2023

1. What did you do in 2023 that you’d never done before?

 

I can't think of anything.

 

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

 

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My aunt Wanda - my mom's oldest sister. And my friend of over 24 years, Sis (Phyllis).

 

5. What countries did you visit?

 

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2024 that you lacked in 2023?

Fewer hits/problems.

7. What date from 2023 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

August 15th - when a storm hit us, brought down our trees, and damaged my car.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

It seemed like we were hit with one thing after another. Nothing horrible, but it felt like a lot of little and medium-sized things. Thanks to God, I didn't have any moments of crying or screaming. lol

9. What was your biggest failure?

No failures that I can think of.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

 

I somehow hurt my right arm on October 18th when we were in the mountains. I was winding my camera strap around my arm so that if I dropped my camera, the strap would keep it from hitting the ground. That was over two and a half months ago and it hurts worse now. It stopped hurting a few times, but the pain always comes back. First, the pain was only on top of my forearm. About a month and a half later, my upper arm also started hurting. Not long after that, my wrist started hurting. I recently got a carpal tunnel brace and a tennis elbow brace from Amazon. A sleeve-type brace should be here by the end of the week. That covers from a little below the elbow to a little above the elbow. If my arm isn't better in a couple weeks, I may have to go to the doctor.

Oh, and apparently I'm now (as of late winter/early spring) lactose intolerant. That has not been fun.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Groceries, clothes, shoes, books.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

No one I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills (including doctor and hospital bills), my car, and groceries.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2023?

There was a big conference in late July and another big conference in September and great songs were sung. I've been listening to those songs a lot. Covenant Keeping God, This is Freedom (Ain't No Rock), Anything Can Happen, Praise (I think it's originally an Elevation Worship song), Worthy/Worthy of it All, He's in the Room (originally done by David Jennings), Anything is Possible, Fear is Not My Future, Heaven.

I also loved the song Lion by Elevation Worship and Worthy by Urshan College.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

About the same.

ii. richer or poorer?

Poorer because of the cost of everything going up.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, go walking at Hagan Stone.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Sitting.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We were home, as we are every year. Sean and Ashley came over. Mom came over for a little bit. I cooked fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, black eyed peas, corn, and crescent rolls. We also had pecan pie, chocolate silk pie, and chocolate chip cookies. We had Christmas movies playing while Charlie, Sean, and Kelly played a board game. Ashley and I sat and talked.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

Loki season 2 (fantastic!), Daryl Dixon, Secret Invasion.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate anyone.

23. What was the best book you read?

I finished two books. I wouldn't choose either as the best I read.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

None that I can think of.

25. What did you want and get?

Clothes, shoes, books, car stereo, car speakers, laptop, back-up camera, Loki on the throne Funko Pop.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part 1

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. Got some presents, ate some cake.

 

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2023? 

 

Classic, preppy, feminine mostly. Pretty, flowy skirts, denim skirts, shirt dresses. But also some utility/military-style jackets and vests (a few military style and others not), and biker/military-style boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer, church, and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

None.

32. Who did you miss?

No one.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

I don't recall meeting anyone new.

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2023.

Can't think of anything.

2022

1. What did you do in 2022 that you’d never done before?

 

Finally got biscuits right. lol I had made them before, but towards the end of 2022, I spent more time on it and now they're almost perfect. :-)

 

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

 

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2023 that you lacked in 2022?

I can't think of anything.

7. What date from 2022 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

None.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Kept my sanity in this increasingly insane world. And biscuits. lol

9. What was your biggest failure?

No failures that I can think of.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was sick once or twice, but not anything bad really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Groceries, clothes, shoes, books.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

No one I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Hmm. Unkind and/or violent people.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2022?

Throne Room by Kim Walker-Smith, Nadie Como Tu by Indiana Bible College, Never Lost/Champion by Indiana Bible College, I Speak Jesus by Charity Gayle, It is Well by Bible Colleges Mass Choir, Hallelujah Anyhow Medley by Christian Life Center.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

About the same.

ii. richer or poorer?

About the same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, go walking at Hagan Stone.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Sitting.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We were home, as we are every year. Sean and Ashley came over. Mom came over for a few minutes. I cooked fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, black eyed peas, a vegetable, and homemade biscuits. We also had pecan pie and strawberry cream pie. We watched Guardians of the Galaxy holiday special.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

Andor, The Walking Dead, Finding Your Roots.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate anyone.

23. What was the best book you read?

House of  Hollow.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

None that I can think of.

25. What did you want and get?

Clothes, shoes, books.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

Top Gun: Maverick.

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. Got some presents, ate some cake.

 

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2022? 

 

Classic, feminine, lady-like for the most part. Pretty, flowy skirts, denim skirts, shirt dresses. But also some military-style jackets and vests (a few military style and others not), and biker/military-style boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer, church, and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

None.

32. Who did you miss?

No one.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

I don't recall meeting anyone new.

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2022.

Can't think of anything.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*Nocturnal Queen*~*

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Beach Meme

1. When is the last time you saw the ocean?

 

September 2016.

2. Where is your favorite stretch of beach shoreline?

 

Cape Lookout and Caswell Beach, NC.

3. Are you planning a beach vacation this year?

 

Not really, but I hope we can go for at least a few days at some point this year.

4. Bikinis or one-piece?

 

Neither. I wear a skirt and top.
 

