As June Begins, I’m Doing Not Much Of Anything Enthralling

/ Ally Bean

WHAT DAY IS THIS?

I’m scattered this week. I tell ‘ya, begin a week with a Monday holiday and I’m confused, more than normal, for days after. But then what kind of weirdo who isn’t? Hmmm…?

Anyhow, the title says it all. Well, everything except the deets about the Not Much Of Anything Enthralling. That’d be things I’ve done, or tried to do, or hope to do.

√ I read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisnero and it’s wonderful. Originally published in 1984 I can’t believe I’ve never read it before. Oddly enough I thought of each short succinct chapter as a blog post; the style of this book is prescient vis-à-vis today’s blogosphere. This book was part of my own unique 2021 reading challenge.

√ We’ve been enjoying Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs [thanks Katie] and Corn and Black Bean Salad [thanks Dorothy]. If there’s one good thing about the pandemic, it is that we’ve tried many new recipes and that’s fun in my worldview.

√ We’re on Season 20 of Midsomer Murders. Almost every night this spring we’ve sat down to watch one episode. They’re charming and light and often have an unexpected twist that’s plausible. Also, if we can’t travel to England, then we can look at it and listen to posh accents.

√ I skimmed through The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. It’s a deep academic book about trauma; there are many extensive case studies. While I found some of the chapters interesting, like the ones about how yoga and meditation help you release the negativity/emotional hurt in your body, the rest of the book was too deep for me.

√ I revised my About Ally Bean page and added a Blogging Hints page. I’m contemplating having an old-fashioned blogroll page again, but don’t know if there’s a need. I’d base it on the results of the Bean Personality Quiz that I shared in my previous post. Where do you stand on blog rolls? Yay or nay?

√ I’m hoping to go to the Le Creuset outlet store to look at, and maybe buy, new coffee mugs. I broke my favorite orange coffee mug this week and had a sadz. But then I decided I wanted to buy four new mugs that all match and are the same color. [Can you imagine?] There’s no better place than to see all the colors available than at the outlet store.

√ We’re hoping to to go to Summerfair at Coney Island, an outdoor art show. It’s this weekend and is an annual event that we missed last year because of… oh you know why. I like going to this particular art show because I enjoy walking around outside by the river; seeing, perhaps buying, some art; and indulging in some kettle corn freshly made in front of me.

LET SUMMER BEGIN!

~ ~ 💚 ~ ~

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING LATELY? ANYTHING ENTHRALLING?

~ ~ 💚 ~ ~

220 thoughts on “As June Begins, I’m Doing Not Much Of Anything Enthralling”

  1. Nothing enthralling here unless you enjoy flowers. 🙂 I had a blogroll and am always concerned I missed listing someone, and then I look at others, I’m not listed, and I just have a good chuckle. In my case, a blogroll is kind of like an award – I think I’ve moved past it, and that’s okay. I’ve read some good books and some not so good, but reading is a big part of my life so I keep the library holds busy. Hope you have a wonderful outing to buy cups and to see art. Enjoy the outside world.

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    • Judy, I’m enthralled by flowers so I’m going to say you’re enthralling! Congrats! I know what you mean about the lack of reciprocity regarding blogrolls. I wonder if that’s why they went out of fashion? I’m not itching to add one, but if readers like them then I can. I’m looking forward to doing a few *normal* things this weekend. Hope you find something fun to do, too.

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  2. Midsomer Murders, eh? They are quite fun but I can’t imagine sitting down and watching the lot without a break! Still if you like them, I recommend keeping a look out for Father Brown. There are some points of contact with Chesterton’s source material, but I wouldn’t watch them with any great expectations on that score – but they are quite fun 😊

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  3. Happy June Ally! I can relate to the week’s starting with a holiday. What I want to know is why those work weeks often seem so long. I’m not sure I’ve done anything enthralling, but we’ve been using the new pool a lot and had a BBQ with our neighbors yesterday. Every time I comfortably get close to family and friends, I give a little thanks to the COVID vaccine and everyone who made that possible for me. Now I’m off to read About Ally.

