Meet me on Monday

Every week, I try to hop on the Meet Me on Monday train...here we go again, thanks Java for hosting.
Questions:




1. If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

2. Do you write your blog posts in advance or the day you post them?

3. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

4. What is your favorite candle scent?

5. Coffee or tea?


My answers:

1.  Cheese...I love cheese!

2.  Usually the day I post them.  I post what I feel or is interesting to me at the time, I don't plan ahead.

3.  Yes, unfortunately.  My middle son was in a terrible car accident Labor Day weekend of his Junior year in high school.  They had called Life Flight for him and a little girl as well, but due to mechanical problems with the chopper...they couldn't fly.  So, we went as fast as we could in an ambulance.  People really don't listen and they don't move over either, just to let you know.  My job while riding was to keep him talking and awake (he had a gash on his head).  So we sang, country songs, you guys know I don't listen to country but somehow God gave me the lyrics.  That is a ride I'll never forget.  He is fine now...Thank you God.

4.  My favorite candle scent is Lavender.  I love anything that smells of Lavender.

5.  Hmm...if I had to give up one it would be tea.  I love both though...I am Southern.  I have to have my coffee or I'm not a nice person in the morning.

Have a great week.  Be kind to each other...it's free.  Speak kindly.  Plant something this week, you will be happy that you did.

Carol

Meet me on Monday

Here is more of getting to know you all.  Thanks once again to Java for hosting.

Questions:




1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?

2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?

3. How many siblings do you have?

4. Were you named after anyone?

5. Coke or Pepsi?
 

My Answers:

1.  I always wear my wedding rings and a gold thumb ring.  Most of the time I have stud earrings but I do change them out.  In the summer I wear a gold anklet.  I love my jewelery but change it often.

OK,  only picture I had of my wedding rings.  The other hand is my Christmas gift from my Hubz.  I could not believe he really purchased this ring for me.  I love pearls, black Tahitian pearls!!  I love it but I have to be careful wearing it...not gardening while wearing this ring!

2.  I twirl it girl!!!

You gotta twirl!!

3.  I have one sister and three adopted brothers.  I always wanted brothers and just decided to adopt my first cousins.  They never had a sister and  life is too short so I adopted or we adopted each other.  I couldn't love them more.

Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply... ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814





4.  Nope...not a soul.  My Mom wanted to name me Janet Lynn...God!  I'm glad my Dad won that battle!!!

5.  Neither.  I really don't care that much for soda and when I do I like Root beer or Sprite.

Have a great week and remember to be kind to those you love and care about.   It might be the last time you get the chance to show them.

Carol-the gardener

Meet Me on Monday

Every week, I try to participate in answering questions in the Meet me Monday hosted by Java.  Thank you for hosting Java!  I've met so many nice people here.

Questions:




1. Do you have a fireplace in your home?

2. Can you drive a stick shift?

3. How many computers are in your home?

4. Are your taxes done yet? Do you do them yourself?

5. What is your favorite meal of the day?


My Answers:

1.  Yes and we love using it.  In our first home we had a wood burning fireplace, and we loved it.....however, we decided that when we moved we would prefer a gas fireplace for convenience.  Now we are hooked on the remote instant on and off

All decorated for Christmas.  I haven't done Spring yet.

No chopping wood.  No hauling wood.  No removing ashes or waiting for the fire to burn out before we feel comfortable to leave.  Instant heat!  Down side...no wood burning smell, no crackling roaring fire.  It's all about choices people!  Yep, we are getting lazy.


2.  Why heck yeah!  I haven't had a stick in many years but I am glad I know how.  Maybe my next car will be a sports car and I'll need that skill again.  You never forget.  What if you had to drive someone  car and it was a stick?  All my children learned how to drive on a stick and I always had confidence they could make it home no matter who needed to drive.

3.  Two computers.  One desktop and my laptop.

4.  No and no.  That's all I have to say about that.

5.  Dinner.  I'm not a morning person so I rarely eat breakfast.  Does cereal count as breakfast?  Anywhoo...I eat fruit or yogurt for lunch so yeah, dinner is my favorite meal.  When the Hubz retires I have a feeling we will eat earlier and that will be my favorite meal...we'll see.  We are already early bird diners...most of the time.

Remember to be kind to one another.  Take a minute to say a prayer for those who suffered and are still suffering from the earthquake last week.  You never know.

Have a great week.

Carol-the gardener

Meet Me on Monday free recipe

Thank you Java for hosting once again this week.  So great of you to do this for all of us to enjoy!

