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Entries from March 2021

On The Cusp Of Adulthood

I feel like people are always telling me, almost ridiculing me for it, that I should be long "over it" by now, so I've been debating whether to even post this for days. So much do we judge ourselves that we can't even grieve right.

Anyway. On Monday, my son Robby would have turned 18 years old. A really big milestone that's giving me all the feels, even though he only lived for three days.

You see, it's complicated by the fact that his identical twin brother Jack WILL BE turning 18 on Monday. And so, once again, my mind plays the "what if" game, and I imagine what if I had two young men entering adulthood together...

Jack doesn't want to celebrate. He doesn't want cake, no candles, nothing. He's on the Autism spectrum and is very high-functioning, but when it comes down to somewhat stressful occasions like these for him, he shuts down.

The boys were born two months premature by emergency c-section, after they developed a rare rapidly-developing form of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. The docs moved fast, but it was too late for Robby.

So here my whole challenge becomes, I had THREE children (including older sister) who would now be my adult children, if Robby had survived. But instead I'll be like, "omg, how am I the mother of two (well, three) adult children?!!" I always wrestle with how to say these things, even to myself, even after enough years to complete a childhood!

Thanks for letting me babble a little. 🙏🏻

Fin.


Saturday 9: Ordinary People

John Legend | Artist | www.grammy.com

John Legend: "Ordinary People"

Hello, hello, y'all. I very nearly missed this week's questionnaire, but I pulled myself up to get it done. We've all been doing this for so long "together," and I don't want to lose that.

Awesome Happy Spring GIF - white spring flowers and glitter

Happy Spring, Northern Hemisphereans! I'm so delighted. #understatement

Not much really happened here this week that I can think of; that is a good thing! Two weeks ago, my lithium levels were way too low, and I was planning on jumping off the nearest tall building. Now that the doctor has raised my dosage, I feel so, so, so much better. It was almost overnight! And I'm so thankful, so grateful to still be here.

Let's get it done. (P.S. I was just about to post this, and then my Chrome died, closing all my windows and not returning all the content I had here. So I'm aggravated now. GAH!)

ORDINARY PEOPLE (2005)

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


1) In this song, John Legend sings that both he and his girl have "room to grow." What about you? In what areas would you like to improve?

Lyme Warrior Poem | Perseverance, Lyme, You are strong

Well, hard to do being here in a small hotel room (for yet another two months! Ugh!), but when we move into our new home I really want to make it a point to get out of bed and at least circulate with the family downstairs, every day. I'm in bed so much, some days I don't see anyone but Hubs. And the dogs are getting entirely too used to cozying up with  me all day. Something's gotta change, and I want to make the effort. I do not want the pain and fatigue from Lyme dictate what I do for the rest of my days.

2) He sings that when he hangs up in anger, she calls him back. Are you quicker to anger, or quicker to forgive?

Both! And quick to apologize, too. If someone apologizes to me, it's done, it's over.

3) "Ordinary People" was John Legend's first big hit. He originally wrote it for The Black Eyed Peas, but -- happily for him -- recorded it himself. Have you ever purchased a gift for someone else but then decided to keep it yourself?

Black Eyed Peas | Members, Music, Songs, & Facts | Britannica

Really? I love the Peas but I can't see them doing this song justice. As for me, I don't think I've ever done that, but I for sure have wished I had enough  money at that moment for a second one. Several times!

4) Ordinary People is also the title of an acclaimed novel by Judith Guest and an Oscar-winning film. Are you familiar with either the movie or the book?

Barbra Streisand, tout sur la chanteuse

Of course, I definitely knew the movie - my mother was a huge fan of Barbra Streisand. I remember that just a couple of months before she died, she took 7-year-old me and 8-year-old  Stacey (my big sister) to the movies to see Yentl. It's one of my last memories with my mom, so I cherish and love Barbra for it, too. As for the book, I don't think I had heard of it, but now it's on my "want to read" list on Goodreads. Thanks!

5) John is married to Chrissy Teigen, who gained fame as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. When is the last time you dove in? Were you in a pool, lake, river or sea?

Lucky Peak Dam Photos – Hicken Design

 Atlantic Ocean in August and September when we first got here to Maryland from Idaho, but it was a while before that that I actually got in and swam. In the summer of 2017, I swam with the fam at the Boise reservoir. It was a good day, and we had fun, but then I came down with this horrid bacterial infection that left me wishing for death. I hadn't heard of that particular critter before; I guess it was a big enough deal for the county epidemiologist to call me up and interview me over the phone. Guess I lost my nerve after that!

