Pretty cool!

Tonight Justin did not go Whitey’s with his group since a couple of them are going to Tampa for the Jaguar game, which is Sunday. They will be getting wings at some point this weekend so tonight he was available for dinner. He proposed we go to Metro Diner and invited the Chappells to join us. I tried something else from the menu, trying to not get into a rut with their varied choices. Justin looked at the breakfast menu and discovered that the Monte Cristo sandwich appears there. Imagine that---a Monte Cristo for breakfast! I guess why not, though. It’s like having French toast with some ham and cheese, and raspberry jelly. Works for me!

A couple of the staff members there used to work at The Club so I got to say hi to them, plus some of the wait staff recognize us (me) and are good about greeting us. As we were finishing up, the manager stopped by the table to say hello and then, when he saw me, said, “Oh, you’re back. I haven’t seen you in a week or so." Justin told him I have to spread my business around but the manager said he could not accept that. We laughed, and then he asked about our meals. Of course, I offered my compliments on the French dip of which I ate half. He said they make their own au jus from the roast beef they serve. Everything is fresh and homemade for the Diner, the waitress telling us that the only thing frozen there is the ice! 

Anyway, I said to him that the one thing I have a problem with is not having Diet Coke. He was sympathetic but said serving Pepsi products saves them $10,000 a year. Wow! I said they'd save that much on me alone. They get more variety with Pepsi products besides the savings. I told him it was not a deal breaker for me, I'd come anyway and have the Diet Dr. Pepper. He said, "I'll tell you what---I will get a 12 pack of Diet Coke and keep it in the walk-in, just for you. When you come in, just mention Sage, and they'll get it for you." How cool is that? Who is spoiled?  First I have my own set of glassware at The Club for my soda and now private stock of Diet Coke at Metro. Judy said the bad part of this was that the 12 pack wouldn't last very long there. That was funny, too, but actually people move in and out of the Diner so quickly, the 12 pack might last about 4 visits, if they serve us fast enough!

This is a full month!

Facebook has multiple status updates regarding pink ribbons and people having pink streaks of color put in their hair for breast cancer awareness. My son said last year, 'Who doesn't know about breast cancer by now?" seeing all the stuff the football players wear to show support. I am not sure how the pink stuff for their uniforms is paid for (guess I could look it up...) and also wonder what happens to the added features at the end of the season. Maybe they can be used again the following October? There are marathons, telethons, and other fund raising events going on, and I have a friend who is instrumental in orchestrating some of these events locally.

Not only is it breast cancer awareness month but also clergy appreciation month. One of my teacher friends in CO posted recently expressing "Teachers get only one day..." of course, in jest. The racks at the grocery store have greeting cards in the end caps so we can acknowledge our pastors, several of the cards being the kind money gets tucked into. Not very subtle, is it? 

October is also domestic violence awareness month so many announcements and PSAs abound regarding this problem faced in many families. A friend of mine used to be the main fund raiser for our local  'safe house', and I have donated clothing and other household items to them, including most recently my exercise bike! 5 years ago they got plenty of stuff from me after the Great Flood, and my friend was glad to deliver the items for me. 

Other things being recognized this month include shelter dogs, Apple Jacks cereal, cookies (yay!), country ham (yay!), drums, pizza, seafood, and various medical conditions including lupus, diabetes, and pharmacists (not a condition actually). And it's vegetarian awareness month which is interesting to me. "How do you know when someone is a vegetarian?" "Within 10 minutes they will tell you..." After I heard this 'joke' I paid attention and sure enough, it's true! Even one of our waiters at Chili's felt like telling us he is vegetarian. We did not ask him, he volunteered this info. Not a good sales pitch at a place like Chili's. He might be happier across the street at Sweet Tomatoes. 

People who have lost children are encouraged to place a lighted candle in their window on the 15th of October for awareness purposes. I have done this in the past in December. Compassionate Friends chooses the 2nd Sunday in December for this. My friend, Cindy, gave me a battery-operated candle just for this reason many years ago. I can't say I always remember to get it out. I'll be home this year at the time so will make an effort to do so. 

All of these plus the many others celebrated this month are worthwhile causes and issues. The one, though, which has basically swamped my 'feed' on Facebook is in regard to recognizing those who have had miscarriages, stillbirths, or had infants die. Oh my....I know so many folks who have had miscarriages and even stillbirths, some whose babies lived only minutes or were delivered already dead, having died in utero. I am not sure what exactly can be achieved by having an awareness month. Those who have these losses in their lives are well aware, as are their families and friends. Perhaps it is meant to educate folks on how to care for those who've had such a loss. 