5. Do you sunbathe or sit under an umbrella?

 

We've only used a beach umbrella a couple times, but I would choose to sit under an umbrella over sunbathing if I'm not walking the beach taking pictures and collecting seashells.
 

6. Have you ever been to a nude beach?

 

No.
 

7. Favorite activity at the beach while on vacation?

 

As far as the beach itself, I like going in the late afternoon when most of the people who are mostly naked have left. I love walking the beach, collecting seashells, and taking pictures of the sunset. Plus, the worst of the heat is gone by then and we don't have to worry about getting too hot or sunburned. 

 

As far as the coast in general, I enjoy going to historical locations, lighthouses, museums, carriage rides (Wilmington), aquariums, etc.

8. Condo, hotel or cottage rental?

 

Hotel.
 

9. What beach in the whole wide world would you like to visit for the first time?

 

Somewhere in New Zealand.
 

10. Did you ever have a special romantic time at the beach?

 

No.

11. Favorite beach memory?

 

I can't pick one favorite beach memory. All the best beach memories were made with my husband and kids.

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

*~*Nocturnal Queen*~*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

2121 Meme

1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?

I can't think of anything.

 

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

 

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?

To be able to go out in public without a mask.

7. What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 28th - the day Pippin died.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Kept my sanity in this increasingly insane world.

9. What was your biggest failure?

No failures that I can think of.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No. I was sick once or twice, but not anything bad really.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

New flooring for our house, clothes, boots, and books.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

No one I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Politicians. Not depressed, but definitely appalled.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2021?

Nothing comes to mind.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

A little happier, but also annoyed.

ii. richer or poorer?

About the same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, go to church.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We were home, as we are every year. Sean and Ashley came over. Mom came over for a few minutes. And then Del came over after they left.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

Hawkeye.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone, but there are people whose faces I hate. lol

23. What was the best book you read?

 The first three books on my list in the previous entry.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

None that I can think of.

25. What did you want and get?

New flooring, clothes, boots, books.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. Got some presents, ate some cake - blueberry cheesecake from Cheesecakes by Alex.

 

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021? 

 

Classic, feminine, lady-like for the most part. Pretty, flowy skirts, denim skirts, shirt dresses. But also some military-style jackets and vests (a few military style and others not), and biker/military-style boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer, church, and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

Pretty much everything. lol Especially things that never should have been made political.

32. Who did you miss?

Pippin.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

My pastor's brother and my pastor's daughter's baby boy. I haven't actually met them, but I've seen them. lol

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021.

Live your life while you can.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2020 Meme

1. What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?

Wear a mask, bring hand sanitizer with me everywhere I went, wipe down everything brought into the house (and doorknobs and light switches) with disinfecting wipes (I stopped doing that months ago), avoid people more than normal, watch more church services online than I did in person. All of which I hated. And still hate. Because we're still doing it.

 

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

 

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?

To be able to go out in public without a mask or hand sanitizer and to go to church in person more than I watch it online.

7. What date from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March 21st. The day my son got married.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Kept my sanity in this increasingly insane world.

9. What was your biggest failure?

No failures that I can think of.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I was very sick in late January/early February. (I even lost my sense of taste, which has never happened to me before.) I never go to the doctor, but I went for this. I thought it might be the flu and so did the doctor, but both tests were negative. She prescribed Tamiflu anyway because she said I had all the symptoms.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Finding toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and certain food items during the shortages was pretty great. lol But other than that, and clothes and a couple pairs of boots, getting a new desk and chair (my old one was broken) and paintings and decor for my office/library was nice. I think the room turned out pretty.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

People who refused to return violence for violence or hatred for hatred.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

People who rioted and committed acts of violence (including murder), theft, vandalism, arson, yelled in people's faces, called them names, and accused people of things without evidence. It didn't depress me, but it was appalling and sickening.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills (including doctor bills for Charlie and a kind of big vet bill for the dogs) and groceries. Most of the money for the office/library came from the first stimulus check.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church, when I've been able to go.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2020?

Waymaker. It came out a couple years ago, but got popular again last year. I saw videos of people singing it outside of hospitals and while marching.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

A little sadder, and definitely more annoyed and frustrated and sick of people being stupid.

ii. richer or poorer?

About the same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, go to church.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stay home from church.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We were home, as we are every year. Sean and Ashley came over. Mom came over for a few minutes.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

The Mandalorian.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

23. What was the best book you read?

The Wicked King, The Queen of Nothing (both by Holly Black), and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

None that I can think of. I fell in love again with a lot of older Fred Hammond songs that I've known for years.

25. What did you want and get?

An electric fireplace for my office (looks like a wood burning stove) and clothes.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

No favorites in 2020.

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. Got some presents, ate some cake.

 

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2020? 

 

Classic, feminine, lady-like for the most part. Pretty, flowy skirts, denim skirts, shirt dresses. But also some military-style jackets and vests (a few military style and others not), and biker/military-style boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

I don't normally pay much attention to politics, but it was hard to ignore last year. I wrote a couple big paragraphs in answer to this, but decided to just say that what stirred/bothered/moved/annoyed me the most was riots and hypocritical politicians. And I'll just leave it at that.

32. Who did you miss?

My church family.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

I didn't meet anyone new.

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020.

