More Random Questions – June 2026

 

What’s one thing you never thought you’d need that you can’t live without?

Grab bars and handrails!! I could probably live without them, but life is sure easier (and safer for me) with them. Handrails go without saying. They are always a good idea. But when we installed grab bars in the bathroom and shower for my dad when he lived with us, I had no idea how important they’d become for me late on.

 

What still makes you as happy now as it did when you were a kid?

So many things. Cats. The color blue. Fireworks. Cotton candy. Coloring with crayons. READING.

 

What’s the main thing you take to a potluck?

We almost never have potlucks at church anymore. Growing up, we had them all the time at church. We would brown a pound of hamburger, add it to a large can of ravioli and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. We’d also get a package of oatmeal cookies, make frosting and make sandwich cookies. As an adult I would usually make taco salad.

 

Do your pets sleep with you?

Of course! What’s the point of having them otherwise? Molly was a yellow lab and Marv didn’t allow her on the bed because we only had a double bed and there was no room. But the cats have always had access. Growing up, Maize was a collie/sheltie mix and she would sleep with me. Sarah’s two pit bulls sleep with her.

 

Biggest first world problem in your life?  

Closet space!!! OMG!!! Growing up, I had a WONDERFUL two door closet! I had NO idea just how wonderful this was until I got married… *sigh*

 

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Random Thought

In honor of Father’s Day, here are a couple of “Dad jokes”

 

A: There’s a wooden shoe in the toilet!!

B:  So, you’re saying it’s clogged?

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A: Why did they send the kindergarten girl to prison?

B: Why?

A: She refused to take a nap.

B: ???

A: She was resisting a rest.

 

Placeholders - Stacey

 

I’ve been going through a bit of a struggle lately with “stuff” and the world is currently insane and a toxic place. I have been having real trouble coming up with blogfodder. I try to come up with poems to share and comment on, or anything really that I don’t have to spend a lot of time just sitting and looking at the computer screen trying to come up with something to say.

 

So I decided to come up with some “placeholders” to keep the blog running until I can get my mind back into the groove. These will be short little bits that you can read or not, and hope you stick with me…

 

This first one is called “Stacey”

 

 

Stacey woke up the morning of the prom with an enormous zit in the middle of her forehead. Then she saw the beginning of one on her chin. She despaired and her first thought was to end it all. But she knew her date had paid for reservations at a very expensive restaurant for dinner before the prom. She called him and explained her dilemma. He told her it didn’t matter what she looked like and insisted she come and have fun anyway. They enjoyed a very good meal even though it was a bit awkward to slightly lift the veil for every bite. They danced every dance and had a good time. Stacey was glad she had made the effort. When her date took her home, she turned off the porch light so they would be in total darkness. She lifted her veil and they shared a very lovely kiss.

 

Where Did That Come From?

 

 

Most people know what certain catch phrases mean, but what is the origin of them? Here are some interesting ones that have sound reasoning. I didn’t include the ones that are guess work as to where they originated. There was a disclaimer at the end of the article stating that the author’s (Ijeoma Oluo) opinion was based on research and publicly available information.

 

Close, but no cigar

Have you ever participated in a carnival game? In the 1920s, cigars were often handed out as prizes in adult carnival games. The phrase “close but no cigar” emerged, referring to someone who fell just short of winning. It highlights the disappointment of being nearly successful but not achieving the goal.

 

Butter someone up

This charming phrase comes from an ancient Indian custom of throwing butter balls at statues of gods to seek favor. Over time, it evolved to mean flattery or praise to gain someone’s favor or goodwill.

 

Caught red-handed

In old English law, the only way to prove someone had illegally butchered an animal was to catch them with the animal’s blood still on their hands. Hence, being “caught red-handed” means being caught in wrongdoing.

 

Break the ice

In the past, ships would get stuck in ice during the winter. Smaller boats called icebreakers were sent to clear a path. This saying evolved to mean anything that helps initiate conversation in social settings, making interactions smoother.

 

Giving someone the cold shoulder

During medieval times, hosts would give guests a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef if guests overstayed their welcome. It was a polite way to indicate that it was time to leave. Now, giving someone the cold shoulder means ignoring them.

 

Saved by the bell

In Victorian England, people were sometimes buried with a string attached to a bell above ground in case they were mistakenly pronounced dead. If they were buried alive, they could ring the bell to alert someone. This is also where we get the term “dead ringer.” Now, being saved by the bell means narrowly avoiding an unpleasant situation.

 

Spill the beans

In ancient Greece, participants used beans to vote, with white beans indicating approval and black beans disapproval. Spilling the beans accidentally revealed the confidential vote count. Now, spilling the beans means revealing a secret.

 

Steal my thunder

This phrase originated from the playwright John Dennis, who invented a thunder machine for his play in 1709. When his play flopped, another theatre production used his invention without permission. He exclaimed, “They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder!” Today, when someone steals your thunder, they take credit for something you’ve done.

 

Wear your heart on your sleeve

In medieval jousts, knights would dedicate their performance to a lady by tying her token around their arm. This visible declaration of affection has evolved to describe someone who openly shows their emotions.