1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.
I don't think there is a best way - only bad ways. Like with the picture scrambled, or the sound turned off.

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
Oh my do I have SPECIFIC IDEAS! I will post about this later but the gist of it is: do not spend one penny more than is necessary.

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker?
Oh really, it depends on what is being given or taken and who is doing the giving. There are certain people i would not take golden riches from. But there are others that i would take whatever I pleased. As a rule, if somebody wants something from me, they can have it. Unless I don't like you, then you get nothing.

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?
If I were travelling to destinations unknown, then I would have a plan, fairly detailed. If I were travelling to a place very familiar, ( i.e. Disney World or Franconia, New Hampshire) I would just show up and fly by the seat of my pants.

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
Ahhhhhhhhh, the microwave. The fridge. The floors. The windows. The trash can.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.
Me. My cause. I'm a cause that means alot to me. And by "I" i mean me, Shawn, Amanda and Colleen.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
Yes. I do eat regular old PBJ. Generally, I do not customize. But I may have PNutbutter and Fluff now and again. But Fluff moves quick at our house.

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
My mouth would be shut.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
I lay down to watch tv and wake up in the morning.

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
I stress over everything I put there because I don't want regrets. At least not ones in print for all to see!

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree?
YES! Roseanne Barr. I was horrified! At the time she was way fatter than me! But since then I think I'Ve grown and she has shrunk...

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? Flirtin' with Disater by Molly Hatchett to Tom.

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie.
I don't think there is a best way - only bad ways. Like with the picture scrambled, or the sound turned off.

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be?
Oh my do I have SPECIFIC IDEAS! I will post about this later but the gist of it is: do not spend one penny more than is necessary.

3. Are you more of a giver or a taker?
Oh really, it depends on what is being given or taken and who is doing the giving. There are certain people i would not take golden riches from. But there are others that i would take whatever I pleased. As a rule, if somebody wants something from me, they can have it. Unless I don't like you, then you get nothing.

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear?
If I were travelling to destinations unknown, then I would have a plan, fairly detailed. If I were travelling to a place very familiar, ( i.e. Disney World or Franconia, New Hampshire) I would just show up and fly by the seat of my pants.

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly?
Ahhhhhhhhh, the microwave. The fridge. The floors. The windows. The trash can.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you.
Me. My cause. I'm a cause that means alot to me. And by "I" i mean me, Shawn, Amanda and Colleen.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly?
Yes. I do eat regular old PBJ. Generally, I do not customize. But I may have PNutbutter and Fluff now and again. But Fluff moves quick at our house.

8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous?
My mouth would be shut.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies?
I lay down to watch tv and wake up in the morning.

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog?
I stress over everything I put there because I don't want regrets. At least not ones in print for all to see!

11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree?
YES! Roseanne Barr. I was horrified! At the time she was way fatter than me! But since then I think I'Ve grown and she has shrunk...

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? Flirtin' with Disater by Molly Hatchett to Tom.

Cats try to make you think they are so innocent...

Just a few minutes ago, our cat Travis came in for the night. She munched down some cat cereal and went to the girls bedroom door. Finding it closed, she roamed around on my bed, I assume looking for the dog. (Remember Penny?) I thought she might try to settle herself on my pillows, which I hate, but she found another place to flop..





I asked for one of the girls to come and remove her. I think shes too heavy for the top of a wire cage. And you can see Him, annoyed at that Travis would invite herself over like this. He had actually gone to bed, but got up to complain.




So, here is Colleen, come to remove the offending cat. Him smoothed himself, sang his anxious song, and went back to bed.

Cats try to make you think they are so innocent...

Just a few minutes ago, our cat Travis came in for the night. She munched down some cat cereal and went to the girls bedroom door. Finding it closed, she roamed around on my bed, I assume looking for the dog. (Remember Penny?) I thought she might try to settle herself on my pillows, which I hate, but she found another place to flop..





I asked for one of the girls to come and remove her. I think shes too heavy for the top of a wire cage. And you can see Him, annoyed at that Travis would invite herself over like this. He had actually gone to bed, but got up to complain.




So, here is Colleen, come to remove the offending cat. Him smoothed himself, sang his anxious song, and went back to bed.

SkyWatch Friday...

This reminds me of an old postcard...

