Spontaneous Musings

Question a Day Meme:

4. Do you have any travel plans arranged for this year?

Well, kind of? But nothing really planned or definite at the moment - due to continuing health issues from 2025 - specifically my cranky knees (which aren't cooperating with me and deteriorating at the ripe old age of 58). My plan was to go to Chicago in the Spring with Mother, maybe a train trip in the fall, and possibly a short excursion to see her in Hilton Head. Now, not sure what I'm doing.

5. Are you looking forward to any TV shows this year?

* The Pitt S2 - HBO
* Diplomat S4 or is it 5 - Netflix
* Lanterns - HBO
* Slow Horses S5 (I think - the next season in any event) - Apple +
* Second Season of Dept Q - Netflix
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (assuming of course Hulu shows the pilot and any new episodes post-pilot) - Hulu

***

Oh, Angel/Buffy rewatch?

The Angel/Cordelia and Buffy/Spike romances are ...frustrating? In many respects I prefer them to Buffy/Angel, but they are still frustrating to watch?

Neither Angel nor Buffy know how to communicate, while Spike and Cordelia are kind of no-nonsense, and say it like it is.

Also, the writers don't appear to know what to do with Xander and Gunn. They are in holding pattern with Xander/Anya. Poor Anya appears to be stuck in the Magic Shop either planning her wedding, working, or researching with Xander at night. Xander and Gunn are similar characters - "dudes" - and the writers have no idea what to do with them.

Buffy and Spike - need to talk more? I actually feel more for Spike than Buffy this season - mainly because he just wants to talk it out. And she refuses to. She likes to talk at him - basically complain about her life, or lack thereof, but not discuss their relationship, or his role in her life. It's hard not to identify with Spike in this situation. Which while insanely interesting and rather innovative from an overall narrative/ story-telling perspective, it's also a touch messy from a plot perspective? Because I know where this is headed? And I'm not sure it works - if I'm rooting for Spike? Worse - I'm rooting for Spike to be redeemed without a soul and get Buffy. And that's against the story-thread and the canon. We're supposed to rooting for Buffy to get away from Spike, to see he can't change, and be shocked that he goes and gets a soul - and think, but of course, and then realize no he still can't have her - but at least he gets it now, and finally can be redeemed? But it's not quite being written that way entirely - because I think the writers being rather existentialist were on the fence about it? (I mean let's face it - where's the fun in writing this sort of thing, if you can't break your own rules?) Also the story-thread is kind of predictable and boring, so the writers decided to be a bit more ambiguous about it, and let both Spike and Buffy think, well, maybe, he can be? That's great - but it can prove to be problematic.

I think S6 fascinates me - because it's so subversive, and indecisive, and filled with risks. Honestly, it and S4 - they writers had a lot of fun breaking a ton of television writing and trope rules. And I had a blast watching them do it. They did manage to change the medium in the process - because other writers, actors, creative types saw it - and got excited, and decided to do it too. I'm not sure we'd have BSG, RT Davies Doctor Who/Torchwood, Lost, Vampire Diaries, Interview with a Vampire, Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton, etc without Buffy. Whedon had fun breaking rules, and god bless them, the network let him do it.

I'd say Hasta La Vista - but that actually means goodbye and see you later, and I really have no interest in revisiting this nasty tediously painful extraordinarily long seemingly endless year. I plan on forgetting most of it. People wondered in person and online where the year had gone to, and how fast it sped by...not me, folks. I was aware of every stinking hour of it. It drug. And if felt mean.

Bye Bye 2025. Don't let the door smack you on the way out. With any luck 2026 will be more memorable and at the very least? Less painful.

Hopefully your mileage varied in far more positive ways.

***

In 2026, I turn 59, an inch closer to 60, and a couple inches closer to retirement. With any luck it will bring peace and prosperity in its wake.

***

End of the Year Memage:

1. Memorable Television Series of 2025 (I'd say favorite - but it's kind of a moving target at the moment, I'm going with memorable).

( memorable television series )

2. Memorable Films of 2025 (see above)

( memorable films of 2025 )

3. Fandom that you miss

The Buffy/Angel fandom, I'll always miss it.

4. Memorable Books of 2025 (well that I read or listened to in 2025 at any rate, they weren't necessarily published in 2025).

( memorable books of 2025 )

5. Memorable Music of 2025 (not necessarily written in 2025)

* Huddled Masses

* What is the Reason for it by David Byrne from his album Who is the Sky?.

* Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt

* Something Wicked (this way comes) by Siouxie and the Banshees

* Say a Little Word by Ellen McIlwaine


Question a Day Memeage - End of December

28. How much exercise have you had over the last few days?

Bad knee. Been doing knee exercises. Walking a lot - because it's my main mode of transportation outside of subways. I go up and down a lot of subway steps. Averaging 4,000-8,000 steps a day. Today just did knee exercises and a little walking.

29. In 1886, the dishwasher was patented. It was invented by Josephine Cochran, who lived in Shelbyville, Illinois. She constructed the first one and won a prize at the Chicago World Fair (and was used by the restaurant industry). Do you own a dishwasher or wash your dishes by hand?

No. Wash dishes by hand. I rent an apartment and it's not cleared for a dishwasher. Also I'm single - so not an issue.

30. It’s National Bacon Day! What’s your favourite way to eat bacon? Have you ever tried vegan ‘bacon’?

With eggs or with pancakes or waffles. I don't eat it now - it doesn't digest well and it tends to go bad before I eat all of it.

No, never had vegan bacon. Artificial yes - bacon bits. Won't do it again.

31. It’s New Year’s Eve – how would you sum up 2025 on a scale of one to ten? Let’s stay positive - what was the best thing that happened to you this year?

1, maybe 2. No definitely 1. Assuming of course 10 (is best) on this scale.

Moved my work place from Jamaica, Queens to Lower Manhattan, Battery Park, Tribeca/Financial District. Shorter Commute, and nicer area all around. Also have a window. And peace and quiet for the most part.


Happy New Year, hopefully regardless of how you ranked 2025 - 2026 will be a better or more positive year for us all around the globe.

I don't know what it is like elsewhere? But this is turning out to be a bitterly cold December in the Northeastern US, specifically New York. It felt like 18 degrees F or -7 C with windchill today, in actuality 34 degrees F or 1 degrees C. Bitter, bitter wind. But sunny and pretty outside with a blue sky and scattered white puffy clouds.

Mememage - Question a Day (because I'm slightly behind, too busy writing about Buffy for the upteenth time. You'd think I'd get bored of it eventually, but apparently not? I can't remember where I left off? I had to go back and check - can't have any repetition, can we? I might contradict myself.)

8. Today is Green Monday: the most lucrative shopping day of the year. This is usually the last day that people can shop online so that the purchases can still arrive in time for the holidays. What’s the last thing you bought from an online retailer?

Sudoko Book and Calendar for my mother, and I did on Thursday (as in today), but it can still arrive in time for the holidays.

9. If you have a battery smoke alarm in your home, do you check the batteries regularly?

No, it's one of those newfangled ones that has batteries which last ten years. Combo smoke/carbon dioxide detector. Although, now that I no longer have a gas stove/oven, less chance of carbon dioxide poisoning.

10. Do you have a blanket you can snuggle under on your couch/sofa?

Yes, but I don't own a couch or sofa. I own armchairs. And an ottoman/coffee table.
( Read more... )

11. How often do you chew gum (or bubble gum)?

I no longer do. I can't - high in sugar. Also it sticks to my teeth, and loses it's taste too quickly.

***

Knee was hurting last night, but it's better today. I've also been off of it more, giving it a rest. Did some exercises, but once it began to ache, pulled back a bit. Iced it as well.

***

Making headway through the Paul Newman Memoir - which is a lot better than the Ethan Hawk documentary, also a lot kinder to Newman. Making me think Hawk is a bit of a judgemental prick? ( Read more... )

Also making headway through "Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem" which is more romance than mystery, and there's no mischief or mayhem. It's okay. I'll most likely finish it? But I wouldn't rec it to anyone?

***

Me: So where did you get that strap that we're using for the exercises?
PT: Amazon.
Me: What do you call it?
PT: Stretch Strap for exercises or stretching strap.

Sure enough that's what it is. Stretching Yoga Straps for Physical Therapy

I've noticed a pattern of late? I see something I want, I ask people where they got it, and they state: From Amazon.

Damn. Amazon is doing well.

I also bought humidifiers. My skin is drying out, I have a dry cough, and my lips are chapped. Time for humidifiers.

***

Saw a stray cat (at least I think it is - might not be) on the way home. It's fairly healthy for a stray, so may be just out and about. But thought, it's awfully cold for a cat. Granted they have fur but still.

