Friday, October 30, 2009

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Ward brought home everything on the shopping list. In addition to the super nacho ingredients, he also got Diet Coke.

I love that man.

Today was the day I planned to go for a big grocery shop. I had some things to do around the house this morning before hunting and gathering. Around lunch, I went to the frig. and noticed the bulb was out.

Humph. How 'bout that?

A few moments later I reached in the freezer. The bulb was out in there, too.

What are the odds? I listened closely and heard nothing but the drip, drip of the thawing chicken nuggets and Hub's last two Klondike bars. No humming, no buzzing of a compressor. Nada.

So I called our property manager to report that our refrigerator had just died. They said they "hoped" to have someone out to check it this afternoon.

It's Friday. Even if the man showed up on time, there was no way the food was going to make it. If a part or new appliance were needed, it would most likely be Monday before they arrived.

Boy, was I glad I hadn't gone to the store.

We still have a little college dorm size frig. that we used during another move. I went to the garage and plugged it in. There was just enough room to stash a half gallon of milk, some hot dogs, and a stick of butter.

Hours passed. No one came.

I returned to the kitchen for something and noticed that now my coffee maker clock wasn't on.

Guess which two items in the kitchen share the same outlet.

I slid the coffee maker over and noticed that the GFCI outlet had tripped. A quick press of the reset button and all was right with the world. The humming returned, the ice maker clanged and the frost on the milk jug began to fade.

I called the property manager to give her the good news.

Thank Heaven for modern conveniences like safe electricity and refrigeration.

Because Heaven knows how much Ward loves his Klondike bars.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

And I meet him at the door with a cocktail and take his hat.

Hubs has always said he doesn't like sitting at a desk. He would love to work in a way that keeps him constantly moving, not at a desk.

Except for the people on The Office, I think most of us are like that. Whether we really want to sit at a desk for work or not, sometimes we just end up there, at least for part of the work day.

It's not the best situation, but we take what we get.

Kind of like being the person who gets the last little bit of fries before they make a fresh batch, but without the little ketchup packets.

The funny thing (not in the comical kind of funny) is that his job through the years usually involves a desk. (And he's not a furniture maker.) When his job position changes, he always gives me his new phone number.

I always ask, "Is this at your desk?"

To which he answers, "No. I don't have a desk. I just sit there sometimes and do my work."

Whatever. All I need to know is if Hubs is going to answer when I call the number.

A few years ago he shared an office area with other people, not a cubicle, not an office. So, he said he technically did not have his own desk.

And I thought I was the word person in the family.

The other day he moved into his new office. In his office there is a desk. He doesn't share the office with anyone, so he doesn't share the desk with anyone. HELLO, HUBS. There's no way to avoid it now. YOU HAVE A DESK.

(Insert great segue here.)

It turned cold today. We needed milk. Dinner time was within a few hours. The leftovers were gone. All I had was ground beef , a block of cheese, and a few taco shells. We'll have tacos!

Really boring tacos.

Oh. I know! We'll have super nachos!

I could not bring myself to go out. It was windy. It was miserable. So, I had an idea.

Call Hubs at his desk.

"Hey, can you go to the store? If not, it's okay."

"No, I can."

I hear laughing at the other end.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm that guy (the guy WITH A DESK!) whose wife calls him at work and gives him a list to go to the store."

"I could make you that guy who doesn't have a wife to call him at work and gives him a list to go to the store.... giggle...or do you want me to be the wife who yells at the husband when he comes home from the store because he didn't get the right thing?" (more giggles)

"Dang... okay. What do you need?"

"Milk."

"And bread?"

"No, but you can get bread if you want."

"No, I was just thinking that people always need milk and bread..."

"Okay. We actually do need bread. Get some."

"Got it. What else?"

"We're having super nachos. I need lettuce, tomato, black olives and um, the nachos. So far, all I have is meat and cheese."

More laughing at the other end.

"Now you have to read it back to me."

"Milk, bread, lettuce, tomato, black olives, and nachos."

"See you when you get home."

"Love you."

"Love you, too."

Now I'm the wife who calls her husband at work with a list for the store.

And then blogs about it.

Dang.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Random Dozen 9


Thanks again, Linda!

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

I have three favorite teachers for different reasons, but since Linda told me to pick ONE, I GUESS I'll follow the rules...sigh...