Lots of folks participate in Sky Watch! Click here to see...

SkyWatch Friday...

This reminds me of an old postcard...

Lots of folks participate in Sky Watch! Click here to see...

What makes a blog ...popular?

Well, obviously nothing I've done up to this point! I haven't been at it too long, but I do know that one or two hits a day ain't cutting it.

I Googled "what makes a blog... work?" and "what makes a blog popular?". The results were not what I'd hoped. There are an incredible number of answers, all varied. I'm so sad to find out that there is no list of things to do. No list telling me do this, then this, then that and then your blog will be popular!

According to what I read, a popular blog consists of, but is not limited to:

• original content
• well-written posts
• focus
• its personal
• voice
• written to an audience

After mulling over this awhile, I decided there is, bottom-line, one thing that keeps me from forging out into the blogosphere, with my heart on my sleeve and my ideas shamelessly put forth. That one thing is fear.

I am afraid. That's it.

What if i suck? What if I offend one or more people? What if my grammar and punctuation stink up the joint? What if people make fun of me? And then there's the worst of all, What will they think?

So since I did not put my real name on my blog and my original intent was to hold forth and hammer at readers (any readers) with my opinions on various topics, that is precisely what I will do.

Like it or not, in my next post, I will rail about the modern day funeral business. I have strong opinions about this. And when I talk, one or two people just might listen.

(i never said i was e f hutton, or lauren hutton, or barbara hutton or any other hutton)

Ha! I'll keep ya posted!

What makes a blog ...popular?

Well, obviously nothing I've done up to this point! I haven't been at it too long, but I do know that one or two hits a day ain't cutting it.

I Googled "what makes a blog... work?" and "what makes a blog popular?". The results were not what I'd hoped. There are an incredible number of answers, all varied. I'm so sad to find out that there is no list of things to do. No list telling me do this, then this, then that and then your blog will be popular!

According to what I read, a popular blog consists of, but is not limited to:

• original content
• well-written posts
• focus
• its personal
• voice
• written to an audience

After mulling over this awhile, I decided there is, bottom-line, one thing that keeps me from forging out into the blogosphere, with my heart on my sleeve and my ideas shamelessly put forth. That one thing is fear.

I am afraid. That's it.

What if i suck? What if I offend one or more people? What if my grammar and punctuation stink up the joint? What if people make fun of me? And then there's the worst of all, What will they think?

So since I did not put my real name on my blog and my original intent was to hold forth and hammer at readers (any readers) with my opinions on various topics, that is precisely what I will do.

Like it or not, in my next post, I will rail about the modern day funeral business. I have strong opinions about this. And when I talk, one or two people just might listen.

(i never said i was e f hutton, or lauren hutton, or barbara hutton or any other hutton)

Ha! I'll keep ya posted!

Random Dozen...

Random Dozen comes to you from Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

A little late but here it is!

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don’t care, just share.

My junior high was remodeled during my seventh grade year.So, we had split sessions at the high school. It was not cool. We went to school at noon, and we came home at 5:30. Too late to do anything after school, plus it was dark out. I lost my babysitting job.

2. What’s your favorite Beatles song?

Well, there are too many to list here. So let's just say this: my favorite Beatles record is Abbey Road. My favorite song by John Lennon is "The Ballad of John and Yoko". My favorite song by Paul McCartney is "I Saw Her Standing There". My favorite song by George Harrison (Lennon gets a writing credit here) is "Taxman". For Richard Starkey, I have no favorite.

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?

Pajamas!

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?

I would rather be a guest any day. If you are a guest you have the opportunity to NOT GO!

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?

I do not think there will be a move to all digital books ever. You can make a book without electricity. I think someday we may be without electricity but not a book in its traditional form. I would not be ok with all digital books.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?

I need all of those things to learn.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)

Everything about either sex turns me off. I consider no one a potential match. And I do not want anyone considering me a potential match. And if Margaret says to me one more time... "How about so and so Nancy?" I'm going to stab her eyes with forks.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?

Salty - sweet - savory - sour. Anything is worthy of snack-ness for me. Even dinner, which is sometimes considered snack at my house.

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn’t realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?

I don't think there is any one thing. For the last 20 years, there has been a wave of shite that flows constantly through this house. Sometimes stuff surfaces and I see it and remember. Once I remember, I usually re-bury it or ditch it.