Questions:




1. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?

2. What was the last package that was delivered to your house?

3. What is your favorite scent that you love to smell?

4. Do you smoke?

5. Are your parents married or divorced?


Ok ...here goes...

My answers...

1.  My favorite way to eat potatoes?  Wait...I'm trying to get Forrest Gump out of my head for a minute....because I love potatoes.  It's kinda like asking who is your favorite friend or which of your children is your favorite.   I love potatoes...I love them fried, mashed, baked, Augratin, Potatoe salad, pancakes, you name it....because I'll never hush.

Here is my free recipe to share.  I'll warn you...if you make it...you will never go back!

Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic

 I love Yukon gold potatoes. They taste so buttery without any butter.  Here is my favorite way to prepare them, it is quick and easy and it should be fairly good for you.  First, I scrub them then I cut them into about one inch cubes.  Place them in a large bowl and give them a generous amount of good olive oil.  Fresh rosemary chopped and sprinkled over top and whole cloves of fresh garlic.  Salt and pepper and spread onto a baking sheet lined with no stick foil.  Give them lots of room to groove otherwise they will just steam and not brown well.   Bake in a preheated oven about 425 degrees.  Turn once about 30 minutes in.  Bake until golden brown.  Once you remove them grate fresh Parmesan cheese over top.  So yummy it is ridiculous.  Goes well with any kind of meat, fish, shrimp etc...sometimes I drizzle a bit of balsamic over mine, I like the acid.

2. The last package delivered to my house was from QVC.  I admit it...I'm addicted.  They have so many great things at great prices and I love to shop in my nightgown.  Let's just say the UPS guy knows me well.  I love to order makeup, clothes, household items, jewelry etc....I think the last package (last week) was WEN .... cleansing conditioner...in lavender of course.  You guys gotta try this it is great!  I just ordered sunglasses today!

3.  My favorite scent  .... that would have to be lavender.  I love the smell of lavender.  I also love the smell of fresh basil, rosemary and vanilla.  Go figure.

4.  Smoke???  Me???? NO WAY!!!!  I am soooooo allergic to smoke.  When we first married 100 years ago the Hubz did smoke.  They say love is blind, deaf and dumb and I guess you can smell either, because I didn't mind it.  Thank God, he gave it up about 13 years ago and it's a good thing because the older I get ...the worse my allergy to the smoke gets.   Here, in Florida, smoking is banned in restaurants ...thank goodness.  I can smell someone smoking out of site at the beach, and I just don't get it.  Then I can't breathe for days and I have to use all kinds of steroid nose sprays...yuck... I just feel if you want or choose to do it...respect others that don't want to smoke or smell it.

5.  My parents were married until death parted them.  As many of you know, I lost my Daddy when I was 22 years old.  My Grandparents were also married until death parted them and my Memommie told me that losing my Grandfather was more difficult than losing one of her children.  She lost a son at age 3 years old to Whooping cough.  She said losing him was like losing a part of herself....that always stuck with me.  I remember, packing up her things after her death ... I found a shirt of my Grandfather's in her closet,  and a pair of shoes and little outfit belonging to the child she lost.  We placed them inside the casket with her.  She kept them all these years (about 30) and it only seemed fitting.  That really touches my heart.

I wish I had made better decisions regarding marriage when I was younger.  I thank God that I am happily married now, and have been for going on 18 years.  I wish though I had waited, and never married before and I could say we had been together for 30 years today.  I was young and foolish and it cost me and it cost me part of my heart that has taken a very long time to find again.  Thank God, I married a very patient man.

Ok....that's it for me.  Now I'll go read your answers.  Hope you guys have a great week.  My camellias are blooming like crazy and I'm going to try and post some pictures on Wordless Wednesday.

Be kind to one another...give someone you love a big hug.  Send someone flowers this week.  Bake them something, anything to let them know they are special to you.

Carol

Meet Me on Monday

Questions:




1. What are you wearing right now?

2. Do you have any freckles?

3. What is your favorite Lifesaver flavor?

4. What is the last movie you saw in the theater?

5. Would you rather live without TV or without music?

My Answers:
 
1.  I am wearing a blue night gown with lace and pearls and matching robe.  One of my favorites.


Kinda like this but in a tiffany blue

 I mean it is warm and humid here and our AC is on for the first time in months so.  No, I look nothing like her.