6) John unexpectedly proposed to Chrissy on vacation, but he was afraid airport security would ruin the surprise when they went through his carry on very thoroughly. He worried she would see the ring box and he'd have to drop down to one knee right there at the airport! Tell us about one of your flights: your first, your most recent or your most memorable.

It was just really odd flying back here to the East Coast this past summer. The jets were sparsely populated instead of overcrowded, and there was no food or drink service, and we were all constantly reminded to pull up our masks here or that way or whatever. It was tense and scary on the one hand, but also just another adventure arrow to stick in our quivers, I guess.

7) John is currently a coach on The Voice. The other coaches are Nick Jonas, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Of those four singers, which is your favorite? 

Kelly Clarkson opens up about suicidal thoughts in her early career

Gotta go with my girl Kelly! I was nursing my first newborn Chloë when Kelly competed on and won the first season of American Idol.

8) In 2005, when this song was popular, Johnny Carson died. After he retired from The Tonight Show in 1993, he traveled extensively and discovered he especially enjoyed photographic safaris in Africa. If time and money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

Pastel-colored Jupiter dazzles in gorgeous Hubble telescope photo | Space

I'd have all the money and the time, you say?! Well sure, I'd visit all the continents in turn, thoroughly and passionately. But I wouldn't stop there. I'd say hello to Moon and then head outward for a glimpse of Mars before I hovered out around my favorite planet, Jupiter. I'll end this story of mine there, though, since it's too far-fetched even for me.

9) Random question -- In your typical day, what's the longest you usually go without saying a word to another person: all day, a few hours, an hour, or five minutes?

03202021 Paco

Right now, maybe about an hour, possibly two hours. But I've always got this little guy and his chonky sister to talk to!

All right, phew, I made it and hopefully will save it in time in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Enjoy your Spring beginning, y'all!

Fin.


Saturday 9: Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral

Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral That's an Irish Lullaby | Shannon, J. R. | V&A  Explore The Collections

Hello, ladies and gents and maybe those of another bent! How's it going?

I have a bit of news:

The good news: after labs were run of my psych meds and levels were found to be low, things have been adjusted, and I'm already feeling way better.

The better news: after ~7 months of hotel living, this will be coming to an end, finally... in May. We've signed a contract on a yet-to-be-built house here in Salisbury, and we're super happy with the way things turned out (except that it didn't "turn out" in, say, October!)

So cheers to better moods and not being homeless much longer!

Link up here if you want to play along with the S-9ers this weekend.

~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral (1944)

Selected because this Wednesday is St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.
   
1) Bing Crosby sings that he learned this song from his mother. Can you recall a song from your early childhood?
 
Mother's Evening Prayer - Mary Baker Eddy | Evening prayer, Prayers for  healing, Prayers
 
Well, it's not like a favorite song or anything, but I remember being very little while I sat in my mother's lap. She would sing this hymn, "O Gentle Presence" when I needed calming from a nightmare or some such.
 
2) Bing was NBC's first choice to play TV's Columbo. He turned down the role because, by that time, he was in his 60s and just didn't feel like working a full week anymore. Peter Falk eventually got the part and played Det. Columbo for 10 seasons. Do you enjoy detective stories, whether on TV, in movies or in books?
 
Law & Order: SVU - 10 Hilarious Memes That Will Make You Laugh
 
Heck yeah! All the iterations of Law & Order were made expressly for me, don'tcha know?
 
3) Bing could trace his family back to County Cork. While it's said that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish, can you honestly claim Irish heritage?
 
03132021 DNA Origins
Well, and this was news and kind of a complete shock to me, according to Ancestry DNA, I can claim about 8% Irish ancestry. Never knew!
 
4) Other than St. Patrick, what is Ireland famous for?

Ireland is famous for Dublin castle. Kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland | Blarney stone, Kissing the blarney  stone, St patrick's day quiz Ireland is famous for its cliffs.
17 Things You Didn't Know About Guinness Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe — The Mom 100 Ireland is famous for its pubs
 
dance GIF
 
Castles! the Blarney Stone! the amazing coastline! Guiness! Corned beef and cabbage! all those pubs! Step dancing! ...and soo, so much more. I would love to go someday.
 
5) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?
 
St. Patrick's Day: The 10 most gorgeous green dresses on the red carpet
 
Eh. Green isn't really my color, and the tradition isn't that important to me. Now, things might be different if I looked as amazing as these fine lassies...

6) Have you ever had green beer?
 
green beer Blank Template - Imgflip
 
I have. ONCE. Once was enough. In 1998, when I was 21, my friends Shannon, Melisa, and I went out drinking with some friends from the marine lab where Melisa and I worked. Or maybe they were from the catering gig where we also worked; I forget. I wasn't going to go, because drinking beer and playing isn't really my thing, but I decided to go be a joiner. I'm not even sure I had one full beer, let alone more than one, but man, later I was soooo sick! And then next day, and into the next day, too. So sick. That was enough.