One link I clicked took me to a site where one could order greeting cards just for such situations, a couple of which even included street language to offer your sentiments to someone whose lost a child. I am so thankful no one saw fit to get me such a card. Is it that difficult to come up with a few words to express sympathy or sorrow to a person? Some might say it is, but not having to resort to vulgar or profane printed cards. No one is that socially inept, are they? Perhaps they are if they buy these cards!  

Busy time with church family Part II

Sunday was busy enough with church stuff, and Monday was no different. The morning started with Bible study, our look at Ephesians which is interesting. We also took a bit of time to talk about the movie "War Room", looking at the good in it besides the 'bad' theology. Only three of us including Pastor had seen it and the others didn't really seem interested in going to see it, but it is important to talk about the pros and cons of such movies. 

After Bible study, five of us went to the Dairy Queen for lunch, enjoying their wonderful $5 menu choices. While everyone else had chicken, I had the bacon cheeseburger. The meal includes sandwich, fries, soda, and a small sundae. Quite the feast! I enjoy our social time together so much more and having a sundae at the same time is all the better! In several hours we'd be meeting again for Ladies' Group---almost doesn't pay to go home sometimes!

I spent my afternoon on the computer and just as I was settling in to watch The Five with Linda, I got a text message from Terri. She wondered if I was eating dinner before or after the meeting, as she wanted to grab a bite. I am flexible if nothing else so excused myself from Linda and our shared TV news show and met Judy C. and Terri at Cracker Barrel. We hadn't been there in months, Judy not even remembering coming there to eat with the Over 50 Group. I have pictures to prove it!

While waiting for the ladies to arrive, I had a chance to visit with one of the waiters who used to take of me when I came with a different group years ago. I must tell Judy J. that Seth is still working there, as is his sister. It was nice that he recognized me and came over to chat for a bit. He is looking to become a police officer but life got in the way so he has put that on hold. I wished him the best and hope he can recognize his goals sooner rather than later. 

Gretchen, Judy, me, Fausto, Julaine, Ethel, Darwin, Hilda, Bonnie, Donna, (Betty is out of frame), Rachel, Linda, Jackie, and Twila at Cracker Barrel.

I ordered the meatloaf meal, lunch sized portion, and believe it or not, ate the entire thing. Plus a biscuit! As I told the ladies, it was my funeral meal I was enjoying, as these items are what I have requested to be served to my potential guests for my reception afterward. I got a small paper bag into which to place two extra biscuits left on the plate. No sense them going to waste (waist). We had to hustle a little bit to get from Cracker Barrel over to church, hoping the traffic wasn't too bad. Judy ran into some trying to get from home to CB. We made it in good time. 

We had a small number for our meeting but accomplished much. Afterwards we sat around talking and ended up roaring with laughter as we shared stories involving outhouses and public bathrooms. I told the story of Timmy and the automatic toilet at Publix which caused him to jump off of it. Many of the ladies had a story to share and we sure had some great laughs. Thanks to Betty for making us a tasty dessert to snack on, cheesecake brownies, I believe. She is ever so handy in the kitchen!

Busy time with church family

Yesterday, besides football, was Bible study and worship. Our preschool teacher/director, Michael, lead the Bible study and it was wonderfully interactive. Pastor was in with the Sunday school families which no longer meet at church, all home-school Sunday school now. The families were getting instruction for the month. Not sure how many were there for this. After Bible study I went into church and waited for Justin to arrive, bringing me an attendance sheet which I needed. Unfortunately, when I text messaged him, he was still asleep and forgot to grab it for me. I had to take the roll freehand. Good thing I know who people are!

After church we had a cake fellowship celebrating a couple confirmed during the service. Another lady was accepted into membership again, having been a member many years ago. Pastor had asked me to take the pictures so I had to stick around after the service rather than head to the restaurant. Judy and Terri were counting the offering immediately after the service, and Betty had a fellowship meeting with Mike S. We all had something to do! Justin left us and went to Jesse's and then to Dave & Busters to watch the Jaguar game. (Groan, what a terrible ending!) 

