? If you were putting together your own version of a 'happy meal' what would you include? I had a Culver's butter burger and sweet potato fries, for late lunch, early dinner, yesterday, I can't even imagine the calorie count of a butter burger! My happy meal would be lasagne and salad.

6. In a few sentences tell us why you blog. I wanted to have a project where I could talk about my family, retirement and write.  I started out writing short stories and posting writing memes.  I go hot and cold about quitting but I do enjoy reading and commenting on my bloggy friends, posts.

7. List seven things you're feeling especially grateful for today. I am grateful for:
Mr Bankerchick for 49 years.
Two fantastic grandsons.
That I am friends with my kids.
I have my health and my mind, so I can take care of Mr BC.
My dogs, who love me unconditionally.
Good friends.
Roku....streaming video, because regular TV is boring and the news is depressing.

 
8. Insert your own random thought here. Two thoughts today, a random and a happy one, my brain is heavy with the thinking.
Let's think about: Happy corgi and happy grandsons, trick or treating. 

Friendly Fill-Ins and Friday Fragments

 

http://mcguffysreader.blogspot.com/

Week 27: November 11, 2016

1. Cursive handwriting should be taught in schools. I know that many schools do not have this as part of curriculum any more. It will probably become a lost art.

 
2. The last item I donated: was a box of clothes and small household items to Goodwill. I always have a box or bag of items ready to go.  I am trying to divest this house of all the miscellaneous and duplicate items of my MIL and mine.  We inherited her house and contents and there are a lot of things that need to be  cleared out that we just put in boxes in storage.

3. My (personal) song is: Devil With a Blue Dress, because it is Mr BC's song for me when we were dating.

4. Three things I am thankful for this week are: Took the dogs to the vet this week and Gwennie's heart was strong and was taken off of Lasix, she is still on a diet, Totum got some allergy medicine for his intense scratching,  and the weather is beautiful, although we could use a freeze so the grass would stop growing.

Today is Veteran's day, where we remember and honor America's Veterans.  I want to specially honor my veteran.....Mr Bankerchick.

 

If you don't care for political conversations I suggest you don't read on. I usually don't talk politics but this election has been particularly problematic and maybe not so Friendly. 

My Friday Fragments pieces will be mainly about what every one is talking about....and not necessarily a fragment. It would be incorrect to say I was happy with the election results. Not because I was crazy for Hillary so much, but because I don't like Trump at all, and I am deeply disappointed and worried for the country.

DD1 and DD2 are of the same mind and were Hillary fans, acknowledging the same feelings I had with her opposition, and DD1 shared a lengthy text with all of us when DD2 asked about the boys. And the discussion she had with the 7 year old.  I have excerpted a bit of it since she had taken the oldest with her to vote on Tuesday, so he was aware of who his mom was voting for.  I think she had a great discussion with him, even though she was having a hard time Tuesday nite.

 

"Caшa,is pretty blissfully oblivious at this age, but  Лука, has been talking about the election the past few months since the US political process is a classroom discussion item. I explained to Лука,  that a big reason I don't support Trump is that he represents the polar opposite of everything I'm trying so hard to teach them about being a decent and good-hearted human beings. Лука, was disappointed when I told him that it looked like the man I have described as a bully will probably win, but I pulled myself together and let him know that this country has enjoyed good presidents and survived bad ones, and we can be grateful that the sun will come up in the morning and we'll get through this like we do any other challenge."
 
I sincerely hope that she is right, and the boys, (and the rest of us) will not be impacted negatively, by his administration. The news indicates that all is not well out there already.