Studies in Human Behavior

I had a truly marvelous day yesterday.

I attended my last math class for the semester (final is tomorrow at 8 am) and then zipped over to Dr. Biology's office to see how I made out on the last test.

He told me I had made the highest score in the class. After a scolding from me for his insensitive teasing, he allowed me to view his online gradebook. (98.44 baby!)

Since I was feeling so large, I went on to test out of Algebra II. Thirty minutes later, I realized I wasn't that large. I lacked 13 points of reaching my desired goal. But... I can try again later.

When I arrived home, I found that we were DSL ready. I really wish this had been available all semester when I was suffering through intermittent satellite service! But, at least we have it NOW.

While I installed DSL, JB tinkered with his latest project...
Any project JB is working on ends up right in the middle of the living room
and this piece is no exception.

The weather was spring-like
and Haji kept waiting for me to come outside to play.

Instead, I worked on last-minute Christmas cards for JB's clients...

And visited on the phone with my little friend down the road
about our Friday Night Get Togethers.
She's taken on a Friday evening job, so we need to adjust our schedules.
She suggested Thursday, but then we settled on Sunday afternoons instead!

The topic then changed to thoughts of Christmas.
She mentioned a wreath she made of wasps' nests and okra--
as if this was the most natural thing in the world.


Today, it's studying for finals with a little Christmas preparation thrown in--
and maybe some baking...

Things Could Be Worse

Christmas is much different when there's no Santa Claus.

He's the jolly fellow who evokes extreme emotion
--whether it be sheer delight or fear--in young and old.

He's the "Ho Ho Ho" man.
And he's responsible for the anticipation of Christmas surprises, he's the reason for the jingling bells-- and he's everywhere. If you don't see him, you feel his lingering effects.

Momo has 85 million Santa Clauses. She says Santa Claus is "her man." She's even mentioned, if she had her way, she'd keep her sun-room filed year-round with his images.



Of course, I always tell her "Do it then." I think when you get to be 70 years old, you should do what you want. Obviously, Pop doesn't agree with me, or she'd have that Santa room.

My Santas are packed away in Rubbermaid in the basement.

Even though I will be having a Christmas sans daughters this year, I plan on pulling them out.
I am decorating for JB and I.

I'm not sure if decorating really matters to JB-- as he has spent more time as a bachelor, than as a family man. But sometimes, I think this is the very reason I should decorate--to give him more face time with Santa. The two of them need to get to know one another better... rekindle that relationship they had years ago.

Note: My title is actually an alternative viewpoint suggested in this month's AARP magazine .

There's Always Rain Before A Rainbow

I've survived--at least for now-- the first round of Biology testing. Just overwhelming--all the terms I can't even pronounce and the stuff!

But... I'm still breathing and probably better because of it.

I can home after double testing ( I had a Lab test,too!)
and was greeted by rainbows!

Lots and lots of rainbows dancing all across my house.

Momo and I had bought these chandelier replacements at Tuesday morning,
probably a year or two ago,
and I hung them with suction cups from my west windows.

They make the afternoon sun just beautiful.
They reflect on the floor in the kitchen.

They dance on the kitchen cabinets.

I can see them on the living room wall and
all the way down the hall on the back door.

I had put clear faceted crystal knobs on the cabinets
in the Master Bath in Texas for the very same reason.

I suspect, the nurse is enjoying them these days.
I have a feeling she may see rainbows and perhaps, think of me.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Imperatix asked me five questions, and here are the answers:


1. From your posts, you’re very happy to live in the country. Is there anything you miss from living “closer in”?

I miss convenience (not convenience stores!) I'm about a 40 minute drive from variety of any type.

If I shop locally, someone else has limited the selection available to "take it or leave it." You settle on what's there, or mentally weigh out the 40 minute drive to get what you'd rather have. Not that I'm picky or anything, but I'm not a WalMart kind of person. It'll do in a pinch. I'd rather decide what I need or want or what will work--not somebody else.



2. I know you’ve got several pets; do you consider yourself more of a cat person or a dog person?

I must prefer dogs since I brought my dog with me, but let the cats go with the house. Did you know that scientists have proven that most dogs have the mentality of a two-year-old child?

I had 5 cats when I lived in Texas. But I also had 2 little girls when I lived in Texas. When you have little girls you invariably have kittens. Which leads to cats, and then, more kittens.







3. Have you always lived in the South?

Uncle Sam decided I should live in Indiana at one point in my life. He also decided I should live in Texas, too. I guess when it was my decision, I have always chosen Virginia.




4. You’re always sharing fun recipes on your blog.When you cook, do you mostly follow recipes, or follow the inspiration of the ingredients?

I read cookbooks like fine literature. I have many! I browse and more often than not, look for something I can make with what I have on hand, or look for something that I have a taste for--whatever that may be.

I read from the index, not the table of contents to settle on a challenge. Sometimes I veer off and throw in something to shake things up a bit.
I love flavor.




5. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry, and why is it your favorite?

I worked for a family-owned jewelry store in Texas and saw so much jewelry!
I prefer the unique unusual pieces.



I have worn this spider, off and on for about 10-12 years and have never seen another one like it.

I never want anything that everybody else is wearing.








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by me, please leave me a comment or send an email
saying: "Interview me."
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to pick the questions.
* You will update your weblog with the answers to the
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interview someone else in the same post.
* Then others comment asking to be interviewed, you
will ask them five questions and so on.