Eventually some of us finished our duties and headed to Chili's. Mike and Betty came behind us, as Terri and her sister, Gayle, who joined us for worship today, were meeting a friend for a movie so we had to keep things moving along. Whew!  They got their food and ate as Mike's and Betty's meals arrived. Michael was going to tease Mike and order for him, as Mike had requested. They have a burger on the menu called the "Old Timer" he was going to order for his friend, which, the more I thought about it, the funnier it was. I gave Michael permission to say something one time/one day as Mike just celebrated a round numbered birthday. He is 10 years my junior so not officially an Old Timer! Michael ordered a regular burger for him, but we still had a chuckle over it.

At church, I had taken a piece of the cake but ate only half of it, carrying the rest home with me. From Chili's I got two to-go boxes---one for my meal and one for the extra chips left on the table to eat during the game. On top of them I carried my piece of cake. As I walked toward my building, the cake started to slide off and I caught it against my blouse and purse strap. Saved the cake!!! I was able to wipe the frosting from my blouse and eat my smushed cake later on, what was left of it!

I had a jar of beer cheese dip in the cabinet to enjoy with the chips, but I simply could not open the jar. Even tapping on the tile floor wouldn't help. I was fine without it, but sort of had my mouth set for it, you know? Justin opened it for me when he got home from watching that terrible football game. I didn't use any of it then because of our good dinner I was making. Hope my chips hold up until I am ready!

A day of celebration

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, no exaggeration, “It’s hard to be a Jaguar fan…” Man, oh man, they make us work hard to be supporters. Today’s game was lost in overtime, three times in field goal range, three times missed. Ugh! The team’s longtime kicker, Josh Scobee, was released this season and a new guy brought in. I wonder if tomorrow he will still be alive (kidding!) and will he still have a position on the team. Those who are more fervent fans than am I are beside themselves. I feel badly for my friend, Gretchen, who is the equivalent of the #1 fan, as she is likely crushed, like the team is. It took every part of me to not call her this afternoon. She probably needs to be alone. As Justin says, “At least we have the Packers…” Yes, yes we do!

But there was cause for rejoicing and a bit of weeping today. I called my mom this afternoon to get the scoop on the day’s events at my home church, First German Lutheran. They were giving thanks for 160 years of the Lord’s mercy on the congregation with special worship and music, choirs, and a guest preacher. The president of the Seminary preached, using the theme of memories. I don’t know what his Biblical reference was for the sermon, Mom only told me the gist of it. She has been there all her 90 years and this was a special day for her as well.

My sister, Lynn, is in the choir for the church so was in the choir loft for the service. She instructed my sister, Jill, to have tissues ready for one of their anthems, and they were needed. The FG choir sang “Now the Light Has Gone Away” in German. I weep now writing about it. What is so special about that hymn, other than its text, is that one of the former pastors whom Mom loved dearly, had sung that for her at his going away party. Justin and I happened to be there for this event and there were no dry eyes at our table, and I dare say, in the room. She had scolded him for accepting the Call, reminding him that he promised to sing that at her funeral, in German. Since he likely wouldn’t be there for her funeral, he sang it for her before he left. And she got to hear it again today. Lynn said she did okay singing in rehearsal, but today was a deal breaker, especially after hearing the sermon about memories. Wow, just wow!

When Justin got home after watching the Jaguar game with Jesse, we were standing in the kitchen, talking. I told him how FG celebrated 160 years today and he said, “Oh, wow!” (we say wow a lot!). Then I told him that Grandma had a special treat when the choir sang. He asked, “Did they sing Grandma’s song in German?” How in the world did he know?? He just guessed it out of the air, saying he didn’t read it anywhere, just guessed it. I believe him, because I didn’t read it anywhere either and am more apt to spot something like that on my sites than is he. He just blew me away! Anyway, I told Mom I was going to write to Pastor Hahm and let him know about this, and she told me to let him know that she thinks about him often. I did just that!

Justin and I ate at home this evening, enjoying some country-style ribs which I popped in the oven when I got home from Chili’s. I sprinkled them with dehydrated onions, salt and pepper, and poured a partial can of dark ale with them. Justin got this beer for his birthday and does not care for it, so we are using it for cooking. My neighbor, Kay, was over for a little while and she said the smell of our dinner was driving her crazy. The house smelled amazing from it. Part way through the roasting process I put some of Justin’s homemade bbq sauce on them. We served the ribs with egg noodles and both were delicious. I added some of the ale to the water used for boiling the noodles, too. The rest went down the drain, phew! It smells much better in the roaster than in the sink!