I had to exercise my faith in a way I never thought I would. The Bible teaches us to trust God and not to fear; that we should just obey His Word and live how He tells us to live and He will take care of us. Between corona and riots and political unrest and threats from our government about fines and arrests (and sometimes actually fining and/or arresting people), we really had to just live the best way we could and trust God to take care of us. I'm not saying our government has oppressed us (some would disagree) or that we're being persecuted, we haven't had it nearly as bad as Christians in China and other anti-Christian countries, or as bad as the early church, but it has been difficult.

Here's hoping and praying that things will get better this year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

50 Questions

50 Questions You May Have Never Been Asked:


1. First thing you wash in the shower?

Hair.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?

I don't have any hoodies. My favorite house sweater is a black and light gray checked blanket sweater.

3. Do you plan outfits?

I do for church on Sundays. I pick them out the night before so I don't have to take the time to do it in the morning.

4. How are you feeling right now?

Fine.

5. What's the closest thing to you that's red?

My phone.

6. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?

I dreamed that Tom Hiddleston had shown up for fans dressed as Loki. Everyone wanted to greet him after his performance and get autographs. I could tell he was tired, so I didn't approach him and hoped that he could leave soon and rest.

7. Did someone disappoint you today?

No.

8. What are you craving right now?

Nothing.

9. What comes to mind when you think of cabbage?

Yuck.

10. Have you ever counted to 1,000?

I don't think so.

11. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick?

I bite it if it's on a cone, but I usually eat ice cream in a cup or bowl.

12. Do you like your hair?

No.

13. Do you like yourself?

I reckon.

14. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?

No. I have no reason to and I don't like eating around people who aren't family.

15. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing.

16. Were your parents strict?

Not really.

17. Would you go sky diving?

No.

18. Do you like cottage cheese?

No.

19. Have you ever met a celebrity?

Yes. Richard Simmons back in about 1989 at a mall in Ohio.

20. Do you rent movies often?

No. Maybe a few times a year.

21. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?

I have a "gold" Loki Pop, but it's more shiny than sparkly.

22. Have you made a prank phone call?

Maybe when I was a teenager.

23. Ever been on a train?

Yes. Tweetsie Railroad a couple times and a small train in Ohio.

24. Brown or white eggs?

White.

25. Do you use chap stick?

No. I use Vaseline lip therapy.

26. Can you use chop sticks?

No.

27. Are you too forgiving?

I don't believe in being too forgiving. God commands us to forgive.

28. Ever been in love?

Yes.

29. Last time you cried?

At church this past Sunday.

30. What was the last question you asked?

I don't remember.

31. Favorite time of the year?

Spring and fall.

32. Do you have any tattoos?

No.

33. Are you sarcastic?

Once in a while.

34. Ever walked into a wall?

Yes.

35. Favorite color?

Green.

36. Have you ever slapped someone?

Yes.

37. Is your hair curly?

No.

38. What physical characteristics do you first notice about someone?

Eyes and teeth.

39. What was your first vehicle?

White 1989 Honda Accord DX.

40. What kind of vehicle do you drive?

Red 2007 Honda CRV.

41. Do you sleep with the TV on?

I've often napped on the couch with the TV on.

42. Can you handle the truth?

Depends on what it's about and how it's said.

43. Do you have good vision?

Thanks to Lasik eye surgery in 2007, but I'll probably need reading glasses someday soon.

44. What is your favorite vacation destination?

Southport and Cape Lookout.

45. Do you have any pets?

Yes. One cat and two dogs.

46. How many pillows do you sleep with?

One.

47. Do you enjoy roller coasters?

No.

48. Do you believe in miracles?

Yes.

49. What is your favorite drink?

Ice water.

50. What color is the shirt you are wearing?

Black.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

20 Questions

1) What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday?

I normally get groceries and vacuum the church on Saturdays, but my favorite thing to do on Saturdays is either walking/hiking at the park or some place like Hanging Rock or Pilot Mountain, or relaxing at home.

2) List your top three favorite TV shows.

The Mandalorian
Call the Midwife
The Last Kingdom

It was hard to narrow it down to three.

3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them?

Take them. I don't look good in pictures.

4) Why do you blog?

To have a journal of my life that I can look back on. I've been rereading some of my old entries lately.

5) Share five websites that you visit regularly.

Facebook
My blog
Instagram
GoodReads
YouTube

6) If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be?

I don't use Twitter.

7) List a few of your favorite snacks.

Cherry cordials (good quality), Goobers, Goldfish crackers, popcorn.

8 ) Do you have a pet? If so, what kind?

A toy poodle named Pippin (cream colored; he'll be 15 in March), a Jack Russell named Milo (age 9), and a gray tabby named Loki (age 3).

9) Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without?

My Bible, cell phone, and clothes. I have to add a fourth - appliances. Oh, and a fifth - my car.

10) What’s your favorite drink?

Ice water.

11) Do you enjoy cooking?

Yes.

12) Do you have children?

Yes. A son named Sean and a daughter named Kelly.

13) What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading
Working on the family tree.
Photography

14) Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?

Kind of in between, I think. But probably lean more towards being shy.

15) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?

My body. PCOS would be gone, if I could change that, my hair and body would be back to its normal condition, and my health would be better.

16) Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Actor: Tom Hiddleston
Actresses: Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett.

17) What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this week?

Went to church. :-D

18) Do you live near your family or far from them?

