Looking back on 2018

It has been a long time since I have just made a regular post about what is going on here.  I mean, nothing crazy or anything, but I do use this blog as a journal to reflect back on, so I thought I had better make an update.  I do enjoy the memes though and I feel like you can kind of keep up reading those too sometimes.  Especially the Wednesday Medley because there is always that random question....I try to make that my weekly update.
I decided last winter that I was going to make this year about me and Josh.  My mom can be very demanding about wanting us to be at her house all of the time, that our needs do not get met.  So, I made doctor's appointments...as in we got new regular doctors, I had my female exam, I had an eye exam, Josh had his wisdom teeth out, I had a mammogram and of course our dental visits.  My visit showed I have hypothyroidism.  I am on medicine for that, but have had blood drawn since and my thyroid was back to normal.  I am doing fine.  Josh was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.  This started in high school and this went on way to long.  He is now in counseling and on medication.  He has a long journey though and is still not feeling quite right I can tell.  He just seems sad and quiet a lot.  I try to get him out as much as I can.  It seems to help.  I am going to be taking him to all of his visits in the New Year, so that will give us more time together too.
We did get to go see Phantom of the Opera this year and we just saw Nutcracker.  Karl and I went to a baseball game and that was fun.  We also cleaned up our house and Karl worked hard on our yard.  It was a very productive year.  Our house had been neglected the last few years.
I was sick most of December...starting Thanksgiving...I was sick with some virus which afterwards produced a cough, but it wasn't awful.  I thought I was getting better and the week before Christmas my cough got really bad.  I went to the doctor and they said it was a sinus infection.  I am just finishing up my anti-biotics and starting to feel good again.  We got to spend Christmas with my mom and also with my husband's family, so Christmas was good.   I did go to the chiropractor last week too though because my back was hurting so bad.  It is also starting to feel better.  I pray I am completely better by the time I have to go back to work.  I have another week.  We go back January 7th.

My hope and prayer for 2019 is for our health to be good and for Josh to turn a corner and start feeling better with his mental health.  I usually think about the New Year and hope it will be a good year.  I know we will have trials though, so I am not even going to do that.  I am just going to take it day by day in the new year.  God will help us.  I would not want this year to be any different.  We have doctors now...I had not been in 15 years.  Josh is getting help and we did some really fun things.  I did a lot more I did not mention either.  I am thankful for this year and for all of the doctors that have helped us.  I do not foresee 2019 being so crazy with doctors like last year, but you never know.  I knew 2018 would be crazy...I planned it that way.
So...it is New Year's Eve.  We usually stay home and watch tv and stay with our dogs.  The people in our town set off fireworks and they scare our dogs, so I like to be here for them.  I have no resolutions, just to keep going to the doctor as our appointments come up.  I am feeling so much better today...not coughing and my back is much better, so I am going to do some light cleaning I think!  Have a great day!

**Update**  My mom just called and if you are a long time friend you know we used to take my dad to visit his brothers in Oklahoma.  Well, my dad's brother Joe is in a nursing home with alzheimer's now...same thing my dad and my Grandma passed away from and his wife...my Aunt Mildred had a heart attack last night and died.  So sad.  Josh was really close to them, he is going to be so sad.

Happy New Year!!!

Sunday Stealing-Lollipops

This logo stolen from Toni

 

 1. Are flowers a nice gift to give someone?  I think so, I love flowers!

2. Do you wear any jewelry?  I used to wear a lot of jewelry, but I cannot stand to wear much anymore.  I wear my wedding ring and a watch.

3. Have you ever laid in a field of flowers?  no, I have laid in poison ivy though on the side of a hill.  I was playing hide and seek when I was little.  I ended up at the doctor of course.

4. Do you like tea?  yes!

5. What would you do with a million dollars?  buy a nicer house...nothing big or anything.  Get my husband and I new cars, pay off our debt.  Put some money back and give some to charity.  Probably give money to our parents too.

6. What word do you have trouble saying? worcestershire

7. Favorite fairytale? Cinderella

8. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?  no

9. Do you prefer the city or the country? country, I have lived in both.

10. Are you a big fan of makeup?  Oh yes!

11. Favorite drink?  Pepsi or sweet tea

12. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve stayed awake?  When I was in college I stayed up all night studying for a test with a friend.  We never did that again.  I would say 36 hours I was awake.