My favorite teacher was in second grade. Her name was Mrs. Hayes. I was a good student, finished my work on time and many times ahead of the other kids. (Nerd, right?)

Every. single. one. of my other teachers in elementary school would expect me to sit quietly when I was finished with my work. Bwa-ha-ha-ha! Mrs. Hayes actually gave me extra work, fun work.

Her husband built a little hut in her room for all of the over achievers like me. She had carpet squares and books in the hut. I also remember that there were weird things in jars on a tiny shelf and I thought they were so cool.

I loved the hut. That was the only year I probably never had a "Needs Improvement" in Talking on my report card, because I was actually learning something and not bored.

Oh, and I still love weird things in jars.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

Besides the day I accepted Christ, I'd have to say the day I knew that I was going to be a mother. From that day on I've really tried to keep my priorities in order.

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

Pink- Reminds me of all things girly and feminine, of Spring, roses, and bubble gum. It just makes me happy.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

You can remember a time when something we have now was not invented. Like the Internet.

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?

I wish we could get away from it. I wish churches would choose to do fall festivals on a separate day. I wish. I wish.
I am against the evil of it, but I recognize the child-like whimsy and fun. I also realize that God made October 31, just as He made every other day of the year. I claim that day as His.

6. What's your favorite musical?

I don't really enjoy musicals so asking me is like asking me, "Which is your favorite flu shot?"

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

I used to think I was a country mouse, but I was so wrong.
I am a city mouse. I think I am more of a commuter mouse who would like a house with a big yard, but with a sports car (I wish) to cruise to town for a nice dinner and over-priced coffee.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."

I would say, "Are you kidding me?" If the person wanted to do something along those lines, they could plant a tree in my name or adopt an endangered animal. Or we could just cruise to town for an over-priced coffee.

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't. Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

I have never texted. Never. I love computers, but I hate cell phones except for emergency situations.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

there is food

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Traffic- Listen to talk radio

Waiting room- Make a grocery list or jot down blog ideas. I also have a few notes with dialogue for the book I will write one day.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

That's tough. I want to say "yes, of course, because I'm wonderful." But I actually know me. I like weird things in jars. I'm a commuter mouse. I don't text.
I'm starting to see how Maggie (the cat) and I found each other.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I am quite certain this is not what Ben Franklin had in mind.

I just thought y'all would like to know that the postal service did actually post information on my package.

According to the website, my package is/was being sorted.

That's a relief.

I have to also add that the wonderful (cough, cough) tracking system is cleverly named "Click and Ship," which I keep wanting to call "Chicken Strip."

What would Freud say about that one?

In addition to the Internet Post Office Excitement, I had to go to the post office MYSELF, IN PERSON yesterday to ship something.

And I'm all out of nerve pills.

I heard a person behind me yell to the worker at the counter, "WILL YOU HURRY UP?!"

We all turned around in disbelief. I wasn't sure if I should dive under something.

Then the counter worker person looked up and laughed. Apparently he was friends with the customer and the customer was just kidding.

Oh, those postal workers are such characters. One of these days they'll start rolling people's mailboxes and wearing lampshades on their heads.

As you can see, the excitement at my house is overwhelming.

Check back tomorrow for my informative demonstration on how to apply self-adhesive stamps.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Adventures in Mailing

I have really adjusted a lot since moving to SmallTown.

No water within, I don't know, maybe two time zones. (Kidding. Sort of.)

No Starbucks. No Target.

And I have to mail packages via the US Postal Service.

Gasp

For some reason, the Postal Service is able to get packages to my family and friends in the South much quicker than UPS, and vice versa.

I know. It's remarkable.

If I am not under a time crunch, I use UPS. If the package contents are valuable, I always use UPS. (Did I just imply that I am sometimes cheap?)

However, I am usually late getting things in the mail, especially for holidays, so I end up going to the Post Office. (Right after I pop a nerve pill.)

My family sends packages via the Postal Service as well. In fact, my sister-in-law mailed a package the other day and the post office automatically sent me an email.

At first I was impressed. Maybe Newman has turned over a new leaf, or bag of chips, or whatever.

I highlighted the tracking number, went to the website and tracked my package. The following message popped up:

The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper on October 23, 2009 to expect your package for mailing. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date. Delivery status information will be provided if / when available. Information, if available, is updated periodically throughout the day. Please check again later.

