Whoo Hoo! She's Listing Again...

...no silly. Not to one side, although I may well be...making lists! This one came from my dear friend Sue. If you have not yet met Sue, WHY NOT? She is charming, smart, purty, funny and knows a lot 'bout lots including decoratin'. Run on over and say howdy. In fact, Sue

is SO nice that when she was here at Rabbit Run yesterday she didn't even make fun of the vacuum in the middle of the floor, the messy garage, the cat fur flying around or my sweat soaked clothes. (I had been working in the yard. Honest sweat don'tcha know!) In fact, she said all sorts of nice things...that's 'cause she is NICE. And funny and smart and purty. Oh. I already did that huh? So just go see Sue...now! Um...wait...read MY post and then go see her. Sheesh! *smile*

I am to tell you 5 things about myself...5 things you may not yet know.... Hmmm...this is gonna be hard because I have been blogging for almost 3 years and you all know just about everything...let me think...okay.

1. I was the co student director (With Cathy Gantner) of "Our Town" my senior year in High School. I wonder if Brian knows this...if so, why has he NOT asked me to direct one of HIS stage plays? Why I ask you...why! Oh...really? Okay.

2. Prior to this last vacation, I had not worn a bathing suit in 20 years. I did not care to inflict me

in a swim suit on the rest of the world. But I wore one, I swam and the world did not come to a crashing end as I had predicted it would.

3. The first dog I had was named Pete. Pete was a little terrier mix that showed up at the fire station where dad worked. He was not a young dog when I was born and he died when I was about 5. I did not understand this at all. I spent most of the next day looking for him everywhere...it broke my heart. I was convinced he ran away so I enlisted every kid in the neighborhood to search with me...

4. I began college as an art major and was required to take figure drawing my Freshman year. I was a *young Freshman*, just 17 and not the most worldly girl. Figure drawing at the University level meant NUDE models. I assumed that they would ne female models but I was wrong. They were more often than not, young men, scruffy and not particuarly clean looking (or smelling) who walked around sans robe to lean over your shoulder and gaze at your work. It was an enlightening experience. *smile*

5. I talk to animals, inanimate objects, bugs, plants, cars...you name it. As of yet they are not speaking back to me (well, my pets do but I don't always understand them). When they do i will let you know.

I am supposed to chose 5 of you to continue this list but I will leave that up to you! Surely some of you could do this MUCH better than I did! Come on...I dare ya. I double dog dare ya...

Now, go see SUE!!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

A Christmas List...A Christmas List!

"Ho Ho Ho nuthin! Susie Q is listing again? That really fries my plate o'cookies!"

Dear Andi tagged me awhile back and old slow as a turtle Susie Q is just now getting to it! But, when a list is at stake, you KNOW I will get the job done! (Can you tell how twittery with excitement I get over a new list?)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Both but heck, those gift bags can be pretty and soooo easy. I am all about easy. I AM easy...er...wait a minute. That is NOT what I meant...hey...

2. Real tree or artificial?

Artificial. I know...I can hear all of you purists and believe me! I agree. But between my asthma and Henry the Cat who loves to eat tree needles...what sort of holiday would it be with a cat's retching and Sue's wheezing and gasping? I doubt anyone has done a Christmas tune about that!

"On the first day of Christmas my cat coughed up a tree..."

3. When do you put up the tree?

Hopefully before the 26th of December...just kidding! No nasty emails now! Usually the first week of December. I swear! Really!

4. When do you take the tree down?

Are you asking me or Henry? I like to take it down just after New Year's Day but Henry tries to bring it down 3 or 4 times a week.

5. Do you like eggnog?

What have you heard? Does eggnog like me? Does eggnog want to go steady?

Yeah, I like eggnog. Straight, no doctoring. I am dizzy enough without any added Rum.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Wow...hard question. I got a Panda one year...a big one with a huge purple bow around his neck. I have pictures of him with me. I slept with him and carried him around until he practically disintegrated. I still have him...sweet old guy. Wait...did I just say OLD? IT wasn't THAT long ago...really. Okay, it was...

7. Hardest person to buy for?

Bill is truly non-materialistic. Drives me crazy but he is always happy with his presents.

Dan is another toughie, another non materialistic man (How did Grace and I team up with them?) My Mom always says she doesn't need a thing...but we usually come up with a thing or two she DOES like!