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?

"Stanley Kubrick:A Life in Pictures" (narrator) or "Far and Away" (lead).

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don’t like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?

Use it until it's gone, throw away the bottle.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)

Turkey dinner with all the fixin's.

Random Dozen...

Random Dozen comes to you from Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

A little late but here it is!

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don’t care, just share.

My junior high was remodeled during my seventh grade year.So, we had split sessions at the high school. It was not cool. We went to school at noon, and we came home at 5:30. Too late to do anything after school, plus it was dark out. I lost my babysitting job.

2. What’s your favorite Beatles song?

Well, there are too many to list here. So let's just say this: my favorite Beatles record is Abbey Road. My favorite song by John Lennon is "The Ballad of John and Yoko". My favorite song by Paul McCartney is "I Saw Her Standing There". My favorite song by George Harrison (Lennon gets a writing credit here) is "Taxman". For Richard Starkey, I have no favorite.

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?

Pajamas!

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?

I would rather be a guest any day. If you are a guest you have the opportunity to NOT GO!

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?

I do not think there will be a move to all digital books ever. You can make a book without electricity. I think someday we may be without electricity but not a book in its traditional form. I would not be ok with all digital books.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?

I need all of those things to learn.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)

Everything about either sex turns me off. I consider no one a potential match. And I do not want anyone considering me a potential match. And if Margaret says to me one more time... "How about so and so Nancy?" I'm going to stab her eyes with forks.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?

Salty - sweet - savory - sour. Anything is worthy of snack-ness for me. Even dinner, which is sometimes considered snack at my house.

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn’t realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?

I don't think there is any one thing. For the last 20 years, there has been a wave of shite that flows constantly through this house. Sometimes stuff surfaces and I see it and remember. Once I remember, I usually re-bury it or ditch it.

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?

"Stanley Kubrick:A Life in Pictures" (narrator) or "Far and Away" (lead).

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don’t like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?

Use it until it's gone, throw away the bottle.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)

Turkey dinner with all the fixin's.

Catchwords 2...

Read Part One here

Just this morning I saw a piccolo on a desk in the office. Wondering if it could be the magic piccolo, I rushed back to my shed to get the brochures from The Magic Piccolo Co. If it is magic, maybe I could use it to put a decency spell on that elf. After his lecherous encounter with the milkmaid, a rumor surfaced that her beau had run the elf over with the hay wagon. Since they lack any real evidence, management and security have decided to open a formal investigation. Getting that bad tempered elf to acquiesce to an interview will be difficult. I wish that management would refrain from hiring unregulated elves off the street. Nothing good can come of it.

Each week 5 words will be listed. Your mission is to string those words together with other words of your choosing to fashion into a sentence, several sentences, a paragraph, several paragraphs, a poem, or even a short story.

Catchwords 2...

Read Part One here

Just this morning I saw a piccolo on a desk in the office. Wondering if it could be the magic piccolo, I rushed back to my shed to get the brochures from The Magic Piccolo Co. If it is magic, maybe I could use it to put a decency spell on that elf. After his lecherous encounter with the milkmaid, a rumor surfaced that her beau had run the elf over with the hay wagon. Since they lack any real evidence, management and security have decided to open a formal investigation. Getting that bad tempered elf to acquiesce to an interview will be difficult. I wish that management would refrain from hiring unregulated elves off the street. Nothing good can come of it.

Each week 5 words will be listed. Your mission is to string those words together with other words of your choosing to fashion into a sentence, several sentences, a paragraph, several paragraphs, a poem, or even a short story.

Random Dozen...

Random Dozen comes to you from Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas?
I don't think that I have ever tried to return something after Christmas or had to go to such a meeting. But if I had to choose the worst of the two, it would be the meeting. You could always walk away from the return line.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive?
I cry. And yell swears. And cry more. And feel attacked. I insist on being left alone. Once alone, I come to my senses, settle myself and apologise to the person I was mean to.

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.)
I do know some stuff. Scots folk came from Scotland to Canada and made their way over time to Manitoba, where a great uncle was somewhat of a Canadian Hero. They then made their way through Niagra Falls to Boston/Newton Mass and MIT.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you?
Honestly, you would have to ask the people who have actually done it. My best guess: leave me alone, you'll be my best friend.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to.
Pie: apple, blueberry, pumpkin, squash and lemon meringue!