Literal Translation:

On October 23, someone told the post office that they may mail your package. This does not necessarily mean that the post office received the package or that the person who knows you actually mailed anything to you. Information will be provided if or when we have any information at all. (Which is stretching a bit because we aren't even sure we have a package for you.) If we ever know anything, we may post it here some time during the day between our breaks. Check back later.

When I do receive something, assuming that I should expect anything, I plan to send the following message to the post office.

Dear Post Office Person,

This is to inform you that I received the package that you are not sure you shipped or delivered. It got here on time, even though you don't know when it left or where it went.

Please do not work for the new Universal Health Care System.

Thankyouverymuch,
Melanie

Friday, October 23, 2009

Friday's Fave Five #59: Hosted by Susanne

Susanne hosts the Faves each week. Here are my faves.

1. The Geico pothole commercial- Even Hubs likes it and he usually hates commercials, especially Geico. We grew tired of the gecko and cavemen a long time ago. This new commercial with the talking pothole sporting the Southern accent is hilarious.

Oh know. Your tire's all flat and junk.

The only thing it's missing is a "Bless Your Heart."

2. Bloggers with memes- They keep me inspired.

3. Fall scented candles- I just purchased a Wood Wick candle and love it. It sounds like the fireplace crackling.

We have an electric fireplace which looks lovely, but provides no warmth, smell, or sounds of a fire. It is cold enough to have at least gas fireplace, so go figure.

4. Online shopping- Here in SmallTown, Christmas shopping is a challenge. (Yes, I am already Christmas shopping in October.) The Net is your friend. I don't know how Ma Ingalls ever got her shopping done without a laptop.

5. Fun surprise packages on the doorstep- We received some homemade muffins and goodies from one friend and a bag of treats and candy from another. YUM. Now I plan to pass the love along.

See Susanne for more faves and please leave her some words of encouragement. She has been sick this week.

Sending some virtual chicken soup your way, Susanne!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

CPQ

I'm up this morning, sipping Diet Coke and catching up on news and blogs.

That's when I read Carpool Queen's post here.

I tell you that woman can write.

If she doesn't stop with the Chick-Fil-A stories I don't know what I'll do.

Seriously, her post today is a reminder of Love.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Random Dozen 8

I look forward to these each week. Thanks, Linda!

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

I love candy corn. I don't care for the little candy pumpkins. I have no idea why.

I was watching O'Reilly last night and saw an email from a viewer which said that if you eat candy corn and peanuts together it tastes just like a Snickers bar. Bill said he would just buy a Snickers bar, but I had to try it out. We just happen to have candy corn and peanuts, so I went to the pantry.

Guess what. The viewer was right. And if you really want to make it taste like a Snickers, add a few semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pop a handful of the mix in your mouth, close your eyes, and pretend.

Leave a comment if you ran to your pantry to try it.

You can thank me later.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

Hubs and I were in a class together in college. He had caught my eye for some time, but I was too shy to talk to him.

I was on the drill team/dance line in our college marching band. I saw Hubs in the stands as we were also seated in the stands before and after halftime. Week after week, Saturday after Saturday, I saw Hubs in the stands. Week after week in class I said nothing.

Finally, the week after our Halloween halftime show, I decided I'd use the football game connection to strike up a conversation after class. I got up the nerve and the conversation went something like this.

Me- I saw you at the football game last Saturday. I'm in the band, on the dance line.

Hubs- Oh, yeah? I think I remember you. You were in purple, right?

Me- No, I was in red and white.

Hubs- Oh, I don't remember you.

Me- sound of heart breaking

It still landed me an invitation to his Halloween party and the rest is history.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

No. I have too much Southern running through my veins. We even put meat on our salad. Who do you think invented bacon bits?

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

Miss Congeniality does not do costumes.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

Footy pajamas, being goofy and no one cares, the Nestea Plunge commercials, Marco Polo at the community pool

Community pools that aren't scary
.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

I won a trophy in the school talent show after performing a very amateur ballet routine in the second grade.

The year before I told Mama that I wanted to be in the talent show, but she encouraged me to wait another year. She thought I "wasn't really ready." The truth is that she was sparing me from embarrassment.

Maybe it was because of my talent idea. I wanted to snap my fingers to Yankee Doodle.

That's a good mama.


Other than that, I have won ribbons for nerdy things like science projects and homemade scarecrows.