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Hands down...Grace. The girl wants it all. In pink. And sparkly.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Two small ones that we have had for years and one that Bill's Mother made for us a few years ago. It sits under our tree and features a cow, a donkey, baby lambs, 3 camels and 2 spoiled cats who are usually snoring among the shepherds.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

I send them the old fashioned way. There was a time we sent lots and lots more but so many people are now gone...or families that are no more. Reading my address book is like a walk down memory lane. We send out about 80 now. I used to make all of our cards, I always sent a picture and a small letter, signed the cards TO the folks so they knew I was thinking about them as I wrote it...the whole shebang. This year I fudged and did a photo card and wrote the note on the back. I felt like such a heel. I know. I should be ashamed. But hey! I did get them mailed ya know. Don't I get credit for that?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Aw gee. Any gift chosen with love is never wrong. A present from the heart is always welcome. Um...but there WAS this

strange, scratchy yellow shirt from a great Aunt I got the year I was 4. My Mom had to force me to wear it and I cried...oh how I cried. I am still seeing a therapist over the trauma.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

White Christmas...yeah. I get all schmaltzy over Bing and Danny singing and hoofing.

(You may now insert Clark Griswold's line about Bing and Danny Kaye from another favorite film, "Christmas Vacation")

Oh and when the General sees all the men waiting for him..."We'll follow the old man where ever he wants to go..." and when George Clooney's Aunt puts the knight in shining armor on horseback for the Bingster into Santa's bag...and...um...

Nah. On second thought, I barely know this film at all.

13. Better to give or receive?

I love to give and watch the smiles...I know. I am such a saint. But heck, I smile pretty big when I get a present too ya know.

14. Favorite Christmas Food?

I know you can get it other times of the year but I only buy Peppermint Stick ice cream at Christmas time. I love it. Grace loves it. (Pink remember?) Bill and Dan? Not so much but hey! That just means more for the girls!

15. Favorite Christmas tradition?

Taking drives to see all the lights, putting out cookies for Santa (Yes I did this even after Dan was older and before Grace. They got eaten...so Santa had to have been there right?), watching White Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve and A Christmas Story on Christmas Day. Late night services on Christmas Eve...

16. Colored lights on the tree or all clear?

All clear now...all through the house and outside too. One of these days I am just gonna go crazy and buy all wildly colored lights and wow!

17. Favorite Christmas song?

The charming and sentimental classic, "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" always brings tears to my eyes. And I like Carol of the Bells, Silent Night and Julie Andrews singing ANYTHING Christmassy.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Wow. For years and years and years we traveled. Bill took his two weeks of leave and we headed to Tennessee (My folks) and then up to Ohio (His family and our old friends). In snow, ice, pouring rain...and just like the post office, we always got through. It was dicey a few times but make it we did. Now we feel so lucky to be able to stay in the area and spend time with our family and friends and NOT hafta haul out suitcases and car survival gear and cat boxes and dog dishes...

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

Heck, anyone as childish...er...childlike as I am can name them all.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

It changes year by year. On a whim or dependent on which box I open first. Told you I was lazy.

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning?

The kids get to open one gift on Christmas Eve. And by kids I mean me.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

All those people complaining about how they are running so late this year and how they are peddling fast to keep up and...wait. Oops. It was me who complained. Sorry. But I do annoy myself. Does that count?

Carry on....

23. Favorite Ornament theme or color?

The ornaments my kids make are the most special to me and I have always loved the true reds and greens mixed with white. I have done so many other colors but I always go back to that one. Hey, if it ain't broke...

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

Lasagna...gooey and cheesy and bubbly...is it Christmas yet??

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

I think we all know what I always politely ask Santa to bring me. And we all know that Santa, quite grumpily may I add, always says no.

In lieu of THIS gift, I will just ask for Peace on Earth and Good Will For All Creature Great and Small. That might be easier to get than Brian Dennehy in my stocking anyhoo...according to old St. Nick that is. Hrmpf.

And with that, this list comes to a close.

Cheering and screams of thanks are heard across the land...

Oh No! She is Listing Again!

Grace baking cupcakes~ Christmas Eve 2007

I was tagged this week by dear Melanie! Now you all know I hate a list right? Sure you do...I hate them. OKAY! You know me so well...so I actually LOVE to do lists. I am fanatical about them...hmpf. There is something fun about doing one that I just can not explain. I also have one to do from Andi as well...oh how I love a list! I am in list heaven!

For this one I have to include 6 Things I Value and 6 Things I Do Not Support, then tag 6 others to join in. Now, most of you know I am almost never too serious here on my blog and never where listing in concerned. With that in mind, here are my 6...

