Tuesday, July 20, 2021

THINGS YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO KNOW---BUT YOU ASKED ME ANYWAY....

 Grab your reading glasses

and a whiskey coffee cuz
this is one
LONG POST.
It is the longest post I have
ever written!

Background-
One time years ago 
I told people to ask me anything!
I was asked these questions
and I don't think I ever answered.

I stumbled across the questions 
I had saved and realized that
while so much has changed
so much has remained the same!

So---here in all my foolish loquacious-iness 
are my answers to eight questions I was given.
If you aren't feeling like reading
(and maybe laughing a bit)
you can move right along and 
come back another day.

Ready---
Here we go!

I have been asked to tell you

EIGHT things about myself.  

 (yes I said 8-who picked that number

as the criteria to decide if I was fit to

be in Blogland-I mean why not 5 or 7..but 8?

Hey-did y'all know 8 is my favorite number?)

Nevermind...

I am supposed to tell you EIGHT

things about myself I think you

would like to know....

Well, that's a joke...

Who really wants to know 8 things

about me?

 You just come to Blogland to see

pictures of what life should be like, right?

Well, I am never one to cringe from the truth..

which is NOT always a good thing-

trust me on this.


Ready? Here we go...

Question #1 Why did you start blogging ?

I took an idiot pill 

and it said blogging was good for

 allergies...Huh?

Oh..no...You want truthful answers..

okay then...don't get snotty about it.

What made me start blogging?

My friend, Jettie is to blame.

(Hey Jett-she's Southern..

they all say HEY instead of Hi)

Isn't Jettie a cool name? 

It's her real name...yes it is!

Anyway....

Jettie blogged for books back then. 

I thought that was pretty cool..

So...I asked Jettie about blogging..
.
She said even YOU (idiot was implied)

can figure out how to blog..

and she gave me some basics...

Like..okay...the button on the

right will make your screen light up..

Yeah...that's just about where I started...

And then....

I thought it would be fun to blog 

for my grandkids

so they could read about themselves

 someday

You know - because as a parent, 

you don't have the time/energy 

to jot it all down..

Grandparents are supposed to have

a whole lot more time--which--

let me tell you is a lie.

I thought it would be fun. 

I thought maybe my kids would read my blog,

or maybe a couple of friends would read it..

or maybe my brother (Lordy-how I miss him)

would read it.

I had no idea that anyone I didn't know 

would read it..
.
so..it ain't real purty..
.
and it's just kind of a hodgepodge.

 No real theme...if you get my drift.


Question #2. While working outside what

do you think about?

I think about God's goodness in my life. 

How blessed I am.
.
I also think about projects 

I WANT to do..

Like the one below...

Sorry I stole this from someone's site.

If it's your own pop in 

and take credit for it...cuz it is

so darned cute I want to copy it.
I also spend some time thinking about 

the little granddaughter we lost 

and wonder what it would be

like to have her in the family mix.

She would be a BIG GIRL now-

I think about the brave struggle

MyHero endured in the past few years

 in his fight(s) (and win(s)) against cancer

and his current fight against the unknown....


Question #3. What is your favorite vacation

 destination and why?

I have two places...

depending on the time of year.

In  summer I love to go up to 

the UP of Michigan

I love Lake Superior. 

There is nothing like the

wild, rugged beauty you see there.

We usually stay in Munising..

 it's a little off-the road, by-passed by time.

I like it because I totally relax there 

for some reason.
That time frame would be..

anytime AFTER

July 1st and BEFORE July 6th

because that is about when summer

"happens" in the UP~

yeah..those are random dates 

but close to the truth.

BUT...in the winter...

I love Florida.

I love the ocean.

I love the balmy breezes.

I love it all...from St. Augustine to the Keys.

You can't go wrong with Florida..

I even love DisneyWorld..

Yeah...I'm kind of GOOFY like that!

I love it because I feel like 

I am "connected" in Florida.

The ocean draws me in and 

soothes and refreshes me.

And~ I am always in awe of the beauty

and lushness of it all.

I especially love New Smyrna Beach.

Did I mention a lot of old people 

drive around in Florida?

Yeah...Not on my list of favorites.

Sadly, I am becoming one of THEM...

but I still drive pretty good...uh-huh...

#4- Do I like sunrise or sunset?

Now THAT's a poser!

When I am on Lake Michigan,

I love the sunrise as it 

comes up over the lake.

I like to sit outside and watch the sun weave

it's fingers across the sky.

I love the sound of the early morning gulls

 and I especially love the fog horns 

on a overcast, foggy morning.

But when I used to live on the bay,

I loved the sunsets...

I especially loved sharing them with family.