13. Have you ever traveled outside of your country?  no

14. Do you like spring? yes

15. Lipstick or lipgloss?  lipgloss, but I rarely wear it.  I mostly wear Blistex and that is all.

16. Favorite color? red, but I love all of the colors.

17. Do you like to decorate?  love it!

18. Do you ever go barefoot when you’re outside?  not anymore

19. Are aliens real?  I do not think so

20. Does you zodiac sign fit your personality?  I don't know, I do not pay much attention to that stuff.

21.Favorite sea animal? dolphin

22. Are you a nice person?  yes

23. Favorite word? awesome!

24. Night or day? oh gosh, I love both so much.

25. What would make you happy right now?  some food, I am starting to get hungry.

 

 

Saturday 9- Winter Wonderland

 

Saturday 9: Winter Wonderland (1968)

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

Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2018! Thanks for a great year, everyone.

1) This is an unconventional take on an old familiar song. Over the holidays, do you prefer traditional carols? Or do you like to mix it up with with more contemporary fare?  I typically prefer the traditional carols.

2) Now that Christmas is behind us, are you enjoying a relaxing week? Or do you have socializing/celebrating/chores to do? We still have another family event to go to.  We will take out tree down next week, so I will begin the cleaning then.

3) Winter is a time for cocooning. What book or movie did you enjoy in 2018 that you would recommend to your fellow Saturday 9-ers?  the book She Believes by Debbie Lindell for a book.  I cannot remember too many movies from this past year.

4)  Looking back on the past year, what was one of your happiest moments? doing things/making memories with my mom, husband and my son.  We went to Phantom of the Opera and Nutcracker.

5)  What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?  seeing all of the doctors we went to see.  I was pretty much given a clean bill of health.  My son was given a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, but he is getting help for that now.

6)  As 2018 comes to a close, what are you most grateful for? God and family


7) This week's featured artist is Herb Alpert. Because of the style he popularized and the name of his band, people assume he's Hispanic. Yet his parents were Jewish immigrants from Romania. What's something we'd be surprised to learn about you?  I am super shy and I worry it makes me look rude or hard to get along with. 

 
8) He performed an instrumental version of "The Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXII. How did your favorite sports teams do in 2018?  The St. Louis Cardinals struggled and The Kansas City Chiefs are doing ok, they are in 1st place, but I am concerned about them.
 

9) Random question: When did you last check your social media feed?  right before I got on here to answer these questions.

I am new to Saturday 9, but I am enjoying it so much and I have loved meeting each and every one of you!  Thank you for making my Saturday so much fun.  Happy New Year!

 

Sunday Stealing- End of Year Questions

This logo stolen from Toni

This isn't stolen from anywhere in particular, but it is a questionnaire I have tried to answer each year....maybe it originated with Sunday Stealing; I don't know.  But maybe you'd like to look back on 2018 as well.




What did you do last year that you had not done before? I have mentioned this, but the ladies I work with are always having me try new foods.  They are on keto diets.  The food is pretty good!

Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions/goals for the year and will you make/set more for next year?  What are they? What are your new ones?  I do not make any resolutions.

Did anyone you know give birth? Or become pregnant?  Or adopt?  Two of my friends at work are pregnant

Did anyone you know die? Or have a serious illness/injury?  I had several friend's parents die.

What places have you visited? Landers Theater to see The Nutcracker and Juanita K. Hammons Theater to see Phantom of the Opera.  I also visited a LOT of doctors this year...me and my son.  We went to Hammons Field to see The Springfield Cardinals play, but overall I was super busy with doctors this year.

Any new pets? Lost a pet?  no

What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year (doesn't have to be a physical thing i.e. love, job security, peace of mind...)? financial security and good health for all of my family.

What date from last year will remain etched in your memory and why? I think it will be getting my son's diagnosis of depression and anxiety.  It has taken a long time for him to even get a little bit better.  I pray this year he will feel better.

What was your biggest achievement last year? cleaning the house and finally making time to see the doctors.

Did you get sick or injured?  I have a sinus infection right now I have been battling for about a month.  I went to the doctor Friday and they put me on anti-biotics.

What was the best thing you bought? We bought a new bed and a new chair for me.  We love both of them!