6 Things I Value:

1) My camera. I would be lost without it. Those around me have tried to hide it to no avail. I have no shame. I will photograph anything at anytime...tree stumps, frozen vegetables, sleeping husbands and grocery store produce. No subject, breathing or not, is immune.

2) My drivers license. Not something I think about often but it connects me to the world. Okay, so maybe not the world, I mean, I can't actually drive to New Zealand right? But this little laminated piece of paper gives me a measure of freedom. I have the ability to jump in the van and head out...even if I am only going to the drug store and not driving across the US on Route 66 in a red convertible with the top down, my hair flying in the wind...nice thought though huh?

3) Traveling...anywhere, anytime

is something that I love. To be able to do this is something I value. I would not take bars of gold in trade for the experiences I have had & the sights I have seen while traveling.

4) My friends. I do not know where I would be without the love and support of my friends.

But don't tell them I said that...they will get big heads and their hats won't fit.

5) My family for whom I would do anything, go anywhere. I would be lost without them.

Even with a GPS.

6) My faith in God, my faith in the power of good over evil, my overwhelming belief in the power of love. Hmm...did that sound like song lyrics?

Things I Don't Support:

1) Bad reviews of Brian Dennehy films. 'Nuff said. Hmpf. Can you even imagine?

Boo Brian movie role put-er-down-ers.

2) Calories in chocolate, regular Coca Cola, pasta, deep dish pizza, cheeseburgers, movie popcorn, ice cream and mashed potatoes. I vehemently stand against this.

Boo calories.

3) Scrooges at Christmas. It is not hard to find a bit of joy during the season if you wish to do so.

Boo Scrooge.

4) Animal haters. Hard to believe but they are out there...uh huh. I have seen 'em. I have heard 'em. Boo animal haters.

5) Jeans that seem to shrink overnight. It is the oddest thing and I can not figure out how they do this just hanging in the closet. I simply do not support shrinking jeans.

Boo jeans that get too small.

6) Age spots on hands. I have a huge issue with them. I do not, in any way, shape or form support age spots. I realize this is harsh but I can not endorse them in any way.

Boo age spots.

6 People I Tag:

1) Andi

2) Janet

3) Carolyn at Harbor Hon

4) Sally

5) Sandi

6) Pea

Oh heck. Any of you who love lists like I do, I TAG ya!!

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

It's All About The Hoopla!

Just what is a hoopla anyway...well, it is boisterous, jovial commotion or raucous excitement. It's a hullabaloo, a to-do. A ballyhoo. And, all too often, a blatant or sensational promotion of self or a product. Now, I am not too big on *self* promotion but I am however, hugely enamored with a little boisterous excitement! I love a good ballyhoo! So, when several of my dear blog friends tagged me for this, I jumped to the task. Okay. So *jumped* may be a bit of a stretch. Yeah. That's it...let's just say I *stretched* and pulled myself up off the couch to the task. I was also tagged by a few dear friends to do a list of 12 Christmas facts about old moi. Is this in anyway related to this hoopla? I mean, I really hate to burden you all with 24 things about me that relate to Christmas. Surely that would be a punishment for which no one could recover. I love you all far too much to do that. Now. Will someone explain to me why all of you think I love lists so much? This is a puzzlement! I can not imagine how this idea has been planted in so many pretty heads. Well, alright. I will trudge along and do my duty. It is a tough job but someone has to do it. Is any really buying this? Oh...well, I thought that maybe...oh. Never mind. Now, on with the Hoopla!