200 Items to Throw Away

My good friend, Stephanie, has a marvelous project "things to do when I'm retire" she is tackling in her home. Presently she is doing a drawer-a-day (minimum) and is finding things she has long forgotten about, enjoying the project. When I saw this list posted by another blogger, Stephanie came to mind, and so did my own house!

As you look ahead at this list I want you to remember two things:

1.)  Remember you can sell, donate, recycle or throw away.  Knowing that I’m allowing someone else to enjoy my things makes it easier for me to let them go.

2.) Keep things that make you feel good.  If it doesn’t make you feel happy when      you look at it, get rid of it quickly.  Surround yourself with things you enjoy.

Now on to the list:

1.  Old product boxes (Apple products, TV, etc.)

2.  Hangers from the dry cleaners

3.  Plastic hangers from the store

4.  Expired make up

5.  Half-finished projects…you know the one!

6.  Magazines

7.  Old emery boards (buy a nice glass one and be done with those scratchy things!)

8.  Old paint 

9.  Ugly undergarments you hate to wear (You have those “just in case” pairs too,    right?)

10.  Bills, taxes, paperwork over 7 years old

11.  Socks with holes or without mates…also those lonely socks that have holes too. 

12.  Extra cups and mugs – How many does your family use in a regular dishwasher    load?  Add a few more for company and be done with the rest.

13.  Books you’ve never read or will never read again

14.  Old technology (8 tracks, floppy discs, VHS tapes w/o a player, etc.)

15.  Unloved toys

16.  Cleaning rags – You only need a few before you’ll wash them again, right?

17.  Tea light candles – Use them or lose them.

18.  Take out menus you never look at

19.  Old greeting cards (Save the super sentimental ones and recycle the rest)

20.  Outdated over the counter drugs and vitamins

21.  Old sneakers (Recycle through Nike)

22.  Plastic cutlery

23.  Old spices – Spices don’t actually spoil but they lose their potency.  A good rule of thumb is 1-2 years for seasoning; 1-3 for herbs and ground spices; and up to 4 years for whole spices.

24.  Duplicate power cords (USB, etc.  We have 3 vTech ones for the kiddos’ toys but only need one)

25.  Bobby pins

26.  Games with missing pieces

27.  Dried up nail polish bottles

28. Video games you’ll never play again

29.  Recalled baby items (carseats, cribs, etc.)

30.  Jewelry you don’t wear

31.  Expired food in your freezer/pantry

32.  Rugs or home decor you haven’t used since you redecorated

33.  Unused perfumes and cologne

34.  Old towels that make you cringe when you look at them

35.  Extension cords (Am I the only one who has a bazillion of these?)

36.  Extra sets of bed linens – two per bed tops

37.  Unused plastic containers – especially those without a lid and those old plastic containers. 

38.  Old bills (Switch to online banking and stop the clutter before it comes in your home)

39.  Paychecks older than 2 years

40.  Stretched out hair ties

41.  Matches you never use (Maybe save a few in case of a power outage)

42.  Old newspapers

43.  Expired Rx meds 

44.  Extra pillows

45.  Ticket stubs (Sentimental like myself?  Store in a scrapbook or fill a mug with old stubs)

46.  Make up you’ll try “one day”  If you’ve owned if for more than 2 weeks without trying it, toss it.

47.  Clothes that are more than 2 sizes too small.  Don’t give up on your weight loss dream but WHEN you do lose that weight go and buy new clothes to reward yourself.

48.  Things you’ve bought have haven’t returned yet (Return them, sell, or donate them)

49.  White-out bottles – You know you don’t need it!

50.  Unneeded notebooks

51.  Pens and pencils – Keep your favorites and let go of the rest

52.  Little shampoo bottles from a hotel you went to 5 years ago

53.  Knick knacks that don’t make you smile every time you see them

54.  Cords that don’t belong to anything you currently own

55.  Lose screws, nuts, bolts, etc. unless you happen to be a handy man who would actually reuse them one day

56.  Kid’s old art projects (I have an upcoming post with loads of ideas on this so for now just set them aside)

57.  Old party supplies

58.  Old wedding favors (Keep a few, toss the rest)

59.  Old Christmas cards of your family (Save a few, recycle the rest)

60.  Holiday decor you never remember to set out 

61.  Holiday decor that you use once a year (ex. Easter deviled egg tray that collects dust 364 days of the year!  Buy a lovely one that you can use for other holidays too.)