Where did most of your disposable income go (money leftover after you pay for food, medical care, basic clothing, transportation and shelter)? essential oils and make-up

What song will always remind you of last year?  Doesn't have to be a song released last year.  This one is hard.  I am a person that always has a song attached to things, but I have not been impressed with any of the music for a while.  I have been listening to The Cars a lot lately and 80's music.  I think it has been an escape for me.

What do you wish you would have done more of? I feel like we have done just what we needed to do this year.

What do you wish you would have done less of?  worrying

What was your favorite new TV program? Movie? Album/Songs? Or if you didn't pick up any new ones, what are you still watching/listening to? Any recommendations?  New Amsterdam

What was the best book you read this year?  How many did you read?  I am not a reader.  I only read the book She Believes by Debbie Lindell, it was a very inspirational read though.  I loved it.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Did you feel differently?  I had to look back at my blog, but it looks like I was sick then too with a cough.  We had Chinese for my birthday, but that is about it.  The girls at work always do something great for me, they got me a huge mum for my yard, pj's, lotion and my mom made me a fall wreath.  It was my 48th birthday and no I do not feel any different.

What political or social issue stirred you the most?  We had a state issue where they put right to work on the ballot.  My husband is a union laborer, so that one upset me.  I just wish people would stop trying to attack other people.  The union has taken good care of us as far as insurance and my husband's job.  They can spin it anyway they want, but the goal of right to work is to get rid of the union.  It failed bad, yet they are still talking about putting it back on the ballot.  Just don't join a union people...go away!

Who was the most interesting new person you met? My son's psychiatrist is pretty interesting.  He is smart and has been so helpful knowing exactly what to do to help Josh.

What changed at your job?  We added another preschool special education classroom

What changed in your home? We did that huge clean-up at our house this year, there is so much less clutter.

Describe how a relationship changed.  I feel like my relationship with my son became closer, because we were trying to get him better and he was scared.

Do you think you are still the same person that you were at the beginning of the year?  How so?  I do think I am the same person.

Summarize the year in three words or less. Bonus points for doing it in one word. Explain. wellness.  I have not been seeing any doctors for many years because I have been taking care of my dad with alzheimer's and helping my mom.  My dad passed away, so last summer I decided I was going to go see the doctors and make sure I am ok.  I only had hypothyroidism, but I was at so many doctors catching up on visits.  I also had my son Josh at the doctor.  He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and is in counseling now getting help.  He also had his wisdom teeth out.  It was a busy summer.

How have people around you changed? no

What have you learned throughout the year? (Other than crafts) patience

What was your favorite outfit for warm weather? Cooler weather? sweats and t-shirt for both.

Did you learn any new crafts or techniques? What was your favorite thing you made? no

What changed about your physical appearance? (Hair? Wrinkles? New makeup style? Etc) I have curly hair, so I have tried some curly girl products that I have enjoyed that made my hair look nice.  I am always tinkering with make-up.

What are your hopes and dreams for the new year?  (Some suggestions-family, travel, work, lifestyle, hobbies, pets, appearance)  I just want everyone to be healthy and happy and I would like to do some fun things to make memories....baseball games, swimming.  I am hoping this year is not constant doctor visits like last year.

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays!

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays! (from the archives)


1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?  I was shy.  I remember visiting him once or twice and I always wrote a letter.  I am not sure why my mom quit taking me.  I may not have said much.  Hahahaha

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?  Nice.  Ido not have the time or energy to be naughty.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?  no.  I sent a card to Australia though.  I used to send a lot more cards overseas.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?  I buy what I need and that is my gift.  I got some shirts for school.

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?  I watch Hallmark movies, but I do not need to see any certain movie at Christmas.  We did watch Holiday Inn last night though.

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?  yes...with my cousin when I was in high school or so.  We were both visiting our Granie and Papa in Oklahoma, but I think that year for whatever reason we went to a movie.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?  no

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather? hot chocolate

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.  I bought my mom some Pioneer Woman things.  She freaked out she was so excited.  I video taped her and watched it all year.  I got her a Pioneer Woman toaster this year.

