1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
I had some grapes after lunch. I gave myself a pat on the back because the entire kitchen counter was covered in Christmas cookies.
3. Worst pain?
I had acute sinusitis when our 2nd son was a baby. The pain was unbearable. Way worse than childbirth. When I started blacking out, the doctor had Sam take me to the hospital, and I was there about 5 days.
4. Favorite place I have traveled?
Hands down, it is London! It is such a vibrant city. I love the juxtaposition of the old and the modern buildings. I love the museums and the theater. I love the pubs and the beer. I love the shops and the Tube. I love to read its history as well.
5. How late did you stay up last night?
I always read in bed, but my eyes started closing about 9:30 pm. Am usually up pretty early, and there is so much to do these days!
6. If you could, would you move?
I like where we live just fine, but if I were rich, I think I would like to live in the UK for part of the year.
7. Favorite toy as a child?
Mattel Fanner 50 cowboy guns. Pearl handled and super cool. Oh, I loved playing cowboys!
8. Favorite TV show as a child?
I adored The Three Stooges. Right after school, my brother and I would grab a snack and stretch out on the living room floor. Curly was my favorite! Talk about eclectic taste. Ella loves Shakespeare and the Stooges.
9. How do you feel right now?
Nervous. The doctor is trying to reduce the dosage of a medication I am taking, and I am not sure it is working.
10. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday morning I had tears come to my eyes when I remembered baking with my boys when they were little.
11. Who took my profile picture?
No Facebook. No picture.
12. Who is the last person with whom you took a picture?
Sam and I went out to dinner to celebrate our last house payment. We both looked pretty damn happy in that photo!
13. What is your favorite season?
I love summer and being up early to watch the sun rise. Long days and warm nights. Flowers blooming in my garden. Steaks on the grill and ice cold beer. New sandals and toes in the sand. Fishing trips. Sleeping with the moon shining in the open window.
14. If you could have any career, what would you pick?
Although I have loved both of my careers, I have always been interested in the law. Maybe a lawyer or a judge. Right now, I am loving retirement.
15. Do you think relationships are worth it?
I can't imagine how sad and lonely a person would have to be to answer this with a "no." Money does not make a person rich. It is the people you love and who love you.
16. If you could talk to anyone right now, who would it be?
Oh, speaking of relationships, if only this could come true. I would want to spend some time thanking my dad for making me who I am today. He was such a remarkable man.
17. Are you a good influence?
I really wish I could say that is always true. There are times when I know I am. But I have always been a work in progress. Doesn't matter how young or how old; I still make mistakes. I never stop trying to improve, though.
18. Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Yuck! That's all I have to say.
19. You have the remote. What are you watching right now?
"It's Christmas, Ebenezer!" Of course, I am watching a favorite holiday movie.
20. Who do you think will play along?
You know, there are still a few from whom I would love to hear. Each of you who has already completed this meme has given the rest of us a little gift of yourself. Thank you, friends!
Sunny's Question - Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
We open gifts to the immediate family on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is a huge open house with friends and extended family. Still more presents. I just love giving presents!
Abby's Question - Do you have a favorite Christmas decoration?
I think they would be the ornaments I made by hand each year when the boys were small. The embroidered Disney characters are very special. Sam loved the Goofy one, so that one is his.
Katie's Question - Pick something to talk to your spouse/partner about, related to spanky business during the holidays. What would it be?
Last Christmas I let the sugar get way out of hand, and I felt awful. This year I took a lesson from PK's Cassie stories. This year the rule goes like this: I only get to eat sugar when Sam puts it in my hand. Have not tested this rule, but I know what the consequence would be.
Terpsichore's Question - Do you enjoy listening to Christmas music? Do you have a favorite song?
I do love Christmas music. It is hard to choose just one. Think my favorite would have to be "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Judy Garland did it first and best in Meet Me in Saint Louis.
Amy Lynn - Do you have any home remedies to help a girl get over her cough and cold?
Just wrote this to Mere in a comment yesterday. Learned this remedy many years ago from my Scotch/Irish dad. Need an old kitchen towel and a large safety pin. Rub the Vicks all over your throat and chest. Drape the towel in front of your neck and pin it at the back. Next, put a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey in a glass of warm Pepsi and drink up. I have to confess that I cannot do whiskey, but the towel always does the trick.
Ronnie - a.) colored or white lights? b.) your worst present?
I like both. Our tree has always had colored lights - Sam's choice at first, but now I like them, too. On the outside of the house the simple decorations are only white. Very natural and beautiful - like snow. My worst present as an adult was a stupid teddy bear fleece blanket. It was like an ugly Christmas sweater but way bigger.
Rosie - Fairy or star on top of the tree?
Neither. We have always had an angel. After decades of topping our tree, our corn husk angel fell to pieces last year. She was replaced by a calico angel. At our house, the youngest person to help decorate always puts the angel on the tree. I used to cringe as Sam dangled some child off the top of a ladder, but child and angel were always fine.
Meredith - What is planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners?
