Movie Quote Trivia

"People don't think miracles happen every day, but THEY DO."

I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like this movie.

Answer on Tuesday!

The Subconscious, it will leak through...

Cooking is not my thing. Eating is. I only cook because then we get to eat. J-Man doesn't make it any easier. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy; well, okay he likes Italian, and Chinese and he watches the Food Channel, but when it comes down to trying new recipes, his true colors come through.

I get tired of the same old same old and I have really been trying to get more vegetables and less bad carbs (like there really IS such a thing) into our diet. I need to lose a whole 'nother person--my doctor had THE TALK with me a few weeks ago--and though I once lost 40 pounds on South Beach Diet, J-Man hates most of the recipes. Since he is kind enough to provide supper the nights I work so I don't have to cut my sleep time short, and being as he is paralyzed on the left side with a back injury to boot, it would be terribly ungrateful of me to complain about the Subway, Taco Bell, Arby and Atlanta Bread Co. meals he brings home. Every week he does at least one night from Applebee's Carside to go, and now and then he brings home one of those roasted chickens from the grocery store and adds a couple of vegetables.

It just doesn't help that he also brings home wonderful cranberry-orange muffins, and Little Debbie snacks, and chocolate fudgie dessert things. Not that I want him to have to do without just because I do...oh who am I kidding? Of course I want him to do without. Because I am such a weakling, I'd just rather not have it there, as the stuff knows my name and calls to me in the nighttime. You'd think I lived through the Depression, or some Third World Country (which, BTW, leads me to ask if there are Second World Countries and what are they?--but I am chasing rabbits here) the way that I can't leave the yummies alone.

Hmmm. I did not intend to go down this path. I started this post thinking I'd share a couple of recipes I've tried lately, but here I am confessing deep dark faults to cyberfriends on a screen. My fingers have totally bypassed my conscious thoughts. I made myself take a 15-minute walk over slightly hilly streets in my neighborhood, which left my knee and hips complaining about the abuse, and yet, what I realllly want right now is a bowl of Breyer's naural vanilla ice cream with Sugar-Free Hershey's chocolate syrup drizzled artistically over those little hills and valleys. That is so self-destructive.

So now there is a counter at the bottom of my blog for all the world to see how much weight I need to lose. It's called accountability. I believe I need a double handful of that, thank you very much.

So. Before I cave to the crave, I'm going to sign off and go to bed and take a quilty magazine or a paperback with me--something that won't have food advertisements--strap on the C-PAP (because it's too much effort to do this more than once, thereby keeping me from sneaking a snack), and hope sleep comes quickly.

BBQ Rules

I got this in my email today and just had to pass it on, because the truth is in there!

We are about to enter the summer soon and BBQ season. Here are the rules:

It is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes de ssert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - coke in hand.

Here comes the important part:
(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine....
(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning.

He thanks her and asks if she will bring another coke while he deals with the situation.

Important again:
(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN. More routine....
(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the t able and does the dishes.

And most important of all:
(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off.' And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women. ...

Movie Trivia Answer

No guesses this week. I suppose no one found this as funny as I did. Oh, well.

"I'm always going to be known as the man who failed Emma."
Jeff Daniels said this to Debra Winger in "Terms of Endearment", when she was in the hospital.

New question on Saturday!

She Says it Better

I was going to write something for Memorial Day, but Pinky says it so much better. Go here to read and say "Amen, Sister!"

Movie Trivia

Ooops, just about let Saturday slip by without the movie trivia game!

This is the 25th anniversary year of another movie, though I didn't realize it had been such a long time. So I will forgive you "youngsters" if you don't get this one.

Every time I see this particular actor in any film, I am reminded of the words his character uttered to his wife: "I'm always going to be known as the man who failed Emma." Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Can you tell me the name of the movie? And/or the actor who said this?

As always, answers on Tuesday!

Tagged!

Lori at Dakota City Quilter tagged me, (how'd you find me, Lori?) and since I haven't been tagged very often, I decided to play along.

The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about him/herself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Gosh, can we take my early dementia into consideration? I'm not sure! I know I was doing some private duty work with a patient who had MS, and working PRN status (that means whenever needed, and I usually did 2-3 eight-hour shifts a week) at a hospital in Albuquerque. DD had become angry with us and moved out the previous Dec., but was still communicating with us and in August of '98, she moved back home. Beyond that, I don't remember too much. Oh, I was coming up on my 47th birthday, and in the middle stages of menopause. TMI?

