My older sister, Joanne Wise Williams, died last Monday. She was 84. Joanne was almost 16 years older than I. I used to open her closet and gaze at her beautiful dresses, hoping that someday I would have dresses as pretty as that. She got married when I was nine. I got to be a Junior Bridesmaid, while my younger sister was the Flower Girl. And I had a beautiful dress too! So many Thanksgivings,... Read more →
Snow is pouring down, adding to the snow we got yesterday, falling on top of a layer of sleet. Oh, the joy of living on the rain/snow line! I am at the point in my life when I can gaze out of the window and enjoy the pretty scene without worrying about shoveling, shopping, or driving. Apartment living has its advantages, and having parking spots in the garage really has its advantages! It is worth... Read more →
As soon as my Pop heard about Pearl Harbor, he was determined to join the military. The Army didn't want him, so he joined the Navy. Because of his age, education, and experience, he started his service as a Lieutenant JG Gunnery Officer, and was in charge of the Navy Armed Guard on cargo ships. He served on the SS Esso Concord, the SS Trevilian, and the SS William Pepper. My Mom kept a scrapbook... Read more →
Mom was born 109 years ago today. Happy birthday to you, Mom! I love this picture of her. This was taken on Christmas Eve, probably right around the turn of the century, so she was very close to 90 years old. Check out that Bloody Mary she was drinking! She was very particular about her Bloody Marys - there was always a bottle of vodka under the sink and a bottle of Clamato in the... Read more →
So that last post was a little heavy, eh? Thank you all for your love, your hugs, and your understanding. Now, let's head on over to Sunday Stealing for something a little lighter. Where did your name come from? My father suggested "Mary" because every Catholic family needed a "Mary." My mother chose my middle name, Ramon, after the priest who converted her to Catholicism. Where were you born? Takoma Park, Maryland. What was your... Read more →
As many of you know, I am a huge Outlander fan. I've read all eight books more than once; I've watched most of the entire series more than once. There are three episodes that I have had to make myself watch. I'm sure you can guess which ones, but I'll tell you anyway. To Ransom A Man's Soul, where Jamie Fraser is raped and tortured by Black Jack Randall. Wilmington, where Brianna Randall is raped... Read more →
I wrapped presents this afternoon. Joe conveniently took a walk, so I had time to figure out where I'd hidden the gifts, wrap them up, and sneak them under the tree. I hope my guys like them! I'm still missing one gift - I ordered it right after Thanksgiving, but it's still in transit from China. I hope it gets here by Christmas but I have my doubts. Eh. It's okay - the giftee will... Read more →
Today's Holidailies post is a good old Facebook meme, because I have much to do today! Class of: 1970 1. Did you marry your high school sweetheart? No. I didn't really have one - I had various boyfriends but no one was really a sweetheart. 2. Type of car? When I drove, I drove my Mom's car, which I think was a Chevy Impala. Actually, that might have been the one I wrecked one month... Read more →
Saturday 9: Bonanza (1959) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 1) Bonanza ran on NBC for 14 seasons. Today it's rerun on Me-TV and TVLand. Were/are you a fan? Not particularly, but my Pop loved it. I'd watch it with him to keep from having to go to bed on Sunday evening. We kids got to watch Wonderful World of Disney, but Pop took over the TV afterwards because of Bonanza. 2) The... Read more →
I've been reading about how social media has given rise to new ways for a person to be a dick; for example, the phenomena known as "ghosting" and "zombie-ing." For you folks unaware of these behaviors, ghosting occurs when a person disappears from another's social media. Maybe you were in the beginning stages of dating, texting up a storm, friends on Facebook, blah blah blah. Suddenly the object of your attention is gone. They don't... Read more →