Our drill team won trophies in high school but the trophy went into a case next to the cafeteria for the principal to show off to his principal friends.

I never understood why the school trophies were near the cafeteria. To inspire the lunch lady to improve her sloppy joes, I guess.

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

After the turkey is out of the oven. Not a moment sooner.

8. What's your favorite board game?

Right now we are loving Sorry. I mostly love it because we ring a bell and say Sorrrryy like Ed and Eunice.

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

I like surprise gifts, but not events. I love trying to surprise other people.

Although, surprising Hubs is impossible. If I ever want to give him a surprise party, I'd have to hire a SWAT team to help me.

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

I am truly sorry but I have a hard time expressing it. I am also overwhelmed with guilt when I have wronged a person.

Maybe I should start ringing a bell.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

Anything that involves apples and spices. I also like vanilla combos.

We're talking about candles, right?

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Since it's in October, I would serve cider and coffee.

The rest of the menu-

spinach artichoke dip

my new Snickers bar snack mix

meatballs or lil' smokies for my daughter

cheeses, fruits

What I would show-

Now that I've written this post, I'd have to dig out my old, plastic talent show trophy and a photo of me on the college dance line in the red and white outfit (not purple.) Don't you love how Linda always ties these together?

For added entertainment, the first ten guests who arrive also get to enjoy my snapping performance of Yankee Doodle.


It goes nicely with the Faux Snickers Snack Mix.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Funny, they never ride the bus.

I'm starting to think I should rename this blog "The Blog Which Posts Once A Week" or "That Blog Of Lists."

Or maybe the folks in Washington could refer to it as "Not Really A Blog, But A Perspective."

We've had some schedule changes over the last few months and a lot of my time is filled up with other stuff. Good stuff. I can't seem to get into a good blogging routine or figure out how to manage it all.

One thing I discovered is that it would help if I'd actually sit down and write something.

Go figure.

Our days are busy. Most evenings Hubs and I turn on Fox News, catch up on all the happenings, and then pop in a Seinfeld DVD. After about two episodes, Hubs falls asleep on the couch and I watch the rest of the DVD while reading blogs and surfing the Net. (*They made a movie about it with that girl from The Bus.)

Sometimes we'll mix it up and watch a recorded episode of The Amazing Race. It comes on at an odd time here, so we usually watch it later on Sunday nights. This past Sunday night, I planned ahead and set the DVR. I was all ready to watch someone eat strange food and yell at a taxi driver when horror struck me.

I had recorded 60 Minutes instead. Hubs and I are dull, but we're not that dull. (Yet.)

The TV schedule was askew because of a FOOTBALL GAME. A FOOTBALL GAME. I missed the Amazing Race because of FOOTBALL.

I felt like my sister-in-law who, in her childhood missed Happy Days because of a lame Presidential Address by Jimmy Carter. She called the television station and complained, "If you think you're gonna make me watch Mr. Peanuts instead of Happy Days, you're crazy."

Oddly enough, she later began a career in television.

Lucky for Hubs and me, the latest episode of The Amazing Race is available on their website. So we curled up together with the laptop last night and caught up.

The Dubai visit was pretty interesting. I would have totally freaked from the tallest building. We decided we would have made the snowman instead of searching for the Happy Meal toy.

What about you?

Is anyone else out there watching the show this season? Who are your favorites?



(* reference to a genius line by Frank Costanza who would never watch Mr. Peanuts.)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I really should have majored in philosophy.

Linda's Dozens have inspired me to think.

And it's giving me a headache.

Not that I'm thinking of anything earth-shattering or inspiring. No, that would be normal.

Here are a few things that have come to my warped mind.

1. At what point does a person decide he wants to become a mime? Is it the first time you sneak into your mom's make-up when you are five or does it come to you in the middle of a high school career day?

2. Do you think the guy who came up with "In God We Trust" on money realizes that he actually coined a phrase?

3. Why do we need steak buffets? How many steaks can one person eat?

4. Where does a dentist go when he has a cavity? Does he feel like a hypocrite?

When they ask him if he flossed, does he lie like the rest of us?

5. Are all of the months used up? We have a month for everything. If there is one left, I'd like to nominate "National Unsupportive Month."

No one wears a ribbon and you don't have to do anything.