Leg and knee didn't hurt as much today as they did on Saturday, making me think arthritis may be a factor, and sigh shifts in the weather.

The Super decorated the lobby of the apartment in style - we have poinsettias, a tree, a mechanical elf climbing a ladder to decorate the tree, and a carousel on top of the mail boxes, among other things. It's quite festive. Never thought I'd say this?? But I actually prefer a pre-war building of 77 units to a brownstone. Also the building is older - it's 100 years old, and quite sturdy all things considered.

And Momma got a Xmas present for me - today - I know what it is - she got it on Cyber Monday before it went up in price. ( kitchen appliances and where to put them )

I did partake of Cyber Monday. Got shoes for $22 on Lands End, and a pair of pants fo $21. And some underwear via Amazon. Yesterday at Walgreens I bought a cup warmer for work - worked like a dream. Plugged it in and it kept the cups warm. My tea, decafe coffee, and matcha lattes kept getting cold fast. Now they stay warm. It was only $5.

I'm embracing my love of my city and neighborhood. I love NYC. I was talking to Breaking Bad today, and describing how my entire family is spread around the US and lives in suburban and rural areas (ie. you need a plane and car, or in the case of my brother, a train and car to get to them).

Breaking Bad: So you're the sole urbanite?
Me (I think about it): Yup pretty much. I like cities.

I read on Calm or somewhere recently that anxious folks tend to prefer walk in city streets or places where they know all the threats instantly than a nature walk outside of the city. They feel safer. ( Read more... )

***

December Memage:

1. Do you use serviettes/napkins when you eat, or are they just for fancy meals/when you have guests?

When have guests or fancy. I rarely use them other than that. Don't have that many, and I can't find them?

The Community UU Church of NY's sermon today (which I watched on my television set via Youtube - youtube kindly thrust it at me, as recommended, and I didn't have to look for it and I finally figured out how to watch my community's UU church services via youtube on my television set) - stated that we're all tired because there's so much happening constantly around us, and it's overwhelming.

I thought, okay, that's probably why I've been feeling exhausted lately, sleep deprived, and kind of ill? Too much happening all at once, none of which I have control over.

I've even stopped the good news posts, mainly because I can't seem to get myself to weed through the hundreds of comments and links on the social activist's facebook page or in the Nice News or Waging Non-Violence emails, any longer? I find it all to be overwhelming, even if it is good news? I just want to close off the news media and forget it all exists for a bit.

And, it's getting darker earlier now. Dark at 4:30 pm, and 5:19 feels like 8. Shorter and shorter days. I'm not a fan of darkness, I have a tendency towards seasonal depression and require light. It's why I can't live that far North and have veered away from the North Pacific. NYC is about as far North as I can reasonably get, I think.

Anyhow, the church services on Youtube motivated me to donate to the Food Bank of NYC today. So far, I've donated to Food Bank, ACLU, and National Parks Conservation Service this year.

***

Tomorrow is the doctor's appointment. ( Read more... )

***

Made Chili last night with Chili beans, Classico Marinara Sauce, Jasmine brown rice, red onions, dark chocolate, and chili seasoning. It was smooth and excellent. Served with shredded cheddar cheese, Mary's Gone Crackers, and chopped red onions. Also cheese and crackers on the side. I might do celery and carrots with it tonight.

I don't understand my body? I couldn't handle the idea of putting ground beef in it. The thought turned my stomach, so rice was used instead. I used to love ground beef. Now, I can't stomach it. Instead, I love celery sticks, which I used to hate. Now I eat celery constantly?

Also, I used to hate beans, and avoid them like the plague - because gas pains, now my stomach wants beans but not meat. Somethings happened. Doctors are happy. Cardiologist and Endcrinologist - want me on a plant based mediterrean style diet without red meat at all, and beans instead.
Meat is bad for high blood pressure and diabetes.

After hemming and hawing, over whether to buy a cornish game hen, a duck or a rainbow trout for Thanksgiving or order something premade via Fresh Direct, I finally caved and bought a Rock Cornish Game. ( Read more... )

I did learn that my church, the UUA of Brooklyn, not the Community Church of NYC, has about fifty people signed up for its annual Thanksgiving Gathering, and I thought, nope. ( Read more... )

****

I don't know about anyone else? But the period between November 20 and March 20 is tough on me, emotionally and mentally? Between the shortening of the days, the cold, the stripping of the flowers and trees of leaves, and the holidays...I struggle with depression. ( Read more... )

I make little plans to get through it. ( Read more... )

Sometimes life is in the enjoyment and love of small things, small pleasures, small hobbies, completion of small tasks, and small moments.