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    • Thanks, Christie! I feel off-kilter this week, not in a bad way, but in a discernible way. I’m glad your new pool has been all you hoped for and a BBQ sounds like [almost] too much fun. I agree 100%, everyone who made the vaccine a reality needs all the praise we can give them. Happy June to you, too.

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  4. Loved House on Mango Street, which I probably read in the 80s. I’m interested in long works composed of short ones, so maybe I’ll have to revisit that one. Also enjoy Midsomer Murders, which my mother introduced me to. Not to be confused with last year’s feature film Midsommar—which did include murder, too, but of a quite different sort. Definitely not in the cozy mystery genre.

    As for doings, last week I traveled to Louisiana to visit my newly official in-laws, and it was such a treat. So interesting to see a place so different from home. I wish everyone in the United States could go visit a part of it that feels “other” to them and approach it with an open heart and mind. Maybe we could be more United again if we did. (I really should get back to blogging. I have things to say.)

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    • Rita, I don’t know how I missed House on Mango Street, but it charmed me in a way that no book recently has.

      I agree with you. Everyone in the US needs to visit different regions to get a feel for how diverse this country is and what people elsewhere think of as normal. I’ve been to Louisiana and it’s wonderful, gothic, and completely unique. But then I have to wonder if someone from there visited here, what would they learn about us? And probably more to the point, how would it change them, I would hope, for the better?

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      • There’s so much I could say on this, I don’t know where to start. Seeing a different place helped me see my place differently, as well as that place differently. And it rattled some narratives I’ve carried about both places. It helped me understand a bit about why/how we’re living in different realities. I’m so thankful to have been able to travel a bit again. It’s good to shake things up in ourselves from time to time.

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        • You’re right about the positive impact of traveling elsewhere, letting the experience change you. Different realities is right. I feel fortunate to have seen a lot of the US and feel more balanced because of it.

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  5. Hmmm…blogroll. Dang, I haven’t updated mine in ages. I set one up ages ago when everyone had one. Once in a while I go through and am saddened by the loss of bloggers I really enjoyed. I don’t do frequently enough and apologize to anyone who may feel slighted. I don’t know if people actually use them to find other blogs to read. I’m more likely to try a new blog based on a pithy comment they left on someone else’s blog. Looking forward to dumping the mask. I’ve been vaccinated so I can in some situations but I’m still sporting it. I may have to watch some youtubes on applying makeup again!

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    • Kate, you’ve explained my concerns about starting a new blogroll. It’s work to maintain one. I used to keep one as a way for bloggers to find each other, but like you I now look for pithy comments then go see who wrote them. Seems more immediate and real somehow than a static list.

      It’s funny you mention the make-up angle about de-masking. I’ve been thinking about that, too. I don’t wear much make-up but now I suppose I’ll have to be a bit more presentable. Especially with the lips!

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      • Horning in here to say: I found this blog through a blogroll (at Oh Katie Joy). Hers is a compact list, and it might be that Ally’s comments there also prompted me to click over–but I appreciate a tightly curated blog roll.

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        • Excellent point about a tightly curated blogroll. Mine were always lengthy and usually listed everyone who commented on my blog. I am undecided about whether I’ll do one again.

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  6. I don’t think I was around much on WP back when blogrolls were a thing but i think it might be interesting?

    Enthralling? Hmmmm I got my final vaccine! But other than that, nope lol just writing and working away! 🙂 Thanks for the book recommendations 🙂

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    • BossyBabe, as I recall blogrolls were one of those things that *everyone* did for a while, then faded away. In theory a lovely way to show support for other bloggers, in practice a lot of work to keep current.

      Yay about your final vaccination. That’s big news. I hear you, though. Not much has changed for me since I got mine, hence nothing enthralling to talk about here. 🙄

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  7. I’m really lost this week, too. My days are completely jumbled. And how in the heck is it June already?

