Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Tuesday is always a wild card post for me and today I have some new kitchen ideas and products that I thought it would be fun to share. I like to link up with Joanne’s Talking about it Tuesday posts, too, so this works out.

I have been wanting to try this olive oil for some time. It’s Bobby-approved and I have seen it at Costco. I happened to see it at Kroger when I had run out of my other olive oil and I grabbed it.

I freaking love it! I am not sure why I love it so much, but I love the easy to squirt bottle and I probably use it every day.

I have only been off work for a week, but one thing I like to do is to cook dinner or elements of dinner in the morning. Here me out…I have no energy left at dinner time. I can easily resort to carry out if I have nothing planned or prepared. That’s ok one night a week, but I want to cook most meals.

The other day I knew I had a pool day and that makes me extra lazy – the sun and the water – so I went ahead and boiled the cavatappi noodles, cooked the bacon, and I already had the sauce ready for our dinner. It worked out great!

If you have your energy in the morning like I do, have you tried this?

I made the chicken for our Greek bowls in the morning last week, too. That made dinner time super easy.

Are you a coffee with creamer person? I have a new favorite. I thought oat milk was good for you and then I heard it wasn’t and now I just like the taste of this so I’m going with it for now. If you like a brown sugar shaken espresso or cold foam or whatever the kids are calling it, this might be for you…if you have a Trader Joe’s.

After I whined to you all many times about what to do for my coffee – Keurig? Nespresso? Pour over? I am a classic coffee pot gal now. I don’t want to grind my beans because I can only imagine what Eddie Otis would do. I like to set the pot up at night and then it’s ready to go. I am the only one drinking it so I just make about half a pot each morning. We also have a Nespresso machine out and we have decaf pods for Mason and for me sometimes in the afternoon.

Right now I have found this Trader Joe’s ground blend. I thought it looked better in this large Mason jar.

I am also drinking a green tea most days in the afternoon. I have read about many benefits including reducing inflammation.

I bought this and I am not sure what to do with it. I think I will use it in my skinny margarita. Any ideas?

For my green tea, I do one tiny squirt of stevia to make it taste a little sweeter.

I made a fancy grilled cheese for Mason recently. I offered. It’s brioche with mayo on the bread instead of butter (that is how you get the nicely golden color), fig jam, and havarti cheese.

This looks like a dog’s breakfast (love that British expression) but my lunch one day was leftover potato, bacon, a bit of cheese, and some sour cream. It was the same effect as potato skins.

I made sloppy joe’s one night. Tom loves them.

I made this broccoli salad. I love a broccoli salad!

I left out the craisins, cabbage, and bacon. It didn’t really need them. I liked the addition of the shredded carrot.

Sunday night everyone raved about this. I boiled angel hair. I put grape tomatoes on a cookie sheet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic and roasted them. When they were almost done I put about 1/4 block of cream cheese because I didn’t have boursin. I added feta when it was done. I cooked spinach on the stove. I guess I could have added it with the tomatoes. I grilled chicken and put that on top. This is basically the Tik Tok pasta that was trending a few years ago.

Here is what it looked like without the chicken:

I enjoy cooking. Sometimes I am over the ideas/shopping for ingredients part for sure. I have a niece Nora who also really loves to cook and seems to be a natural. Her mom (my sister Kate) says she just has a knack for technique and knowing what to put with what.

I proposed a challenge with Nora this summer. We take turns sending a recipe to each other on a weekly or biweekly basis and then we both make it and take photos and share how it turned out. She seemed excited! For her summer gift, I sent her a 200 year old San Francisco sourdough starter from Etsy! I hope she likes it!

What would you say about any of these products, tips, or meals?

What have you made or purchased lately?

Amy

Monday, June 9, 2025

Hello! It’s Monday! Who cares? Lol! That was mean. I’m sorry. Mondays mean nothing to me anymore is all!

I am linking up with Holly and Sarah to share my weekend with you!

Let’s go back to Thursday. I actually got a medicine ball/honey citrus mint tea from Starbuck’s both Wednesday and Thursday. My allergies/cold had moved down and I think this tea really helps.

I walked around Target and stuck to only food items – go me! There were many tempting things, but I held strong.

I made myself green teas and bengal spice teas at home, too.

I had time to sit and read.

I bought St. Germaine elderflower liqueur so I could make my spritzs of last summer. I was hoping I would still like the flavor and I do!

We had some rain again but it felt nice to sit outside.