6. What does the mailman do if I put the stamp in the lower left corner of the envelope?

7. Why is it only okay to take a nap when you are either really young or really old. Isn't now the time when I actually need the nap?

That is all for today.

My brain is tired.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Random Dozen: Seven

Thanks again, Linda for the random dozen. Good stuff.


I am especially lovin' this list. The title alone reminded me of a Seinfeld episode.

*Anyone remember George Costanza's favorite name?



1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.)

Cursive. It is smoother and faster.

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?

I am a painful realist. This is why I'd rather watch a "love story" with a tragic ending rather than a "romance" with a sappy one. I like to cry. Weird. Staying steeped in reality helps you to truly appreciate the good that comes in life.

Okay, 'nough deep stuff. Let's move on...

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?

Elton John

He is one of the fewest artists I would pay to see.

Billy looks like he's trying too hard.

Some Fav Elton tunes-
Rocket Man
The One (See link below)
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
I'm Still Standin'

Not-so-Fav-
Candle In The Wind
(overplayed after Princess Di)

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.

I think the scariest movie has suspense and not yucky stuff. It takes a lot more creativity to write suspense. Any middle school kid can write a script with blood and guts.

So, what movie...

Parts of Sleeping With The Enemy made me jump. It wasn't really scary, but I couldn't tell when the jerk was going to show up and organize the pantry.


Rear Window- Even though I know how it ends, I still love to squeal a little. Classic. You have to watch it in the dark.

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?

A semi truck side-swiped my little Toyota Paseo on the driver's side. (I was the driver.) It scared me to death, but I managed to safely pull over to the side of the road before I totally freaked out.

Hubs and I were okay. No injuries. They never found the driver. Grrrrrr...

After that, I had panic attacks on the highway if a semi pulled alongside us. Now I'm over it.

6. What word do you misspell without fail?

I mistype/transpose "ie" words a lot.

I ALWAYS have to look up broccoli. (Just did.)

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.

Oddly, if I am not good at something I lose interest quickly. So this was a tough one for me.

I wish I was a lot better at photography.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?

Being around other people. It depends on the people, though. Some people make me wish I'd just stayed home. Nice, huh?

I'm a realist.

9. Have you ever been on TV?

Why? What did you see?!

Kidding.

No.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)

Do I have ice cream? Apple.

But I'd rather have pecan.

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?

One- Paula Deen

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?

Time management. Thus, the reason I have not been blogging as much lately.


*Seven. Mickey Mantle's number. I liked Soda better. If you're lost, then you must not have watched as much Seinfeld as I have. You are probably also a great time manager.

** Edited to add-
This video is for Hubs.

The Elton John question made me a little sappy.
Thanks for being All I Ever Needed.
No shadows block the sun.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The suspense must be killing you.

I came home from the store and found that Hubs had uncovered the peppers. Wal-mart bags were removed (who says I don't recycle!?) and the blankets were gone.

The peppers' fate had been confirmed.

They lived.

Never say miracles do not happen.

You're probably thinking,"It ain't the parting of the Red Sea," but you've never witnessed my gardening skills.

And all the people said, "Amen."

Monday, October 12, 2009

Not-So-Hot Peppers

It has been freezing here. Not in the proverbial sense but in the "Look, there's ice on Hubs' garden" sense.

Hubs grows peppers and tomatoes every year. He is a real green thumb.

Let me tell y'all something about me. I'm a brown thumb.

As Ouiser said in Steel Magnolias, it is a Southern woman's duty to have a garden. I am an embarrassment to Ouisers everywhere.

Hubs knows this. This is why he asks our daughter to water his plants whenever he has to go out of town. He gave up on me when I killed his cactus plant.

The only hope my bedding plants have is the sprinkler system, which is on a timer.

Let me tell y'all something else. Whenever Hubs has a garden of any kind and the plants are nearly at their peek performance, he has to go on a business trip. And whenever he goes on a business trip something freaky happens with nature and I have to suddenly problem solve about why there are holes in the tomato plant leaves or how on earth I'm going to keep the birds away.

Sigh.

Hubs was on a very short business trip last week and, as my unluck would have it, we had a freeze warning. An unseasonable freeze warning.

Hello, Al Gore, Mr. Nobel Peace Prize winner!

So, after I made a nice bed for Milky The Stray Cat, I grabbed all of my Wal-mart bags and began to cover up Hubs' pepper plants. Some of the plants were too big, so I did the next best thing. I covered them up with blankets. Right now there are jalapeno peppers lovingly draped in a hot pink woven blanket in my backyard.