    But, to be fair, I asked the same question about May. I may have even asked it about April.

    If grocery shopping is your idea of Enthralling, then thrills await me today! Wooohooo!

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    • nance, I’m glad to know I’m not alone being confused this week. I thought today was Monday when I woke up, then realized most of the week had passed by me.

      I like to cook and eat, so in some ways going to the grocery is enthralling for me. But I take your point, it is a chore, too. Still, food is nice to have.

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  8. I’m ready for summer too, though I feel like this year is screaming by so fast. Sunday I leave for 6 nights of camping in the UP of Michigan by myself. I can’t wait, but on the other hand it’s a lot of work to get ready, and then again when I come home. I had hoped to maybe extend it, but the week after is filling up with stuff I have to do here. That’s the way the summer is going to go, I can tell!

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    • Dawn, I’m finding the same thing about this year. How can it be summer already? Yet here we are.

      Your camping trip, while a lot of work to undertake, sounds ultimately like it’ll be lovely. I’m sure you’ll return with many photos to share and stories to tell. Looking forward to it!

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  9. Happy June and welcome to my world, Ally. I’m confused most days about what day of the week it is.

    There is a Le Crucet outlet store??? Sounds like heaven. I must ask Mr. Google if one exists near me.

    I am typing this as I ride in the car to distract myself from my husband’s driving. It’s better this way. We are traveling to Cape Cod to visit my sister and brother in law. A great way to start the summer!

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    • Laurie, if you click on the link in my post you’ll be taken to a page where you can search by state for an outlet store. In my experience the Le Creuset outlets stores are wonderful, albeit not necessarily stocked with the most current items. But the price is right!

      Enjoy your adventure in Cape Cod. I’ve never been there and always wanted to visit. I look forward to your posts and photos about what you do and see there. Safe travels.

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  10. I’m jealous…..it sounds like you’ve had a productive and interesting week compared to mine which is same old same old. Government says we may get out of lockdown in mid-June, but no haircuts until July, even though our numbers are down and our vaccines are up, so no art fairs here this summer which we love to do. I was looking at my coffee mugs the other day and am tired of all of them….and I always seem to run out before the dishwasher is full. I’m dying to go shopping, any shopping. The only open place I’ve been is nurseries…..went to three yesterday where there was a poor selection of plants, either picking over as everyone is gardening these days or they rationed the supply in the first place so I was told. Today is potting day for what I bought yesterday, begonias, vinca, lavender, more rose bushes, clematis, before a whole week of 90 degree heat and humidity hits, whereupon I will retreat to the A/C and give Midsommer Murders a try!

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    • Joni, our lives are slowly getting back to something that resembles normal. I’m sorry that you’re still in lockdown, but better safe than sorry. This art fair will be outside in a huge park so I feel comfortable attending it even though each individual tent will be crowded.

      I get it about your coffee mugs. I’m tired of our mugs, too. I mean we use them every day, sometimes twice a day so why not get some new ones? In a snazzy color, of course. Maybe when you start to go shopping again you’ll do the same thing!

      Reading about your garden nurseries all I can think is: what a bother. Nothing puts a damper on gardening faster than not having good plants. I, too, wonder if your plants are being rationed. For who knows what reason, of course.

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      • The owner of the one nursery told me it was because they couldn’t get the migrant workers who normally would do the potting for them, either last year or this so it said to expect the same poor selection next year too. So the suppliers are rationing – instead of getting in 200 rose bushes he got 50 so he was sold out of most stuff. Even the hanging baskets in the pop up nurseries look pathetic and nothing I would take home for the price they are charging. I guess we can blame everything on COVID! I not into gardening as much this year anyway. Last year I bought NOTHING, and it was nice not to have to water. Now I’m wondering if what I bought will survive the hot spell or if I should just leave them in the garage until later, as I’m not the most diligent at watering. I’m most looking forward to some retail therapy and a haircut and color!

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        • Interesting. I would never have made that connection between migrant workers and your plant shortages + quality. Like you said, blame it on Covid-19. Another unintended annoying consequence of this pandemic.