I am trying to establish a cleaning routine – I have said this many times. I need puppy out of house and I like to work quickly once Tom has him on a walk. I have put off so much that I have a lot to do now, but it’s ok. And, I finally felt like my allergies/cold symptoms were almost gone.

Usually we can get our boat on the river in mid-May. So, this is really late for our maiden voyage, but it was so much fun!

The boat was super dirty/dusty!

We went out for about two hours and pulled the boat back in just in time for the rain to start up again.

We keep our boat on its trailer in a big barn right by the river.

Our friends wanted us to meet them for Mexican and the timing worked out. We went straight there to meet them. I got a pineapple drink and it was delish. Did you know you can request a sugar rather than a salt rim?

I hadn’t had lunch so I was really hungry and ordered this dish:

I came home and sat on the covered patio and listened to my rain chain.

I finished my second Kristy Woodson Harvey book. I realized I had read this one, but I read it again because it had been so long. I have her newest on request and I have a third book already checked out so I want to be caught up before her new one comes in.

Sunday morning – guess what – it had rained some more.

Little boy looking at me:

Tom went down to wash the boat with Eddie Otis and I brought him a bacon, egg, and cheese and we sat and talked to another boater for a bit.

Eddie Otis was hilarious trying to drink the hose water and biting at the scrub brush. I kept trying to get a photo of his face with soap all over it. I took him home since he wasn’t a very good boat washing assistant.

We had a grad party to go to! I used the college colors to add a little something more to a monetary gift. It’s a bow shaped hairclip and yellow OPI since the colors are black and yellow.

It was a nice party!

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Thanks for reading,

Amy

Friday, June 6, 2025

Cheers to Friday! I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share my weekly favorites. I hope you had a good week!

Monday was my last day of work and I used a gift card to get a Starbucks! It’s become a rare treat for me again since I don’t get one very often. I did my old standby of non-fat vanilla latte. I don’t like the aftertaste/taste of sugar free syrups so I didn’t do that.

Our principal surprised us by saying we could leave after lunch instead of signing out at 3:30 as we had been doing. I was in my feels saying goodbye to my department after lunch and had a moment in my car with a few tears.

One last photo by my room:

Then, I decided to take myself to Trader Joe’s (on a Monday and not on a weekend!) and these plants made me smile! I did not get one because I have a lot of plants right now.

Note: I am not allowed to step foot on school property until October 1. I have to have a 3 month break in service and cannot even come on property to bring someone lunch or my pension could be at risk. So, saying goodbye felt like a big deal.

I turned off all alarms and it felt so good!

The rest of Monday was spent in my yard. Eddie Otis and I filled the bird feeders and cleaned up the outdoor table.

It felt pretty special that my first hydrangea bloom came out on my last day of work.

If you don’t already have one of these chairs, get one! This would also make a great Father’s Day gift – we got one for my dad and father-in-law in the past.

Get you an outdoor charger – or not – if you are trying to stay off your phone. I like having the ability to charge my phone outside. Tom says my phone is always dead.

Some good foods this week were favorites.

Greek salad:

Greek bowl:

A sweet gift from our school front office clerk…she got me a queso bowl! So, I used it on my fave snack currently. I take only 1 T. of the Tostitos queso and then add as much salsa as I want. Heat up in the microwave.

Tuesday was my first full day at home for summer! I tried to get all the things done. I didn’t know where to start! I did laundry, dishes, cooked that night’s dinner, cleaned my closet, dealt with some piles, and I was like a drunk squirrel. Mason walked into the room and said, “Mom, you need to slow down” and he was right.

I decided to do something summery and I wanted to make a summer makeup bag with minimalist yet summery makeup.

This Physician’s Formula Butter Glow & Go was my main mission but I added a new forest green eyeliner, clear brow gel, and Neutrogena hydroboost that Jenn had.

I have become a big fan of “stick” makeup. I am not sure how great this particular product is yet, but I am experimenting with it.

I treated myself to a summer Southern Living! Mags just aren’t the same. They are so thin and full of ads. Sad.

So, Tuesday was a great day. I enjoyed not having anything I HAD to do!

Wednesday was my fun day for the week! Every Wednesday in June is free for teachers at the Myriad Swim Club which is part of the Myriad Boutique Hotel here in Louisville. Yes, I am still a teacher in June. My official retirement date is July 1, Karen.

Erica and Elizabeth and I met. Elizabeth is not a teacher anymore so she had to pay. She has some PTO days she has to burn and wanted to make it a point to plan a couple of pool days. It was hot! We stood/sat in the pool the whole time chatting.