Here are the rules: (Oh how I hate rules...grrr...) 1. List 12 random things about yourself that have to do with Christmas 2. Please refer to it as a 'HOOPLA' and not the dreaded meme. 3. You have to specifically tag people when you're done. None of this "if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged" stuff is allowed...then nobody ends up actually doing it. The number of people who you tag is really up to you -- but the more, the merrier to get this 'hoopla' circulating through the blogosphere. 4. Please try and do it as quickly as possible. The Christmas season will be over before we know it and I'd like to get as many people involved as possible. 12. I believe in Santa Claus. Do not try to convince me there is not one. Many have tried. Many have failed. He exists as surely as you and I exist. Rudolph, Comet and Vixen too. Prancer? Not so much. 11. I absolutely love the giving part. Now, please don't get all soft and tell me how sweet I am and all that gooey stuff. Not me. I am as hard as nails. I do not do it for any other reason than it makes *ME* feel so good. I am really selfish that way. Really. Susie Selfish. 10. On November 30th I always say "I won't go overboard decorating this year!" And, on December 22nd Bill always ends up saying, "I thought you were not going to go overboard decorating this year!" 9. I have this really evil thought each year...that this is the year I will pull an Erma Bombeck and send out a truly hysterical Christmas letter. OR, better yet, I will send one that is SO disgusting and drippy and sugary that people will go into shock just holding it in their hands. Then I think about the people who just would NOT get the humor...oh yes. We do know some who would not see the levity and they are in our extended family I am sad to say. Ouch. But one of these years... 8. I get up on Christmas morning each year fully expecting to find Brian Dennehy in my stocking. And yes, I am delusional. How could that possibly happen? I KNOW it is silly. It is crazy beyond words. Even *I* know that he would never fit in my stocking... 7. I love the reds and greens and snowy whites of Christmas. Over the years I have done all of my decorations in naturals, blue, silver and white or in gold and copper...I even went the elegant burgundy and hunter green route. I adored all of those but here I am, back to the reds and greens of my yesteryear. What does this say about me huh? Wait! Don't tell me... 6. I love to watch Christmas movies over and over until the rest of the family is screaming for mercy. Then I just watch them with the closed captioning on and ear plugs in place. I will even watch them during the dog days of Summer. What is more uplifting than a treasured holiday film classic? Okay, other than a Brian Dennehy movie. That goes without saying... 5. Seeing a performance of The Nutcracker is a sweet tradition with me. So Daniel tired of it long ago and Bill would really rather be somewhere else. *I* love it and now I have my Grace who loves it as much as I do. Bill and Dan are SO pleased. Lets them off that proverbial hook. 4. I really loathe seeing Christmas decor up before Thanksgiving. I don't want to step on toes here and do understand that many people would have it around them 12 months of the year if given the chance...but I love Thanksgiving so much and feel it deserves it's own set of traditions and celebration and joy. And please do not get me started on Christmas decor fighting for space with Halloween ghosts and goblins. Ack. It's just so wrong... 3. I am not a fruitcake lover by nature. I *AM* a fruitcake quite naturally but eating one has never been something I enjoyed. But then, perhaps it is because I have never tasted YOUR, homemade with love, fruitcake. I would love it I am sure...maybe. 2. I can recite Charlie Brown's Christmas word for word. I have it all down cold, even that little lisp that Linus has. I will do it for you sometime. What? Well, that is just rude. Gee whiz... ...and the number one answer to my Christmas Hoopla is: 1. Fudge. You have to have it. You have to eat it. I tag...hmmm...wait. She did it already...how about...nope. She did one too. Andi? Would you like to give it a try? Love and Hugs to you all, Susie Q

Seven Things That Will Bore You Silly

The lovely Terri at Lakewood Manor tagged me to tell 7 things about myself that no one else knows....now, this is a challenge since I have a pretty big mouth and am usually an open book. What is there to hide? I turn 51 in a couple of weeks so, at this point in my life, I might as well BE open! Sad to say, I have no real exciting or interesting news to share about myself. I have never been to jail, never been in a bar fight, have no DUIs, never been in rehab and have no *tell all* lovers in my past. I guess this is why I never made it big in Hollywood. I flunked the admissions test. Story of my life... Ahem. But I will attempt to unearth 7 things that you may not know because I adore Terri and she tagged me! Go visit her if you have not yet done so. She is a super lady.