Christmas Eve is an intimate fondue dinner for just us and the two boys and their wives. There are meats and sausages and fresh vegetables. We take our time and enjoy each other's company. Christmas Day is an Open House for friends and extended family. Sam does a huge fried shrimp and fish dinner and everybody brings a dish. Too many people for a sit down dinner, so it is always a festive buffet.
My Question - Has your Christmas tree ever fallen down?
Yes! One morning close to Christmas, the cat pulled it down right on top of our oldest son who was sick and lying down on the sofa watching cartoons. He was fine, but I cried a bit over the very old ornaments we lost that year. Every year someone retells the story.
Merry Christmas to you all -
Hope your days are merry and bright.
I love summer and being up early to watch the sun rise. Long days and warm nights. Flowers blooming in my garden. Steaks on the grill and ice cold beer. New sandals and toes in the sand. Fishing trips. Sleeping with the moon shining in the open window.
14. If you could have any career, what would you pick?
Although I have loved both of my careers, I have always been interested in the law. Maybe a lawyer or a judge. Right now, I am loving retirement.
15. Do you think relationships are worth it?
I can't imagine how sad and lonely a person would have to be to answer this with a "no." Money does not make a person rich. It is the people you love and who love you.
16. If you could talk to anyone right now, who would it be?
Oh, speaking of relationships, if only this could come true. I would want to spend some time thanking my dad for making me who I am today. He was such a remarkable man.
17. Are you a good influence?
I really wish I could say that is always true. There are times when I know I am. But I have always been a work in progress. Doesn't matter how young or how old; I still make mistakes. I never stop trying to improve, though.
18. Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Yuck! That's all I have to say.
19. You have the remote. What are you watching right now?
"It's Christmas, Ebenezer!" Of course, I am watching a favorite holiday movie.
20. Who do you think will play along?
You know, there are still a few from whom I would love to hear. Each of you who has already completed this meme has given the rest of us a little gift of yourself. Thank you, friends!
Sunny's Question - Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
We open gifts to the immediate family on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is a huge open house with friends and extended family. Still more presents. I just love giving presents!
Abby's Question - Do you have a favorite Christmas decoration?
I think they would be the ornaments I made by hand each year when the boys were small. The embroidered Disney characters are very special. Sam loved the Goofy one, so that one is his.
Katie's Question - Pick something to talk to your spouse/partner about, related to spanky business during the holidays. What would it be?
Last Christmas I let the sugar get way out of hand, and I felt awful. This year I took a lesson from PK's Cassie stories. This year the rule goes like this: I only get to eat sugar when Sam puts it in my hand. Have not tested this rule, but I know what the consequence would be.
Terpsichore's Question - Do you enjoy listening to Christmas music? Do you have a favorite song?
I do love Christmas music. It is hard to choose just one. Think my favorite would have to be "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Judy Garland did it first and best in Meet Me in Saint Louis.
Amy Lynn - Do you have any home remedies to help a girl get over her cough and cold?
Just wrote this to Mere in a comment yesterday. Learned this remedy many years ago from my Scotch/Irish dad. Need an old kitchen towel and a large safety pin. Rub the Vicks all over your throat and chest. Drape the towel in front of your neck and pin it at the back. Next, put a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey in a glass of warm Pepsi and drink up. I have to confess that I cannot do whiskey, but the towel always does the trick.
Ronnie - a.) colored or white lights? b.) your worst present?
I like both. Our tree has always had colored lights - Sam's choice at first, but now I like them, too. On the outside of the house the simple decorations are only white. Very natural and beautiful - like snow. My worst present as an adult was a stupid teddy bear fleece blanket. It was like an ugly Christmas sweater but way bigger.
Rosie - Fairy or star on top of the tree?
Neither. We have always had an angel. After decades of topping our tree, our corn husk angel fell to pieces last year. She was replaced by a calico angel. At our house, the youngest person to help decorate always puts the angel on the tree. I used to cringe as Sam dangled some child off the top of a ladder, but child and angel were always fine.
Meredith - What is planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners?
Christmas Eve is an intimate fondue dinner for just us and the two boys and their wives. There are meats and sausages and fresh vegetables. We take our time and enjoy each other's company. Christmas Day is an Open House for friends and extended family. Sam does a huge fried shrimp and fish dinner and everybody brings a dish. Too many people for a sit down dinner, so it is always a festive buffet.
My Question - Has your Christmas tree ever fallen down?
Yes! One morning close to Christmas, the cat pulled it down right on top of our oldest son who was sick and lying down on the sofa watching cartoons. He was fine, but I cried a bit over the very old ornaments we lost that year. Every year someone retells the story.
Merry Christmas to you all -
Hope your days are merry and bright.
Judge Ella,
ReplyDeleteOh, goody....... I am first. When I think I know you well, I learn new things. Wish we could talk you into FB. Think you would have made a great judge. Enjoy your boys all grown up.
Meredith
You make me laugh, Mere! I love doing research so the law has always had an appeal. You never know about Facebook. Perhaps you and Katie can give me a push some day.
DeleteI will enjoy those boys. When they are together, I can't stop laughing. They have always been very close and have the craziest sense of humor.
Hugs From Ella
Loved reading the answers - so glad this meme has made the rounds and I do love the extra questions on the bottom.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and yours Ella.