I wasn’t very close to Erica or Elizabeth before the pandemic. Erica is a Spanish teacher at my school, but she had been in another part of the building when she first came. Elizabeth was new to my school the year before the pandemic. But, during the time that we worked from home and then when we went back to school without students and taught online from school we became very close. Nothing like a shared trauma to bond people.

I am glad that Elizabeth has stayed in our lives because she is such a ray of sunshine. She is truly one of the nicest people I have ever met and she has my sense of humor.

We took a break to eat some food. They split a wrap and I got some hummus with lavosh. We stayed from 11 until almost 3.

I watched Dirty Dancing this week. I have YouTube TV and it came on and I thought it would be a fun flashback summer movie and it was. I am still sad about Patrick. What a cutie!

I finished Sirens on Netflix. I liked the first 3 episodes more than the last 2 and I am still not sure about the ending. It’s only a 5 episode deal so it’s not a huge time commitment.

I read that we are going to experience a weather phenomenon called “Virga” which means the clouds will look like jellyfish.

Cool, huh? Look at me still “being” a teacher.

It’s hard to slow down. I am finding my summer footing as I do each summer, I suppose. I can feel that school year adrenaline still coursing through my veins.

I want to leave you with a sweet photo. This is Tom and Eddie Otis saying goodbye yesterday morning.

That’s true love. Then, I explain to EO that Daddy has to go to work and that mommy is FREE!

Tell me something you liked from my favorites or tell me one of yours!

Amy

Thursday, June 5, 2025

It’s Thursday and time to link up with Kellyann and Jill for Fashion Files.

I wore this last Thursday to work. I think the tropical linen shorts from Old Navy are one or two years old. I also have a lime green and white striped pair. I do think Old Navy does linen shorts well, but their sizing can be off, so you must try on and you must possibly try two that say they are the same size! Lol!

The top is new from Loft. I succumbed to one of the IG ads and bought it without much thinking – not realized the bottom had an elastic band. It’s also a thick material that may be better for fall or into fall.

I bought myself a yellow monogrammed Land’s End tote, too. These totes are great. The pockets are just awesome. I have actually been using it as my purse in the last few school days and then to run errands.

Friday my group had to wear black to work plus it was a really ugly rainy day. Ok – done!

Sitting down photos can be so bad. I wore my white linen pants and my hot pink consignment blouse with my consignment scarf-like kimono out to eat last Saturday. I also have a consignment straw clutch. I told Heather and Heather that most of my outfit was consignment and they were impressed as they love consignment shopping, too.

I wore this comfortable gauzy green J.Crew consignment dress to my niece and nephew’s grad party.

The theme for our last work day was tropical/bon voyage – yes we had themes – so I wore my Walmart dress.

I did a pale blue press on mani over the weekend:

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

It’s Wednesday and time for hodgepodge with Joyce! Let’s go!

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

I love a birthday or any celebration! I like to start with a surprise on the kitchen table like a donut or a card or something the person likes. I ask if they want to go out to eat or if they prefer to have me make something about a week before. In the above photo you see the BLTs Tom chose for his birthday dinner a few years ago. I ask if they want cake and what kind and I either buy it or make it depending on what they say. Tom’s birthday is next week! I need to ask him what he wants to do. Tom’s birthday and Father’s Day fall very close together! As an adult, sometimes what we do depends on the day of the week that the birthday falls on.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses…what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

I would rather have a plant. I would rather have an interesting bouquet. Is that wrong of me? But, I did get a really beautiful peach rose bouquet from a student. Also, it doesn’t have to be a dozen. I do see the world through rose colored glasses sometimes because I am usually an optimist. I can get into a real Negative Nancy mode and no one likes that so I try to see the bright side.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day…will you celebrate? What’s something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese? 

A day without cheese is like a day without the sun. I eat a string cheese every day pretty much. Sure! I will celebrate now that I know! I just bought feta for Greek bowls, I have parmesan for some pasta, and I also bought havarti for brioche grilled cheese with havarti and fig jam. We fancy!

4. ’tis the season…any weddings on your June calendar? What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

No weddings on my June calendar, but I am looking forward to an August wedding. Our friends Beth and Bob have their first daughter getting married. Her invitation is so pretty and unique.