It really adds to the wicker furniture on the porch.

Hubs came home from his trip and we greeted him at the airport with a hooded sweatshirt. He was surprised to hear that it was cold. On our way home, I told him all about my Wal-mart Bag/Woven Blanket Solution.

As of now, nearly 12 hours later, he still hasn't checked on his plants. I think he's scared to look.

Or maybe he has decided the hot pink blanket makes a nice addition to his garden.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

To Belong

It was dark in the kitchen. I stepped onto the cold tile floor.

Someone is looking at me.

I stopped there on the tile with the crack, turning slowly toward the door. His little eyes were looking in. All I could see was his head peering above the edge of the back door's window.

I bet he's cold.

He found us just after we arrived in SmallTown over a year ago. They always find me- cats. For the longest time I didn't know who he belonged to. Then one day at the mailbox two neighbors walked by with a sandwich bag full of food, calling his name, "kitty, kitty, kitty."

I learned who he belongs to (no one) and what his real name is (there isn't one.) These neighbors shared that they, along with other caring ladies, work together to care for this neighborhood stray. There are a lot of them in SmallTown.

Daughter named him. Everyone deserves a name. He is white with a few spots of brown and black, and could pass for the brother or at least the cousin of our last visitor. She named him "Milky" and it stuck.

He stuck, too. He shows up on our steps to say "hello" or "meow" as it were. Sometimes he lets you pet him for a short time. Sometimes he just runs away.

He always appears well fed. One early morning I saw the neighbor's garage door go up and watched as Milky darted out, ready for his daily adventure.

So when I caught this Tom peeping into my window, I knew he needed something. He mewed and mewed. I stood there and looked back at him from my warm kitchen. Then I committed the cardinal sin of stray cat caring. I fed him.

He lapped it up there on the porch.

Where will he sleep tonight?

I grabbed an old towel and warmed it in the dryer, then placed it on the wicker furniture. He sniffed, then scurried into the night.

At least he knows he is welcome here. I hope he'll be okay.

The next day I saw him in the field behind our houses. I called to him and he darted into the tall grasses.

Last night we waited for him to come back. I put food out again and found an old box for him to sleep in. It isn't the foot of my warm bed, but it can protect him from the wind. We said a prayer for him and for others like him.

He never showed. I can only hope that he found his way to a neighbor's garage or onto another cat lady's porch.

We'll watch for him on cold nights and rainy days. I'll offer food when he peeps into my backdoor. Other neighbors will raise their garage doors and let him in for the night. Some will put out fresh bowls of water.

His name is Milky.

He belongs to us all.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Linda's Random #5

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself?

I buy things for myself, i.e. a tube of lipstick or shoes at Target every now and then. A real splurge? More like once a year or less.

Getting my highlights could be considered a splurge but I consider it my contribution to society.

2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it.

Finished? Seriously?

I don't know. Maybe my mom saved some of those elementary school projects.

I am working on a something right now. It should be finished in a few days.

My last finished project was my niece's Christmas stocking last year. (I love felt piece projects.)

3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right?

It is smaller than our last house, so I have to say too little. It is fine and no one has to sleep and eat in the same room, so I count my blessings. Ma Ingalls would love this place.

What I really miss is my bigger kitchen.

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?

I like cleaning the porch. I get this from my grandmother. Although, I think what she really liked was having a clean porch.

Living in the South, you have to scrub the porch every Spring to remove the pine pollen. Here I have to scrub it to remove the dust. I like to literally scrub it with a push broom, the water hose and Ivory dish detergent. I take off my shoes and play in the bubbles. Daughter is starting to love this, too.

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not?

This one is tough because I can't imagine it being benign. But I've struggled to lose weight and if you told me that something could take the weight off and not harm me, I'd be tempted to try it.

Scary thought.

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride?

Definitely drive. It makes the time go by faster. I'd rather drive on country roads than the Interstate because "there's nothing to see on the Interstate but Interstate."

(Points to the one who knows that movie line.)

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

I'm not sure where Linda is going with this one, but I took this sentence literally. So, I am answering it accordingly.

Back to the question- What do you consider a trivial pursuit?

