Finishing the Year On the Farm

Dec. 31, 2019 - the last day of the year and the last of the decade! This has been a fascinating year on the farm with many changes happening around us. It has been a year of many happy and sad occasions. I don't want to focus on all of that, but I want to focus on what has happened within the last month.

Of course, there were plenty of Christmas celebrations as the older kids now have other places to be on the holidays as well. Our son and his girlfriend, came on Monday before Christmas as she was headed to spend Christmas day with her family. It was a nice visit with them although, she was tired from working all night the night before.

This is her and my father in law having a nice chat. 

Here is our son opening his gift while dad watches. (For those that want to know, my husband's shirt says " I can get you on the naughty list". He loves it!)

My husband and his dad got matching hoodie jackets with their names on them. Very special gift!

Christmas Eve arrived with plenty of pretty lights  and a tree that was ready to be the backdrop for Santa's work. 

Here is just a portion of what Christmas morning looked like. Needless to say, Santa was very giving this year. 

Of course, the grand doll was blessed beyond measure. After all, aren't kids what make the season so special?

We brought my mother in law home for the holiday. She was excited to be home and talked about all she intends to do when she gets home, but we are fairly certain she will never be able to return home permanently. 

Papaw and his girl opening his gifts! Our farmhouse was full of paper and toys along with a few grown up presents. 

One of the best things that happened in 2019 was that my oldest daughter finally left the relationship that she had been in for 12 years with a nice guy but was a relationship that was not good for her and found the man of her dreams. She officially announced her engagement on Christmas day, although we had known for about a month. This is her engagement announcement card and I am happy for her. She is treated like a princess and I am thrilled that things are so good for her! 

We also celebrate a birthday following Christmas. My beautiful daughter, Bridget, celebrated with this beautiful cake that the granddoll picked out for her. 

Now onto the celebrations tonight. We will be having pizza, hot wings, bread sticks, and a few other snack items and our neighbors will be here as well. We usually play cards and watch the ball drop while we are talking and enjoying our time together! 

Happy New Year!!!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday - On The Farm - Dec. 30

Happy Monday! Lots of news from here on the farm that I can share, but I want to hop right into this post so I know it gets written before the grand doll bops in and starts her daily talking. LOL! My how a 4 year old can have so much to talk about!

Please join me as I link up with Sandra of Diary of a
Stay At Home Mom and all the other lovely ladies that gather
there on this week's Happy Homemaker Monday! 💗

RIGHT NOW I AM:

Writing this post and listening to the new coffeepot heat up. I wanted a red Keurig to go with the new Pioneer Woman coffee pod holder that I received from my daughter and her boyfriend for Christmas. I am also watching a car that is at the end of our county road that has a trailer with it that is unfamiliar to me. I can't see a lot of it due to the darkness, but enough to know that I do not recognize it.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

Well, I guess I answered this with my previous writings in what I am doing now. A strange car or SUV pulling a trailer. It is dark and cooler this morning than it has been in a few days.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE:

I am currently enjoying a cup of Caramel Crumb Cake coffee. I am not sure what the menu will be this morning. I am sure I will make an omelet for my husband later with ham and cheese.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE:

I see many things that I need to add to my to do list this week. I see Christmas items that will come down this week as well. I see carpets that really need cleaned this week, if I can find the time for them.

TO DO LIST:

1. Take the tree and holiday décor down.
2. Laundry
3. Shop for a birthday cake for my daughter today and take flowers to her work.
4. Clean up the new Christmas toys the grand doll has here as well as go through some more of her others.
5. Box up some clothes she cant wear.
6. Work on my journal
7. Try to catch up on life!

ON THE MENU:

Monday: Marinated Pork Chops, Zucchini and Butternut Squash Noodles with veggies, Rolls
Tuesday : Not sure yet as I will be hosting a New Years Eve event with the neighbors
Wednesday : Not sure
Thursday : Stir Fry Chicken with veggies
Friday: Fire Roasted Vegetable Soup

ON THE READING PILE:

I am reading a book The Making Of a Wonderful Life by Cherie Mullins that I purchased on Amazon for Christmas. It is the story of Cherie and Roger Mullins and their travels in evangelism with their family. Many of you have seen the videos that I have shared her of my friend, Buddy Mullins, and this is a book about his family. I am very excited to be reading this. It is the second of Cherie's three books that she has written.

