It's Monday Madness and more...

This week's questions; all about birthdays!
Happy Birthday Natalie!!! (Natalie/Otto's birthday is tomorrow.)
1. Name one thing you received as a gift on your last birthday. Love! It may be a phone call, a visit, a card, or some other token of acknowledgment... but bottom line, the message is 'I'm glad you were born.'

2. What would be the "perfect" birthday gift? Okay, call me sappy but my answer is in number one.

3. Do you look forward to birthdays? Not really, but I am more aware of my age on my birthday. I guess my attitude still is '...better than the alternative.'

4. On your birthday, do you treat yourself to something special each year? Not really but then again, I've never been overly excited one way or the other about my birthday.

5. Do you bother keeping up with your horoscope on a regular basis? Yes... it usually has some relationship to my life - except when it refers to my 'love life' - which is nonexistent. I'm a widow with no intention or desire to resume a brand new love life. I find mine, not on MyYahoo, but the regular Yahoo page which can now be customized & is faster loading the MyYahoo! Matter of fact, here's my horoscope for today:

Quickie: Improving your health is admirable -- lecturing other people to do the same is not.
Overview: Branch out. Take a language class. Try some exotic delicacies. Attend art galleries, poetry readings and cultural festivals. If you make an effort to enjoy and indulge in the new and the sublime, it will indulge you.

6. What zodiac sign are you, and do you think you fit the description for that sign? I'm a Pisces & pretty much fit the sign. I also read an inspirational quote of the day - arriving every weekday in my email. I always think it's a good way to find something to blog about... and today's was NO exception:

... that today is the birthday of the Automobile Speed Limit? In 1901,
Connecticut enacted the first automobile speed limit:15 mph on country
highways and 12 mph within city limits.Celebrate by keeping to the speed
limit on our roadways.
~~~
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The moment of enlightenment is when a person's dreams ofpossibilities become images of probabilities."
--
Vic Braden, American Tennis Coach

The auto speed thing? Appropriate! Not gonna tell the whole story here but... Friday late afternoon I was stopped by a policeman for speeding. I was going fast - didn't know how fast! It's a new car and moves 'easier' than my old pickup truck did. I was going 72 in a 45 mile/hour zone... and honestly didn't realize it. The WONDERFUL officer actually let me off with a warning! You know, I actually like and respect police officers and that must show through. I was not frightened (although my passenger was a bit nervous) and I guess that's a good thing too.

I had a great Mother's Day...

Heard from some and enjoyed visits with others... all in all none of my beautiful six daughters missed it! I will be visiting my mom today (she didn't want me to stop by on Sunday). Don't ask - she's 91 and deserves to do it any way she wants to!

Now here's my Monday Madness. Natalie (OttO), you outdid yourself this time. The questions concern something I'm a bit opinionated about, so here are my answers:

1. Which web browser do you prefer? I use MSIE7, MSIE6 and Firefox. I prefer MS internet explorer 6 best because i'm most comfortable with it. Microsoft made it too safe in MSIE7 - so safe that it's too time-consuming to use. Using Firefox sometimes to get used to it... because Microsoft, unfortunately just becomes bulkier and bulkier and i'm losing tolerance for all of the new products!

2. Are you a PC user or MAC user? PC but might have to go over to the more expensive MAC in future. Don't like all that overhead built into Microsoft products. If I decide to stay with PC - am trying to learn more about Linux - especially the newest version - Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/).

3. Will your next computer purchase happen within the next year (do you think)? I hope not!!! I like the ones I have - except maybe... just maybe..... a bigger notebook some day.

4. Will you purchase your next computer at a local store or via the internet? Whereever i can find the best deal.

5. Have you had any experience with Windows Vista? Not personally but as recently past president of a computer club i had a fullblown legal Vista OS when it first came out. Couldn't even give it away to any of our members. Have since given it to a nephew who might try it when he builds himself a new computer.

6. What are your feelings about this new operating system (if any)? All based on reviews by friends in a computer club...

• It's too bulky and not compatible for use on existing older computers already set up with XP (or older) OS.
• There's a bit of a learning curve involved for those of us that are comfortable with all previous Microsoft operating systems so one friend who evaluated Vista & uses it in his workplace suggests unless you are going to have to use it in the office, keep your old Windows versions. You can still purchase new computers from sources - one is Dell - with XP OS and soon to come, with Linux OS.
• Another friend bought a laptop with Vista just to learn and evaluate it. He says Vista does not work well with older versions of MS programs.
• Yet another friend, who works with multiple computers in a school, likes Vista just fine... but he still has the old OS on his system at home.
• Linux is not as fancy... it's open source (free)... and updated every six months.
• Linux works with your old Windows programs (I think) - but if you're starting fresh you can also get just about any program you want online - open source. So far all I hear is good & will be trying it on one of my computers soon!

What was the question again?

my monday madness update...

1. Currently, what television commercial is your least favorite? 'Head on!!!'

2. And which commercial is your most favorite? hmmm - do you mean the least obnoxious? I guess I usually don't watch the commercials actually.

3. Of the sitcoms that are on during "prime time" how many do you watch on a regular basis? Please share. The only one i set my DVR for is - 'Til Death' and 'Ugly Betty'. A real time must watch is Desperate Housewives. There are others i watch whenever i can including - 2-1/2 Men, Adventures of Old Christine & whatever others might be on when there's nothing else to watch.

4. Is there a television series that you enjoy watching that is ending this season? Not that I'm aware of.

5. Is there any type of program you'd like to see more of on television? Comedies & Comic Dramas (like Monk).

6. Is there any type of program you'd like to see less of on television? Not really. If I don't like it, I don't watch it.

7. Is there a series that is no longer aired that you wish would come back? None I can think of.

8. Do you watch re-runs of anything on television? Yes, if they are not reruns to me. ;-)

...and now..... what's the latest? 1 - Foggy is back!!! Go visit her. We want to keep her blogging! You'll find her at http://foggybloggy.blogspot.com - & she's a busy one! Been blogging regularly - not like yours truly.

Miss Kitty Update...

I redecorated a big wreath last week and caught Miss Kitty trying to help me by moving the greenery out of the dining room into the ... bathroom???? Honest! She even moved up to the middle of this thing and nudged it forward to her destination! Gotta love her.

Here's Monday Madness:

1. Where did you go on your last vacation? Hawaii & San Diego
2. Would you go there again? Why or why not? Yes! Hawaii is most perfect - people & weather & I just didn't spend enough time in San Diego.
3. How many vacations do you take in one year? Not enough.
4. Where would you REALLY like to go on your next vacation, if money was no issue, and how long would you stay? If money was no issue I'd probably visit New Zealand next.
5. Do you put a little money aside each week (or month) to save up for your vacation? Been doing that for many many years...

Actually I've been answering these regularly but then don't take time to put them in my blog. I miss my blogging friends & will try to get back on track.

Not a Diet...

...it's a lifestyle change; first time since the biggy when the husband left his earthly body. Here's the plan:

• Count calories - only thing that ever worked for me. Found a great place on line that does it all for you. It's called My Calorie Counter and my blog & journal is here. It keeps track of calories (input and output) and charts your progress! You don't have to show all that info but it works for me so I do! It helps to have a buddy so if anybody wants to go it with me, join up and let me know!


• Use exercise equipment - formerly used for extra clothing storage and coatracks for company. Yes, I have a stationary bike and treadmill and will start using them every day. Might possibly make exceptions on days when I'm 'out and about.'


• Cook for myself and, in general, use the kind of recipes I used for Frank. Honest!!! We ate healthy, even when I didn't lose weight! I controlled the fats & used more veggies and fruits for balance. Since he's gone I've begun eating out again and eat more fats and less veggies and fruits. Looking at my daily food journal will definitely help accomplish this goal.


• Get a life! He died; I didn't. I know he doesn't want me to vegetate.

Had a break from cabin fever earlier this week. Went out for breakfast with Jack & Jacquie and the same day took mom out for dinner. It was a full day but yes... loads of fun! Good people, good food - what more can one ask for? I guess you might say it was the big binge that made me decide to try to get back to reality! No, not gonna stop going out... just plan to be more realistic with every day eating. I think I've been adjusting (or not) to my first time ever living alone by doing what lots of people do when they're 'on their own' for the first time. The difference is... I know better!

The kitty in the pic? No, I didn't acquire another!!! It's my mom's! Isn't she a beauty?

...and oh yes, Monday Madness - today mine shows up on Friday. OttO (Monday Madness) says, 'Sorry, folks! I'm running a bit late (again)! Hope all is well and you all have a wonderful week. Thanks for playing Monday Madness. The following 2 questions come from our friend, tricia... Thanks, Tricia, and thanks for the idea!'
1. Do you ever use all caps when typing online messages? no... I sometimes use caps on one word... sort of shouting on purpose. ;-)
2. Does it bother you when other people use all caps in their messages? not really because I don't think they know what it means.
3. Do you use abbreviations (i.e. lol, brb, etc.) when typing email messages or text messages? not usually because I don't know what most of them mean... but I DO use fyi and btw quite often. Does that mean I should have said yes?
4. Do you ever receive faxes or other correspondence from a professional office that are typed in all caps? If so, what do you think of that? actually, no.
5. Do you rely on the computer program to catch your typing errors, or do you proofread your material before sending it out? My spelling and grammar are actually pretty good so I usually ignore what my computer program corrects... unless it's a business letter or document. Most of my casual 'errors' are actually done on purpose. ;-)

Wednesday - Midweek Mumbling...

Today Martha Stewart showed her viewers how to force springtime blooms indoors. A couple of weeks ago my neighbor gave me some freshly cut branches from an apple tree! Today those branches are in full bloom. I just took this close-up of one of those apple blossoms this morning. How do you do it? Cut the branches, put them in a vase of fresh water and be patient. Of course Martha had a more complicated way to do it. What works? Anything that will blossom - apples, pears, cherries, forsythia... try just about any deciduous bush or tree branches.

This cute little tiger aka Miss Kitty, shown below helping me play Spider Solitaire is the reason I must keep those blossoms on top of one piece of furniture she still can't jump up on! She doesn't do it to be mean but the little critter is the most curious cat ever to have moved in with me! She follows me everywhere and tries to figure out how everything works. She still hasn't grown into those ears either.

Celebrity Losers: Poor pitiful blondes seem to be particularly in the national headlines lately. First it was Anna Nicole Smith birthing a baby girl and losing her firstborn immediately after. Not enough that two men claimed fatherhood of that baby... after the mom dies from what is probably a drug reaction, even more creeps come out of the woodwork claiming fatherhood! People took advantage of the poor woman when she was alive and continue even now that she's dead. News media were the worst and still won't let it go. I've resorted to watching Animal Planet and HGTV during the interim. I guess there is no real news any more!

...so BS (that would be Britney Spears Shears) decides she's not getting her share of the news and goes beserk - in & out and in & out and back in... to rehab, shaving her head during the interim! Not to mention all the others that have gone in and out of rehab (the new celebrity status symbol), I ask, who cares??? It's all a lot of B.S. but they sure do give us reason to believe the old saying... 'Money is the root of all evil.' Wouldn't it be a goofy world if we all acted out like that?
Gee I'm glad I'm me!!!

...and finally - Monday Madness!
OttO says, 'This week's questions come from 3 of our fellow MM participants. Thanks to you all for your faithful participation in my meme! =) ' These were tough but good ones!!

From sleeping mermaid:
If you could rewrite one pivotal moment in history, good or
bad, to make a change, which moment would that be AND what are some of the consequences that you believe might come from that change? I believe even if you could change a historical moment, the consequences would remain... perhaps just at a different moment. I guess I mean that whatever 'it' is, it was meant to happen.

From beth:
What's the most unusual hobby you have? How did you get started with it? sailing... may not be unusual to some but can you sail? How did I get started? I wanted to do it so we bought a sailboat and sailed it!

From shelly:
Name one thing for each of the following:
Favorite smell lemony
Favorite texture fluffy
Favorite view my backyard
Favorite sound laughter
Favorite taste savory

It's Monday again...

It's time for Monday Madness again and OttO says 'Thank you all for playing Monday Madness. With Valentine's Day coming up this week, I thought I'd use questions offered by one of our very faithful MM players, rach. Thank you, Rach! Look for YOUR questions to be used in the future! Have a great week, everyone! =)'