My mom and brother live less than 2 miles from me. The rest of my family (in-laws, cousins, aunts, and uncles) live in other NC cities and other states.

19) List three of your talents.

I don't consider myself talented really. I'm a pretty good cook and I sing okay sometimes. I think I have a pretty good eye for home decor and fashion most of the time.

20) What is your greatest attribute?

I'm forgiving and loyal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Eight Things

Eight TV Shows I Love to Watch:

1. The Mandalorian
2. Call the Midwife
3. The Umbrella Academy
4. The Last Kingdom
5. Stranger Things
6. Outlander
7. Finding Your Roots
8. Victoria

Eight Favorite Places to Eat:

1. Home
2. Cugino Forno (THE best pizza!)
3. Salvino Cucina Italiana
4. La Hacienda
5. Lucky 32
6. Locals (Southport)
7. Famous Subs and Pizza (Southport)
8. Fishy Fishy Cafe (Southport)

Eight Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Selling our house someday and buying a place in the country.
2. Spring
3. The revival and growth that is coming to our church.
4. Summer
5. Paying off the truck Charlie bought last spring. It's going to be several years, but I look forward to someday not having that payment.
6. Church this Sunday.
7. Having a room just for my library. Someday.
8. Getting my living room back in order. The Christmas tree is still up. :-/

Eight Things I Want:

1. A house in the country with land and no neighbors.
2. A room just for my library.
3. A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Black or gray with big tires (not tall like a monster truck lol), bars, and all tricked out.
4. Visit New Zealand. I want to do the Lord of the Rings tour.
5. Visit Europe.
6. Visit Yosemite and northern California. And a few other states.
7. A mild winter with no horribly cold temperatures (nothing below 45° for highs) and no ice.
8. For our church to need to expand and even buy more land because of all the people that will be coming.

Eight Places I've Been To:

1. Cape Lookout
2. Outer Banks
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
4. New York City
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Galveston
7. Biltmore Estate
8. Amish country in Ohio

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Meme for 2019

1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?

Nothing comes to mind.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. My uncle Bill and my uncle Dusty.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?

A bigger home so that I can have a room just for my library. And a death-free year in my home and family. Though I'll be surprised if Pippin is still alive by the end of the year.

7. What date from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

None.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I finally learned how to make really good biscuits. I hadn't made them in many years. And while they weren't bad before, they're really good now. :-)

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not reading my Bible enough or praying enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Books and food. And gifts for my husband and children.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

None that I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

None that I can think of.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church and going to the mountains in October.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2019?

So Will I (by Cross Worship),  No Reason to Fear (by J. J. Hairston), I Feel Your Spirit (by Hezekiah Walker), I Am Miracle (by Anthony Brown), Throne Room Song (as sung by The Pentecostals of Alexandria), and Eddie James' Jesus album.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Same.

ii. richer or poorer?

A little poorer thanks to the payment for the truck Charlie bought in the spring.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, travel.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Nothing comes to mind.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with my husband and my kids. My brother came by for a few hours. My mom came by for a few minutes after work. Sean's girlfriend Ashley was also here for several hours.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

The Mandalorian, Call the Midwife, The Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

23. What was the best book you read?

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Not sure.

25. What did you want and get?

Books, a few clothing and shoe items (my favorite shoes probably being the beautiful hot pink Jessica Simpson heels I got at Stein Mart).

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

Tolkien.

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. My daughter Kelly's birthday is the day after mine, so we focus on her.

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2019?

Classic, feminine, lady-like in the spring and summer. Still feminine, but with some touches of leather (vest), denim (skirts), military-style jackets (a couple green ones, a black one, and a camo one), and biker-type boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

None really. I'm not into politics. Though I do vote.

32. Who did you miss?

Our kitties who have passed in recent years.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

My pastor's daughter's husband. We met him after they were engaged. He moved here from Arkansas around the time of their wedding. Sweet guy.

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2019.

Nothing comes to mind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

50 Questions

1. What time did you get up this morning?

7:30

2. How do you like your steak?

Well done.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, I think. December 2017.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Outlander, The Walking Dead, Vikings, The Last Kingdom, Game of Thrones, Victoria, Poldark, The Crown.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I would only choose to live somewhere other than the area I currently live in if it didn't exist. In which case, I would choose New Zealand.

6. What did you have for breakfast?

No time for breakfast. I had brunch after church. French toast and bacon.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Italian and Southern American.

8. What foods do you dislike?

Vegetables (though I do love tomato sauces and will eat carrots if they're in soup or stew), Asian food, organs or other weird foods, most condiments.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?

In Greensboro: Lucky 32, Salvino, Brixx, Pizzeria L'Italiano. In Southport: Fishy Fishy Cafe, Famous Subs and Pizza, and Locals. In Asheville: Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian. In Manteo: La Dolce Vita. In Wilmington: Nicola's.

10. Favorite dressing?

I don't eat dressing or salad.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

2007 Honda CRV.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

Maybe my church clothes. And my summer clothes. And the clothes I wear around the house because they're comfortable.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

New Zealand, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and maybe Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, and Greece.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

½ full.

15. Where would you want to retire?

The same area I live in now. I love my church too much to ever leave.

16. Favorite time of day?

Late at night.

17. Where were you born?

Wilmington, NC.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

NFL football (Carolina Panthers) and UNC Tar Heels basketball.

19. How many siblings?

One.