IN THE CRAFT BASKET:

I have the quilt and the doll clothes to work on and I sure don't want to start anymore projects at the moment.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:

Getting the house back in order. Celebrating my daughter's birthday today and spending the day with the grand doll. I am sure she will have plenty of activities to keep me busy.

FROM THE CAMERA:

My beautiful grand doll and our puppy, Rocky. This was not taken this past week, but I wanted to share it here. I hope it is not one that I have already shared a different week. I have plenty of Christmas pics, but I don't have them loaded onto the computer yet. 

INSPIRATION FOR THE DAY:

Happy Homemaker Monday On The Farm

Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve? I sure can't! The holiday season has flown by and I have not been to see a light display or anything yet and it deeply upsets me! I am so disappointed that no one seems to care that this is a tradition that I done with my grandparents and want my grand doll to share with me. My husband seems to always have someplace we need to go of an evening. It really just makes me wish for more time for things that I enjoy.

Presents are wrapped and other than a few things to finish up, we are done with all of the shopping. I need to go to the grocery store tonight to buy a few things. We are having lunch with my son and his future wife today and exchanging gifts. Since I wanted a simple day, I made broccoli cheese soup! I will make my husband venison steaks as he does not like the soup.

The Weather Outside Is: 

Sunny and nice. We still have some snow on the ground, but I am sure it will all be melted by Wednesday as we are to be at record temperatures this week. I don't like it as far as I prefer snow flakes on Christmas day, but I don't mind it not being cold. 

On The Breakfast Plate:

A cup of Sugar Cookie coffee and now I am having Sugar Plum tea. 

Right Now I Am:

Writing this post while the grand doll is playing with our dogs and watching Bubble Guppies. 

As I Look Around The House:

I have swept, mopped, and dusted this morning as well as cleaned some of the clutter from the weekend. I still have things I need to take care of and I need to paint our hallway. I might start that this weekend.  I am enjoying my Christmas décor!

My To Do List:

Finish wrapping presents, buy a couple of stocking stuffers, place gifts under tree and enjoy today, tomorrow and Wednesday.

Menu:

Our Menu is not planned for the week, but I will give you some ideas.

Monday:  Ribeye Steaks, Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Pork Roast with Balsamic glaze , cheesy potatoes

Wed: Ham, Pizza, and chips

Thurs: Low Carb Hamburger Soup

Fri.: No Idea

Currently Reading:

Nothing, because I just do not have time currently. I am trying to catch up on reading your blogs. 

On TV This Week:

I have some Christmas movies that I want to watch that I have recorded. I also want to watch Mary Poppins. 

In The Craft Basket:

I am going to try to make some doll clothes for the grand doll to be able to dress her dolls. 

Prayers or Inspiration:

This video of my friend, Buddy Mullins, singing I Shall Wear A Crown.

Buddy was raised traveling with his family while his dad was an evangelist. Buddy has grown into an extremely talented musician, song writer, and enjoys singing with his family. He has followed his dad's footsteps by working with Hope For The World and doing missions work overseas. 

Here is another one for you to enjoy as well. Buddy singing Mary, Did You Know?

Enjoy! Merry Christmas to each and every one of you and your families!

Holiday Gift Exchange - Part 2

This was my first year in hosting an online gift exchange, but I have taken part in one or two in the past. I am thankful to say that it was a success and that we were able to all get our gifts in the mail by the deadline and all gifts arrived before Christmas.

My gifts came from Linda Chapman at Lindas Life Journal. Linda and I have been friends on blogger for a couple of years now and although, we have never met, I am sure we would have plenty to talk about if we did. I was impressed with the theme that she went with as it was all about Texas. ( A great idea to share some of what is special about your home state.)

As cold weather approaches us here in Indiana, I was thankful for the selection of orange spice hot tea and the three Texas coffees. She also included a jar of Texas Steak seasoning, which my husband has asked for tonight. I was happy that she also included a nice insulated cup to use with my warm drinks. I have taken hot tea with me to town now twice and drank while shopping. I love it!!

For those of you that don't know Linda, she is a very talented artist and sends beautiful Christmas cards each year that are a replica of a Santa painting that she has completed that year. I received a beautiful card and a beautiful hand painted ornament that is now proudly hanging on my tree. It is of a blue bird, which are one of my favorites. 