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit?
Handbag! Ha!I have a bag I carry folders and work papers around in. I put my camera in there. But I don't carry a purse, or a pocketbook. My stuff goes in my pockets and it consists of: money, phone, smokes and lighter( if i have any), and keys to whichever job i'm off to at the moment. That's it. Outfit? Mine is pretty basic: cargo pants/shorts and a t shirt. When it is cold, I will add layers of sweatshirts. I do not have "outfits".

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented?
Generally at work I am task oriented. I could give a sh** if anybody likes me.


8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel?
YUUUUUCK to all of them! I just can't say EWWWWW enough!

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why?
Never, ever have I or would I leave a movie. Unless the building was on fire. Even if the movie was toe-tally offessive to me, I would stay and see the whole thing. Mostly because I would want to be able to use examples to bad-mouth the movie, its actors, director, producer and anyone else after I left the theatre. Also, I would be bad-mouthing the thing while I was sitting there. Either to myself, or quietly to my friend.

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization?
Every area. Honestly. I could use improvement in all aspects of my life just now.


11. Was middle school fun or painful?
Painful. Horribly, intensely painful. I was a freak. And people reminded me daily.


12. What is your favorite Fall beverage?
I like the same things all the time. Anything carbonted that is not diet or Moxie. I like things that are very cold. Oh and fountain soda is quite good.

Random Dozen...

Random Dozen comes to you from Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas?
I don't think that I have ever tried to return something after Christmas or had to go to such a meeting. But if I had to choose the worst of the two, it would be the meeting. You could always walk away from the return line.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive?
I cry. And yell swears. And cry more. And feel attacked. I insist on being left alone. Once alone, I come to my senses, settle myself and apologise to the person I was mean to.

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.)
I do know some stuff. Scots folk came from Scotland to Canada and made their way over time to Manitoba, where a great uncle was somewhat of a Canadian Hero. They then made their way through Niagra Falls to Boston/Newton Mass and MIT.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you?
Honestly, you would have to ask the people who have actually done it. My best guess: leave me alone, you'll be my best friend.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to.
Pie: apple, blueberry, pumpkin, squash and lemon meringue!

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit?
Handbag! Ha!I have a bag I carry folders and work papers around in. I put my camera in there. But I don't carry a purse, or a pocketbook. My stuff goes in my pockets and it consists of: money, phone, smokes and lighter( if i have any), and keys to whichever job i'm off to at the moment. That's it. Outfit? Mine is pretty basic: cargo pants/shorts and a t shirt. When it is cold, I will add layers of sweatshirts. I do not have "outfits".

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented?
Generally at work I am task oriented. I could give a sh** if anybody likes me.


8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel?
YUUUUUCK to all of them! I just can't say EWWWWW enough!

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why?
Never, ever have I or would I leave a movie. Unless the building was on fire. Even if the movie was toe-tally offessive to me, I would stay and see the whole thing. Mostly because I would want to be able to use examples to bad-mouth the movie, its actors, director, producer and anyone else after I left the theatre. Also, I would be bad-mouthing the thing while I was sitting there. Either to myself, or quietly to my friend.

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization?
Every area. Honestly. I could use improvement in all aspects of my life just now.


11. Was middle school fun or painful?
Painful. Horribly, intensely painful. I was a freak. And people reminded me daily.


12. What is your favorite Fall beverage?
I like the same things all the time. Anything carbonted that is not diet or Moxie. I like things that are very cold. Oh and fountain soda is quite good.

Ruby Tuesday...

brought to you by Mary


I took alot of pictures at the greenhouses today.The mums are just cracking color. In a couple days they will be fabulous!
I'm intrigued by these pallets of peat, simply because I have no idea what they'll be used for. These three pallets aren't all of it either. There's a whole bunch more behind these. I'll ask tomorrow.
I found these cardinal flowers (lobelia cardinalis)
hanging tight with some black-eyed susans (rudbeckia)
and some others whose names I've forgotton.
Maybe the Amoeba knows...