20. Favorite pastime/hobby:

Reading, hiking mountain trails, walking in the woods at Hagan-Stone Park, watching movies, genealogy.

21. Bird watcher?

No. I mean, I like watching birds, but I'm not a bird watcher.

22. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Night.

23. Do you have any pets?

Yes. Two dogs (Pippin - toy poodle, Milo - Jack Russell) and a crazy cat (Loki - gray tabby).

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

No.

25. What did you want to be when you were little?

Nothing that I can remember. As a teenager, I thought about a few things (archaeology, travel industry, computer programming, social work, writer), but lost interest in them after a few years. Nothing has interested me since, other than being a wife and mother. Though being paid to read or travel would be cool.

26. What is your best childhood memory?

Most Christmases. I loved not only the presents, but also the tree and the pretty, colorful lights, the carols, the food, family.

One Thanksgiving or Christmas (around that time of year anyway), we visited some distant "relatives" when we were living in Oklahoma. (I think they were probably the family of my uncle Paul's wife Mary Sue. Uncle Paul had passed about two decades earlier and Aunt Mary Sue remarried John - we called him Uncle John. They weren't blood relatives, but we still called her "aunt" and we called him "uncle.") Anyway, they lived in a house in the country - quite a bit of acreage. I remember playing outside with a girl around my age, their beautiful Christmas tree, fire in the fireplace, exploring their land a bit, the cool yet comfortable weather. It was the only time we went there and I can't remember what town they lived in, but it's one of my favorite memories. I was about 7 or 8 years old.

The quiet beauty of Southport when I was a kid before everyone discovered it. It still has a small population (though sadly it's growing), but way too many visitors.

27. Are you a cat or dog person?

Cat. I like dogs, but I love cats. :-)

28. Are you married?

Yes.

29. Always wear your seat belt?

Yes.

30. Been in a car accident?

No.

31. Any pet peeves?

Slow drivers, drivers who go too fast, drivers who don't use their blinkers, drivers who can't make up their minds (turning, not turning, yep turning; fast, slow, fast, slow, etc.), clothes and socks on the floor, towels on the floor, shoes in the living room, open drawers or cabinets, pantry door not closed all the way, toilet lid left up (who wants to see the inside of the toilet?), people not picking up after themselves or wiping up their spills. I could probably go on if I thought about it long enough, but I'll stop here.

32. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Just pepperoni, thanks.

33. Favorite Flower?

I love all flowers really. But probably my favorites are red poppies, orange lilies, hyacinth, hydrangeas, purple (blue) irises, light pink peonies, purple dahlias, and any red, purple, orange, or yellow flowers. And pink.

34. Favorite ice cream?

Baskin-Robbins chocolate chip cookie dough. Ben & Jerry's blueberry cheesecake. (Unfortunately, that's been discontinued. :-/ ) Friendly's individual sized Original fudge sundae.

35. Favorite fast food restaurant?

I'm not big on fast food. Chick-fil-A is good though. I used to like others (Taco Bell, Arby's), but I either lost my taste or it made me sick the last time I ate it.

36. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

Zero.

37. From whom did you get your last email?

Not sure. Ancestry or Netflix or GoodReads or something else.

38. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

I don't have any credit cards. And if I did have one, I wouldn't want to max it out. Now, if the question were at which store would I want a free shopping spree, there are a few. Dillard's, Macy's, Barnes and Noble, Belk, or Best Buy.

39. Do anything spontaneous lately?

Not that I can recall.

40. Like your job?

Yes.

41. Broccoli?

No.

42. What was your favorite vacation?

Every time we've gone to Southport.

43. Last person you went out to dinner with?

My kids and my son's girlfriend Ashley.

44. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing. Though if I stop typing, I can hear the refrigerator running.

45. What is your favorite color?

Green. And then red, various shades of blue, light pink, plum, and lavender.

46. How many tattoos do you have?

None. I hate tattoos.

47. What time did you finish this quiz?

1:17 AM

48. Coffee Drinker?

No.

49. Dream vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in black, medium/dark gray, or military green. I'd want it totally tricked out with rugged tires and bars and looking big and "beefy", rugged and tough.

50. Dream house: Spacious brick ranch (2000 sq. ft or more) or white farm house with black shutters or maybe a Victorian, in the country. I'd want three bedrooms with big walk-in closets, living room, den, a room for my library (I'd probably use the living room if we had a den or I'd use a fourth bedroom if we didn't), formal dining room, big front porch, lots of land with woods in the back and a stream or creek and a pretty view of hills and trees from the front, no neighbors close-by, no open floor plan, bigger kitchen with a big pantry and lots of counter space (something I don't have enough of now), a good-sized laundry room (I currently have a laundry closet, so I do laundry in the hall), plenty of closets (we have no front closet and no linen closet right now), wood-burning fireplace in the living room and/or den, spacious attic, attached 1-2 car garage for my car and a detached 2-3 car garage for Charlie's cars, a basement in case of tornadoes, apartment over the detached garage for my mom or my kids if they needed it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Happy New Year! And 2018 Meme.

Happy New Year! I wonder what 2019 will bring us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. What did you do in 2018 that you’d never done before?

Nothing comes to mind.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. Our cat Sadie. She had days, maybe hours left, so I brought her to the emergency vet and had her put to sleep so she wouldn't suffer. She was 16 years old.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

A bigger home so that I can have a room just for my library. And a death-free year in my home and family.