For all of you that participated in this gift exchange thank you so very much and I hope many more will join us in the future! 

Merry Christmas from the Funny Farm

Making GingerBread Houses

Have you ever made a gingerbread house? I can't say that I have, but I have always wanted too. I believe my daughter's and I tried once and never succeeded in making one, so we probably never tried again. This year, I wanted to be sure the grand doll got to enjoy the fun of making one so I bought a small kit that wasn't actually gingerbread, but chocolate cookie.

What I realized is that I am not good at piping icing and the grand doll did not want to let it set for the icing to "glue" the house together. However, after a little coaching, we agreed to let it sit for about 2 hours while we done something else. 

 She was so proud of her accomplishment that she had to show mommy as soon as she could.

Mommy was proud of her as well. I think she is happy that I attempt these things so that she does not have too. 

The finished project has to include a snail on the sidewalk . I love the little lights on the top of it, but our windows are awful!

Mom and daughter were happy to show off their project and can you tell that little Miss H might have been into the icing while decorating? It was a busy day and a long day as we had also decorated about 3 dozen sugar cookies as well before we attempted this house. 

If you are caught up in the hustle and bustle that the holiday season brings, remember that the reason for the season is a baby's birth and that family and friends are what truly matter. Make time to make gingerbread houses, cookies, fudge, or something that has been a traditional item in your house.

From our farm to yours, Merry Christmas!!

Saturday 9

Happy Holidays!

Welcome to Saturday: 9. If you are interested in joining many other bloggers writing Saturday 9, feel free to stop by Sam's blog here and see what this is all about. We would love to have you join us! 














Saturday 9: Happy Holidays! (from the archives)


1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

  A. I was shy as a child, but I never remember being afraid of Santa. I am sure I gave him a list. 

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

  A. I hope I am on the Nice list!

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

  A. I shipped a gift exchange gift to a friend in Idaho. I also shipped some stuff to a friend in Pennsylvania and Texas. 

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year? 

  A. I made a list on Amazon of things that I wanted and told my husband to order them for me. I actually do all of the ordering so in a way I did.

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?

  A. I love many Christmas movies! Christmas Vacation is one that I must watch every year. 

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

  A. No, I would not spend the day at the theatre because I spend it with family at home. 

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party? 

  A. No, I can't say that I have!

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

  A. Hot tea, coffee, cocoa

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

  A. Watching my grand doll open her gifts and flying through the pile in record speed. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - Dec. 16 - On The Farm

Well I am missed writing this one since it is getting late and I have been busy! I really don't know where the day has gone, but I will attempt to get this written today and I will hopefully, be able to do another post tomorrow. I have a lot to share, but I will just get to the post now. 

Please join me as I link up with Sandra of Diary of a
Stay At Home Mom and all the other lovely ladies that gather
there on this week's Happy Homemaker Monday! 💗

Right Now I Am....

Writing this post and listening to my husband's stupid YouTube videos that he is watching. I have the television on a Hallmark movie, but can't hear it because of his phone. I hate my computer being in the dining room, when he is home at least. 

On The Breakfast Plate...

Today was smoked sausage and French toast. It was quite delicious! 

The Weather _ Outside My Window...

Nasty! It snowed last night and then we had freezing rain and more snow today. It is dark so I can't tell if it is snowing now or not. We are supposed to get another 2-4 inches tonight. 

On The Reading Pile...

  I am still not finished with my Christmas book as I have just been too busy. I have been doing other things, but I will finish it. 

On The Menu This Week...

  Monday - Beef Stew and Cornbread

  Tuesday - Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup

  Wednesday - Grilled Chicken with Basil Garlic Seasoning, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans

  Thursday - Cheeseburgers and Fries

  Friday - No idea!

In The Craft Basket...

 I am going to be working on some doll clothes for my grand doll. She likes to lose her Barbie clothes and so I am going to make some. 

Looking Forward To...

 Finishing up the Christmas shopping and enjoying some evenings of going to see Christmas lights and other fun things. I need to get my grand doll to see Santa this week if possible. 

From The Camera ...

Our view outside the back window this morning. I love this pine tree in the winter time just because it makes for beautiful pictures!

Prayer Requests...