1. I can probably act out every single episode of The Andy Griffith Show verbatim. Ditto I Love Lucy, Leave It To Beaver, That Girl, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Kate And Allie, Cagney And Lacey and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Yup, I was addicted to these shows. Still am...I have all that are available on DVD and still watch them. Seeing them again, through Grace's eyes, has been a blast. On that note...I do NOT have all of Brian's television series episodes memorized. Shocking isn't it? Most were not on long enough to fully log into my brain! I did, however, LOVE his Birdland and it WAS a super show. Great cast and superb writing. Just one of those things. Yet, I DO have his appearance on Cagney and Lacey memorized...I wonder why...hm... And please do not ask me if I watch any reality shows. Nope...I will be the one person in the country NOT watching because I am much too busy working on my Aunt Bee lines from Episode 25. "Oh Andy! I am so worried about the boy!" 2. I wanted to BE Rhoda Morgenstern. Uh huh. When every other female on the planet wanted to BE Mary Richards, old Susie Q wanted to be Rhoda. Rhoda was artsy and cool and had one heck of a groovy apartment. The beads must have swayed me. She was sassy and hip and cool and so New Yorky. That's not a word? Well, it SHOULD be. I will speak to the people at Webster's about that. And I wanted to be a window dresser, like Rhoda. Oh what a thrill to be able to dress Macy's NYC windows...that would be Heaven to me. 3. I would love to be Christiane Amanpour for a week. She is amazing. One of my heroines. Classy, sharp, intelligent, brave and cool under pressure. She has one of my dream jobs and makes it all look so easy. She tried to interview my husband once....long story....he asked that she speak with some of the guys who worked for him instead. That's Bill. Still, he did tell her how much I admired her...the woman rocks. 4. I am terrified of fire. I guess that is what having a fire fighter father will do for you. I can handle just about every other threat to life and property: hurricanes, termites, telephone solicitors...without breaking much of a sweat. But yell "FIRE!" and I go into a fetal position. Sad really. Embarrassing when it happens at a military ceremony. "That 21 gun salute was amazing...Um, where IS Sue?" "Oh yeah...that would be her writhing on the ground." 5. I get rattled around anything HUGE that MOVES. Okay, no snickering now. And no, this does not include Mr. Dennehy although I did get rattled around him and yes, he IS a big guy and yes he does move. Ah..where was I? Oh, I am talking HUGE things that MOVE like battleships and jet planes and machinery and aircraft carriers and, well, I guess you get the picture. Why? I have no idea. I actually get sweaty palms and heart palpitations. I mean, have you ever stood next to an aircraft carrier? Whoa. And yes, I did get sweaty palms and heart palpitations when I saw Brian too but that is a different saga. 6. I often go to sleep arranging furniture in my head. No sheep counting for Susie Q. I don't want to have to clean up after them, cute as they are. Nope, I re-paint walls, add wallpaper, arrange tablescapes and move couches. IN. MY. HEAD. Easier that way...less sweat equity. But really. I will also place my stuff in other houses, ones I have toured and yes, those which belong to my friends and family members. I guess I am a frustrated interior decorator but it does help me drift off to sleep. Calms me. Weird huh? Hey now...you did not have to agree so darned quickly! 7. I name things...cars, lawn mowers, the spider making the very cool web by our garage door...they all get names. The washer and dryer are Archie and Reggie, the car is Olympia, my *green* husband's push lawn mower is Jerry. The spider is Sadie if you were wondering. The refrigerator is Gloria. The stove is Joe. I haven't named the dishwasher yet...working on it. Any suggestions?

So, have I completely lost your respect? Oh....never had it? Well then, I am safe huh? Would you like to play this fun game? If so, TAG! You are IT! I hope your day is going well....have a lovely evening and I will see you all tomorrow!

Listing To One Side...

Ah...tis "Muffin Willow" is all her glory!

I tagged my own little self for this fun list (I know dear

Tammy! I call Memes *lists*. Just one of my little weird peccadilloes!)

from Grace at Rose Cottage Lane. If you'd like to play along, please do!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Petey Odyssey

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Chocolate Chip Thin Mint

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), S-Com

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Blue Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Ellen Dayton

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), Comsu

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Red Coke

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Sidney James

9. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Franklin Wood

10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Hill Houston

11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Autumn Rose

12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Nectarine Pajamasie

13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Muffin Willow

14. YOUR ROCK STAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The Antiquing Rain Tour

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid. She's Listing Again....

So sorry that you can not see the lovely Vera Wang original I am wearing in this photo...it was magnifique'!