7. What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 3rd. The day Sadie died.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I shopped a lot less than I have in years past.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not reading my Bible enough or praying enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Books, food, and Loki stuff. :-)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

None that I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

None that I can think of.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get excited about?

Church, some Panthers games, going to the mountains in October.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2018?

Way Maker, Holy King of Israel, King of Glory, Lord You are my Song, My God Fights for Me, The Other Side, Speak the Name, This Place, What Your Mercy Did for Me, Your Great Name.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Same.

ii. richer or poorer?

Same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, travel.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Nothing comes to mind.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with my husband and my kids. My brother came by for a couple hours. My mom had to work.

21. What was your favorite TV program?

There's a list in the right margin of my blog. Scroll down. :-)

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

23. What was the best book you read?

That's a hard choice. Either Thunderhead or A Reaper at the Gates. A few others were also really good.

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Just a couple days ago I heard a song for the first time called So Will I by Cross Worship. I can't get enough of it!

25. What did you want and get?

Books, just a few items of clothing, and Loki stuff.

26. What was your favorite film of this year?

 Maybe The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I didn't watch many movies last year.

27. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. My daughter Kelly's birthday is the day after mine, so we focus on her.

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?

Classic, feminine, lady-like in the spring and summer. Still feminine, but with some touches of leather (vest, jackets), denim (skirts), military-style jackets (a couple green ones and a camo one), and biker-type boots in the fall and winter. And, of course, beautiful dresses and tops and skirts with heels for church on Sundays.

29. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston, Aneurin Barnard, Orlando Bloom, Jude Law.

31. What political issue stirred you the most?

None really. I'm not into politics. Though I do vote.

32. Who did you miss?

My Sadie May.

33. Who was the best new person you met?

I didn't meet anyone new that I can recall.

34. Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.

Nothing comes to mind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2017 Meme

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Drove one of my kids to college. Though it's a local college and he's staying at home, so none of the tears that would come if he went away for college, thank God.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make new year's resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. My sweet cat Sam. We had to have him put to sleep on January 2nd. Broke my heart.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

A bigger home so that I can have a room just for my library. And a death-free year in my home and family.

7. What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 2rd. The day Sam died.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Nothing comes to mind.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not reading my Bible enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Books and food.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

None that I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Some have appalled me, but I won't go into it here. No one I'm related to.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get really excited about?

Nothing comes to mind.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2017?

Breakthrough by Eddie James, Changed by Geoffrey Golden, Glory to the Lamb by Geoffrey Golden, Here as in Heaven, I Give You Glory by Jonathan Nelson, Mirror by Savannah McKee.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Happier. This time last year I was still grieving the loss of my sweet Sam.

ii. richer or poorer?

Same.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, travel.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Nothing comes to mind.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with my husband and my kids. My mom worked that day in the place of a co-worker with 4-year-old twins.

21. How many one-night stands?

Yuck! None.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

There's a list in the right margin of my blog. Scroll down. :-)

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

Nine-way tie: The Fever series.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Geoffrey Golden and Jonathan Nelson.

26. What did you want and get?

Books and just a few items of clothing.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

 Wonder Woman.

28. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. My daughter Kelly's birthday is the day after mine, so we focus on her.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

Classic, feminine, lady-like in the spring and summer. Still feminine, but with some leather (vest, jackets), denim, and biker-type boots in the fall and winter.

30. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston, Aneurin Barnard, Orlando Bloom, Jude Law.

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

None really. I'm not into politics. Though I do vote.

33. Who did you miss?

My sweet Sammy.

34. Who was the best new person you met?

I didn't meet anyone new that I can recall.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

You could lose someone (human or pet) you love without warning, so cherish the time you get to spend with them.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2016 Meme

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?

Went on the Candlelight Christmas tour at Biltmore Estate. Hiked to one of the higher view points at Linville Falls.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. My Uncle Mike and my cat Evie. :-(

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

A bigger home so that I can have a room just for my library. And a death-free year in my home and family.

7. What date from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 3rd. It's the night Evie died, just minutes before the 4th.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Went hiking at Linville Falls and tried some new recipes that turned out really good.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not reading my Bible enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Books, clothes, purses (a few small cross-body ones perfect for hands-free shopping and other situations), and a couple pairs of shoes. Oh, and food. lol

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

None I can think of.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Not depressed, but a certain someone's behavior has definitely been appalling for a few years now. Someone married to a close relative of mine.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries.

15. What did you get really excited about?

Vacation, day trip to the mountains (Linville Caverns, Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, Boone) in October, our anniversary trip to Asheville in December.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2016?

Defend Us, My World Needs You, Ocean Deep, That's What Jesus Does, You Are Holy. I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking of at the moment.


17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Sadder. We just had to put our cat Sam to sleep a couple days ago. Broke my heart.

ii. richer or poorer?

A little poorer. Charlie took a bit of a pay cut when he was promoted, but it was worth it. He doesn't have to travel anymore. Maybe one or two short trips a year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, travel.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Crying.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with my husband, my kids, and my mom.

21. How many one-night stands?

Yuck! None.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

There's a list in the right margin of my blog. Scroll down. :-)

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

I know I put them in order in my previous blog entry, but it's probably more like an eight-way tie.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I don't think I had any last year.

26. What did you want and get?

Books, clothes, purses, an iPod for Christmas.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

Star Trek: Beyond got top spot on my list, but I didn't really have a favorite.

28. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. My daughter Kelly's birthday is the day after mine, so we focus on her.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

Classic, feminine, lady-like in the spring and summer. Still feminine, but with some leather (vest, jackets), denim, and biker-type boots in the fall and winter.

30. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Tom Hiddleston, Aneurin Barnard, Orlando Bloom, Jude Law.

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

None really. I'm not into politics. Though I do vote.

33. Who did you miss?

Evie and Uncle Mike after their deaths.

34. Who was the best new person you met?

I didn't meet anyone new that I can recall.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

You could lose someone (human or pet) you love without warning, so cherish the time you get to spend with them.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

2015 Meme

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Took a DNA test and started vacuuming the church on Saturdays.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What countries did you visit?

None. :-/

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

A bigger home so that I can have a room just for my library.

7. What date from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Sunday, March 15th. It's the day Charlie went back to church with us. :-)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I did some climbing and hiking. Something I wasn't sure I would be able to do, what with not being in the best shape, but I did and it was fun. :-)

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not praying enough.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I somehow hurt my back while on vacation in September by walking on the beach a couple hours a day for 2-3 days. A day or two after coming home, I was in so much pain I couldn't move. I had to go to the doctor and he gave me a shot in my back.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Books, clothes, purses, and shoes.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Sean's. Most kids his age don't love going to church and worshipping God like he does. And my husband's for getting back in church.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I've been appalled at the behavior of those who once served God.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Bills and groceries. One of those bills is for our dog Pippin. He became very sick with pancreatitis in October and had to go to the emergency vet for a few days. It was very expensive. I'm hoping we can pay it off when we get our tax refund.

15. What did you get really excited about?

Charlie going to church with us, vacation, day trip to the mountains (Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone) in October, church every Sunday and Wednesday, football games (go Panthers!), basketball games (go Tar Heels!), and a few NASCAR races (go Junior!). :-D

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2015?

Mercy Tree by Anthony Evans.



Actually, every song on the Real Life/Real Worship CD. And some of the songs we sang at church.


17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder?

Happier.

ii. richer or poorer?

A little richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Pray, read my Bible, travel.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Can't think of anything.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

I spent it with my husband, my kids, and my mom.

21. How many one-night stands?

Yuck! None.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Outlander, Who do You Think You Are?, Finding Your Roots, The Amazing Race, Vikings, House Hunters, Rizzoli and Isles, The Last Kingdom, Turn: Washington's Spies, Sleepy Hollow, Fixer Upper, and House Hunters International.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I don't hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I don't think I had any last year.

26. What did you want and get?

Books, clothes, boots, purses, and best and most important of all, Charlie in church with us. :-)

27. What was your favorite film of this year?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

28. What did you do on your birthday?

Nothing. My daughter Kelly's birthday is the day after mine, so we focus on her.

29. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?

Classic, feminine, lady-like in the spring and summer. Still feminine, but with some leather (vest, jackets), denim, and biker-type boots in the fall and winter.

30. What kept you sane?

Prayer and faith in God.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

The same one it's been since I saw him in The Fellowship of the Ring on DVD in August 2002 - Orlando Bloom. Also, Jude Law and Tom Hiddleston.

32. What political issue stirred you the most?

None really. I'm not into politics. Though I do vote.

33. Who did you miss?

No one.

34. Who was the best new person you met?

I didn't meet anyone new. Or rather, I didn't get to know anyone new. We have some new people at church, and I've talked to a few of them, but I haven't really connected with them.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.

Nothing comes to mind.

50 Questions

1. What time did you get up this morning?

Woke up late last night. Haven't gone back to bed yet. I'll do that after my husband gets up and leaves for work.

2. How do you like your steak?

Well done.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

Outlander, The Walking Dead, Vikings, Turn: Washington's Spies, The Last Kingdom, Fixer Upper, House Hunters International, Finding Your Roots, Who Do You Think You Are?, Rizzoli & Isles, Sleepy Hollow, The Amazing Race.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I would only choose to live somewhere other than the area I currently live in if it didn't exist. In which case, I would choose New Zealand or Italy.

6. What did you have for breakfast?

English muffins with cinnamon butter.

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

Italian and Southern American.

8. What foods do you dislike?

Vegetables (though I do love tomato sauces and will eat carrots if they're in soup or stew), Asian food, organs or other weird foods, most condiments.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?

In Greensboro: Lucky 32, Salvino, Villa Rosa, Bravo, Pizzeria L'Italiano. In Southport: Fishy Fishy Cafe and Locals. (There are more I want to try.) In Asheville: Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian. In Manteo: La Dolce Vita.

10. Favorite dressing?

I don't eat dressing or salad.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

2007 Honda CRV.

12. What are your favorite clothes?

Maybe my church clothes. And my summer clothes. And the clothes I wear around the house because they're comfortable.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

New Zealand, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and maybe Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, and Greece.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

½ full.

15. Where would you want to retire?

The same area I live in now. I love my church too much to ever leave.

16. Favorite time of day?

Late at night.

17. Where were you born?

Wilmington, NC.

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

NFL football (Carolina Panthers) and UNC Tar Heels basketball.

19. How many siblings?

One.

20.Favorite pastime/hobby:

Reading, hiking mountain trails, walking in the woods at Hagan-Stone Park, watching movies, genealogy.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?