 

World Peace

An end to useless violence

My family

My friends

Health and Happiness in the new year

Lots happening here and I will share more photos tomorrow as well as more farm news with all of you!

Saturday 9 - The Christmas Song

The Christmas Song

Saturday 9: The Christmas Song (1961)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The lyrics mention "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." Do you often eat chestnuts?

 A. I have not eaten many chestnuts, but I love Chestnut Praline latte from Starbucks.

2) There's a reference to Jack Frost, too. Does cold weather help you get into the holiday spirit? 

 A. Not really as I am not a fan of cold weather, but I do like a little snow!

3) Nat sings that turkey helps to make the season bright. We just had it last month for Thanksgiving. Do you enjoy turkey all year around? Or do you consider it primarily a holiday dish?

A. Primarily a holiday dish as my husband is not a fan.

4) This song was published as "The Christmas Song," but people often refer to it as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or "Merry Christmas to You." When you think of this song, which title comes to mind?

A. The Christmas Song

5) Nat King Cole had a big hit in the 1950s with "Mona Lisa." The ballad compares an enigmatic woman to the da Vinci painting, which hangs in the Louvre. The Mona Lisa has been called the most instantly identifiable painting in the world. Can you think of another famous painting that you recognize on sight? (Extra points if you include a picture!)

A. "Freedom From Want" by Norman Rockwell. It is such a symble of types gone by. If families were still as connected as this artwork, the world would be better. 

6) Best remembered today as a singer, Cole was also an accomplished composer and jazz pianist. Do you like jazz?

A. I enjoy all types of music. I do like jazz.

7) The only Christmas card Sam has received so far this year is from her dentist. She never sees Dr. Douglas socially. In fact, she hasn't seen him since her annual check-up last March. Have you received many cards this year? 

A. I have 7 hanging on my door currently. I am sure I will get a few more, but not many. I believe postage is some of the reason no one sends cards anymore.

8) When did/will you start holiday shopping this year: Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Halloween? Earlier than that?

A. I start each year in the early part of the year if I see something I think my girls will want.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

A. I like organizations that help children.
 

Happy Homemaker Monday - On The Farm

Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday! If you are not aware of what this is, feel free to stop by and visit Sandra at Diary of A Stay at Home Mom to learn more. I am honored to take part in this and visit with other bloggers who write this as well on Monday. 

Right Now I Am.....

I am sitting here writing this post, drinking a cup of Cranberry Vanilla hot tea, and fighting a cold. I have decorated the tree today and I am pretty tired from the cold. A farmhouse wife never seems to have the time to take care of herself, but I have had quite a few colds in the past year and I have learned that I must rest. 

The Weather- Outside My Window...

Dark and rainy. It has rained all day here, but the temperatures are in the 50's. We have an artic front that is moving in and we are expecting temperatures in the lower thirty's by Wednesday. I will gladly keep these 50's, but I want the rain to stop. I am just thankful that it is not snow!

On The Reading Pile...

I just started the Christmas book that I believe I spoke of here last week. I am reading Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley. It is a small book and it won't take long to read, so I am sure that I may finish this week. I just have been busy with other things.

On The Menu This Week...

Monday - soup and left overs

Tuesday - Deer Loin Roast, Garlic Herb Potatoes, Peas, French Bread

Wednesday - Pork Chops with Apples, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans

Thursday - Bean Soup and Cornbread with Ham

Friday - I am not sure as I won't be home

Saturday - Dinner with friends

On My To-Do List...

Finish decorating the house for Christmas

Wrap gifts

Get gift exchange in mail

finish cards so I can mail

put away my business stuff and organize for new year

In The Craft Basket...

I am still working on my grand doll's quilt. I have not worked on it this past week, but I will. I know I won't finish it before Christmas, which is fine, but I will get it done.

On TV Now...

I am currently watching Miracles From Heaven. I love this movie and I think everyone should watch it. It is such an inspiring movie! It being based on a true story makes it even more inspiring.

From The Camera...

I have not uploaded any pictures yet this week, so I guess I am not sharing anything today. Sorry. 

Prayer Requests...