Ruby Tuesday...

brought to you by Mary


I took alot of pictures at the greenhouses today.The mums are just cracking color. In a couple days they will be fabulous!
I'm intrigued by these pallets of peat, simply because I have no idea what they'll be used for. These three pallets aren't all of it either. There's a whole bunch more behind these. I'll ask tomorrow.
I found these cardinal flowers (lobelia cardinalis)
hanging tight with some black-eyed susans (rudbeckia)
and some others whose names I've forgotton.
Maybe the Amoeba knows...

A Trip Down Memory Lane

From Quilly and Barbara

Looking this over, I think folks might get the impression I had a crummy experience as a child. But, that is not the case. There were people, (Dad, Linda, Peggie and Bruce) who cared for me and made me happy. There were things I did that didn't make it into this meme simply because the proper questions were not asked...In truth, like other childhoods, some of it stunk, some of it was good!

Who was your first “best friend”?

1st grade - Tammy Anderson, blond hair, blue eyes... we played Jackson 5 music in her driveway and danced around

What was your most memorable birthday as a child?

I think I was 4 or 5, I wanted to send birthday invites to the kids down the street. I got paper and pencil and realised as I put pencil to paper, I did not know how to write. I was crushed. I had the desire but not the knowledge. Later that day, they put me up at the dining room table. They put a cake with burning candles in front of me. They sang Happy Birthday. I was mortified. Everyone was looking at me. Even after I cried they kept singing and looking. Even after I became hysterical and crawled under the table, they kept singing and looking. They dragged me out from the table and laughed in my face. I was traumatised. I have hated birthdays, parties, cakes and singing the song ever since. And I am not lying or joking. I am as serious as an acute myocardial infarction.

Who was your first “crush”?
2nd grade - Donald Knapp

Where was the best vacation your family took as a child?

We did not go on vacations. My dad travelled for business alot, so we went to the airport alot. However, I do have a vague memory of being at the top of a very high hill, with a green carpet spread out before me. My dad was holding me up. I said, incdicating the green carpet, Dad,I want to walk there. He said, That's all trees, we cant walk on top of trees! From photos and what I have gathered from my oldest brother Bruce, we were at the summit of Mt Washington in New Hampshire.

What was your favorite pastime as a child?

Hanging with Dad.

When did you learn to ride a two-wheel bike?

Got on. Fell off. Got on. Fell off. Many times. It was in the driveway of the only house I remember us all living in together. The bike was too big for me. The driveway was sandy/rocky and very long and sraight. I remember my brother Jonathon helping me on a time or two. He tired of that quickly and said Figure it out! I used a step after that. I think I was 5.

What is your most traumatic memory as a child?

Three things:

• The breakup of our family. I remember very little.
  
• My sister Peggie recalls a story concerning grandparents,a locked door, a broken nose and a basset hound. I was very young, she was an older teenager. Although we remember the same day and certain details, her memories differ quite a bit from mine.
• Anything to do with my mother's absolutely vile, disgusting, worthless boyfriend, who she favored over her own children.
  

What age did you learn to swim?

Age 7 - Minot Beach - Barnacle Rock.

What smell automatically takes you back to your childhood?
Pipe tobacco, WD - 40, the smell of electronics and honey dips.

What was your first pet?

Gertrude is the first I remember and knew well. There were others before her that I don't recall. She was the best dog a kid could have. She had her own chair.

Who impacted your life as a child?

My mother's absolutely vile and disgusting, worthless boyfriend, who she favored over her own children.

What is the most exciting Christmas gift you received as a child?

I don't really remember Christmas. Once I got a bear. Once I got a Karen Carpenter record. That's all I remember.

Who was the neighborhood bully when you were growing up?

Not in the neighborhood, but at school. His name was Greg Murphy. Hated him. He was relentless.

Who was your best friend as a teenager?

I don't think I had one. By then, I was pretty withdrawn. I still hung out and had friends and stuff. I was just not that close to anyone, at all.

What is the first car you can remember your family owning?

A VW Microbus.

What was the first award you ever received?

I never recieved an award.

What is the name of the first sports team you played on?

I never played sports. Not even in gym. I found a way to get out of it every time. And I mean EVERY TIME.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

From Quilly and Barbara

Looking this over, I think folks might get the impression I had a crummy experience as a child. But, that is not the case. There were people, (Dad, Linda, Peggie and Bruce) who cared for me and made me happy. There were things I did that didn't make it into this meme simply because the proper questions were not asked...In truth, like other childhoods, some of it stunk, some of it was good!