Another list from our Gretchen...and you all know how much I love lists. I realize how much you have to beg me to do one...I so seldom do. I know you are all out there pleading with me to finally do a list! Okay, so you are actually pleading with me to STOP doing lists but I hear what I want to hear. Hmpf. 1. Where is your mobile phone? I do believe it is in my purse...at least I think so. Hmm...let's look. Yup. There it is. On the counter. Not the purse. Thanks for the heads up! 2. Relationship? Well, thank you for asking but I must tell you I am married to a pretty nice guy. It was sweet of you to ask though...oh. Not what you meant huh...um...sorry. 3. Your hair? Spiky, blond, won't hold a curl with new gray strands popping in everyday! How can that be? I am only a child! Really! 4. Work? Why yes...laundry, dust, garden, weed the yard, iron, clean the bathroom, sweep out the garage, decorate, vacuum, cook, clean the kitchen, do the dishes, wash the car, volunteer at several places, drive my nephew from pre-school to his sitters every day, pick up Grace at school every day, help with homework, help my Mom with errands, walk the dog...huh? Oh..you were asking about ME, not Bill...okay. Me? Work? Nah...I am only a stay at home Mom. We just lounge around and eat bon bons and blog all day. OH puleeze, you do not believe that now do you? I really don't LIKE bon bons...I much prefer chips and salsa when I lounge. 5. Your sister(s)? Are you trying to tell me something? Hmm...I don't think I have a sister. I have Lisa, my very sweet, very pretty sister *in law*...does that count? I have a brother that is pretty good looking and manly like...he can't be confused with a sister can he? Oh, I am so confused... 6. Your favorite thing? Of all??? Now, how can I possibly choose one thing? Impossible. So many to choose from...raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. And pedicures. I think that Rodgers and Hammerstein forgot to add pedicures. Silly men. 7. Your dream last night? Bill had bought an old house and was trying to remodel it on his own. On second thought, this was no dream, this was a NIGHTMARE!!! Then I was at the Oscars with Brian Dennehy in a stunning Vera Wang. Bill wanted to come but he was remodeling... 8. Your favorite drink? Coca Cola over crushed ice. 9. Your dream car? I really don't have a dream car I guess...but if I could, I would have a small SUV now. In blue. With satellite radio. Designed by Vera Wang. 10. The room you’re in? Kitchen. I wish I could say bathroom, in my claw foot tub surrounded by bubbles. But I do not have a claw foot tub or bubbles...and I am in the kitchen. I know. Boring. 11. Your shoes? Shoes? I am supposed to be wearing shoes? Is this a formal list? No shoes, no list service? 12. Your fears? Fire...yup. I spent too many years with my Dad as a fire fighter. I am afraid of a fire in my home. Terrifies me. And yes, we do have one of those ladders that hides under the bed. Dan has it upstairs and knows how to get himself and his sister out. Me? I will jump out and bounce... 13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Retired from all my lounging and chips and salsa eating. It is so wearing. Nah...I just want to be a highly acclaimed character actress with 2 Oscars. Or, living here at Rabbit Run with Bill and Grace, entertaining my son and his wife and their 2.3 children. Kids love to polish Oscars... 14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? The whole family and my buddy T. 15. What are you not good at? Here we go again...taunting me about Math. Okay, rub it in. I am lousy at Math. I need my fingers to count to 5. Or 10. Add the toes if you go any higher. 16. Muffin? She was one of the sweetest doggies. My parents found her on their porch one rainy morning...she moved in and lived with my family for years. The best disposition in the world and so loving. I still miss her. Okay, I know you meant to eat but that is what came into my head! 17. Wish list items? I want to hear my nephew Brady talk! I want world peace desperately. I want Brian Dennehy to win another major award..he can even have one of my Oscars. I want Bill to be safe when he runs his 4th Air Force Marathon next Saturday. I want Bill and I to celebrate our 82nd wedding anniversary. I want my kids and their families there with us when we do. I want a pedicure. My needs are simple and few. Oscars for everyone! 18. Where you grew up? Dayton, Ohio 19. The last thing you did? Turned on the lap top and began to type...well, you said the LAST thing didn't you? 20. What are you wearing? Sweats and a T shirt. 21. What are you not wearing? My Vera Wang gown. 22. Your pet? 1 doggie, 2 kitties and one husband. 23. Your computer? Lap top, hand me down from my son, fun. 24. Your life? Busy, rich, full and happy & silly, most of the time. 25. Your mood? Calm and serene...it is quiet and just about bed time when I will don my Vera Wang jammies. 26. Missing? Half of my hearing in one ear, my youthful figure and any real semblance of propriety. 27. What are you thinking about? Whether I should have some chips and salsa before bed...I may lounge while I eat them. Lounge before bed...it is what all the SAHMommies like to do don'tcha know. 28. Your car? Odyssey Van. NOT designed by Vera Wang. 29. Your kitchen? Clean, with the aroma of home made pizza lingering. 30. Your summer? Vanished in a cloudburst of rain and a sweet Northern wind. 31. Your favorite color? Blue, blue, blue and blue. And periwinkle blue. 32. Last time you laughed? About 5 minutes ago when I read the comment our Kari left on my blog! She is a hoot. 33. Last time you cried? Today, watching how happy my nephew was to see Thomas...I am a huge lump of marshmallow. 34. School? K-17. Grace refers to college and after this way...what grade was that? Oh, I was in 15th grade. 35. Love? God,my husband, my family, my pets, my friends, my home, traveling, Brian Dennehy and pedicures. Oh yes, and that Vera Wang gown I wore at the Oscars...

Ahem...A List. Yes. A List.