7) Have you ever ordered a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's?
 
Here's Everything You Want To Know About The Shamrock Shake. And Some  Things You Don't. | HuffPost Life
 
I cannot say for sure, but I do not think so. Maybe once, ages upon ages ago.

8) A four-leaf clover is considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?
 
MaeMae Jewelry | Super Good Luck Bracelet | Charm Bracelet | Affirmation  Carded Jewelry
 
No. I don't really give much credence to these types of superstitions, although I do find it fun to play along and read the fortune cookie, pick up the penny, and stuff.

9) Speaking of Lucky Charms, they are magically delicious.  What brand of cereal is in your kitchen right now?
 
Part Of A Balanced Breakfast - Memebase - Funny Memes
 
I think right now, all we have is Cream of Wheat. My son loves that stuff! No one else does, though. Guess I've gotta go shopping.
 
~*~*~*~*~
 
Okay, y'all have a lovely weekend and cross your fingers my body decides it's up to taking my daughters to Assateague & Chincoteague to try and spot some wild ponies this weekend, as promised!
 
Fin.

Sunday Stealing: Clayton Questions

Heyyy, everyone.

I'm late, already afternoon on Sunday, but I've done much worse before! Getting a post in on both Saturday and Sunday in the same weekend? I'm highly impressed with myself. ;)

Link up here if you're playing along this weekend.

~*~*~*~*~ 

 
 
1. Do you put ketchup on hot dogs?
 
🤷‍♀️ Woman Shrugging Emoji — Meaning, Copy & Paste I don't eat hot dogs.
 
2. How many TVs in your house?
 
We own one TV. It is currently in storage, since we are not in any home of our own. Our hotel room has two.
 
3. Do you put salt on watermelon?
 
Diving into the South's Obsession with Salt on Watermelon | Food & Drink |  postandcourier.com
 
No, I never have. I'm not opposed to it, I would try it, but I just never have.
 
4. Can you swim?
 
Babies Need Swim Lessons! | Houston Swim Club Swim School
 
Yes, I've been swimming since I was a baby, pretty much. I'm not winning any contests, though!
 
5. Are your parents still alive?
 
May be an image of 1 person, standing, sitting and indoor
 
No. My mom died when she was very young. My father is more or less dead to me, so... close enough, I guess?
 
6. First car?
 
1991 Ford Escort LX Wagon 4-Door 1.9L - Classic Ford Escort 1991 for sale
 
In the fall of 1993, when I turned 17, I bought a red '91 Ford Escort wagon. It's a sore subject.

7. Surgeries?
 
At this point I've had so many, I tend to forget some: three Caesarean sections; complete hysterectomy;  Roux-en-y gastric bypass with cholecystectomy; tonsillectomy w/ adenoidectomy; numerous dental surgeries; hiatal hernia repair with removal of a large amount of scar tissue on my lungs (from all the times I've had pneumonia)... and I'm certain I'm leaving something out.
 
8. What do you drink in the morning?
 
Diet Coke 12 Oz Can, HD Png Download , Transparent Png Image - PNGitem
Usually Diet Coke. I usually wake up right when I have to take a fistful of medications, and those go down better for me with something very cold and carbonated.
 
9. Can you do 100 push ups?
 
N O P E
 
10. Can you change a tire?
 
I know how, but at this stage of the game, I'd rather just be there telling someone else what to do if the need arises!
 
11. Tattoos?
 
I don't have any. I don't think they are for me. I do have piercings, though.
 
12. Do you wear sunglasses?
 
STRANGE SUNGLASSES | Unique sunglasses, Sunglasses, Mirrored sunglasses
 
I do. Whenever necessary,

13. Do you have a phobia?
 
Oh, henny. I'm entirely neurotic and full of phobias. Sandpaper and mustard are on that list.

14. Do you have a nickname?
 
I suppose I have a bunch, depending on who is using it, but whenever you visit this site you're using one of them, right?
 
15. Are you a picky eater?
 
Hubs used to say I was "picky." He may still, I don't know. I have valid health reasons for not being able to eat most of what I won't eat, mustard notwithstanding, so I say no.
 
~*~*~*~*~
 
All righty, y'all. Thanks for stopping by! Must get back to work preparing for the week ahead. Toodles!
 
Fin.