It is like the sun kissed us all goodnight..

and we had made it safely through

another day.Question #5. Are you beginning to think I 

will never be done?

NOPE! That's NOT the question...

Here's the REAL question..


Question #5. What is my 

favorite Season/Why?

Ohhhh! It is Fall...glorious, wonderful Fall.

I Fall in love with 

all the wonders of Mother Nature

as the nights turn crisp and cool.

I love hunkering down by a fire 

in the fireplace as the

Fall winds blow round the eaves.

I love pots of stew...and apple cider...

and pumpkins...and the leaves that burst

into rainbow colored tree flames.

I love Thanksgiving and turkey and..

well...Yeah...I like Fall.
Question #6. What is the wildest thing I've 

ever done?

Hey! Do I LOOK Stupid? Don't answer that...

Do you think I am telling

YOU the wildest thing I've ever done? 

Ha...not on a bet-your-life

give-the-kid-a-sucker 

am I ever telling that!


Question #7. What is the biggest surprise

 in my life?

Hmmm...I think it is how fiercely 

and deeply I love my grandchildren. 

I mean...I KNEW I would love them...

I heard other grandparents

tell me how much they loved their grandkids...

and I thought...Yeah...okay...

only 33 more photos to look at 

so you can tell me how cute they are...

But NOW? Yeah...

Well, NOW I get it!

I would do whatever it took to protect them

as best I can from the world's harm.

Here's some pictures 

only 26 more to see!
There are more grands 

that I don't have pictures of

on my computer.

 #8- TAH-DAH...Last question!

Where do you go to be alone?

Well, this oughta get a smile 

out of those of you

that DON'T know me!

I get in the car...

and I drive..and I drive.

and I drive.

It is restful, peaceful 

(well it used to be before I 

had SCRUFFY)

 and I listen

to music and talk to God..

and I am free.

While I am traveling

I am free.

I can forget about laundry

and projects that await me

and daily chores.

I am free for a breath of time.

If I am feeling a bit stressed or want

to decompress..I take a Starbucks..

and a book and I park somewhere..

anywhere...and read..and read..

so..if you see some crazy blond 

sitting in the middle of a parking lot

looking down into her lap...

she is reading.

Don' t bother her.

And..even if she has a

Honk If You Love Jesus sign

on the back of her car...

Don't honk..

Cuz it won't be me anyway..

I don't have one of those signs.

I don't even wish I did.

Did you ever pull up behind two

cars and one says

Honk If You Love Jesus

and the other one says..

Honk For Clowns-

also known as

Candidates Running For President?

Yeah?

Don't honk..

It just confuses too many people.


This life list wouldn't be complete

without the new little love in my life...

SCRUFFY

also known as Satan some days

He appears to like profile pictures

the best!



SO

Thanks to all of you that have 

followed along with all my nonsense

today AND over the years.

I owe all of you big time...

 my readers...

my kids...

. MyHero..

and all the 

"little people"..

Thanks for stopping by...

Thanks for reading..

Thanks for being.

And as my

friend, Jettie would say...

Y'all come back now, ya heah.
your photo name

55 comments:

Terri Steffes said...

I loved reading about you friend! I too love to drive. People are surprised by that but no one understands that freedom. I am a sunrise/sunset person too and I adore the beach but I don’t have a favorite yet…

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

As always you crack me up!!! Great learning more great things about you!!

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

Aha! All of the mysteries are solved! Well, all except that stupid or wild thing you did question, but a girl can have secrets, right? Fun post! You always make me smile! Have a great day! Hugs!

Jeanie said...

What a fun post, Diana. I like things like this -- they always tell me a little more about bloggers I've followed a long time! (Love your Munising sight!)

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

You did very well answering all the questions and now I feel like I know you even better. Glad I met you on blogger and love your posts, even the long ones. Hope you enjoy the rest of summer!

Billie Jo said...

Well, that was fun! I am so happy to read and learn more about you. And I am sure I speak for others when I say that I am so very glad you began blogging! Have a cozy day, and I join you in a love of all things fall!

Doris said...

As always, a fun post! Yup, the grandchildren...right there with you ❤

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Fun facts! I love Florida too :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

A delightfully funny and charming post as always, Diana, but it didn't have enough photos of your grandchildren, LOL!

Cecilia said...

Thanks for the smile today. I love to drive too - just get in the car and go down a little unknown country road....there's plenty of them around here. Some get a little sketchy, I'm just saying. But about question five...my imagination is all over the place. Lol. Have a wonderful day, my friend.
Hugs, Cecilia

cloches and lavender said...

You had me laughing while eating breakfast. Always make me me laugh.

The sunrise and sunset pictures gorgeous.

Fall is my favorite too. Love cool weather.