          Stating the obvious here but if you don’t water your new plantings you’ll quickly find out which ones want to grow and which ones want to go! Choose wisely, oh gardener woman. Just saying… 😉

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  11. Let’s see… I worked the holiday so just another week to me, but prior to that the invalid daughter and I hit the trail (paved for her) scooting along a nice forest path until the breaks on her little knee scooter went out. Of course this trail was full of hills. TV watching has been The Nevers- steampunk meets period mystery meets some badass but unique women. The new mugs sound lovely. I plan, once the daughter/cat combo takes leave, to have a little shopping adventure of my own. Sort of refresh the place after a return to normal.

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    • Deb, the breaks on her scooter went out! Oh that’s sounds scary and totally ridiculous. How much longer is she staying? She will be taking the cat with her, for sure? The Nevers sounds intriguing. We’ll be finished with Midsomer Murders soon so I’ll look for it. Happy shopping, when the moment arrives!

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      • I suspect she will leave at some point this month. Her next appt. with the surgeon is Monday so if she can put any weight on the leg she’ll be finalizing plans and on her way. And yes, the cat is out the door with her. He’s sweet, but he’s hers and that’s more than fine with me!

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  12. If you consider weeding enthralling, then I have been very enthralled! I just get to the end of weeding a flower bed and will notice the weeds are popping up again in the first beds I did. I guess it will be my retirement hobby for summer. Ugh.
    I have found most of the blogs I enjoy reading through blog lists so I do like them.

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    • Ellen D., who doesn’t consider weeding to be enthralling! I know what you mean about it being a never-ending opportunity for enthrallment. 😑

      I’m glad to know that you use blogrolls. I’m on the fence about starting one again, and if I do how to do it. In the sidebar of this blog I have a list of the cool kids who comment. It’s automatically updated by WordPress. In some ways it takes the place of a static blogroll.

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  13. I haven’t had a blogroll for quite some time. It might be nice because I do often find bloggers to follow off the comments they Leave onmother blogs I follow. I am excited about taking my first trip since last March. I am going to see my family and my 3-year old granddaughter. I am impressed you are reading. I cannot seem to focus that long!

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  14. I love outlet stores! Especially when I go back to New Hampshire and there is no sales tax.

    Last week was my week to lose all track of time. I kept thinking it was the week prior and I had plenty of time before June. I blame the heavy marine layer hanging over SoCal. It keeps us cool, but there’s a grey sameness that makes all the days run together.

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    • AutumnAshbough, no tax in NH, you say? We’d spend more in gas to drive there than we’d save on tax, but it is enticing.

      You’re onto something about the sameness of weather making it difficult to keep track of the days. Sorry to read about your marine layer, which sounds dreary. Around here it’s endless days of cloudy gray skies that do me in.

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  16. I love that show Midsomer Murders. I’ve got it set to record every week on our machine. I’ve been watching New Tricks on Prime every evening before bed.
    May found me celebrating that birthday was has a famous song by the Beetles. He-Man says he still loves me and will still feed me though he now admits I was right all those years ago when I told him if he feeds me I’ll never leave! 🤣

    June…yesterday I bought a SUP board and today I’m taking her out to the lake to try it. I imagine I’ll be falling into the lake a lot rather than paddling today, but I’ll keep at it until I get it. I hope to be at the lake a lot this month, but we’ll see how crowded it gets next week when schools are closed for summer.
    I may need to drive further to a smaller lesser know lake to learn to paddle on the SUP board.
    No doubt He-Man will be recording my attempt so there will be proof of my splashdowns. 🤣

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    • Deborah, I’ve not heard of New Tricks, so I’ll look for it. The Midsomer Murders are easy to watch. I’m happy to know that someone else likes them, too.

      I can take an educated guess about which birthday you just celebrated. Happy Birthday!

