Spring HodgePodge

1. April is Lawn and Garden Month. On a scale of 1-10 what's the current state of your lawn and/or garden. (10=a showpiece, 1=send in the professionals). Tell us about any lawn or garden plans you have for this month,
Send in the professionals, we have a half acre of green growth that we have to
have mowed. This year we are going to invest in a riding mower and I plan to fix up the area that would be considered the front yard.

2. "Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there."~Thomas Fuller  What does this quote mean to you? It could mean weeds or wildflowers.
We don't necessarily reap what we sow.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about God?
Love. I am not not into organized religion, nor am I particularly spiritual, but I respect those who are. I believe in the creative power of a loving and forgiving God.

4. If we were chatting in person, how would I know if you were nervous.
I would probably shift from side to side swaying.

5. Do you like the color yellow? Would I find any in your home or wardrobe? Daffodils, tulips, roses, sunflowers, day lily, black-eyed Susan...which yellow bloom on this list is your favorite? Yellow is not a favorite color I don't wear it and don't have it on my walls. Yellow daffodils and tulips and other colors, are planted in my yard.
 
6. Flip flops or bare feet? Bare feet and sandals, but never rubber flip flops.
 
7. Tell us about any Easter plans, celebrations, or traditions you'll carry out this month. I was hoping to be in California for Easter.  I have some thing that are being shipped to the boys instead.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here. Spring brought better health for Mr BC. I am having cataract surgery on my other eye tomorrow, finally. So we are hoping to get out to see the grandsons in May.

 

Wednesday HodgePodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there!

1. What's the last thing you did that someone else thought was super? DD2 was so happy when I gave her some reward points to rent a car for a week, during her recent trip to CA.

2. The last thing you ate that tasted superb?  
Pastries in Paris. Fresh macarons are the best!

3. Supersensitive, superstitious, superwoman, superambitious, supercilious, supervisor, superficial...pick a super word from the list and tell us how it relates to your life in some way recently or currently.   
If I were a superwoman, I wouldn't be so tired at the end of the day. But I have taken on the role of caregiver for Mr BC. He can't start or end the day without me helping with the dialysis connection, so he says! 

4. Do you love easily? If you're comfortable doing so, explain why you think that is. I'm not sure what this question is.  It is easy to love, the folks that I love.

5. Valentine's Day lands on a Tuesday this year. Will you mark the day in some way? If you're celebrating with a dinner out somewhere will it be on Tuesday or will you celebrate over the weekend?  
Mr BC wants to take some flowers to his dialysis team, as his appointment is on Valentine's day.  I have my cataract surgery on the next day so, I don't think dinner is in the cards.

6. What's something you are loving right now? 
Mercy Street and Victoria on PBS.

7 Write a three word (or less) phrase you'd like to see on a Valentine candy heart.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. IMHO

I know, the President is entitled to nominate anyone he sees fit to give him advice and certainly we saw the judicial appointment coming.  But I don't see the Betsy DeVos appointment.  He should have rewarded her support with something like an ambassadorship to some  less important country. Rather than putting her in charge of something so important as education.  Her hearings were farcical, many Republicans, thought she was unqualified. It will be interesting to see if she is up to the job, but at the expense of kids?

 

Wicked Friendly Fill-Ins and Friday 5

Heading back to the Hospital, I will be back to comment on everyone's posts

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. I have seen Wicked on Broadway a Broadway hit! It was in LA with a Broadway road cast.  Wonderful, though not as dark as the new TV show Emerald City.

 

2. My Chinese zodiac sign is the fire pig.  I looked it up and couldn't really figure what it meant, very little of it seemed positive. It was all very confusing. This picture is more positive. I would say it is somewhat true, it is better that the reading I saw that I could be a con!

3. Celebrities opinions are a little overrated and I don't think they are any more important than mine. They are entitled them like anyone else, and shouldn't be thought to be any worse or better than anyone else.

I wish we at least had this choice!

4. A big sloppy kiss a day is inevitable from my dogs, and sometimes from my husband.

1. When did you last make what could be described as a wriggling motion? Dancing in the kitchen. 

2. What never fails to give you the willies? Being on the edge of a high spot, bridges, cliffs, and tall buildings.

3.What’s something you’ve seen on TV or in a movie that made you squirm? We are streaming Penny Dreadful season 3 and the last episode we watched was very close to blood erotica, I couldn't watch it. 

4.What’s something in your life that could be described as serpentine? Mr BC's health.  It is always something. He had Prostate surgery yesterday, and last night he was back in surgery, so they could break up clots. Seems to be better this morning.  He told them not to call me so I could sleep.  I don't drive well in the dark.

5.Where can you get a really great shake? Culvers or Braums.

Wednesday HodgePodge

1. "The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Not really, though they could be helpful, to well-being.  Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently?  Only sweat applies.  Haven't cried or been to the sea in a while.

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all? If it is processed or cooked by me, I salt very little and don't have it at hand.  I really need a little salt when making something really bland like rice or oatmeal. Sometimes, I really crave salty, but usually things are too salty for me.

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? At my age, it is the sands of time.  The grandsons are growing so fast and time is passing in a wink.

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme? Pride and Prejudice, set in England. Covers book and film.

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so?  
Oh it really ran me. Mr BC is going to have a prostate procedure, this Thursday and we had 2 doctor's appointment on Monday, When we got back we had a little lunch, and I took the dogs for a walk.   
When I got home, one of the doctor's office, called, and we had to go to the hospital to get a blood transfusion....though they call it an infusion now days. 
Mr BC has been suffering from very low blood count.  We were there so long waiting, that I went home to let the dogs out and feed them.  When I got back...it's about a 20 minute trip, both ways, Mr BC was pink and rosy. He is very perky today and breathing easier.  But it was sure a long day.