62.  Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, shampoo that you used once and didn’t like.  

63.  Flower pots.  Plant a flower or toss the pot.

64.  Watering cans if you don’t have flowers.

65.  Too small kid’s clothing.  Only save favorites if you’re saving for another child.  Sell the rest while they’re still in style.

66.  Extra buttons (If you don’t sew, toss them all.  Reduce your supply if you will use a button in the next few months)

67.  Old calendars

68.  Unidentified frozen objects (Label ya’ll!  Keep a Sharpie by the freezer for quick labeling)

69.  Movies you’ll probably never watch again

70.  Bags from the mall you might use one day (Keep only 1 if you must)

71.  Multiple pair of scissors (One or two tops, right?) I refuse to get rid of scissors!!

72.  More ear buds than you’ve got family members

73.  Curling irons, crimpers (ha! flash back), or straighteners you don’t use

74.  Highlighters unless you’ve used one in the past month, then save only that one

75.  Travel mugs that leak, or are ugly, or that you don’t use because you have to hand wash it

76.  Boxes – shoe boxes, diaper boxes, cereal boxes.  Recycle and be free.

77.  Samples of any kind – Use, donate, or trash.

78.  Games you haven’t played in the last year

79.  Tape measures – You know the rule, keep one and toss the rest.

80.  Old phone covers, styluses, screen protectors, etc.

81.  Misc. ribbons or string

82.  Expired coupons

83.  Organizers you bought to get organized that didn’t work

84.  Belts that no longer fit, are worn, or are out of style

85.  Duplicate kitchen utensils – Have you ever used three wisks at the same time before?  Me neither.

86. Cookie cutters unless you’ve used them in the past year and foresee using them again

87.  Rarely used cake pans – Our bakery supply store rents them for $2 a day.  I no longer need to keep any on hand for those rare occasions I bake.