You have a gorgeous family but you know that.

Wait until you realize how much you fall in love with Scruffy. As the years go it gets more and more.

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh that was an interesting post - glad to find out a little more about you and your grands are beautiful!! I love fall too.

bobbie said...

Hugs ~

MadSnapper said...

you have gorgeous grands and of course Scruffy is my favorite of all the stories. so cute. more pics of scruffy is my request. your alone time is what i dread. I do not like to drive or ride and I have no alone time except for when I read a book, i am not in the house. I have been reading a book that they are in a hurricane in the pandhandle of Florida, the bedroom was dim, i came out in the living room and was shocked the sun was shinging brightly since i was caught in the hurricane. that is my alone time. when i was living alone, i went to the beach and sat in the edge of the water. i am with you on connected to Florid and Bob and I both love the area of New Smyrma Beach but we are connected to Ormond which is a hop skip jump from your favorite

Rose L said...

We have a few common things! Great minds think alike!!

Junkchiccottage said...

So fun to read sweet friend. I am so glad you joined in blogging so we could meet and become good friends. It still to this day amazes me how we could meet and begin a lifelong friendship from a far distance. God surely does put people in our path that we can connect with and feel like we have known them forever. Just when you think you could not love anyone more than your own children they give you grandkids and your heart bursts even more. Loved this today. Happy Tuesday. Love you from sunrise to sunset. xoxo Kris

Red Rose Alley said...

Well, I am a long-time blog friend of yours, so I knew many of these things, but thanks for sharing so I could know all the other stuff. You know I am a lover of Fall, so it made me smile when you said you loved it too. I absolutely LOVE that photo of the little ones gazing at the sunset. : )

~Sheri

This N That said...

I was afraid that I would find out something about you that would change the way I see you..Wouldn't want to do that !!!..No surprises and such fun to see the kids when they were little..I remember all those "growing up" posts...I hope Scruffy turns out half as well as they did..LOL

This N That said...

PS..Fall is the best..not long enough..xxoo

Beside a babbling brook... said...

It's great to see anything here, from you!!!!!!!

Agree about Fall..

I also like the ocean, but not FL. I choose Cape Cod and a beach in Sept. All the tourists have gone home, and the beach, ocean, waves, surf, etc., are alllllll yours. -smile-

So thank you for posting!!!!

Ahemmmm... Now that you did it, could you possibly try doing it more??????????? Posting I mean.

I know, you are enjoying your "Clamping Life," and you should!!!!!!!!

Gentle hugs,
✨🌸✨🌸✨

Ron said...

I loved reading these. Fall is my favorite season also.
You have the best sense of humor.
xoxo

Terri D said...

That was fun and I love seeing your sweet grandchildren!! Interesting questions and good answers. I am always happy to visit here! Your posts put a smile on my face!! xo

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I am so glad you blog and that I discovered your blog! It always brings a smile to my face and is so much fun to read...I can imagine you are a fun person to be with. Scruffy is a lucky dog! And your grandchildren certainly are beautiful and blessed! I have one grandson, who is now almost 22 years old. That's it! Just one! I didn't even get a little granddaughter to have tea parties with...that's why I play with dolls so much. But anyway, this is about you, not me. I love fall too. My favorite, even here in Florida. Well, anyway, it's about you, not me. I said that already. I enjoyed your post and always do. Thank you for sharing your wonderful answers to questions. Oh, that little window thing in the yard? I love it. But I want one big enough to live in...in my yard. A garden she-shed kind of thing. Someday I will get one. Okay, this was about you, not me. And it was fun. Thank you.

Creations By Cindy said...

Girl, you are a hoot and a half! LOL! Loved reading your blog post today. All your babies are adorable. I just got back over the weekend from spending a week in St. Augustine with my family on the beach. LOVE me some beach! But, I always like the cooler temps. My hormonal self gets crazy when I get hot! Have a good rest of the week sweet lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your grandchildrn are gorgeous! I am so very sorry about the one you lost. We will never know in this life why children have to suffer and die. Perhaps God looks ahead and sees that they will have a life of suffering, so He spares them this? My favorite number is 8, too! And now, ANOTHER question! Did you take all these photos? They are awesome!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Always enjoy these get-to-know you better questions! You are so funny, and always a chuckle when I read your blog... I'm glad Jettie got you into blogging, you add a lot to our little blogging world community! Thank you for sharing :) Blessings and hugs!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Oh, Diana, you can always make a sad day, glad!. We should be calling you Pollyanna my friend! I get into my own head too much sometimes (as you know, because I just read your comment to me this week) and your "southern charm" is what is needed lots of the times. This is the first time that my computer cut off a post and I had to click something to continue. Can you believe I accomplished that? To know you is to love you, my friend..Happy Summer..xxoJudy and P.S. You are so right about grandkids!!!!!