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
Well, it's already 9:45pm, but I can tell you what WAS on my list for today and which ones got done.
a) Mop bathroom floor. Nope, didn't get this one done and since DH is already asleep, this task has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

b) Wash slipcover. Yep, it's in the dryer now and I just heard the buzzer go off, so will be putting it back on the sofa shortly.

c) Return books to library and pay fine. Done--$10.10 in dues. They love me there.

d) Drop off donations. Did that while I was out, and took them to the Humane Society's collection center. I try to alternate between them, the vocational place, and the Council on Aging, except the lady at the CoA always acts like it's a big imposition to accept items, and I got tired of listening to those martyr-like sighs, so I rarely donate there anymore. I mean, I donate good stuff, not junk, so she's got no reason to cop an attitude.

e) Oil change. Not only did I get the oil changed on my truck, I filled it up, cleaned it out, and ran it through the self-wash.

There were about 5 other things on my list for today, but as usual, I overestimated just how much I'd be able to get done.

3. Snacks I enjoy: Cheese and Triscuits, ice cream, cookies, peanut butter, ice cream, apples with peanut butter, M&Ms, yogurt with fruit, Reese's Cups, peanut butter, and did I mention ice cream? With peanut butter on it?

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire. (This one's my favorite, and probably the whole reason for playing along!)
First thing I'd do is turn in my notice at work, and throw a huge, catered retirement party with goodbye gifts for all my friends. I'd pay off DD's school loans, all our debt, invest a bunch so we can afford to get older, fix up the house and the yard. (I like my neighbors, so I'm not sure I'd really move unless the publicity got out of hand). I'd start a scholarship fund for children of disabled police officers and firefighters, and contribute thousands to my churches and favorite charities. I'd give huge monetary gifts to family members. I'd sponsor a dozen more Compassion Children and go on the tours to see them. Then I'd set up an anonymous type fund with someone to help me manage it, kind of like that old television show in the 50's--The Millionaire--in which I would search out hard-working, honest people who ran into some bad luck or health troubles and find the one thing they needed, and provide it, along with $100,000.00 and counseling to help them stay afloat. And I would play, with my husband. Honey, I would have me a FINE TIME!

5. Folks I want to know more about. Libby at A Simple Girl, Perry at OKPeri's Place, Lettie at Polkadot Pineapple, Hailey at Alexander's Heart (even though she's only 12 and might not remember 10 years back, I'd still like to hear some of her answers), Steph at Conversations with Grace. There are others whom I know a little better, or who have recently been tagged, but I'd still love to see their answers to some of these (Sarah, Pinky, Jacqui). Playing is optional, no stress intended here!

Wins and Hopefuls

Hey, I won some giveaways!

First, and I am so sorry I forgot to post it earlier, was a book from Julie at Pragmatic Compendium. In fact, I was second choice, because Mommybrain had just won a rocking horse for her twins, and graciously bowed out of the winning of this book.

Thanks to Julie and Mommybrain both! I'm only half through with it, but it's because I have to force myself to break away to do mundane things like cook, clean, work, etc...

And last week, on BooMama's site, Show-Offs Art was giving away a small magnetic board, a large magnetic board, and a wrapped canvas. When I got the email from Annette stating I'd won, I asked which was mine and she said to just pick what I wanted!

Since I was incapable of making difficult decisions last night, I chose this one:


and then bought this one:


Be sure and read the story of how they got started--it's beautiful.

Maybe I should try buying a lottery ticket, huh? I seem to be on a roll.

In the hopes of winning more, here are a couple of giveaways I'm entering:
Pat at Bits and Pieces is having a giveaway of quilty items if you'll tell her the name of your favorite quilt shop. Count me in!

And I read about it at Lettie's blog, Polkadot Pineapple (don't you just love that name?), who is having a giveaway of her own, so I entered that one, too!

Now, I know I've been tagged by Lori, but I'm gonna need to think on these a bit, so I'll get to it later!

Movie Trivia Answer

Every man dies, but not every man really lives. Nice quote, made even more memorable when you consider the circumstances in the movie:





It was "Braveheart" starring Mel Gibson, released in 1995. I thought I'd try something a little more recent lest you all think I haven't seen a movie since the '80s! Pinky, I thought you'd know this one, since you just saw the movie at your getaway several weeks ago.

New trivia question on Saturday!