It has been brought to my attention that a week has passed since I posted a list of any kind! This must be some sort of a record for me. I found this one on our Gretchen's blog. I hope she will forgive me for my devious act of thievery. So, without further ado (and I still wish someone would tell me exactly how long an ado is or what an ado is)....a list. From me.

My Favorite Things... with apologies to Rodgers & Hammerstein

Sound – Children laughing, a gentle rain at the windows, crickets on a Summer's evening, a cat's purring. Late night snack – Popcorn, Coke, brownies, chocolate chip cookies..perhaps even all at once! Smell - Coffee brewing, lilacs, cinnamon, fresh pine. Color combination - Blues & browns, blues and whites or yellows, reds and black. Nut – Macadamia Time of the year - Autumn...I doubt this is a huge surprise! Author – John Steinbeck Vegetable - Steamed broccoli, zucchini, fresh corn. Male Actor - Hmmm...this one is so difficult for me. Okay, if I must give you an answer...there is this man, tall guy...older, been around a long time...Dennehy something...oh yeah. Brian Dennehy. And this is a shock to whom? Flower – Daisies, roses, lilacs, hydrangea. Vacation spot – New York City, Chicago, San Fransisco Pizza – Deep dish, pepperoni, lots of different cheeses, sweet peppers, mushrooms, garlic. Sport to play - Does Scrabble or Monopoly count? No? Um...I can play a mean game of air hockey. Still no? Aw gee.... Subject in school – English, art, history. TV channel – The History Channel, HGTV, BBC America, PBS, TNT for "Law and Order" reruns... Radio station - Any oldies station...and yes. I am an oldie. Holiday - Thanksgiving. Hands down. Love the meaning behind the day, the way we all slow down before the mad rush, the food, the traditions, the Macy's Parade, the football. Perfume -Sunflowers, Cashmere, Philosophy's Grace and Falling In Love Shoes – Anything comfortable. Usually flats or with a stack heel. LOVE boots. Candy – M & Ms, Twizzlers, Junior Mints or Hershey's Kisses. City to shop – NYC or Chicago. Female actress – Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, Diane Keaton, Kate Winslett. Beauty products - Philosophy, Clinique, Avon. Item to shop for – Books, antiques, household items and more books. Nothing earth shatteringly new for me to divulge I know but fun. And, guess what? It is R.A.I.N.I.N.G. I almost did not recognize the sound. I think we will all go to bed and enjoy this luxury from the Heaven's....'night dear friends! Hugs, Susie Q

A List! My Kingdom For A List!

Not that my kingdom amounts to much but I do have a few lamps that might be a draw....no takers? Okay...let's see. Our Valerie sent me this list of questions before we journeyed down South. I think today is a good day for a list. I declare it List Monday. So, get out there and make a list! There is a *laundry list* of list possibilities as to what sort of list you could make. So, while you are making a list of the lists you will be listing, I will answer Valerie's List with MY list. List ready? Okay, let's list....

1) how did you & Bill meet? In a bathroom. A toilet. Okay, stop that. I am just foolin'. Well, actually it WAS a rest room. Isn't that where all the great relationships throughout history have begun? No? Well, then, we will be the first! I met Bill on May 20th, 1976. I think I have told some of this story before so won't elaborate (which, in other words, means BORE you to death) but he was headed to Gatlinburg with 2 friends, I was headed to the same destination myself with 3 friends. We all stopped at the "Welcome to Kentucky" rest stop. Bill knew one of my friends, my buddy T knew one of his, we all chatted and made plans to meet for dinner in Gatlinburg. I thought he was adorable. I batted my eyelashes and grinned at him as only a mature, seductive, goof ball of a 19 year old college kid can do. I am surprised he ever gave me a second look but I thank God every day that he did.

2) do you have a nickname? how did you get it? Susie Q, (Remember Credeence Clearwater? Aw come on. I am not the only one who remembers am I?) Susie, Sunshine (which Bill calls me but I am daft to know why. Sunshine I definitely ain't all too often!), Sue Ellen (only my Mother and my buddy T ever call me that. When we lived in Texas , the series Dallas was in it's hey day. If I had heard one more witty person ask me for JR's whereabouts I would have blown. Pop!), Sussudio (Uh huh, thanks Phil Collins) and the ever popular Soup. Uh huh, as in Campbell's Chicken and Noodle. My daughter actually thought this was my name. Daddy was Bill, Brother was Dan but Mom was a can of soup. It became quite the family joke. "Mornin' Soup, how's the Mushroom look today?" "Tell the Campbell's people hello for me." "Ever think about your ex love, Crackers?" Yeah, yeah. I live with a bunch of comedians.