Saturday 9: Birthday

Katy Perry By Katy Perry GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Hello, cyber friends of mine! I'm glad I 'made it' this week, because I adore this song, "Birthday," by Katy Perry. In fact, it made the short list of songs I played as a soundtrack for Hubs' birthday in...  must have been 2019?

And I love Katy. What's not to love?

So if you're ready to join us this week, you'll find the link here. Wouldn't it be fun if li'l ol me brought someone new into the mix? Sure it would! Go 'head, c'mon, join us!

~*~*~*~*~ 

BIRTHDAY (2014)

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

1) In this song, Katy Perry sings that she wants to give her lover something good to celebrate every day. What is making you happy this fine Saturday?

8tracks radio | Smile, Sun is shining (12 songs) | free and music playlist

Well, the sun is shining, so that makes it a great start! I live for sunshine. It rained much of the last fortnight.

2) The video is all about baking a birthday cake. When did you most recently enjoy something home baked? Were you the baker?

01022021 20th Anniversary Smith Island cake b (1)

I think it would have had to be the beginning of January, when one of the things I gifted Hubs for our 20th wedding anniversary was a local favorite here: Smith Island Cake. I didn't bake it, of course, since we have entered our 7th month of living in a hotel (GAH!), but it was a local baker who did, not some chain. If that counts.

3) Tell us a memory from one of your birthdays.

03052021 Chloë with HP Hallmark minifigs

Hmm, well, let's see. For some reason I don't know, I wanted to be 25 before I had my first child. And then Hubs and I discovered we were gonna have a wedding night baby, according to my OB and her charts and calculations. She was due October 2nd. But she didn't want to be an October baby. She wanted to damn-near-share with Mom for her birthday. And so Chloë arrived by emergency C-section on September 7th - the day before I turned 25. Little stinker! I'd wanted to go swimming that day - and I asked during the C-section, but the surgeon just laughed and said I couldn't. Wah!

4) This week's song shares nothing but the title with a Beatles song. (Here's a video of Paul McCartney performing it live.) Can you think of another title that's been used by more than one song?

Kris Kross - Jump on Make a GIF

How about "Jump" by both van Halen and Kriss Kross?

5) Similarly, this week's featured artist was born Kathryn Hudson and called Katy Hudson until she changed her name to Katy Perry to avoid confusion with the actress Kate Hudson. Have you ever met anyone else with your same name?

Melanie Logo | Name Logo Generator - Smoothie, Summer, Birthday, Kiddo,  Colors Style

 

Just about, yes! Of course, I've run into my share of "Melanie"s over the years, but as a kid, one of my stepsisters had a friend (who is now also my friend), whose mother was Melanie Simons - exactly mine, minus a second "m" in the surname.

6) Katy and actor Orlando Bloom became parents to a baby girl in 2020. Bloom is best known for his work in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Are you a fan of either of those film series?

Katy Perry Says Orlando Bloom Is Giving Her Space During Quarantine |  Glamour

They're so cute together. I hope they make it. But no, I haven't seen any of the movies in either of those franchises.

7) In 2014, the year this song was popular, Prince William toured the United States and attended his first NBA game (Nets vs. Cavaliers). What's the most recent sporting event that you watched?

Patrick Mahomes' typical workout and eating habits

That would have to be the Super Bowl match-up between the Chiefs (again! Woot!) and the Buccaneers. That damn Brady, y'know?

This all kinda makes me wonder: when was the last time a brand-new team sport was invented?

8) Also in 2014, Joan Rivers died. While best-known for making us laugh, she was a very successful entrepreneur, selling jewelry on QVC. Have you ever ordered anything from TV?

03062021 M earrings

Off the TV? No. But I did buy these earrings (just the ones in the lobes) from a website - which also hawks stuff on TV - as part of a mystery shop I did recently.

9) Random question -- Have you ever been told you talk too much?

02282021 Chloë pigtails

Ohhhh, yes. I am definitely the loquacious one! Garrulous. A chatterbox. And I have absolutely gotten in trouble for it. I remember being in 11th grade, in our AP Chemistry class, and our teacher gave us what basically amounted to busy work while he went to his office in a back room. He came out multiple times to shush us. And then he came out and demanded: "Miss Simmons, WHY is your voice the only one I ever hear???"

And that's not an isolated incident, by any means, just one I vividly remember.

Also, this little bambina, the same Chloë mentioned in my answer to #3, has gotten the gift of gab from her mother. The two of us can talk back and forth so fast sometimes, the others don't aways know what we've said. And since I now have neuro deficits from Lyme disease, Chloë now acts as my interpreter when I can't get my messages across! Love that kiddo. ♥

~*~*~*~*~

And now, I think I need a nap. Wow, I got this posted by noon! Look at me go.

Fin,