Susanne, if she does it.

22. Bird watcher?

No. I mean, I like watching birds, but I'm not a bird watcher.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Night.

24. Do you have any pets?

Yes.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

No.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

Nothing that I can remember. As a teenager, I thought about a few things (travel industry, computer programming, social work, writer), but lost interest in them after a few years. Nothing has interested me since, other than being a wife and mother.

27. What is your best childhood memory?

Most Christmases. I loved not only the presents, but also the tree and the pretty, colorful lights, the carols, the food, family.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

Cat. I like dogs, but I love cats. :-)

29. Are you married?

Yes.

30. Always wear your seat belt?

Yes.

31. Been in a car accident?

No.

32. Any pet peeves?

Slow drivers, drivers who go too fast, drivers who don't use their blinkers, drivers who can't make up their minds (turning, not turning, yep turning; fast, slow, fast, slow, etc.), clothes and socks on the floor, towels on the floor, shoes in the living room, open drawers or cabinets, pantry door not closed all the way, toilet lid left up (who wants to see the inside of the toilet?), people not picking up after themselves or wiping up their spills. I could probably go on if I thought about it long enough, but I'll stop here.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Just pepperoni, thanks.

34. Favorite Flower?

I love all flowers really. But probably my favorites are red poppies, orange lilies, hyacinth, hydrangeas, purple (blue) irises, light pink peonies, and any red, purple, orange, or yellow flowers. And pink.

35. Favorite ice cream?

Baskin-Robbins chocolate chip cookie dough. Ben & Jerry's blueberry cheesecake. Unfortunately, that's been discontinued. :-/

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

I'm not big on fast food. I'll go long stretches where I eat it about once a week. And then I'll go long stretches where I don't eat it at all. (I'm currently in one of those long stretches of not eating it.) When I do eat it, I usually choose Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, or Steak and Shake. Once in awhile, Arby's.

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

Zero.

38. From whom did you get your last email?

A blog design/backgrounds site - The Cutest Blog on the Block.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

I don't have any credit cards. And if I did, I wouldn't want to max it out. Now, if the question were at which store would I want a free shopping spree, there are a few. Dillard's, Macy's, Barnes and Noble, Belk, or Best Buy. Or Tanger Outlets.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

Not that I can recall.

41. Like your job?

Yes.

42. Broccoli?

No.

43. What was your favorite vacation?

Every time we've gone to Southport.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

My husband, my kids, and my son's girlfriend.

45. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing. Though if I stop typing, I can hear the refrigerator running.

46. What is your favorite color?

Green. And then red, various shades of blue, light pink, plum, and lavender.

47. How many tattoos do you have?

None. I hate tattoos.

48. How many people will fill this out?

No clue.

49. What time did you finish this quiz?

7:26 AM.

50. Coffee Drinker?

No.

20 Questions

I first did this in 2012 and thought it'd be interesting to see if any of my answers have changed since then.

1) What is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday?
Vacuuming the church (not that vacuuming is fun, but it feels good to help at church) and shopping.

2) List your top three favorite TV shows.
Outlander
Vikings
Who do You Think You Are?

3) Would you rather be in pictures or take them?
Take them. I enjoy taking pictures. I don't look good in them.

4) Why do you blog?
I enjoy writing about my life (even if people think it's boring) and dreams. And at times it has been a place for me to vent.

5) Share five websites that you visit regularly.
Facebook
My blog
Ancestry.com
GoodReads
YouTube

6) If you could have lunch with one person from your Twitter list who would it be?
I don't use Twitter.

7) List a few of your favorite snacks.
Cheetos white cheddar cheese puffs, pineapple, oranges, red grapes, chocolate, pretzels.

8 ) Do you have a pet? If so, what kind?
We have three cats (black female named Sadie, black and white female named Evie and a tan & black tabby male named Sam) and two dogs (a male cream-colored toy poodle named Pippin and Charlie's Jack Russell named Milo).

9) Which three material possessions would you struggle to live without?
My Bible, clothes, cell phone, car, books. Yes, I realize that's more than three. lol

10) What’s your favorite drink?
Water

11) Do you enjoy cooking?
Yes.

12) Do you have children?
Yes. A son named Sean (age 18) and a daughter named Kelly (age 15).

13) What are your favorite hobbies?
Reading
Photography
Genealogy
Watching movies

14) Would you consider yourself to be shy or outgoing?
Kind of in between, I think. But probably lean more towards being shy.

15) If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?
My body. PCOS would be gone, if I could change that, my hair and body would be back to their normal condition, and my health would be better. *sigh*

16) Who is your favorite actor/actress?
Actors: Orlando Bloom, Tom Hiddleston, Jude Law, and Colin Firth.
Actresses: Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, and Rachel Weisz.

17) What’s the coolest thing you’ve done this week?
Vacuumed the church (hey, it's cool to volunteer at the house of God), went to church and worshipped God, cooked for my family. Well, these are cool to me anyway. :-)

18) Do you live near your family or far from them?
My mom lives less than 2 miles from me. My brother and his family live about 15-20 minutes away. The rest of my family (in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles) live in other NC cities and other states.

19) List three of your talents.
Eh. I don't consider myself talented really. I'm a pretty good cook and I sing okay sometimes. I think I have a pretty good eye for home decor and fashion most of the time.

20) What is your greatest attribute?
I'm forgiving and loyal.