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran?  Maybe shopping and then sailing  on the catamaran or a glass bottom boat.

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?  Good health.
 
8. Insert your own random thought here. I cannot understand why some women of.... say....my generation are so upset about the Women's March. They had good goals, and it was peaceful.....
 
"We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country."

Oh, yeah it's because of: "the rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized, and threatened many of us." The Women's March on Washington.

My Daughter and her BFF at the LA March

Tuesday Coffee Chat

It's a New Year! 

What is one positive thing about 2017, 

and one negative thing about the forthcoming year?  

I am looking forward to 2017, as I always do.  I don't make resolutions but I try to leave myself open to change.  2016 was the year we found out about Mr BC's kidney failure. He was so sick last winter, and it took many months for him to reach some part of good health. This is a chronic situation, we will strive this year to restore some of what he lost last year, so that he can be more self-sufficient, and we can with some adjustment maybe do some RV traveling.

The negative of 2017....I can only hope, that Trump will do better than I think he can and not be as bad a president, as I believe he will be. If there was ever a time for the legislative and judicial branch to work together, to keep the executive branch checked and balanced, this is it. I am willing to wait and see, as that is about all I can personally do. I do hope that the Affordable Care Act doesn't get repealed before something better can be put in place.

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.

         

Let Me Eat Cake-Saturday 9

Saturday 9: A New Day Has Come (2002)
 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2017!

1) This song is about a new day. Here we are celebrating a new year. What do you hope for in 2017? That Mr BC faces no new health challenges. We were not able to use the RV very often in 2016.
2) Ms. Dion has said this song was influenced by the events of 9/11, and how a new day dawned after tragedy. Looking back on 2016, did something happen that you're glad to leave behind and move away from? I don't think we will be able to move away from the big disappointment of 2016. He will be tweeting away to our horror.

3) In the video, Celine serenades us from billowy white clouds. Describe the sky where you are as you answer these 9 questions. The sun is actually shining today and the snow is disappearing, but it is cold.

4) This video was shot in West Palm Beach, FL. When settlers arrived in the late 1870s, the town was called Lake Worth County. OK, your turn. Tell us something about your hometown. San Gabriel is outside of LA and is most noted for  Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, founded by Junípero Serra. in 1771. I consider it my hometown

A view of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel in April 2005. The open stairway at the far right leads to the choir loft, and to the left is the six-bell campanario ("bell wall") that was built after the original bell structure, located at the far end of the church, toppled during the 1812 Wrightwood earthquake. Wikipedia

5) Celine Dion's native tongue is French. Dites-nous quelque chose en Français. J'ai pris le français pendant deux ans et je peux le lire un peu, en France ils parlaient trop vite pour que je comprenne. Two years of French and I used it very little, when we were in France last year.

6) Celine's mother, Therese, is known in her Quebec neighborhood as a terrific cook. Think about your own domestic talents. Where do you excel? (Food prep, house cleaning, laundry, scheduling, etc.) I managed to raise two beautiful, smart and talented girls.  I do not excel in the domestic skills, I try! I would be embarrassed to have someone drop in today!

Tip of the Day!

7) Growing up, Celine and her siblings often performed in her family's piano bar. Where did you most recently enjoy an adult beverage? I had a couple of glasses of wine Christmas Day with DD2. The rest of the bottle will end up in a sauce soon.

 
8) In 2002, when this song was popular, Kmart was in the news because the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. What department store to you shop at most often? I am one of those folks who shop online.  I do go to Macy's upon occasion. When I needed a dress for my niece's wedding, I got it at Macy's. That was almost 2 years ago.

 
9) Random question: It's time for a midnight snack and you have your choice of one of these three -- a slice of sausage pizza, a bagel with lox and cream cheese, or a piece of carrot cake. Which will you have? And what shall we bring you to drink? A piece of carrot cake and a glass of milk, please. Though I would have had a hard time passing up the pizza.

Hello January Think...Write...Thursday

                                  Think...Write...Thursday

I am a California native, transplanted to the south-western corner of Missouri. January in MO is best described by DD2 this morning on Facebook....That thing when you go into your house and it's clear then. you go outside a few hours later and it's snowing? Yeah, I'll never get used to that thing!
It is cold out there! 

Hello January....

January is a time for new starts and though I don't really make serious resolutions, I am going to start writing more than just my group memes that I participate in just to keep my blog alive.  I have found a few writing spots that I am going to join this year.  This is one, Carole Knits I found in my bloggy friend Kwizgiver's posts.  I have admired her posts about books and the memes we share, for many years now. And Carole does beautiful photography, so I thought I would try to add this as a regular thing.

I am a care giver for Mr BC so I am home quite a bit. In the last year my time has revolved around him. Last year he was so very ill and has improved so much that this year, that I want to carve out some time for myself as well. 
I also thought.....not a resolution....that I might join the senior group at the YMCA near by.....maybe, even get Mr BC out. New Starts.  

January also brings not only the frigid weather, but is the harbinger of all things income tax.  It forces the inevitable procrastination of getting them done.  I dislike all the proud posts in February....."I had my taxes done and the refund is on the way."  I do my own, because it is no one's business but my own! More about that April 15th.

January is also the month where depression can raise its ugly head, if we have to stay in the house too much.  The one good thing about retirement is you don't have to get up and go to work every day. The one bad thing about retirement is you don't have to get up and get out every day. It is so easy to give into that especially, if the weather is bad.  Remember, I am a California girl, not use to weather.  I am going to get out more this winter. And let the light in when I can.