88.  Old teeth whitening trays or strips.  Use ’em up or toss ’em out.

89.  Hard candy that you’re not sure where it came from or how long it’s been there

90.  Unloved stuffed animals

91.  Half used chap stick containers – Buy a new one! I LOVE my new EOS one with coconut milk.

92.  Duplicate measuring cups and spoons

93.  Old day planners (and current ones if you don’t use them!)

94.  Candles – If it’s not lovely to look at and you’ll never burn it, let it go.

95.  Mason jars (or baby food jars, spaghetti sauce jars, etc.) that you won’t use

96.  Expired sunscreen

97.  Staple remover – unless you can make a very compelling argument to keep yours.

98.  Travel alarm clock – We have phones now.

99.  Stress balls

100.  Plug in air fresheners without a refill

101.  Unloved dog toys

102.  Extra USB flash drives – How many does one family need?

103.  Promotional swag

104.  Key chains you don’t use

105.  Recipe books you don’t ever use

106.  Push pins in the junk drawer just waiting for unsuspecting fingers

107.  Keys that you don’t know what they go to

108.  Lanyards, name tags, bags, etc. from previous conferences

109.  Carabiners – Unless you rock climb, trust me, you won’t use them.

110.  Lotions, face washes, serums that you don’t use

111.  Random batteries you’re not sure where they came from

112.  Multiple book marks – Unless you’re a book worm…you know what to do, toss them.

113.  Combination locks – Chances are slim you’ll use one again but if you do, they’re cheap to replace.

114.  Paper weights

115.  Near empty bottles of bubbles or little numbs of side-walk chalk

116.  Completed coloring books

117.  Markers without lids and lids without markers

118.  Goodie bag toys from previous birthday party celebrations

119.  Empty bottles of anything

120.  Puzzles

121.  Old invitations

122.  Travel brochures

123.  Tissue paper/gift bags

124.  Unused sticky notes

125.  Extra shoe laces

126.  Sticker’s from a precious yard sale

127.  Hair products you don’t use

128.  Take out chopsticks – Buy a reusable pair if you use them a lot

129.  Old prescription glasses – Great donation for the Lions Club.

130.  Old sunglasses – The cat eye is coming back but definitely toss those purple hued ones.

131.  Worn out flip flops.

132.  Magnets – Unless they are lovely or useful, discard.

133.  Posters you’ll never display again

134.  Excess decks of cards

135.  Phone books

136.  Broken Christmas lights

137.  Notes/gifts from old romances

138.  Hats you don’t wear or that look like you shouldn’t

139.  Extra bubble wrap (or am I the only one who has a supply?)

140.  Twisty ties (another one that hits close to home!)

141.  Chip clips

142.  Craft supplies for a project that has already been completed

143.  Paper plates – Use them up!

144.  Loyalty cards – use the key ring version or enter your number for even less clutter

145.  Gift cards – go and enjoy them!

146.  Touristy knick knacks

147.  Business cards – Keep an electronic record

148.  Puzzle books you don’t use

149.  Old textbooks

150.  Unused vases

151.  Stockings with runs in them

152.  Fancy serving bowls you haven’t used in the last year – Use them or sell them. No one is touching my bowls!

153.  CDs unless you use them regularly

154.  Old boombox

155.  Piles of “scrap paper”

156.  Purses/dufflebags/old luggage you don’t use

157.  Catalogs

158.  Christmas ornaments that aren’t lovely or sentimental

159.  Instruments you’ve given up on mastering years ago

160.  Clothes that make you feel ugly

161.  Instruction manuals – Most are online now.

162.  Calculators – Phones have replaced these for most people.

163.  Remotes that have no purpose

164.  Emergency sewing kits – I own many and have never used one even once.

165.  Dry erase markers without a board and a board without markers (or both if you don’t use it!)

166.  Extra pencil sharpeners – Only one is needed

167.  Rusty tools you’ll never use again

168.  Lawn and garden pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers you won’t use

169.  Fireworks that are unused (Am I the only one?) – They can be soaked in water overnight then disposed of in a plastic bag.

170.  Dried up super glue

171.  Old and ugly t-shirts

172.  Hair accessories you don’t use

173.  One orphan earring

174.  Dried flowers

175.  Extra photo prints

176.  Gifts you don’t love

177.  Scarves you never wear

178.  Damaged/stained clothing

179.  Plastic children’s plates/cups that they’ve outgrown Of course, I am NOT getting rid of mine!

180.  Junk mail

181.  Address labels – Do you ever really use them?

182.  Extra folders, binders, labels, etc.

183.  Old cell phones – Recycle!

184.  Old fortune cookie fortunes (Someone else keeps the good ones too, don’t they?)

185.  Used ink cartridges – Recycle them for a little money back

186.  Use Unroll.me to rid yourself from pesky email subscriptions (It’s free but I would pay for this fabulous service!!)

187.  Outdated computer software

188.  Old wallets

189.  Dull or duplicate pocket knives

190.  Spare change lying around – Take it to the bank!

191.  Unused picture frames

192.  Old baby gear that you no longer need – Great donation item if you don’t want to sell it!

193.  Kitchen knives no one uses

194.  Old sports equipment from days gone by

195.  Broken clocks

196.  Coasters that go unused

197.  Plants – Yes, plants that don’t brighten your spirits.  Buy ones that do!

198.  Hole punch you never use

199.  Place mats, napkins, table cloths that never get displayed Some my mom made for us

200.  Ruled notebook paper – I hate to throw it away but I never use it.  Donate it

I indicated the ones which are a 'problem' for me. I have trouble parting with some things...

From Embracing Homemaking blog

The life of an optimist

The other night after dinner, Justin and I were clearing the table and getting things put away in the kitchen. We had some mashed potatoes leftover so I fished a plastic container from the drawer and began the transfer. I am not a good estimator, apparently, because it was immediately evident that I was overly optimistic about the amount of potatoes left by choosing a much too large container for them. Justin chuckled with me as I put this single serving of potatoes in a container which could easily hold 4 times that. I just hoped for more mashed potatoes to be leftover, I suppose. 

Today I did the same thing with my ham salad made on the weekend. I bought crackers to eat with the salad but when I opened the container, I realized I had less salad remaining than I thought. So, I fished out a smaller container to transfer it to and again, chose one too large for the job. Back into the drawer I went to get the properly sized piece. Now I will be able to dip my cracker and not touch my hands on the sides of the container. I am funny that way! I have something in common with Howard Hughes...

A few weeks ago Justin and I were watching Jeopardy! and the one category was children's literature. I answered "Pippi Longstocking" but the right response was actually "Pollyanna". Justin said to me, "You should have known that one---that's what Pete called you." Yes, he did, a long time ago, my friend referred to me as Pollyanna for not seeing things the way they really were. Others accused me of having rose-colored glasses back in the day. Time has allowed me, or ruined me, to not wear them as often these days. 

When reality hits, one ends up with a sinkfull of containers which weren't quite right. But I really thought they were!