2.  Nope, not really freckles.  Probably sunspots for my years of loving the beach, and all things sunny.

 

 
3.  Hmmm...pineapple....or tangerine.  I hope those are Lifesaver flavors.
 

4.  The last movie....was Toy Story 3 I think (theatre) or Date Night here on Blu Ray.  Date Night was really funny...of course I love Tina Fey so how could I not like it.  She says to Marky Mark (shirtless)Wahlberg..."I bet you do all kinds of things right."  I cracked up!
 

5.  Oh gosh I'd have to live without the TV.  I love music, I can't imagine a day without music.  I have a feeling I would accomplish more and read more without the TV.  I catch myself so much of the time ... it is just mindlessly playing in the background of my day...I'm not watching or listening so I change it to a music channel anyway.

Thank you Java for hosting again this week.  Remember to be kind to each other.  Do something nice this week for someone...just because you can.  Don't expect anything in return.  See what happens.

See you on Wordless Wednesday...I'm working on a movie so we shall see how I do....

Carol-the gardener

Meet Me on Monday

It's time again to get to know each other better.  Time for Meet me on Monday Questions and Answers.  Thank you again Java for hosting each week.

Questions:


1. Did you get any Valentine's Gifts?

2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?

3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?

4. What food item do you absolutely despise?

5. Righty or lefty?


My Answers:

1.  Not yet, it isn't Valentine's Day yet...but I had my eye on a ring I really liked.  I have gotten clearance for a shopping trip that involves some new dresses and sandals for the upcoming summer.  I know it makes people sick but I realize how blessed I am everyday to have a love like mine in my life. 

2.  What is your favorite topping on something toasted?  Chopped fresh tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, olive oil, salt and peper and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  I could eat it everyday I do believe. 

3.  No, I used to.  Now...I just go with the feeling or what I am doing that day.  I just try not to make any huge fashion mistakes if I am going out in public.  Otherwise, I might stay in my jammies all day.

4.  What food item do you absolutely despise?  Easy...Liver.  Yuck!

5.  Righty.  Not much else to say about that...never tried to be a lefty

Hope you all have a great week and Happy Valentine's Day!  If you love someone tell them, look them in the eye, give them lots of kisses and hugs.  You never know how long you have with each other. 

Carol-the gardener

Meet me on Monday - Free Recipe

Questions:




1. What do you put on your hot dog?

2. Do you play Sudoku?

3. What is your favorite vegetable?

4. Do you color your hair?

5. What is your favorite brand of clothing?


My Answers:

1.  What do you put on your hot dog?  I do not eat hot dogs at all.  Sorry, but I really dislike them.  I would eat a PBJ or grilled cheese or a tomatoe sandwich before I eat a hot dog.  Never have liked them even as a child.

2.  Do you play Sudoku?  No.  I'm not much for games unless it's Wii :)   I'm not good at video games but they are facinating to me.  I never liked board games as a child, not as an adult either.  I do like to play cards.

3.  What is your favorite vegetable?  I love veggies!  This answer is going to take some thought.  I don't think I can think of a single vegetable I don't really love.  I guess my answer is Asparagus.  I'll even share with you my favorite recipe.  It is so easy and delish!

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesean

Wash your Asparagus and pat dry.  Toss the Asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.  Spread the asparagus out on a sheet tray lined with non stick foil.  Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees until tender.  It depends on the thickness of the Asparagus.  When it is tender take it out of the oven and zest one lemon over top of the hot asparagus and sqeeze half the lemon over top.  Now, take your microplane out and grate fresh parmesean over top of the hot asparagus and lemon.  Now it is ready to plate.  Yum!  Let me know if you try it!  Clean up is easy throw away the foil.

4.  Do you color your hair?  Yes, hi lights and low lights.  Once I tried to go closer to my natural darker blonde.  My middle son hated it and said I didn't look like his Mom anymore.  I was blonde as a child and the older I get the darker it seems to be.  It does lighten up a bit in the summer sun.

5.  What is your favorite brand of clothing?  I really don't have one favorite brand.  I like quality but don't shop specific brands.  I switch it all up.  Everything from summer dresses to jeans.  I love Carribean Joe in Summer tops here in Florida.  My next purchase of jeans are going to be Not Your Daughters Jeans.  Does anyone have these?  They look great, I hope they fit great too.

Hope you all have a great week and remember to be kind to each other.

Carol-the gardener

Meet me on Monday

Thanks Java for hosting...I don't think I always tell you that.  I know everyone has so much going on this time of the year, but you always come through, even though you haven't been feeling well.