Wednesday Medley-

1.  Wednesday, December 19, 2018, is National Hard Candy Day! So the first question today is to ask if you enjoy hard candy, especially the kind we usually see during this festive time of year?  What is your favorite?  Which hard candy brings up the best memories for you if any?  I love hard candy, I am not even sure why I do not have any in my house.  I always liked the long swirled ones with red color in them.  I have no idea what they are.  My Granie always had them at Christmas, it was a mixed box of candy, so I think of her and my family Christmas when I think of those candies.  (It is ribbon candy...I have been reading about it at all of your blogs).

2.  Holiday shopping!  Are you finished? If you could spend an entire day in just one store, which one would it be and why?  I am finished.  I hate shopping, so the thought of having to stay in a store for a whole day makes me shudder.  If I had to make a choice and money was not an issue, I would choose a clothing store.

3.  What holiday dessert describes you and why?  I am not really sure.

4.  What is your least favorite holiday side dish?  cranberries

5.  Now be real!! There is one on almost every tree. What is the ugliest tree ornament you have ever seen?  I do not pay that close of attention to other people's trees,  but my Granie made some ceramic ornaments and some of them are kind of ugly, but they are my favorites.  I have a friend that adds a new ugly ornament to her tree every year.  So fun!  They are kind of cute.

6.  Tell us something random about your week!!  We went to see Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday, then went to eat Italian afterwards and then to the city square for pictures with the Christmas tree.  We took my mom with us, so it was a lot of fun.

Tuesday 4 Meme- About Christmas Chapter 2

About Christmas Chapter 2
1.   Do you drive through your neighborhood to look at other people's holiday decorations?  Not our neighborhood so much, we are out in the country and not many people decorate, but we did drive to a neighboring town that has a light display and drove through that.

2.   Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?  I am counting down this week because once Friday hits, I am on Christmas Break for 2 weeks.  I am excited about Christmas.  The gifts are bought and wrapped already.

3.   When was the last time you had a photo taken with Santa?  Me...since I was a kid, but we visited Santa when Josh was little and he had his photo taken.

4.   Do you make a Christmas list for your family or friends?  no, there really aren't too many to buy for, so I can remember in my head.  It seems like I made a list when I was younger and had more people to buy for.

Sunday Stealing- Fashion Asks

December logo stolen from Smellyann

    What season has your favorite looks?  Winter...I love wearing sweaters and warm clothes with layers.

    Formal or casual?  casual

    Thrift store, boutique, or online?  boutique

    What’s your favorite decade for fashion?  I loved the 80's, but I enjoy wearing styles of the 70's (bojo chic).

    Do you like to accessorize?  I used to, but not much anymore.

    What does your basic outfit look like?  jeans, nice shirt, nice shoes.

    What piece of clothing do you spend your money on the most?  shoes

    Do you wear hats?  sometimes I wear a baseball cap

    What is your opinion on wearing socks and sandals together?  I feel like people should just do what makes them comfortable.  I do not do it though.

    What colors do you like to wear?  black, gray and red

    What are some of the strangest outfits you have seen?  not sure...maybe something from a fashion show...I see those and wonder who in the world would wear that crap.

    What fashions do you hate?  lots of holes in jeans, I like small ones or just one or two, but when the jeans look slashed up, that just looks tacky to me.

    What are you favorite styles?  tasteful classic clothes

    What do you think of body piercing?  my ears are pierced, that is all.  I have zero desire to pierce anything else.

    Do you like dyed hair?  yes

Saturday 9: We Need a Little Christmas

Saturday 9: We Need a Little Christmas (2006)

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

1) At the beginning of this recording, Daffy says he hopes all his friends remember his size, style and favorite color. What piece of clothing would you like to add to your wardrobe?  I need a new pair of tennis shoes and I am always looking to add shirts.

2) His friends are late for Daffy's holiday soiree. Think about the last get together you attended. Were you early, late or right on time?  I typically run early. 

3) It hasn't a snowed a single flurry where Daffy is. Have you had to shovel yet?  nope, we have had some flurries and it has snowed all around us, but not at my house.  I am hoping for some really good snow this winter.