Ann said...

It's always a pleasure reading your blog. Now I know you a little bit better :)

Tom said...

...a bit light on the pictures I'd say!

Bill said...

The UP, Michigan is gorgeous, we camped there back in 2009. Love seeing Scuffy, the boss. :)

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Fun post Diana, it is great to know more about you. I wonder what your wildest things you have ever done is....I can relate, I have a few of those myself. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises are spectacular. Your send of humor always shines through. Your grands are darling and scruffy is such a ham and a great companion. Thanks for sharing more about you dear friend. xoxo

Lowcarb team member said...

Fun post.
Brilliant post.
I enjoyed it, thank you, and Scruffy is adorable.

All the best Jan

Carla from The River said...

I enjoyed your post my Wisconsin Pal. I LOVE the UP too. I met Jeremy during his college days in Houghton, MI. I fell in love with him and the UP. Or the other way around. LOL

How is your sweetheart feeling? I have been praying for you and your family.
Love, Carla

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I enjoyed reading all your fun answers, and your pictures, Diana. I hope you’re having a nice summer. I still pray for you and your Hero.

Lorrie said...

What a fun post, Diana. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about you, and read every single word! We have 4 little grandbaby souls lost before birth and I wonder about them sometimes. They are not forgotten. Love for our grandchildren is so intense!
Scruffy seems like a fun companion for you.

Kim said...

Great post!! So much fun!! I hope you keep them coming. xxoo

Katie Isabella said...

You never ever don't bring a smile to me. No matter what...no matter when...and here is that smile...

Susie said...

Hi My friend. I sure miss you. You were the first to leave a comment when I started blogging. Please give John hugs from me. I am amazed at how very strong you are. I am still hanging on and at times wonder why. I miss my sweet Teddy. Keeping busy and trying to find Joy . Blessings to you and your family, xoxo,love you girl, Susie

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I really enjoyed your post today. Your grandchildren are beautiful. I was like you and never realized what a joy grandchildren would be.

Your Scruffy strikes such a nice pose. What a pretty dog.

jack69 said...

I truly enjoyed this entry. I did smile big time about the GRANDS. Yep, the feeling cannot be described, but you done good. WE too love Superior and Augustine. I enjoy knowing favorite spots. The great lakes cannot be understood at all, unless you have stood on the shore of a LAKE and cannot see the other side or see an OCEAN liner type ship on a LAKE??
Anyway, what a sweet entry...
Sherry & jack
Sending love from North CArolina
(Oh yeah, that driving and driving and driving! good stuff!)

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

I enjoyed reading this fun blog post about yourself Diana. I hope you and your family are enjoying the summer.

Wanda said...

I do love your "craziness". You do it better than most. Thanks for a fun post. Driving....and driving...and driving..great way to get away alone.
You have beautiful grandchildren and your vacations spots are spot on!

Melanie said...

What a fun post to get to know a little more about you! Your grandchildren are beautiful. I sure hope I am blessed one day with a grandchild. With only one living child and him saying he doesn't want children, "hope" is a big word.

xoxo

Janie Junebug said...

Hugs to you, dear one, nothing but hugs.

Love,
Janie

Bless said...

Great post! Loved reading about you! :D

Theresa said...

I loved reading your answers:) The grandchildren one is SO me and now GREAT-Grandchildren too! I love sunrises and sunsets and just a pretty sky! Enjoy your day dear friend and thanks for sharing your answers to these questions. HUGS!

Kim said...

I love your sense of humor, Diana! I'm sure this post was a lot of work to create. And as busy as you are, that's a sacrifice. It was good to see you blogging again. Take care, my friend!

Laurel Wood said...

This was fun to read. I have always loved the cute stories and photos you shared of your grandchildren, like you, I love Autumn weather. I love your doggie. My dog and cats are so much company to me. Have a blessed weekend. Mildred

SImple and Serene Living said...

I think how fiercely I love my grandchildren is one of my biggest surprises too. Watching them grow up and sharing in that is the most amazing thing. xp Laura

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Maybe it was long, but I enjoyed every single word! I love your answer to #7!

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

What a treasure you shared today. Loved visiting, reading, seeing the photos you included.
Joy

Polly said...

A lovely fun post Diana. You have gorgeous grandchildren. I like going out in my car. If I have a day when I want to do something but don't know what I get in the car, drive, find a Costa and a sandwich and have a car picnic! :-)

Linda said...

I loved every single word!

pogonip said...

Bless Jettie--she started you on a journey that has brightened our days!

Buttercup said...

No fear, I'll be back. So glad I found you in Blogland.