***

Question a Day Memage:

[Shout out to kazzy_cee who found/came up with all of the questions - I really appreciate it. I can not come up with them well at all. I've tried. It's not as easy as it looks. I appreciate and am grateful for those that do. Thank you.]

21. Do you have lots of layers of bedding on your bed?

Yes. ( Read more... )

22. It’s Jamie Lee Curtis’s birthday! What did you last see her in on TV/film?

The Bear - she's amazing in The Bear. Plays the abusive alcoholic mother of the chef. It's a raw vulnerable no holds barred realistic portrayal of a recovering alcoholic. It's a joy to behold. I've a crush on the actress, who just gets better with age. (The Bear is a hypo-realism series about the running of a Chicago Restaurant, and the lives of all of those involved in running it.)

23. It’s National Cashew Day – do you like cashews? Have you used them in a recipe?

Not really, they are really hard to digest and lead to stomach cramping. Again, not a fan. I tend to use almonds instead.

After a rainy morning, it appears to be clearing - so I may go grocery shopping later - running low on eggs and salad greens, which are my staples. (Note, I only do greens that are high in protein, not the greens that are basically fiber and water. Mainly because my digestive system doesn't appear to like them, and I don't.)

Sinus congestion appears to be getting slightly better, or the vertigo is lessening. I can't seem to convince the doctors that this is congestion related not vestibular related. But the medicine I was provided, which is an antihistamine, is working.

Question a Day Meme: November and December

16. Are you a fan of ‘fast food’? When was the last time you visited a fast food restaurant?

No. The last one was Chipolte, which is not really a fast food franchise.
And has everything fresh, and separate. It's kind of like a make your own salad kind of place?

I can't eat fast food any longer, even Chipolte - I'm tenuous about, although can do it in a pinch, if required.

Last time I ate from an actual one was sometime prior to 2005. And it was most likely a Wendy's.

17. Do you use placemats when you eat at the dining table?

No. Don't own a dining table. I eat on trays - on a coffee table. (Small one bedroom apartment). I own place mats, but rarely use them on the trays.

18. It’s Margaret Atwood’s birthday (born 1939), the award-winning author of The Handmaiden’s Tale. Have you read the book or seen any onscreen adaptations?

I've read Atwood, but not that book. I've tried to read it, and tried to watch the television adaptation - gave up. I've seen the film adaptation and honestly, that's part of the reason I didn't feel the need to watch the television series or read her book. I'm not a fan of the subject matter, and not really a huge fan of the writer. That said, I've read two of her books and a few of her short stories - she can be a bit...strident about her views, and even though I may agree with her - I don't like being hammered over the head with it?

19. It’s US actor Jodie Foster’s birthday – have you seen any of her films?

Yes, most of them. I have a huge crush on Foster. I think I've seen almost all of her films? I did skip a few (every actor does bad films here and there, it's the law of averages).

One of my favorites of hers is "Silence of the Lambs".

1. My union is odd? We get Election Day off but not Veterans Day, this actually true of the entire Railroad, while Transit and the other agencies due get Veteran's Day off.

I don't care? I'm not a Veteran. And I'd prefer election day? But it's still odd.

2. There's this odd trend in which people bake cakes that look exactly like their pets or a cat, parrot or dog that resembles their pet, or another breed, and they cut into it while their pet is present - and video tape their pet freaking out over them "cutting" into the realistic cake.

I can't decide if it is AI or not? Guessing it is - because I just don't see any animal sitting there while its human cuts into a realistic cake, but what do I know? Whether it is or not - it's sadistic.

Social media has proven to me that there are a lot of sadists on the planet. Who like to torture various living things. Also a lot of folks who should not be allowed to own pets.

Have you seen this trend? The humor is lost on me. I find it anxiety inducing and feel sorry for the pets. They require nicer owners. I want to launch a pet rescue campaign. Rescue the poor animals from sadistic narcissistic owners.

For some reason the dogs seem less phased. But I still don't find this funny? Horrifying, yes. Sadistic, yes. My god. Humans are sadistic.