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

I love June. I think our weather is just so nice. It’s cool in the mornings, it’s perfect during the day, and in the evenings it’s just divine (if it weren’t for the mosquitoes!). I also think June brings such a feeling of possibilities. I have lived my life on a school calendar for 48 years now and in June you just feel like the world is your oyster. I am hoping to have the motivation to declutter (it’s an ongoing theme with me), organize, make some spaces look better, be social, be active, and do a lot of reading and cooking.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I made a good dinner this week. Tom raved about it to Eddie Otis. He said, “this is too good to share, Eddie Otis”. I made roasted potato wedges, roasted zucchini and yellow squash, and blackened tilapia fish sandwiches with a homemade blackening seasoning and a homemade remoulade. Both were super easy. I air fried the fish in my oven on the air fryer setting.

The remoulade:

1/2 cup mayo

1 T. pickle relish

1 T. lemon juice

1 T. spicy brown mustard

a dash of dried parsley

a dash of Tabasco

a dash of sea salt or kosher salt

Thin out with water if you need to and apply the sauce to both sides of a toasted bun, baby. Both sides! Then, add a little shredded lettuce and a tomato slice before placing your fish atop.

Blackening seasoning:

Mix it all in a little bowl.

3 T. paprika

1 T. onion powder

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. cumin

1 t. oregano

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

1/2 t. cayenne

You put some olive oil on your thawed fish and then you massage this mix atop. I air fried at 400 for about 12 minutes. It wasn’t too spicy.

What would you say to one of the hodgepodge questions?

Amy

Monday, June 2, 2025

Here I am coming at you later than normal because I got home late last night! I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday, of course!

Friday I felt pretty bad – allergies – and had to wear black for our work day competitions. Ok – done!

We got to leave an hour early so I was home at 2:30 with a hot tea on the patio.

I felt so much better Saturday and loved the summer book display at my library.

I made a batch of pink meringues!

And, I abandoned my The Littlest Library to start this…

We went to dinner Saturday night – boys vs. girls…

And, yesterday was my twin nephew and niece’s graduation party two hours away.

My sister thought of all the details…

a candy bar – with cookies, too…

taco bar…

the cousins that could make it…

a Polaroid picture and message book…

a game…

This is the idea I gave her – to use Chat GPT to make coloring pages…

My sisters and I with Aunt Judy…

My sisters and I with my mom’s best friend Maria…

Mia and I – I got one with Miles, too, but I think it’s on my sister’s camera…

It was so nice! I can’t believe they have graduated!

I am off to my last work day today!

Amy

Saturday, May 31, 2025

It’s the final day of May and here I am doing a Saturday post so I can link up with Jenn!

Basically, she gives us four prompts and we fill them in. So fun, right? I will probably be a bit redundant, but it’s also a time for reflection.

I loved

May was a month of a little time off from work with our Derby long weekend, going to my hometown one last time before the estate sale, Mother’s Day, and the end of school with the students.

I really appreciate Tom. He helped me with my mom’s house and worked on the deck. He also did all his normal stuff of yard work, dog entertaining, and the other little things he does. He made me feel special on Mother’s Day, too.

Tom is tired:

Last trip to my mom’s house before the sale:

The deck:

I loved getting through these things this month.

Celebrating:

There was a lot of celebrating! Last day of school with students, a last happy hour, and my department retirement surprise lunch!

I learned

I learned how estate sales work, I learned about the retirement process, and I learned that I should have cleaned out my room better at the end of each school year. I also learned what is important to save.

Went well

I would say the estate sale and the end of the school year with students went well.

Let go of

I let go of some possessions for other people to enjoy. A dear friend will have these piano rolls from our family’s player piano. One of them even has my Dad’s handwriting. I know I can go to her house and see it.

I let go of school stuff for others to use and enjoy.

I let go of school responsibilities and some drama that happened this week.

What would you share?

Amy

Friday, May 30, 2025

Well, the pollen has gotten me! Or, whatever allergens come out in May have gotten to me. I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites from the week, though.

I talked about most of my Memorial Day weekend here, but I wrote my post on Sunday afternoon. I didn’t have much motivation to be productive or social. The weather was cool and gray until Monday, too. I did have lots of cardinals visit my yard. I filled up my two feeders and they came. I wrote a little song, “My birdseed brings all the birds to my yard” and that’s all I have so far.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the estate sale was going on at my mom’s house. We didn’t have any part of it, but just had to have everything out we wanted to keep. The agent was selling everything in the house except the appliances. And, in fact, he sold the garage fridge he wasn’t supposed to sell. We watched on our security cameras and there was lots of texting with the agent. I will probably do a whole dedicated post to what I have learned. We got messages from hometown people and it was emotional. I felt like I had that cloud hanging over me all weekend.