Questions:




1. What will your Christmas dinner consist of?

2. Do you watch commercials or flip through the channels?

3. How long will you leave your Christmas decorations up?

4. What movie makes you cry every time you watch it?

5. Do you have a Facebook?




Ok, my answers:
 

1.  What will your Christmas dinner consist of?
 
For the past few years it has been standing rib roast, or grilled steak.  We are usually so burned out from the Turkey and dressing we like something different.  Always cheesecake for dessert.  I make mashed potatoes or a potato casserole, and some sort of veggie.  Normally I make everything, everyone is too busy to help and bring anything.
 
2.  Do you watch commercials or flip through the channels?
 
I don't like commercials.  I prefer watching HBO where their are no commercials, or ff through them.
I especially hate car commercials...they are so loud...they make me nervous. Some commercials though are just great ...I mean great.....like these...

 
3.  How long will you leave your Christmas decorations up?
 
Depends, sometimes we leave them up until after New Years day.  Really, whenever I feel like taking them down.

 
4.  What movie makes you cry every time you watch it? 
 

The Color Purple
 
5.  Do you have a Facebook account?

 
yes, I do...I really enjoy it..I have found lots of old friends, of course current friends, and long lost co workers.  Fun place to see others photos, see some funny things and just catch up in general.
 
If you love someone, show them.  Tell them.  Give them the time they sometimes need and deserve.  Be kind.  It's free.
 
Carol-the gardener

Meet me on Monday

Questions:




1. How do you order your steak?

2. Are you superstitious about anything?

3. Who is your best friend (not including your spouse)?

4. When is the last time your wore a dress (for the guys...a suit)?

5. Do you have any trips scheduled?


My Answers:

1.  How do you order your steak?

I like my steak medium rare.  I usually don't get it that way unless we are at home.   That is one reason I really never order steak out. I think they are always overcooked.  We make such a better one here at home, plus, I really don't like red meat that often.

2.  Are you superstitious about anything?

Not really...I do the knock on wood thing but not really superstitious.  I do believe in Karma.

3.  Who is your best friend (not including your spouse)? 

My best friend's name is Cheryl.  She has been my true blue stick like glue friend for almost 20 years now.  She is one of those friends you are blessed to find in a lifetime.  Her friendship doesn't come with attitude, or dues...it is just always there.  I am grateful to have found her.  When things are good, I love to share them with her.  When things are bad, I can always count on her to be there to bring me back to center.  I truly love her like a sister.




My toes, Cheryl's toes

 4.  When is the last time you wore a dress?

Last Saturday night as a matter of fact.  It was our Anniversary and I decided to really dress up for the Hubz, black dress, pearls, heels the works.  I love wearing dresses.  I will admit I wear them more in the summer time, but there is something about a nice dress and heels that I love and always will.  Nothing like a LBD for this time of year.



Cheers!


5.  Do you have any trips scheduled?

Not really.  We usually go to the beach each May so as far as I know that would be the next trip.  Maybe some local ones but nothing planned today.


Thanks to Java for hosting.  Hope all of you are getting all of your shopping and baking and wrapping done.  I'm trying.  I'll have pictures to show you hopefully on Wednesday.

If you love someone, tell them.  Be kind to one another.  It's free.  Do something nice today, just because you can.

Carol-the gardener

Meet me on Monday

Questions:




1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?

2. What size is your bed?

3. What is your most overused phrase?

4. Green or purple grapes?

5. Shower, morning or night?

My answers....

My favorite kind of cheese?  You cannot be serious!  That is like asking me which is my favorite Grand child!  I love all kinds of cheese.  Havarti, Swiss, Monterrey jack, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, ricotta oh gosh I could go on and on.

Our bed is a King size and I will never willingly go to any other size bed ever.  I love my bed.  If you ever want to know about a Tempur Pedic Mattress .... I'm your girl. 

My most overused phrase?  Probably Oh Dear Lord in Heaven!  followed by..... I'm just say'in.  My sister hates when I say that!  I'm just say'in!!! ha ha ha

Green grapes!  Reminds me of being a child.  I always had plenty of green grapes in the spring/summer.  Yum!

Shower in the morning ....bath at night.  I love everything to do with being/getting clean.  I love soaps/gels/lotions/pajamas, shampoos, conditioner...I just love it.

Well...that's it for me.  Now I have to see what your answers are. 

Hug someone you love today ...way way to tight.  Look them in the eye and say, "Have I told you lately that I love you?"  Watch the smile come.

Have a great Monday!

Carol-the gardener