4) Daffy sings that he's looking forward to fruitcake. How about you? Are you a fruitcake fan?  nope

5) Daffy is an American Black Duck. Their usual diet doesn't generally include fruitcake. These ducks more commonly dine on seeds, foliage and bugs. What was your most recent meal?  Fettuccine Alfredo and cheesy bread sticks

6) The only Christmas card Sam has received so far this year is from her insurance agent. She never sees her agent socially. In fact, she doesn't think she's seen him at all in 2018. Have you received many cards this year? If so, were they from people you feel close to?  This is the saddest thing in the world.  It seems my family does not send out Christmas cards and many of my friends send them out last minute.  I can't really enjoy them that way.  I have my dog Mandy in a card exchange and we have more cards from "dogs".  I wish people still took the time to send cards.  I mean, it is the only time of the year you get good mail or any mail at all that is not junk or bills.

7) When do you start holiday shopping: Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Halloween?  Thanksgiving and Black Friday

8) Sam was recently driven crazy by kids running through store aisles wearing elf hats with bells. Do you have any apparel that makes noise? no

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.
We typically donate to the local homeless shelter called Victory Mission.  They make sure the families are fed and have a place to stay that is warm and dry.  We also donate to St. Jude's.

 

Wednesday Medley

1.  National Ding-a-Ling Day is observed across the United States each year on December 12.  Ding-a-Lings on this day call the people they haven’t heard from in a while.  It may be an old classmate, co-worker or neighbor from years ago.  Or perhaps a call will go out to the child who used to mow the grass during the summer.  How about that couple who carpooled for soccer. There are all sorts of people in our lives who manage to slip out of our lives who would love to hear the ding-a-ling of a call from you or me.  So tell us who you want to call today!  This is hilarious!  I do pretty good at keeping up with people on facebook, but I will probably not give anyone special a ding-a-ling.

2.  Each year on the 12th day of December, people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day.  I am including this "National Day" too because my neighbor's poinsettia from last year is blooming beside their house!!  Have you ever tried to plant a poinsettia outside?  I have not.  I do good to keep them alive for a bit in my warm house.  It is cold where I live.

3.  Do you believe in Bigfoot?  What size shoe do you wear and do you have trouble shoe shopping?  I wear a size 7.  Yes, I have a horrible time shopping for shoes because I have a wide foot.

4.  What is one thing you refuse to share?  My dogs

5.  Are you finding that this Christmas is stressful? More or less than last year?    Less stressful, I was able to get a good jump on Christmas shopping and the gifts are wrapped.  I just did not do great getting Christmas cards out, but I got them out over the weekend. 

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far!  It is kind of quiet this week, but Josh did get his counseling appointments made for January and February and I will be able to take him to his sessions. I am so excited.  I like spending time with him, he talks more to me when I am able to take him and it will relieve my mom from have to drive him back and forth to them.

Tuesday 4 Meme- About Christmas Chapter 1

1.   What is your favorite Christmas show/animated show?  Charlie Brown Christmas

 

2.   What holiday character do you think you're most like?  Cindy Lou Who, I love how much she loves Christmas.

 

3.   Favorite Christmas/holiday song?  Happy Birthday Jesus

 

4.   If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?  I was listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween.  I do not listen all of the time though.

Sunday Stealing- Dreamy

December logo stolen from Smellyann

 

favorite novel and author?  The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald

favorite perfume/scent?  I do not really wear perfume.  I wear lotion sometimes, scents that are light and clean.

coffee or tea?  tea

are you a cat or dog person?  dog!  I have 3 of them...Mandy, Molly and Meisha

which mythical creature would you transform into if you could?  unicorn

favorite time period?  all of them are so interesting.  I can't choose.

name 3 films that have changed your life and have shaped you into the person you are today.  I can't say a film has changed my life...that I can think of right now anyway.

diamonds or pearls?  diamonds

what’s your biggest dream?  just to be happy and healthy

dream destination?  I would love to see Europe

favorite fictional character?  not sure I have a favorite...I will think about it.

share a quote or passage that means something to you.  I live my live by this verse.

what’s your favorite plant/flower?  I love flowers and plants, I do not really have a favorite.

do you prefer the forest or the ocean? why?  I enjoy the peace of the forest and I have always lived near the forest, but I love the ocean too for the relaxation.  I love both.

what do you value most in people? honesty

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree (So Santa Will Stick Around All Year) (1954)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured songstress, Peggy King, sings that she'd like to extend the Christmas season all year. How about you? Do you wish the season was longer? Shorter? Or do you think things are fine as they are?  I actually think it is fine just the way it is, but I do enjoy Christmas movies in July sometimes.