Who was your first “best friend”?

1st grade - Tammy Anderson, blond hair, blue eyes... we played Jackson 5 music in her driveway and danced around

What was your most memorable birthday as a child?

I think I was 4 or 5, I wanted to send birthday invites to the kids down the street. I got paper and pencil and realised as I put pencil to paper, I did not know how to write. I was crushed. I had the desire but not the knowledge. Later that day, they put me up at the dining room table. They put a cake with burning candles in front of me. They sang Happy Birthday. I was mortified. Everyone was looking at me. Even after I cried they kept singing and looking. Even after I became hysterical and crawled under the table, they kept singing and looking. They dragged me out from the table and laughed in my face. I was traumatised. I have hated birthdays, parties, cakes and singing the song ever since. And I am not lying or joking. I am as serious as an acute myocardial infarction.

Who was your first “crush”?
2nd grade - Donald Knapp

Where was the best vacation your family took as a child?

We did not go on vacations. My dad travelled for business alot, so we went to the airport alot. However, I do have a vague memory of being at the top of a very high hill, with a green carpet spread out before me. My dad was holding me up. I said, incdicating the green carpet, Dad,I want to walk there. He said, That's all trees, we cant walk on top of trees! From photos and what I have gathered from my oldest brother Bruce, we were at the summit of Mt Washington in New Hampshire.

What was your favorite pastime as a child?

Hanging with Dad.

When did you learn to ride a two-wheel bike?

Got on. Fell off. Got on. Fell off. Many times. It was in the driveway of the only house I remember us all living in together. The bike was too big for me. The driveway was sandy/rocky and very long and sraight. I remember my brother Jonathon helping me on a time or two. He tired of that quickly and said Figure it out! I used a step after that. I think I was 5.

What is your most traumatic memory as a child?

Three things:

• The breakup of our family. I remember very little.
  
• My sister Peggie recalls a story concerning grandparents,a locked door, a broken nose and a basset hound. I was very young, she was an older teenager. Although we remember the same day and certain details, her memories differ quite a bit from mine.
• Anything to do with my mother's absolutely vile, disgusting, worthless boyfriend, who she favored over her own children.
  

What age did you learn to swim?

Age 7 - Minot Beach - Barnacle Rock.

What smell automatically takes you back to your childhood?
Pipe tobacco, WD - 40, the smell of electronics and honey dips.

What was your first pet?

Gertrude is the first I remember and knew well. There were others before her that I don't recall. She was the best dog a kid could have. She had her own chair.

Who impacted your life as a child?

My mother's absolutely vile and disgusting, worthless boyfriend, who she favored over her own children.

What is the most exciting Christmas gift you received as a child?

I don't really remember Christmas. Once I got a bear. Once I got a Karen Carpenter record. That's all I remember.

Who was the neighborhood bully when you were growing up?

Not in the neighborhood, but at school. His name was Greg Murphy. Hated him. He was relentless.

Who was your best friend as a teenager?

I don't think I had one. By then, I was pretty withdrawn. I still hung out and had friends and stuff. I was just not that close to anyone, at all.

What is the first car you can remember your family owning?

A VW Microbus.

What was the first award you ever received?

I never recieved an award.

What is the name of the first sports team you played on?

I never played sports. Not even in gym. I found a way to get out of it every time. And I mean EVERY TIME.

Catchwords

Everyone has a reason to hate that elf, the looks he gives the staff! Just the other day one of the milk maids said he leered at her from behind a shrubbery! She claims as she hurried away, she caught her apron on a rose bush. I found her sobbing over her tattered garment.
We've all come under great scrutiny. I overheard one of the janitors say that management is reviewing the films from the security cameras and they have some leads.
No one will admit to putting the tire marks on that elf. I think he's okay, but they say he's just as rude as ever.

Each week 5 words will be listed. Your mission is to string those words together with other words of your choosing to fashion into a sentence, several sentences, a paragraph, several paragraphs, a poem, or even a short story.