Aliens: Should we save the human race?
(Watches Youtube and Tiktok Videos of people torturing their pets)
Aliens: Eh, let's not. We'll come back in another few thousand years and see if they've evolved any or better yet, their pets have finally rebelled and killed them all off.

***
Question a Day Memage - November

9. The Austrian-American actress Hedy Lamarr was born today in 1914. She and composer George Antheil invented an early version of Bluetooth technology. Do you have any home accessories that use Bluetooth (earbuds/headphones, speakers, fitness trackers, personal scales)?

Yes. Diabetic sensor, earbuds/headphones, and speaker are all bluetooth. So is FIRE HD.

10. It’s Sesame Street Day! Who is your favourite Sesame Street or Muppet character?

Eh, hard to choose? Fred & Ernie. Big Bird or Kermit. Doc - the head of the band.

11. Do you insist that everyone uses coasters for their drinks?

No, I often forget to use them. As a result, my wooden furniture is a bit worn around the edges.

***

Do random snippets of story ever come to you out of the blue and usually when you have no way of writing them down?

When Fandom's Collide

Well this is interesting and pushing me towards getting tickets for CHESS?

Sarah Michelle Gellar's post on FB:
( Read more... )

Ironically, I started watching Buffy because I'd fallen in love with Anthony Stewart Head in Chess. My Buffy and Chess fandoms have collided?
I was obsessed with CHESS in the 1980s. I'm not now though? But it is intriguing that it's Gellar's favorite musical and she was flying all over the country to support Danny Strong (aka Jonathan from Buffy).

Another case of fandoms that have collided? Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, just stated in a recent interview that she comfort watches Buffy, specifically Season 6, and even came close to calling her most recent album - "Season 6". Someone in the comments to the video where she announces this - wondered how you can comfort watch S6. Folks, we all have things that comfort us? Some people like Hallmark Movies, some baseball games, some Buffy the Vampire Slayer...

I found Season 6 Buffy very relatable and comforting - and it's what brought me into the fandom. Don't judge. It's okay if you don't get it.
The fact that one of my favorite musicians does...is more than enough for me.

Oh from the Calvin and Hobbes Fandom - Bill Waterstone who drew and wrote Calvin and Hobbes, states that the two versions of Hobbes aren't meant to convey Calvin's imagination vs. Reality, but rather Calvin's perception of Hobbes and other's perceptions of Hobbes. Waterstone wanted to get across that we all see the world or perceive the world and reality differently, and literally drew those differences into his comic strip. [I've only really been a huge fan of Calvin and Hobbs when it comes to comic strips.]

********

Optometrist appointment was obscenely expensive - it was the contact fittings and new contacts. My insurance refused to pay more than $51 for it. And the FSA wouldn't cover it. [I need contacts, because glasses give me a headache and I have no depth perception with them.]

But I rewarded myself with a trip to Planted to pick up a blueberry muffin, apple tart (about the same as the fruit tart, but better crust and a touch sweeter), corn bread, and a chocolate chip cookie. I ignored the Matcha glazed donut and the brownie (didn't much like either last round). Then took a long walk to the Seventh Avenue Subway Station (as opposed to the Carrol Gardens station) through Gowanus and Park Slope. It was a lovely afternoon - in the low sixties with clear blue skies, and the trees aflame with color, so why not?

****

4. Have you ever received a birthday present that was just perfect for you? What was it?

Probably? But no real memory of it at the moment. My brain is blank.

5. Monopoly went on sale for the first time on this day in 1935. Have you ever played it?

Many, many, many times while growing up. Multiple versions. Not really a fan.

6. Have you ever listened to a play on the radio?

Yes, Star Wars radio play, along with a few others here and there.

7. How long can you stand on one leg – is it easier on your left leg, or your right leg?


Been doing a lot lately due to sciatic nerve - so about twenty-thirty minutes, maybe longer or as long as is necessary? Lately it is easier to stand on the left - because the right has sciatic nerve.

8. Have you ever collected pinecones to display in your home?

Not since I was a child. I have a small home now, so no space, also no pine cones that are readily available.


Photo from Today's Walk. Six to ten blocks down from my old brownstone apartment - they've really built a bunch of luxury apartments along the Gowanus (which smells like rotten eggs), and have a walk way along it (even though it still smells like rotten eggs). I'm so glad I moved to Kensington, better apartment, more trees, and it doesn't smell like rotten eggs.