But, on Monday, the sun came out. Tom and I went down to the river to check on our boat, charge the battery, and let little Eddie Otis swim in the river.

I parted ways with Tom and EO and took myself to Haymarket which is kind of like a farmer’s market indoors, bakery, coffee shop with a greenhouse in the back. They are affiliated with a big farm out in the country, too.

I sat in the sun for a bit and it was lovely.

For my summer scent, I am using this body wash and body butter from Trader Joe’s.

Along with this summery hair and body mist from Ouai.

I also purchased Trader Joe’s sunscreens. I have only used the facial before. I believe both the facial and the invisible gel body are dupes for Super Goop.

I was putting new eggs in the container and Tom asked if I had put self tanner on the eggs like I put on myself.

Wear the shorts! I do hate getting my legs stuck to a restaurant or car seat – note to self to put a towel in my car. But, I am so happy with my Amazon Anrabess boxers and my Wild Fable from Target. Wear them at home if nothing else.

I am sticking with lemon decor for now.

Part of my kitchen renovation will include cabinetry in the mudroom.

It’s so nice to have my deck back again. I am out here as much as I can be!

I enjoyed using my Mother’s Day gift card when I ran out of coffee. I went and bought two brewed coffees to doctor up myself at home. I also got my favorite breakfast sandwich. Gift cards feel like free money!

A long term sub gave me this specialty bbq sauce for helping her. I really didn’t help her much, but what a sweet gesture. Food gifts are always great gifts to give.

Joanne is so sweet and makes really cool cards with her own two hands! She sent me this gorgeous retirement card!

I finished this book and really liked it. It dealt with Alzheimer’s and I think the author handled it really well. From the back cover, “Leaving Chicago behind, the last thing she expects when she walks through the door of her childhood home is Adam Wheeler in her bed”. Adam is a live in nurse and the main character is Elle, the granddaughter who was raised by her grandmother Lovie. I wasn’t sure I would be into it, but I am glad I read it.

Now for my most favorite of the week…

We have had teacher work days this week from Tuesday through today – but wait there’s more. We also have to come back Monday. We have to sign in at 8:30 and sign out at 3:30. I thought I might be able to run a few errands but it’s like maximum security prison. I asked my world language department if they wanted to do a pitch in/potluck brunch on Tuesday (it was the day with the least amount of scheduling) and no one seemed interested. I went as far as to think that maybe I would just do a brunch for the whole department. Then, I got tired.

Well, those little stinkers had a surprise up their sleeves!

They did an Italian buffet, fancy Italian soda with fancy ice, and a cake. They gave me a giant card and flowers, too. I was so touched and tickled. I tried to say this and it came out “touckled”. I got teary-eyed. I really didn’t expect anything at all.

My room is almost totally wiped clean of any Spanish evidence. I have separated my sentimental stuff from my giveaway/trash/donation stuff and the Japanese teacher has started moving his stuff in. I received a really sweet and thoughtful message from a dear old friend about her mom’s teaching stuff in boxes in her garage. She advised me to pass my stuff along rather than keep it. So, I did a lot of giving things away and only kept what I think I will truly look at again. I have a box of photos and a box of letters and cards that are my main prize possessions.

When I take a picture of what my room looks like now and put it on Instagram my students will be shocked. Maybe I shouldn’t?

I’m in my feels, but I still have peace about my decision. I typed a thank you letter to my principal but I made it funny (I think). When they started talking about PD, training videos, committees, and new initiatives at the faculty meeting I broke out into hives and that further solidified my decision.

My Friday Favorites led me once again to this topic! Sorry!

What filled your heart this week?

Amy

Thursday, May 29, 2025

It is time for Fashion Files with Kellyann and Jill!

Are you a hat person? I want to be. I found my Soho and Paris hats for a steal on the JC Penney website this winter!

These kind of look white, but they are new and they are tan linen pants from Amazon based on Jen’s rec. They are pretty wide leg and I am not sure if I like these or the white linen I bought better. Anyway, these will be more warm weather kinda need to dress up pants. Again, I have on the tropical TJ Maxx blouse, and my new this season Dr. Scholl’s sandals with the buckles.

This overshirt from Aerie is just too big and looks frumpy but I can’t part with it. I wore it with my tropical graphic tee, old mini skirt from Old Navy and faux Birks.