(Oh, and Bluesky, I got your message about the aid to children program the first time, and have been to the site, but couldn't download a button. I am wary of posters who don't leave an email address or have a blog, so I deleted your second message. You're welcome to post here if you have something to say, but if you're just an automated message in response to the freerice button, you will be blocked

Newest little project and movie trivia hint

Last Sunday was another one of those one night stands--one offnight in the middle of several on. I hate those. But I was able to put it to good use and finally started a wallhanging I have been wanting for a couple of years now. The pattern is in the June 2005 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting, though it is much larger, and uses green and white for the background rectangles, where I used pale blue and white squares.



It's ready to be sandwiched and quilted and I think I'm going to embellish this one a bit, since--it's for ME! Daisies are my favorite flower, and I have had that outer border fabric for several years now, waiting for just the right project. My one concern is that the pale gold inner border (which is actually just the reverse side of the daisy center) and the stems show through the white petals. Should I just leave it as is, or should I try to cover that up? And if so, how? Layer another white petal over it? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Oh, and the movie trivia quote? It was spoken by Mel Gibson's character.

Raise your hand if you know!

Saturday at the Movies

Okay ladies (because I've only seen a stray gent once),
here is the quote for this week:

Every man dies, but not every man really lives.

I know one friend who will probably get this right off, because I think she has seen this movie within the last 2 months.

Answers on Tuesday, hints on Monday if no correct guesses!

Quote for the Day

It's not what you are that holds you back;
It's what you think you're not.

Terry Woodhead, FED '96

Small Town Living

The morning is cool and partly sunny as I get off work, and I am just not ready to go home to bed. Being only Wed., there are no yard sales, and being inside again doesn't appeal to me. I decide to drive over to the local AM station and pick up a prize I won a couple of weeks ago when I answered a trivia question about tomatoes. It's beautiful, the music is right (Barry Manilow, since you asked) and I am singing along, turned around, but in the right neighborhood I know. Finally I see the sign, and turn onto the gravel drive leading to a converted house that sits on top of a small knoll, surrounded by apple orchards. It has a lovely view of NC mountains right off the front porch.

As I slip in the front door, the talking gets louder and I realize the sliding glass doors to the studio are open. I tiptoe quietly over to the entry table where the prize envelopes are stacked to search for mine. (Did you discern this is a rather informal setup?) As I sift through, I hear one of the DJ's say something about someone here to pick up a prize. Gulp. I don't know if they are on the air or if a commercial is playing, but the host, another announcer and their guest all turn to view me from the studio and wave. I wave my envelope, mouth the word thanks, and try to leave. Oh, no, they are in great spirits this morning. One comes after me and holds the door open while another calls out to ask my name, holding up some piece of equipment--maybe a microphone? Why can I never think of sharp or witty things to say until half an hour or half a mile has passed? There I am, my name badge proclaiming my employer for all to see, while I do my best impression of the world's dullest nurse. I say something inane, like "Keep playing that great music--I've been singing all the way here" or some such platitude, and beat a hasty retreat down the steps. I hope no one I know has heard me.

From there I drive over to one of the farms this station advertises, intending to get a basket of strawberries and some fresh asparagus. The advertised open time is 9:00, and it's only 8:35 as I pull up to the shed, but there are a couple of cars passing me on their way out and the strawberry baskets line the table. I ask if it's okay that I'm early, and the farmer and his wife beckon me on out of the truck. Ma'am, he calls me, though he is clearly 15 years my senior. He proudly shows me several hanging baskets of tomatoes that "you treat just like flowers, with Miracle Gro and all", and there are already dozens of tiny yellow flowers.


He pulls a few leaves aside to show me small green tomatoes nearing grape size, and I am persuaded to bring it home. His wife counts out my change and he arranges the plant in the back of my truck "so the wind won't blow it too hard". I am urged to return for the purple asparagus soon.


I don't know how I found both places, but my sense of direction fails me now. I drive down back roads, around curves and over small hills, the mountains that typical smoky blue color around me. In a small but very neat little yard, an older lady is already out pulling weeds, and farther down I see a riding mower with a "for sale" sign sitting close to the road, its owner apparently unworried about someone trying to haul it off without paying. A man I don't know in a neighborhood I've never been through raises his hand in that familiar wave.