2) She specifically mentions toys. Have you purchased/will you purchase any toys as holiday gifts this year?  no

3) Search for "glue" on The Home Depot's website and you'll get more than 3,000 results. There's heavy-duty adhesives, all-purpose glue, clear epoxy, wood glue, and more. Do you currently have glue in your home? If yes, how many kinds?  Maybe 3 or 4...we have regular glue, glue sticks, gorilla glue and we may have some super glue somewhere.  My husband may have some other kinds of glue, but I do not use them.

4) What's the last thing you used glue for?  I used a hot  glue gun today to glue a ribbon on a ornament for a student.

5) This week's featured artist, Peggy King, was a TV staple in the 1950s. With her perpetually upbeat persona, she was known as "Pretty, Perky Peggy King." Do you consider yourself upbeat, aka "perky?"  yes
 
6) Ms. King got her start singing radio jingles for Hunt's tomato sauce. Prepared tomato sauce, properly stored, can safely be kept in the refrigerator for days. Do you have any leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  probably, it needs to be cleaned out.

7) Her biggest movie role was in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Do you watch scary movies and shows all year around? Only at Halloween? Or not at all?  usually not at all, but my son likes the older 1950's movies, he says they are horror, but by today's standards they are more like suspense.  He loves the movie Rebecca and Midnight Lace.

8) In 1954, the year this record was released, President Eisenhower dedicated the Marine Corps. Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington DC. If you were to play tourist in our nation's capital, what site would you be certain to visit?  I would love to see The White House.

9) Random question: Which of these common household items would you miss most if it suddenly went on the fritz -- your bedside lamp or your hair dryer? hair dryer!  My hair would be wet all day if not for my hair dryer.  I can go without my bedside lamp if I need to.

 

Wednesday Medley

1.     On December 5, 1901, Walt Disney was born.  Have you been to Disneyland or Disney World?  Can you share a favorite Disney memory?  Karl and I went to Disney World for our Honeymoon, I had never been, it was a great trip, but when Josh was 5 years old we took him to Disney World and it was pure magic!  I loved it so much.  We stayed for 2 weeks.

2.     The first roller coaster attraction at Walt Disney World was Space Mountain.  Do you/did you like roller coasters?  I love them

3.     The very first fairy tale that Walt Disney made a cartoon about was Little Red Riding Hood.  Did you enjoy fairy tales when you were a youngster or did they scare you?  Did you have a favorite?  I do love fairy tales, I think I like Cinderella the most.  I was reminded of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears as I was out visiting.  My dad used to tell that to me when I was young, so I have a special fondness to that one also.  I also feel like Goldie locks when I am shopping for furniture.

4.     In Lady & the Tramp, Tramp’s real name was Butch!  Do you have nicknames for your fur-babies and/or for your children?  Yes, I call Mandy- Mandy Pants, Molly is Molly Sue, and I call Meisha "Louise" which is her middle name.  She seems to understand both names.  I do not call Josh by nicknames much anymore.  Today is Meisha's 8th birthday!

5.     I can’t let this day go by without respecting George H.W. Bush, as he lays in state in the Rotunda of our Capital today.  He was our 41^st President and only the second father to have a son follow him as President of the United States.  President Bush loved his colorful socks.  I bought Joe a pair of George H.W. Bush socks for Christmas one year.  I know Myra has a pair… any other bloggers checking in today who have a pair of the Presidential socks in a drawer at home?  How do you feel about colorful socks?

These are the socks (and tie) President Bush will be buried in.

These are like the ones I gave to Joe.  He does wear them,

by the way!

I do not have any Presidential socks!  I did not know that was a thing.  I am so glad you wrote about this!  I was able to check in and watch his memorial that was on tv today, I streamed it some at work on my phone.  What a great President!

6.     Please tell us something random about your week!  Our cleaning is coming along nicely!  We got the shed, spare room, laundry room and our closet cleaned out.  They look amazing!  I am sure we will fill them back up again now. :/  I think we are finished, so we can have the trash company come get the dumpster.  It was a small one, but we still needed to finish this cleaning I started back in the summer.  It makes me feel so good and organized!