3) what friend have you know the longest and why have you been friends so long? I have been lucky enough to have several dear and special women who still put up with me, still stand by me even when I am difficult, annoying, troublesome and downright irritating. Since grade school and high school. They still like me. Don't get it! Why are we all still friends? Because I absolutely adore them, respect them and love them to pieces. Why do they still like me? I guess they just must be stubborn.

4) what goals are you working on right now? I am trying to learn more about photography and doing some writing every day. I want to improve at both and, perhaps do something with one or both professionally. Just in case this whole Dennehy's leading lady thing doesn't pan out. Gotta have something to fall back on beside the domestic goddess gig.

5) early bird or night owl? why? Is it possible to be neither? I was always a night owl but I seem to need more sleep these days. I also love being up early so I can spend more time with my kids and get more done around the house before we head out the door. I have definitely been an early bird of late. Have not caught any worms though....still workin' on that end of it. Still, there is something rather yummy about sitting on the couch, after everyone has gone to sleep, watching a movie or Letterman and writing a bit. So, there you have it. My answer. Or not. I am a night owl who loves to fly with the early birds looking for those proverbial worms.

Another List! Okay, I Apologize!

I got this list from Tea and Margarita's wonderful blog! 1. A person opens a fortune cookie ~ What does the fortune say that you have written? You will soon find 3 missing socks...one black, one brown, one with a hole in it's toe. 2. You are having a long lunch at the Time Travel Diner ~ what three people from history will be joining you? Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. We will have omelets and salads. Maybe a white wine spritzer or two. 3. What has been the primary area in which you have worked and what other job would you be most interested in pursuing? Education and Child Care. I would have loved to pursue art. I actually started college as an art major. Switched to Art Ed, , went on to Education and then got a degree in Sociology/Education. I would love to do anything related to the arts.... 4. The last thing you had to eat was what? Daniel's birthday cake...coconut, with strawberry ice cream. 5. What has been the most memorable musical performance you attended live? Probably the first time I saw Elton John. It was "The Yellow Brick Road" tour. I was in High School and back then, a group of us saw just about every concert that came our way! 6. Your favorite fragrance is what? That changes day to day and season to season. Right now it is Philosophy's "Falling In Love". 7. What happens to you when you die? I believe in Heaven but I do not say I have any idea just what it will be like. It *will* be full of love acceptance and peace. Of that I am fairly certain. 8. What do you collect? Books, Movies, Teddy Bears, Roosters, British Royal Family memorabilia, Blue and White anything. I also have small collections of many other things that I love but I have stopped looking as actively as I once did. 9. You have the opportunity to spend one day anywhere in the world ~ Where do you go? Hmm...I think Florence, Italy. 10. The thing you find most interesting in nature is what? The wonderful consistency. Spring follows Winter, Summer follows Spring, Fall follows Summer, Winter follows Fall...each possessing it's own magical beauty & blessings. 11. Given the opportunity to order one meal {Your last?} ~ What do you have to eat? I will start with a bowl of minestrone or chicken tortilla soup, some great crusty bread and a wonderful field greens salad. A lovely risotto or pasta dish...seasonal veggies, a bottomless Coca Cola & Key Lime Pie or a Creme' Brulee. Heck, it's my last meal so we go with both desserts! 12. The first thing that comes to mind when you see the word romance is what? A fireplace, candle light...soft breezes... 13. You are getting a tattoo {or another one}? Where are you getting it and what will it be? I am much too much a coward to ever get a tattoo! But hey...I could put Brian Dennehy's face on my upper left shoulder...do you think Bill would mind? 14. Friday night, what is your favorite thing to do? Have a nice dinner and watch a movie! Make popcorn! 15. The last television program you watched was what? Hmmm....well, OH! It was actually the BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" on our PBS station. I adore Hyacinth Bucket...that's pronounced *Bouquet* if you please! 16. What do you find most confusing in life? Why so many precious, generous and dear people have to suffer when there are some folks in this old world that would not do a decent thing for anyone or anything but they skate through life with no real problems. I guess I will never understand that...maybe, someday, all will be explained. Oh yeah, and I want to know why I have never been chosen as a beauty queen! Or as a Nobel Prize Winner! This just totally confuses me! 17. What question do you wish had been on the list? And what is the answer? Why does Susie Q think that anyone is really interested in her silly old list answers! The answer? Sssshhh....she is slightly delusional!