Catchwords

Everyone has a reason to hate that elf, the looks he gives the staff! Just the other day one of the milk maids said he leered at her from behind a shrubbery! She claims as she hurried away, she caught her apron on a rose bush. I found her sobbing over her tattered garment.
We've all come under great scrutiny. I overheard one of the janitors say that management is reviewing the films from the security cameras and they have some leads.
No one will admit to putting the tire marks on that elf. I think he's okay, but they say he's just as rude as ever.

Each week 5 words will be listed. Your mission is to string those words together with other words of your choosing to fashion into a sentence, several sentences, a paragraph, several paragraphs, a poem, or even a short story.

Six Word Saturday...

Six Word Saturday brought to you by Cate.

Today's rain will
ruin Edaville's attendance.

Six Word Saturday...

Six Word Saturday brought to you by Cate.

Today's rain will
ruin Edaville's attendance.

I watch movies and tv. Alot. I'm not thrilled with commercial television, so I subscribe to HBO and Netflix. HBO is immediate. Netflix, I have to wait a little. BUT, and this is a big but, Netflix is pretty cool because they have bunches of titles to choose from, and they ship from distribution centers all over the US. Some are as close to my house as 15 or 20 miles away. So the turn around is quick. But sometimes, I get impatient and I turn to cable tv. And more often than not, I am disappointed. It's the same stuff, over and over again.
Well, not too long ago, Quilly featured an ad on her blog for a Roku player. I didn't look at it right away. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Netflix. But today when I could find nothing I cared to watch on tv, I went to Quilly's blog for entertainment. I noticed her ad and checked it out.
I just wish I had looked at that ad earlier because the Roku player will, in connection with my PC and my tv, stream 17,000 Netflix titles to my tv instantly.

17,000! Instantly!

Honestly, I thought I had become bored and gone to tv heaven. I knew I could stream movies and tv shows instantly to my computer, but to my tv? I can search the Netflix titles on my tv while lying prone with pillows and blankies?

This is a dream come true. That Roku player is going to be mine. They're cheap and easy to set up and I will be watching stuff I like within minutes of receipt of that player. The people in my house will no longer be able to speak to me because I will be absorbed in blips of light and sound. If I have to I will use Colleen's noise cancelling headphones to block them all out!

Aboslute immersion in movies is in my future!

I watch movies and tv. Alot. I'm not thrilled with commercial television, so I subscribe to HBO and Netflix. HBO is immediate. Netflix, I have to wait a little. BUT, and this is a big but, Netflix is pretty cool because they have bunches of titles to choose from, and they ship from distribution centers all over the US. Some are as close to my house as 15 or 20 miles away. So the turn around is quick. But sometimes, I get impatient and I turn to cable tv. And more often than not, I am disappointed. It's the same stuff, over and over again.
Well, not too long ago, Quilly featured an ad on her blog for a Roku player. I didn't look at it right away. I thought I knew everything there was to know about Netflix. But today when I could find nothing I cared to watch on tv, I went to Quilly's blog for entertainment. I noticed her ad and checked it out.
I just wish I had looked at that ad earlier because the Roku player will, in connection with my PC and my tv, stream 17,000 Netflix titles to my tv instantly.

17,000! Instantly!

Honestly, I thought I had become bored and gone to tv heaven. I knew I could stream movies and tv shows instantly to my computer, but to my tv? I can search the Netflix titles on my tv while lying prone with pillows and blankies?

This is a dream come true. That Roku player is going to be mine. They're cheap and easy to set up and I will be watching stuff I like within minutes of receipt of that player. The people in my house will no longer be able to speak to me because I will be absorbed in blips of light and sound. If I have to I will use Colleen's noise cancelling headphones to block them all out!

Aboslute immersion in movies is in my future!

Ruby Tuesday...

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Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary the Teach.

Ruby Tuesday...

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Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary the Teach.

The Random Dozen Meme

I stole this meme from Quilly, who stole it from *Barbara. Melli did, too. Only Melli says she got the meme from Barbara who got it from Susanne who got it from Linda. Where ever it came from, here it is:*

*lifted from Quilly's blog

The Random Dozen Meme

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

A dirty and shameful feeling.

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate?

World of Warcraft, any Chevy Camaro, praise music, drinking alchohol and patchouli oil...

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about?

Television, WDW, old school Who. I love Pete Townsend's voice.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?