I have two Aerie white button ups and they are perfect. I bought a second because it was on major sale and I knew how much I was reaching for it. I also have a yellow stripe version. I pulled out this red and navy skirt for Memorial Day weekend and wore my Paris slides. I bought the Paris slides at TJ Maxx right before the Olympics for like $8.

I wore this outfit again two days later on Memorial Day itself but in a more casual way.

And, here’s the yellow stripe with my Wild Fable sweat shorts. I’m telling you I keep reaching for these button ups. It’s been pretty cool here so long sleeves with shorts or skirts is working.

I love my Amazon Anrabess boxers and keep reaching for them, too. I like them with my button up.

I’m in love with these Wild Fable by Target shorts. I put a pair on every day! They have washed very well.

Don’t you love it when you have made a good clothing purchase that you can stand by?

What have you been wearing? Do you have a favorite outfit of mine? I definitely had a more casual week!

Amy

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

It’s Wednesday and Hodgepodge with Joyce!

How is your week going? I am on my second of five teacher work days today. We have to sign in at 8:30 and sign out at 3:30. We cannot be trusted, you know? Can you tell I am over it? Ha!

I got out my lemon decor!

Even in the rain, I love this space. I light a candle and have a warm drink!

1. What’s your favorite room in your house and why? 

My favorite “room” is my patio and my deck. I can’t figure out what to call each of them. The lower patio is off the side of the garage and has a roof and ceiling fans and a table for six and a sectional. The deck is off of the mudroom on the back of the house. What do you think – patio for the lower and deck for the upper?

I have memories as a child of sitting outside by a tree with my book or my notebook. I was outside from sun up until sun down in the summers. I feel like I like being outside more than the average Joe. I can sit outside in every month except for January and February usually.

2. What’s something that will instantly annoy you? 

I feel like I have gotten less irritable rather than more as I have gotten older. I think others get more irritable as they age. I hope this is true about me because I want to be a chill person and now I have the perspective about what is really a problem and what is not. I had students this year come up to me and tell me they had a problem like they forgot something in another room and they are so sorry but can they go get it. My response was always, “Girl, that is not a problem! Of course!” and they seemed so shocked. Have we scared these kids?

But, I really hate when I let a car out and don’t get a courtesy wave. Come on – I didn’t have to do that!

Oh, and I was leaving the consignment store the other day and I held the door for a younger woman – maybe late 20s or early 30s – because she had a basket of clothes and her hands were full. I didn’t even get a “thank you”. Are you serious? I actually out loud scoffed as I left. That is so rare where I live. We tend to gush our thank you’s about the littlest things. So, I want a gush, too!

I remember once we had Germans staying with us (Tom’s cousin) and I gave up my car for them for a whole week and only got a “Danke” and I told Tom that I couldn’t believe I didn’t get more than that. It’s kind of the German way, though. They are not gushers.

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day…will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you’re not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

Well, I didn’t even know. I like a slider. I like 5 Guys junior cheeseburger. I don’t need a huge burger, but I really do like a gourmet burger with interesting toppings. I do not plan to celebrate this. I need a new grill and then I want to become better at making them at home.

4. What are three scents you like? 

I like masculine scents. I hate florals. I hate artificial smelling things. I hate headache-inducing smells.

I like mahogany, teakwood, sandalwood, cedarwood, coconut, tobacco, and citrus.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid? 

Riding a bike so much? That feeling of freedom of riding my bike down the big hill in my neighborhood with the wind whipping my hair? I have a bike and ride it sometimes in my current neighborhood. I still do a lot of my kid pastimes, though. I loved to read, be outside, bake, plan things, write and act out plays – ha!, make up dances and perform them. Would anyone like me to write and act out a one woman play about my current life? I can also include song and dance.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have a very strict sunscreen regimen and I have strong opinions. I hate getting burned so much.

You must do lotion – not spray – in the mirror before going out. Don’t forget ears and lips – ouch! So I strongly believe in looking in the mirror while you apply – with your bathing suit on, of course. Get under your straps and your suit where it could slip. Let it dry for a bit before putting your cover up on. Spray sunscreen sucks. It is only good for touch ups when you are already out in the sun. I still think lotion is superior when you are already out in the sun. Set a timer to reapply. Don’t forget feet. My kids got their feet burned so badly when they were teenagers and smarter than me about sunscreen.

Fight me! I am very opinionated about this.

Amy