Sunny, you are the "founder" of this meme, and it has certainly been popular. Lots of fun. Thanks ever so!
DeleteMerry Christmas to you, too,
Ella
Grape instead of a cookie??? Hurrah for you...but even Santa could not motivate me to have a grape instead...I miss my dad a lot also, he would get such a kick out of the grands..his great=grands...I have been to London and loved it also...
ReplyDeletewill answer the extra questions in a post..
hugs abby
Abby, when I asked Sam to be my diet coach, he embraced the role with relish. Santa might not motivate you, but I bet Mr. Paddle would!
DeleteHoliday wishes to you and all those precious grands,
Ella
I live about an hour away from London but you probably know more of it than I do!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your answers, Ella. I don’t remember having a tree fall down but we had a few close calls when we had cats.
Rosie xx
Rosie,
DeleteThere are still places I want to visit in London, so another trip (with me healthy) is in the works!
Sam and I sat in on a session of Parliament and a murder trial at the Old Bailey. My favorite, however, will always be The Globe.
Cats seem to be the culprit with Christmas trees.
Ella wishing you love and happiness this season, dear girl.
Loved reading your answers, Ella. I wish I had chosen a grape rather than a cookie while I was baking today...but I did limit my eating of cookies to just one and a half... :-) Hugs to you and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI realize I don't think I ever answered your question. Yes, we have had our tree fall down once in each home I have lived in for various reasons...one time it surprised us but was before ornaments were placed and no one was in the room so it was fine, one time in the apartment my hubby lived in when we were first married and luckily no ornaments were harmed except maybe one and the other time in the home I grew up in and it was devastating to me as several of my childhood dance ornaments were broken...I did shed some tears for that one...hopefully it will not happen again... Hugs
DeleteGood golly, Terps, you could write a book on tree incidents. You must tell me about your dance ornaments. I bet they were very special.
DeleteSam gave me a sugar cookie last night, and I must say my baking was up to snuff!
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Ella
Great answers, glad you decided to play too. I have always been interested in law but I don't think I will ever be a lawyer - getting too old, closer to retirement but I am housewife. We had our tree fall over before just once though and I cried over the broken ornaments too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Blondie. It's funny that those little balls of glass can hold so many memories. Sam was most sad about an ornament that was in his family since long before he was born. It was a Mickey Mouse globe made during WW II.
DeleteHave a Merry One!
Ella
Hi Ella, enjoyed reading your answers. Congratulations on making the last house payment! What a wonderful feeling :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you, Sam and family a very Merry Christmas :)
Hugs
Roz
Glad you enjoyed yourself, Roz. It is always such a pleasure to have you visit. Yes, it feels wonderful to have no house payment and some extra money every month!
DeleteHave a happy Christmas Down Under, Roz!
Ella
Ella, I loved reading your answers and loving the extra questions. I don't think we've ever had a tree fall down. Your Christmas day sounds wonderful with your open house.
ReplyDeleteI hope you, Sam and family have a wonderful Christmas together.
Love,
Ronnie
xx
Thanks, Ronnie. Sam does all the frying in the garage, and all the guys hang out with him drinking beer and sampling the goodies coming out of the fryer. I love it because the dinner is delicious and the mess is outside.
DeleteHugs and Merry Christmas Across the Pond,
Ella
Love that you answered this. I know you love a good meme. Hope Cassie's suggestion works for your sugar intake. It's not helping mine!
ReplyDeleteYou know me well, PK. Memes are like a little pictures of who we all are, and I always love them.
DeleteCassie's suggestion was really Tom's suggestion, and it is working very well. Sam is more than willing to help me if my resolve waivers.
Wishing I was close enough to give you a real hug, my friend.
Love From Ella
Hi Ella, I am hoping you hurry on back to London soon. Hope the meds are sorted for you soon.
ReplyDeletelove Jan, xx
Me, too, Jan, on both counts. I am actually doing fine on the meds, but it may not be possible for me to quit them altogether.
DeleteSam and I will start to plan a trip after the holidays. We still have tickets to use before they expire!
Merry Christmas Across the Pond,
Ella
Good answers! Really enjoyed the meme, Miss Ella, especially about your boys and baking!
ReplyDelete--Baker
Thanks, Baker. This was such a fun one and just kept growing!
DeleteI remember Christmas cookie decorations all over the kitchen. But they loved to do the mixing, and I taught them how to measure the ingredients, too. Eggs were very messy!
Hugs From Ella
It’s always so interesting to read the answers to memes. Sometimes it seems that so much is shared, thank you.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family, your friends, and your sweet man over the holidays. I wish you a lovely Christmas filled with joy and peace.
You always write the most eloquent comments, Laurel! I just love when you visit. Memes always seem to give us a window into the heart as well as the head.
DeleteAlso wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Treasure every minute.
Merry Hugs From Ella
Loved your answers Ella. You know one advantage of fb you get to face time with all these wonderful people. I have been fortunate enough to chat with a lot this year, which has made me happy. Go on you know you want to. Double dare you!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family.
Hugs Lindy xx