Keeping up with the Jones. Trying to keep up with other women in the blog world or the real world is a wasted use of energy. You will end up disappointed in yourself and the people you are trying to keep up with.

And you will wear yourself slap out.

8. From Linda: This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?

I have a few things that are instant deal breakers for me-

Certain profanity (I guess any profanity should be a deal breaker.)
Violence against women or kids
Mocking Christianity
Other than that, it all depends on how lame the movie is and what mood I'm in.

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates?

I am so uncool that I wouldn't know it was uncool.

I can't think of any particular song now, but I love commercial jingles. I especially love the songs they use for car commercials.

Yes, I like car commercials. Not the luxury ones. The ones with speed where you can't see the driver and the wheels are all shiny and there is never anyone else on the road. (Vrrroom Vrroom)

Did I ever mention that I want a Corvette?

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you?

I'm barely a 1. VERY EXCITING. I also spin into anxiety if you try to surprise me with an event or activity at the last minute. Poor Hubs. He would love to plan things and just tell me to get in the car and go. Sorry.

11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob?

I am not a food snob (except for a pb and J.)

I am a beverage snob. I like good coffee and Diet Coke. I am also very in tune to whether the sweet tea at a restaurant is fresh or too weak. My mother always called weak tea creek water. If the tea isn't good, I usually just ask for some good ole' Diet Coke.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life?

Me. What can I say? God ain't finished with me yet.

Sigh.

I'd love to control where Starbucks builds their coffee houses and when Target puts their seasonal items 90% off. For now, all I can do is control when the cat is let out. I guess I'll take what I can get.

See The Lid for more posts!

Cloudy With No Chance of Thai Food

This weekend we decided to go on a little adventure and try the local drive-in theatre.

For us, "local" could mean down the street or in the next time zone.

Our daughter has never been to the drive-in. Hubs and I haven't been to one in years. I think the last time we saw one we had to clamp one of those speaker things on our car like the Flintstones.

Now you just tune into a radio station and listen from your car. Technology is so fancy!

Before the movie, we decided to have an early dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant. I say it's our favorite because it's the only decent one we know of within a 200 mile radius. Really, we've only eaten there once because a) it's out of town, and b) it's never open.

We drove into the parking lot only to be disappointed yet again. The restaurant has changed its hours and now they are only open for a short window of time when the moon is aligned with Saturn and the wind blows from the north.

Next time I'm going to call ahead and say, "We are headed over to eat at your fine establishment. I'd just like to know if are open and/or plan to change your hours within the next 10 minutes. If you indeed plan to be open, will you please go ahead and make me a plate of Thai Basil Fried Rice? Thankyouverymuch or, as they say over at the sushi bar, Doma arigato."

I broke out the GPS and started searching for a new place to eat for dinner. We settled on Olive Garden. Carraba's is my favorite chain Italian restaurant but the closest one is over 6 hours away which would have made us incredibly late for the movie.

As it turned out, Olive Garden was a sweet choice. Have y'all tasted the fried doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce? I am sure an Italian somewhere is shuddering at my choice of words because they must have a special name but it escapes me right now. Besides, DOUGHNUTS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE really do not need a special name.

They come in a bowl, all warm and gooey. I know they are warm because they rested on my lap all the way from the restaurant to the drive-in. So, if eating them didn't make them go straight to my thighs, they made their way via conduction.

We found a good parking place at the drive-in and climbed into the hatchback area.

Let me give you a word of advice. If you are inside your car and lock the doors without putting the key in the ignition, and then you decide to start your car later, the car alarm will go off.

And your car may seem intelligent when it talks to to you and tells you where to go when you're lost, but it does not know that you are in a drive-in theatre with people staring at you when the car alarm goes off.

Not that I would know anything about that personally. I read it in the manual or something.

After arranging our blankets and pillows, we played Farkle until the movie started. When the movie began, Hubs opened the hatchback. The interior lights would not go off, so Hubs fiddled and jiggled gadgets and buttons until we were all settled in.

The fancy technology is just too much for the Flintstones.

And the Italian Doughnuts. MY WORD. They were good. And I always thought the French had dibs on pastries. Daughter and I nearly ate them all. I think Hubs may have had one or two.

Did I mention that they came in a bowl? A bowl of doughnuts, people. With chocolate dipping sauce.

I'll bet Betty and Wilma never had that at the movies.

(Oh, and the movie was pretty good, too.)