Voted finally. It was fast - took longer to get there. It's technically a ten minute walk if that, but with the sciatica, it was more like twenty minutes. I researched what and who I was voting for ahead of time, and marked up a cheat sheet. So I didn't have to read the ballot proposals.
As a result, I was pretty much in and out within ten to fifteen minutes, almost no wait time.

On the way back, picked up more groceries from Met Fresh (and it cost more than Trader Joes, of course I did pick up different things...). Came home and had the Salmon Gluten Free Cesar Salad from Trader Joes, put my feet up and relaxed.

On TV front - just watched the Angel S1 Episode: Expecting. (No, it doesn't really improve upon re-watch - but is worth a look just to see how it builds the relationship between Angel/Wes, and Cordelia. I realized that Cordelia's boyfriend (Wilson) who impregnates her with demon spawn, is the same actor who played Hollinger on The Residence.) And realized something (other than recognizing guest actors)? ( Read more... )

End of the Month Question a Day Memage:

27. What is your favourite thing to walk on with bare feet or do you hate walking barefoot?

With bare feet? Grass or the beach. Also in water.

28. The American costume designer Edith Head was born today in 1879. She won eight Oscars for her work, and her last one was for her work on Paul Newman/Robert Redford’s film The Sting. Have you seen it?

Yes. Didn't know that was her last one...interesting. I love The Sting. If you haven't seen it? Go see it. It's among my favorite movies.


29. What kind of toothbrush do you own?


Multiple. I had electric - but they aren't working at the moment, so need a new one.

30. Can you click your fingers (and are you doing it now – LOL)?

You mean like snapping. No.

31. Do you have a favourite aroma you love (a perfume, something baking, a flower etc)?

I like the smell of lemon, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla, eucalyptus, and pies baking.

Not a fan of floral scents - I sneeze.

Also musk - gives me a headache.

I managed to get a referral for physical therapy finally - but couldn't schedule an appointment until December 4. It's about ten-fifteen minutes (walk, train, walk) from work. So not too bad. Assuming there are no delays, in which case, I'm screwed.

After raining most of the night, it cleared by mid-morning and was a windy blustery day with bulbous white clouds latter in the day. So blustery - that I put my hood up, and I felt the wind cut through my wind breaker during my walk at lunch time along the pier.



It's cool in the apartment tonight, around 68. Which means the wind and chill have carried into evening. And the chill and damp may be aggravating the arthritis in the spine and knees. I don't know.

Because of where I work - I get more on the political front than most? For example? There's a huge Freight Rail Merger - which the Doofus was fond of supporting, but now all the manufacturers, specifically the chemically manufacturers, have pleaded with him not to support it - because it will create a monopoly in regards to rail transportation - and raise their costs.

My brother went to a No Kings Demonstration in upstate NY over the weekend, and informed mother that most of the protesters were Baby Boomers, the one's she saw seemed much younger. He also keeps seeing Sam Waterson (Law and Order, among others) in passing. I wouldn't have recognized him. If I see someone out of context, and don't interact with them daily - I have no idea who they are. I barely recognized a minister at my church on the subway.

Mememage

17. Have you ever bought something via the Internet and regretted it?

Yes, more times than I care to think about. Usually bags or clothing, also knitting supplies. I keep thinking I can knit, and keep forgetting you kind have to be able to count in order to knit, and I can't count without skipping over numbers. Also I suck at threading needles.

18. The definition of an antique is something that is 100 years old – do you own anything that old?

No. At least I don't think so? No.

19. Are you wearing any finger rings today?

No. I don't wear jewelry. No rings, no necklaces, not even earrings any longer. The appeal of rings is completely lost on me? They get in my way and having anything on my fingers irritates me. Good thing I don't have to wear them.

20. When was the last time it rained where you live? Has it been drier than normal for this time of year?

Last night. Not really, although we've had dry spells this year. And it threatens drought, but then it rains. I live on islands? And we just had a Nor'Easter.

21. Do you own a wine rack? What do you keep in it?

No. I no longer drink alcohol and I have no space for it.

22. What size is the smallest decorative ornament in your home?

I have no idea. I can't measure to save my life. If I had to guess? An inch? I got a wooden Russian shell doll from Moscow Mentee some time ago, and it has a tiny little doll, and I think that's the smallest. So whatever size that is?