My cold to leave

My friend, Libby

Good health and holidays for my blog friends

peace in the world

healing of my grand doll's legs so that the last plate can be removed

Why I Have Been Missing In Action

Hello friends! My plan to publish here everyday has gone by the wayside this week as I have been sick. My last Monday was Monday and I was gone on Tuesday most of the day visiting with a dear friend that has really had a rough year with illnesses and I enjoyed a nice day, but then Wednesday came and I intended to write on Wednesday evening, but I was unable to and that lasted until today. Although, I am not completely feeling well, I am a little better.

Wednesday during the day, I played with the grand doll and had a good day with her. Once she left, I went for orientation at the new job. While there, I began to notice my stomach hurting really bad. By the time, that two hours was over and I made the thirty minute drive home, I was miserable with a stomach ache that felt like my stomach was in knots and it stayed that way for many hours. I was also hit with chills and nausea, but no fever. It was awful! I remained that way through the time I went to bed last nigh, but I woke up a bit ago with very little stomach pain and I don't feel the nausea today- Thank you Jesus!

I have a huge craft show to do today with my Pink Zebra wax products and it is for a nursing home with their residents and staff. I am excited about it! I am glad that I feel up to working it so that my daughter doesn't have to attempt to do all of it. I hope that I can sell quite a bit of it so that I can restock when the new catalog comes out with many new products! I always like the new items, but I can only hold so much in my PZ area of the house.

Since I really have no new pictures taken because of being sick, I will share a couple of older ones that I don't think I have shared.

This was taken last year when my friends and I went on a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. If you have never visited there, it is a very nice place. This was taken on the campus of William and Mary College. I don't think it's a good photo of me, but I will share anyway. 

This was one of the plantations that we visited and for some reason, I can't find the name of it at the moment. Very pretty place. 

This was a real brick oven that was in the plantation. I thought of the heat that this would have produced for the home as well of the meals that could be prepared here. History is so much more interesting to see things than just to read about it. 

Happy Homemaker Monday at the Farm

If you are not aware of what Happy Homemaker Monday is you can read about it here with Sandra.

Right Now I Am...

Attempting to write this post, but for some reason, the stupid computer seems to not want it to be written. I am on my fourth attempt. I am also watching The Pioneer Woman!

Outside My Window...

It is cloudy and cold! I can see my daughter's house and the wood pile that we have for heat. 

On My Reading Pile...

I am going to start reading Christmas in Harmony by Philip Gulley. He is a new author to me, but I enjoy reading Christmas stories at this time of the year. 

On The Menu This Week...

I truly do not have a plan. I am making sausage gravy and biscuits tonight with eggs. My father in law is eating dinner with us. The rest of the week, I am not sure since I am starting a new job. 

On My To Do List...

I have Christmas decorating to do, bills to pay, grocery shopping for my father in law, Christmas cards to do, a craft show to do on Friday with my Pink Zebra and some last minute things to put together for the Christmas get together I am doing with friends on Sunday. 

In My Craft Basket...

I am still working on my grand doll's quilt. I am also doing some painting for Christmas as well. 

From The Camera..

This picture is from a couple of months ago, but aren't these two pretty girls?

Prayer Requests...

Peace in our country, my family and friends, and our blog friends

Thanksgiving Thanks

The day of giving thanks is upon us and for those that are traveling I bid you safe travels to and from your destination. For those that are home, I bid you a blessed day full of love and family. We will be home today celebrating with family and then we will travel to my daughter's new house on Saturday for a celebration there as well. Our son will be here today with his girlfriend, (that is going to be fiancé soon- SHH!) as well as our youngest daughter, her boyfriend, the grand doll, and my father in law and my mom.

I will be cooking dinner today and then Saturday, I simply get to enjoy the day! I am thrilled about that! My Thanksgiving wish is that one day I am able to sit and watch the Macy's parade thru it's entirety without cooking. I think I may be dreaming that will ever happen. For those that are cooking, I pray that everything turns out perfect. I have my turkey on and I am getting ready to start the ham. I have potatoes almost ready to go in the pan and I have my cranberry sauce chilled. Pumpkin pies are ready and banana pies will be soon. I will get the veggies into the pans soon and they will be cooking away without much worry.

I pray that the day is filled with love for each of you and I want to say how very thankful that I am for my blog friends. A few of you, I have connected with more than others, but I must say that I am thankful for each of you. 

What are you thankful for today? 