1. How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? When my family were children, I usually baked a heart-shaped cake for them. Usually made sure to have some conversation heart candies around the house too. Okay, okay... I also sometimes baked the heart-shaped cake for the Bug's birthday on February 10 and/or the husband's birthday on January 30 too!

2. Name a special gift you received during Valentine's Day. Last year - my first Valentine's Day alone - Natalie (OttO) gave me a heart shaped box of chocolates with a pair of little froggy lovers on top. Yes, I love little froggies! It was really extra special because I think most of my family, including me, were still unsure of how to deal with some special occasions. Well gosh, wouldn't you know? A photo of that valentine was still on my little 'puter!

3. Define Love using each letter: L.O.V.E.
L ook past any shortcomings.
O pen your mind to his/her thoughts and ideas.
V alentine's Day - celebrate it more than once a year.
E mphasize the positive and be E nthusiastic.

Thanks Rach!!! Great questions and challenging too. Thank you!

It's Monday...

How about a bit of Madness with Monday Madness!

OttO says, 'Thanks to all of you who suggested questions. If I haven't been to your site yet to grab them, I will be there soon! This week's questions come from karen. Great questions, Karen! =)'

1. What is your favorite main course to prepare? For me it depends on the season, the weather and what sort of mood I might be in at the time but when in doubt, you can't beat a good stirfry dish! My favorite supermarket often has frozen cocktail shrimp on sale (buy 1, get 1 free) and I like to keep frozen stirfry veggies on hand, so it's quick and easy. Start cooking rice and while it's cooking, pull tails off the shrimp, combine soy sauce with a few favorite spices in a wok or big frypan... toss in the veggies, cook a few minutes, add the shrimp until heated through and serve!

2. What is your favorite side dish to prepare? Just can't miss with a simple salad with dressings on the side. Actually, for a group, I like to create a mini-salad bar with all kinds of trimmings.

3. Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite? Yes. My favorite bread machine recipe is Jalapeno Corn Bread. My most frequently baked item (not from a box) is probably Apple Crisp.

4. What one dish would you like to learn to cook? Hmm! Guess I'd have to think about this one awhile.

5. What is your worst cooking disaster? brown rice in the microwave. I guess I haven't mastered how to set it for 50% and in 5 minutes I not only burnt the rice but melted the Tupperware bowl!!! Would have started a fire in the oven if I hadn't noticed the odor!!!

Don't believe me? There it is... on the left. The round thing under it is the microwave turntable. Yes, I was able to clean that! I still buy brown rice... it's good for you. I buy rice in a bag.

monday madness - late but...

...I answered the questions a few days ago but for some reason they remained on my computer until now. I was one of the people complaining about missing it so here are my answers to this week's Monday Madness:
Otto is back and she says, 'I hope everyone's new year is going well. I had planned on getting back to Monday Madness on New Year's Day, but obviously I haven't been posting. I apologize and hope you still play!'

1. Did you make any resolutions this year? Sort of...

2. If so, which one do you think you'll really stick to? If not, is there something you're going to try harder to accomplish? I decided I will make more phone calls this year - especially to family members... my kids, my mom and my sisters. It's harder than you think - I'm sort of lacking when it comes to phone stuff... but will really work at it this year! Also, I just went hunting for and found my list of ten things I would do if I had more time (a MM challenge in October). I plan on working on that list this year too!!!

3. Do you have a fear of any small rodents/insects/etc? If so, please share. Not so much a fear but I just don't like such vermin. Now that I'm a 'mature woman' I watch out for all small critters when I'm mowing the lawn... even to wait for a little snake or frog to get out of my way, but when I was younger... I was very pregnant for my first child when surprised by a rustling in the bushes near my back door (out in the country) there was a whole nest of little snakes!!! They were harmless garden snakes but wow! what a shocker!

4. Share something exciting that's going on in your life. Sometimes my life is like a soap opera. Where should I begin? I might start sharing some of it here...

5. Did you wonder what happened to Monday Madness these past few weeks? I was worried you might quit doing it. I really missed it actually.

...and this question comes from one of our good friends, tricia:

Do you have a favorite gameshow announcer? I don't really watch any of the new gameshows but I used to watch the one with Vanna White turning letters... I really do NOT like Howie Mandel and never could stand to watch anything he starred in, so I don't watch his 'deal or no deal' show.

Daisy Mae died today. You might think, because I had 5 cats I shouldn't feel so bad when one dies but I do. I hadn't seen her early this morning and after breakfast she was lying on a throw rug in the entry area between the dining room and bathroom. I was able to pet her and comfort her as she died. It must have been a stroke or heart attack.

I put her in her favorite basket and my neighbor came over to get her and said he will bury her today. What would I do without these wonderful people living next door?

We saved Daisy from 'death row' at the animal shelter about 9 years ago. There were lots of kittens there that day but Daisy charmed me. Even the attendant at the shelter asked me if I was sure she was the one I wanted to take home. Of course she was! She chose me! We soon learned however, she was ferral - had been picked up by animal control because people complained about her hunting around their bird feeders.

Doctor Janet showed us where she had been spayed so we know she had a family before going wild. The stitches had never been removed, though, and doctor had quite a job removing them. It took a few years but Daisy gradually became more domestic. She was 'daddy's kitty' and followed him around the house. When he was outdoors, she would follow him inside by watching him from the window or door nearest him. Now she is at peace with him.

I will take in no more strays though. The current count is four and will only go down! I learned how to say 'no' when a 'stray' woman came to my door a few weeks ago... in need of a 'room for the night' but that's another story... God bless!