Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Good Times On The Highway To Hell Part 5

More Antics On My Journey In Life

On the way home from work I vomited in my new Land Rover. I could not pull over fast enough, vomit was everywhere and I didn’t have any napkins. Once I arrived home, the clean-up began. It was getting late and stopped only to find I had locked myself out of the house. I was living in a new neighborhood and only had three neighbors. I found a light on and asked if I could borrow a phone book, and she said yes. Bet I smelled bad and this was the first time I met her. Even after a professional cleaning it smelled and I traded it for something else.

My friends and I went to dinner to celebrate my 33rd birthday. Out of the blue, I decided to get a tattoo and a belly button ring. Several of us drove to a bad part of town because they wanted to watch me get the tattoo. Thank goodness I was drunk, they said on the sign not to be drunk but at that age, I was on top of the world.

FYI, the belly button piercing hurt so bad, like your guts were being pulled out. After six months of babying the spot, I took it out.

My gramps had Prostate and Bladder Cancer, the two pushing against each other caused him to have to pee about every 10-15 minutes. My cousin was in a small plane crash and was in really bad shape, Gramps had to go see him. The problem was the hospital was 1.5 hours away. Knowing that we would be stopping along the way I took an empty Gatorade bottle for emergencies. I’m flying down the highway close to 100 miles an hour and Gramps says I have to pee now! I had to push the accelerator all the way down to find an exit. I was Speed Racer! I found a spot and he peed in the bottle. It wasn’t funny at the time but it sure is now. 

Melinda

Repost

Celebrate Life · Fun

Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “What’s that smell?”

“What’s that smell?” Write the first thing that comes to mind. Enjoy!

My Grandparent’s house was on 1/3 of an acre which made it perfect for a large garden. Behind the garden, there was an area for a large shed with open space around it. When Gramps died my husband and I worked to get the place ready to sell, and one day in the heat of summer I was working near the shed and kept getting a foul whiff. Afraid to go in the Wasp-filled shed, I went around back and found the culprit it was a dead squirrel in one of the cages he put out to relocate them. He took squirrels down the river bottoms every day, and he found joy in it. 

I miss my Gramps every day, his voice, the lessons he taught me, his gentle nature, and his laugh. 

Melinda

 

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream-of-consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours.  Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back to their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!

For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at Linda G Hill

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday- Statue At Kazan Cathedral In St. Petersburg, Russia

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and hope to see you soon. 

 

 

 

 

There are several statues at the front entrance of the Kazan Cathedral they are all beautiful. I love the architecture in St. Petersburg, Russia, and pray I can go back.

This is a front view of the cathedral where the statues are from Trip Advisor. You can barely see them in this photo but if you look closely you might see a glance, Look straight ahead in the columns under the dome. 

Kazan Cathedral (St. Petersburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Melinda

 

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Let’s Dance! Y.M.C.A. By Village People – 1978

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

Dancing isn’t part of my lifestyle anymore but that doesn’t stop me from grooving at home. This is a much-loved classic that always cheers me up with its energy.

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “Loan/Lone “

Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “loan/lone.” Use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use both. Have fun!

 

 

This morning, JoAnna shared her take on the process of buying a house and the mounds of paperwork, and it sparked memories of buying my last house. After my divorce in 1999, I bought my first new house, oh how good it felt picking all my options and upgrades and I loved the house. Yes, there was a lot of paperwork but not as much since I bought from a builder. The house was more like a garden home with a little yard in front and less in the back which was perfect for me, Sasha, and Truffles. The HOA took care of the entire yard, flowers, and trees.

My ex-husband was a Contractor and he gave me solid advice on how to do the final punch list. The builder didn’t like it but I was buying the house, right? On the last punch list, I told the builder that I would do the punch list by myself at a slow pace and then we could compare notes and move to closing. His advice paid off, my punch list was long and we would not close after all. 

I jumped for joy on the day of the final walk-through, signing of the contract, and the loan like it was yesterday. Not only did I have a new house, my payment was less than the house we shared. 

Melinda

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream-of-consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours.  Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back to their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!

For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at Linda G Hill

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-The Archies – Sugar, Sugar (1969) 

Maybe this song inspired Def Leopard to write Pour Some Sugar On Me?

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-Statue of Peter The Great In St. Petersburg, Russia

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and hope to see you again soon.

 

Statue of  Peter The Great in the square in St. Petersburg, Russia 2001

I had the great privilege of staying at the Astoria Hotel, one of two five-star hotels in St. Petersburg and this was the view from my window. I keep the memories of my trip to Russia close to my heart. My trip was scheduled for 9/11/2001, and all flights were canceled for two weeks, but when I arrived it was a special moment. People knew I was American and they would come up to me and say how sorry they were about what happened in America. A special time indeed.

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS Prompt is “note”

Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “note.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

Thinking back to my middle school days, I remember boys and girls would send each other notes in class and try not to get caught. The gossipy girls would also send notes among themselves too. 