Soon enough I realize I have been heading in the opposite direction from my home and I find a larger road and then another until I make my way back to the highway and home again, an hour after buying fresh fruits and veggies at a place only 10 minutes from my home. Tandi comes wriggling out to meet me and I carry my treasures into the house, and onto the deck. J-Man, who is accustomed to me coming home 'whenever' on the morning of my first night off, is properly appreciative of my purchases and asks about my night. I put my tomato basket on the deck, exclaim over my seedlings sprouted from eggshell planters, water the petunias by the front porch, celebrate the small shoots of grass coming up from the previously bare spots, and wave at one of my neighbors as he drives past.



Life is good.

Movie Trivia Answer

Ooops, almost forgot! Yep, it was WarGames! This is the 25th anniversary of it--can it be so long?

That's the first thing I remember seeing Ally Sheedy in, as well as Matthew Broderick. Remember the size of that computer? Joshua, it was called. HUGE!

Okay, another one on Saturday and I see we need to challenge you all a bit more!

Not what I'd planned to say.

Well, I intended to wax eloquent about Mother's Day, but reality crashed in on me. Mother's Day this year was...a disappointment. My feelings are hurt, and I have sulked and argued and pouted and reflected and shrugged and sighed--all in my own head. Because it is probably a miscommunication or someone had a bad day (not ME!) and I don't want to heap enough fodder on that molehill to make it reach mountainous heights.

Do we ever get it down pat? Do we ever get to sit back and say, "Okay! I've worked at this for 'x' years and she's an adult now and except for the worrying (which never really ceases) I've got this mothering thing all figured out!" I'm seriously doubting it. Adult children, no matter how wonderful and self-sufficient and independent they are, come with their own challenges.

Is it any better with sons? Is it just mother-daughter relationships that are so complex, so indefinable in their roles? I look at her and do my best to treat her as I would any other woman friend, but how do I erase the mental pictures of her as a toddler? We read the same book and share our thoughts and opinions on it, but the line between sharing and privacy in other matters blurs and wavers and I can't tell where the boundaries are. Maybe she still views me with teen eyes on occasion. And no parent EVER looks good through the eyes of an adolescent.

It's been over 20 years since I've seen my own mother, and almost that long since I've spoken with her, by my own choice. She is not a nice person, and I came to accept my virtual "orphan-ness" many moons ago. I don't miss her anymore. But I strive to build a different relationship with my daughter. She's my only child. I never want her to feel alone in the world, cut off from the invisible umbilical cord that connects her to her ancestry. And yet, I'm afraid of doing just that.

Does anyone out there want to trade daughters for a while? Maybe we could make each other look reallllly good.

Contests and Giveaways

Here is a fun one involving words of wisdom from our mothers: May's Blue Yonder First Monday Contest
Her blog is always fun to read. Besides, her name is Stefani, too, even though she spells it differently, so hey, gotta be good, right?

This one is for a $100.00 gift certificate from Target:
http://b-nn.com/2008/05/bloggedin-bounty-may-2008/

The Pioneer Woman Cooks just had a Cuisinart Giveaway and there are to be another 2 coming up soon, so you may want to watch her blog. Besides that, she has some fantastic recipes and just had about 5000 emailed in for a giveaway so there are lots to peruse!

There, that should keep you busy for a bit as I work and hash out my Mother's Day post.

Saturday Movie Trivia

We leave our regularly scheduled yard work and paycheck generator to bring you the movie trivia question of the week. It's the 25th anniversary of this movie, so I thought I'd see if anyone remembers it.

"A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.
How about a nice game of chess?"

Answers on Tuesday, hints on Monday if no correct guesses!

Movie Trivia Answer for 5/3

Yeah, Steph got it--Somewhere in Time, with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. I just melt when I hear that piece, and dissove into a slobbering meemie when....

Nope, not gonna spoil it for the rare chick who may not have seen that yet. And if you be that gal, what are you waiting for? Go get that movie and a box of tissues!

Saturday Night at the Movies

When I was a teen in Alabama, one of the local stations played movies each weekend, under the title above. I remember the camera panning the steps up to a lovely antebellum home, as if you were entering, and at the end, descending again. They played a haunting melody, and I was sure there was no music as beautiful as this,.
Years later, a romantic movie featured this melody, and I discovered it was Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. I'd always thought it was written for the program.

Here is a YouTube video of someone playing this melody. (I don't know her, but I was looking for the piano rendition and this one is so well done.)



Do you know the movie? I'll post the answer on Tuesday.

Color test

This is harder than you'd think:

http://www.humorsphere.com/fun/8787/colortest.swf