In the car, I pay attention to the songs. I listen for all the little funky parts I love, and parts I may have missed before. I don't sing in the shower.

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:

Aaaah, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, croutons, shredded parm, and properly grilled chicken.

6. Advice in a nutshell to new bloggers (one or two sentences):

I'm a new blogger and I stink at it! Quilly's advice is good and I'm following it.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?

There was no alternate as far as I know.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?

A great, great windfall.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?

Shirts from L.L.Bean.

10. Today–what song represents you?

"I Have had Enough of Edaville Just Now" by Me and Everyone Who Works for Me.

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?

I have almost nothing to say.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today?

I chose these clothes because they are my work clothes and I am going to work. In general, they say about me that I cannot work without getting something on me.

The Random Dozen Meme

I stole this meme from Quilly, who stole it from *Barbara. Melli did, too. Only Melli says she got the meme from Barbara who got it from Susanne who got it from Linda. Where ever it came from, here it is:*

*lifted from Quilly's blog

The Random Dozen Meme

1. When you go to Wowmart, what one thing do you get every single time, besides a funky-wheeled squeaking cart full of frustration?

A dirty and shameful feeling.

2. What is something that people are currently “into” that you just don’t get or appreciate?

World of Warcraft, any Chevy Camaro, praise music, drinking alchohol and patchouli oil...

3. What is something that really hoists your sail that other people might feel “ho-hum” about?

Television, WDW, old school Who. I love Pete Townsend's voice.

4. Favorite song to sing in the shower or car?

In the car, I pay attention to the songs. I listen for all the little funky parts I love, and parts I may have missed before. I don't sing in the shower.

5. A really great salad must have this ingredient:

Aaaah, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, croutons, shredded parm, and properly grilled chicken.

6. Advice in a nutshell to new bloggers (one or two sentences):

I'm a new blogger and I stink at it! Quilly's advice is good and I'm following it.

7. What was the alternate name that your parents almost named you? Do you wish they had chosen it instead of the one they gave you?

There was no alternate as far as I know.

8. What in your life are you waiting for?

A great, great windfall.

9. You get a package in the mail. What is it, and who is it from?

Shirts from L.L.Bean.

10. Today–what song represents you?

"I Have had Enough of Edaville Just Now" by Me and Everyone Who Works for Me.

11. What is one thing that blogging has taught you about yourself?

I have almost nothing to say.

12. How are you going to (or how did you) choose the clothes you’re wearing today? What do they say about you in general or specifically how you’re feeling today?

I chose these clothes because they are my work clothes and I am going to work. In general, they say about me that I cannot work without getting something on me.

Sky Watch Friday

Edaville USA

Since I can't spend all my time in theme parks, I work at one.
I think it is special and rather unique. Other theme parks have trains, but ours sports a narrow gauge railway
through a cranberry plantation.

Edaville has other oddities and intrigues,
but my favorite is the steam engine.
The Anne Elizabeth is currently in the shop, under repair.
I wait, impatiently, for her to return to the rails
surrounding the plantation.

The Anne Elizabeth
I believe this snapshot belongs to Savery Moore.

Standing next to the Anne Elizabeth while she idles
on the platform is quite an experience.
There is a certain pressure in the air I've felt in my chest.
Her whistle is longing and soulful and utterly heartbreaking to me.
The Anne Elizabeth takes me away somewhere, to a place I'm not sure I wish to return from.

Lots of folks participate in Sky Watch! Click here to see...

Sky Watch Friday

Edaville USA

Since I can't spend all my time in theme parks, I work at one.
I think it is special and rather unique. Other theme parks have trains, but ours sports a narrow gauge railway
through a cranberry plantation.

Edaville has other oddities and intrigues,
but my favorite is the steam engine.
The Anne Elizabeth is currently in the shop, under repair.
I wait, impatiently, for her to return to the rails
surrounding the plantation.

The Anne Elizabeth
I believe this snapshot belongs to Savery Moore.

Standing next to the Anne Elizabeth while she idles
on the platform is quite an experience.
There is a certain pressure in the air I've felt in my chest.
Her whistle is longing and soulful and utterly heartbreaking to me.
The Anne Elizabeth takes me away somewhere, to a place I'm not sure I wish to return from.

Lots of folks participate in Sky Watch! Click here to see...