The Weekend At The Farm

Good Tuesday Morning from my house to yours! Since I totally missed blogging yesterday and had the grand doll due to her mommy working on a normal day off due to the holiday, I thought I would take a chance to catch you all up on what is going on at the farm. ( Sorry the photo is blurry. I thought a nice warm fire would be cozy for our chat.)

When the grand doll is here, we like to bake. Since I was not in a mood to bake, we found a simple recipe and we made our Christmas Almond Cookies. 

Adding the candy sprinkles was one of her favorite activities. You can't see it in this picture, but she always wears an apron when we cook. 

Before the oven. 

 

The finished project. Just enough for a taste for everyone. 

The chore of cleaning up. She loves water so dishes were her responsibility. 

Next, we moved to lunch. She asked for pigs in a blanket, so that was what we made. 

Dinner was a big pot of chili.

Then the grinding of 4 pounds of venison to make hamburger. I love to season it a bit as soon as it is ground. 

A little decorating happened. Here is the stocking hanger, but it needs to be bigger. 

A soldier and some snowmen to sing along with. 

Look at this farm decoration that I got from a friend. It lights up and I love it. Lights seem to be my theme this year. I am enjoying all the battery operated lights that we have available. 

Another blurry photo, but this is my front door wreath with lights added. 

More lights around the lamp and a candle burning. 

The close of the weekend brought a new animal to the farm. Meet Kujo ( my husband picked his name)

Isn't he cute? He's a blue heeler and my grand doll got one as well. I had forgotten what people charge for animals, but they are cuties and keepers. Last night was his first night in the house. I am not sure my Jazzy,( Jack Russell -Chihuahua mix) is too fond of him. We shall see.  

Saturday 9 No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)

No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)

Saturday 9: No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) 1979

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This lyrics use weather as metaphor for romance. Here at Saturday 9, we're more literal. How do the skies look where you are this morning?

A. Since it is 6:30 in the evening, it is dark. The sky is dark because it is rainy and there are no stars to be seen. 

2) According to Merriam-Webster, "enough is enough" is what you say when you want something to stop because you "can no longer accept or deal with it." When did you recently say -- out loud or to yourself -- "enough is enough."

A. Just this past Thursday when we had another horrible day with my mother in law.

3) Grammy winner Luther Vandross began his career as a background singer and performed on "No More Tears." Tell us about one of your early jobs.

A. I worked at the local public library as a library page, which was basically a book shelver. On the weekend, we were able to work at the circulation desk in the children's department. I loved that job!

4) Both Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand made slight changes to their first names. Summer was christened "LaDonna," while Streisand's parents spelled her name the more conventional "Barbara." When she was in high school, meme mistress Samantha Winters went from "Sammy" to "Sam." Did you ever make a similar change to your first name?

A. No, I have never made a change to my first name. I would like to at times as I am not fond of it. 

5) Hair was higher maintenance in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Streisand and Summer are both sporting styles that would require chemical treatment, like a perm or relaxer. Today's looks are less rigidly styled and tend to be smoother or slightly messy. How often do you change your look?

A. I don't change my look often, but I am looking to add a little bold color to it soon. How we loved our Aqua Net hair spray in the 80"s.

6) In 1979, it seems every kid was asking Santa for Star Wars toys. Some things don't change, since the Star Wars franchise remains popular with children and toymakers after more than 40 years. What book or toy did you love as a child that remains popular today?

A. Barbie. She is still a popular doll today, although her look has changed a bit. She is still a sought after lady!

7) Thinking of things that endure ... In 1979, the #1 show in the ratings was 60 Minutes. It's still on, every Sunday night, and in the summer of 2019 it came in at #4 in the Nielsen ratings. What's the most recent show you watched? Was it news, sports or entertainment? 

A. I am currently watching "Holiday Baking Championship". Such a neat show and I sure wish I could bake like these people. 

8) In 1979, the price for a dozen eggs averaged 85¢. Today, it's about twice that. Are you more likely to use eggs to prepare a main course (like an omelette or Eggs Benedict) or as part of a recipe (anything from a cake to a meatloaf)?

A. I would be more likely to use eggs in a recipe, but I do like to make omelettes and quiche. 

9) Random question: You’re alone in your car, driving through your neighborhood on a bright, sunny day. You get a flat tire. You have a spare and a jack in your trunk. Would you fix it yourself or call for help?

A. I would call my husband, but if he was not available, I would change it.