If you were caught it meant a place at the front of class and reading the note out loud. It made classes fun. 

Melinda

 

Here are the rules:

1. Your post must be stream-of-consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours.  Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back to their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!

For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at Linda G Hill

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Easy Pork Bulgogi Recipe By Guest Blogger Stay Creative

This recipe sounds so good, maybe you’ll make it for yourself
 
Melinda
Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-The Monkees – Daydream Believer (Official Music Video)

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

https://youtu.be/xvqeSJlgaNk?si=OdMwlnh52teiEkvi

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

May Awareness Weeks

  • American Craft Beer Week (May 13–19)
  • Be Kind to Animals Week (May 5–11)
  • Bike to Work Week (May 13–19)
  • Children’s Book Week (May 6–12)
  • Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 5–11)
  • National EMS Week (May 19–25)
  • National Nurses Week (May 6–12)
  • National Pet Week (May 5–11)
  • National Public Works Week (May 19–25)
  • National Small Business Week (April 28–May 4)
  • National Stuttering Awareness Week (May 13–19)
  • National Travel and Tourism Week (May 19–25)
  • National Vegetarian Week (May 15–21)
  • National Wildflower Week (May 5–11)
  • Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6–10)
  • Women in Construction Week (May 5–11)

Melinda

https://www.rd.com/article/may-holidays

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-Half Dome At Yosemite National Park

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and hope to see you again soon.

This is my old-west version of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. I can’t imagine what settlers thought when they crossed through on their journey.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Official Music Video) WOW 70’s Classic

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m glad you joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-White Mountain Icing

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Gramps & Granny used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

I’m writing this recipe like Granny did and including a photo of it at the end.

White Mountain Icing

2 cups granulated sugar

2 tbsp White Karo Syrup

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

2 egg whites

1/2 cup water

Cook sugar, water, and syrup until it spins a 6-8 inch thread. Beat egg whites until stiff, pour hot mixture into the egg whites slowly. Beating all the while by hand. Beat until icing stands in stiff peaks. Stir in Vanilla and spread on cake.

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Young Love

I woke to the sound of knocking at the door

I grabbed my robe and was surprised who was at my door

My ex-boyfriend and BFF

He had come over to check on me since I wasn’t at work

I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth

He lightly grabbed my hand and took my robe off

We stand there for a minute

He leads me to the bedroom

We were totally silent

We dressed and he walked out the door

I never asked if he loved me but I know he did

I was 19 and still in love with him

Melinda

Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels.com
Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Paul Rodgers, Slash & Alec John Such – Bad Company (live at Wembley 1994)+ Bonus

He has a voice like no other, it’s addictive!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday-The Merced River In Yosemite National Park

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday.

 

The Merced River in Yosemite National Park.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What To Do Before Starting A Home Garden

A home garden offers loads of benefits beyond boosting your home’s curb appeal and increasing your property’s value. It plays a significant role in improving your physical and mental health. It also helps reduce your expenses (depending on what you grow in your garden) and establish sustainable measures in your home. But if you’re new to gardening and thinking about creating one for your home for the first time, the last thing you want to do is jump right into planting a garden. Here are some things you need to do before you start a home garden. 

Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.co

The first thing you want to do is consider the best place to grow your garden. Of course, this will depend on your home and how much space you have. Be sure that your ideal spot offers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it would be best if you took the time to observe your preferred spaces to figure out which spots receive the most sunlight. If you have too much shade in your yard, all hope is not lost, as there are two options you can try. On the one hand, you can remove the source of shade, depending on what it is. On the other hand, you can consider growing indoor plants that thrive with little sunlight instead.

After deciding on the best spot, clear the ground of weeds, dead trees, stumps, etc. You can hire experts to remove some of these stubborn obstacles if necessary. You can visit websites like duvaltreeandbobcat.com for experienced and safe tree removal services.

The next thing you want to do is decide on what plants you want to grow. Would you like to create a vegetable garden to supplement your grocery needs? Or do you want to spruce up your curb appeal with lush flowers? Knowing the purpose of the garden will help you decide what to grow in it. If you want to grow a garden for food, think about what vegetables, fruits, or herbs you need the most. Also, consider which food items are difficult or expensive to purchase and see if you can grow them. If your garden is for curb appeal, think about what plants or flower pieces you love the most and can thrive in your location.

Gardening can be very relaxing, but it can also be very tasking, especially if you don’t have the right garden tools. You can take advantage of many tools, facilities, and equipment in the modern gardening world to make growing your plants easier. Of course, you don’t need to invest in a comprehensive range of garden equipment when you’re a beginner. You only need the basic and most essential tools, such as a rake, hand trowel, hoe, spade, garden fork, and pruning shears. Also, before considering gardening, be sure you’re willing to devote the time and effort a home garden demands. 

This is a collaborative post.

Repost

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

The Rose Bush That Could

Every year is better than the last production. It’s been planted there for over 25 years and has not once fertilized. The smell is out of this world!

The rose blooms at least twice a year due to the crazy weather here.

Melinda