      I know that SUP boards are popular, but no one around here seems to have one. Maybe it’s because we’re more about rivers than lakes? I wish you well learning to use yours. I have to admit they look like fun, if’n you don’t mind getting wet which it sounds like you don’t mind.

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  17. At various points I’ve had blogrolls and then scrapped them. I like the idea for discoverability — it’s always hard to find new bloggers — but often can’t be bothered with the upkeep. I don’t have one at the moment but am considering putting something together again. Sharing an OPML export from your RSS feed reader can have the same effect but, again, there’s the hassle of keeping it up to date. I think I’m just lazy.

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    • colinwalker, you’re right about the upkeep. That’s why I ditched my blogroll years ago. On the sidebar of this blog I have a list of The Cool Kids, that’d be people who comment. It is automatically updated by WP and in many ways it’s a blogroll. Or a good enough facsimile of one.

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  18. Nothing enthralling, really. I am taking six weeks of holidays in three weeks’ time, so while I may not be enthralled right now, I am anticipatory! Because we still have fairly strong restrictions going on for the next few weeks, we will be taking holidays at our home (right now I am at work in another part of the country 2000 km east of home). I am very much looking forward to being able to r and r. 🙂
    I haven’t used a blogroll in a long time. I usually find people’s blogs through their comments.

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    • Lynette, I can understand why you’re anticipating being enthralled. Six weeks of holiday, even if it is all at home, would be relaxing. I could groove on that, too.

      Like you I find new bloggers by the comments they leave on other blogs, not via blogrolls. Comments give you a good insight into who a person is while blogrolls seem more staged than dynamic.

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  19. I binged Midsomer Murders last year and am now working on the current season, which means much more distance between them. Sometimes I get the theme music stuck in my head…Thanks for the link to my black bean salad! It’s one of our favorites and it’s so easy.

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  20. Love that the Christmas dragon made an appearance today. It was lousy out last weekend when the pool opened, so I am hoping to get to the pool this weekend when it is HOT and sunny. I also hope to clean off and store much of my babysitting gear. Always a hard but happy chore. Glad you are headed to an art fair that you enjoy.

    I’m indifferent on the blog roll topic. I do like to see who a blogger follows, but I also think it is usually obvious in the comments.

    We made an unplanned last minute visit to a neighboring state yesterday and return today. Long story, but I anticipate this short jaunt to further throw me off the ‘what day is this’ issue that happens on a short week.

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    • Ernie, Christmas Dragon often is the summation of what I’m doing. In this case, not much of anything. I can imagine it is bittersweet to store away the babysitting stuff, but a moment filled with a sense of accomplishment maybe?

      I’m like you about blogrolls. Whatever I find people through their comments on other blogs, but I thought I’d ask about a blogroll here to see what people thought of them. So far, most commenters are ‘been there, done that’. Of course most of us have been around blog land forever so the novelty of keeping one has worn off.

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  21. Well, I went to 7 breweries last week. Have to play catch up after Covid! I looked over your reading list for this year and saw 3 books I’ve read (Educated, Commonwealth, and Crawdads). Commonwealth was my fave of the three. Enjoy!

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    • Bijoux, I like your priorities. I’ve been making a mental list of ones I’d like to visit over the course of the summer. I don’t think I could do 7 in one week though. Maybe 7 in one month.

      I’ve read Educated, but have yet to get to the other two. I’m taking my time with this challenge, interspersing other books in-between my *assigned* reading.

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  22. Nothing enthralling happening here! Unless you count doing fun short quizzes, like “what kind of bean are you?” I turned out to be a Cranberry Bean (who knew there was such a thing?)

    Romantic, Poetic, Accepting, and Giving
    You’re a Cranberry Bean!
    Cranberry Beans are known for their distinct mottled tan and red skin. They have a creamy texture and chestnut-like taste. and are a great addition to northern Italian, Spanish and Portuguese dishes.

    Now that was enlightening, if not precisely enthralling. Thanks, Ally! ☺

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    • Melanie, only a few other commenters were Cranberry Beans, so you are special! Unique even. I thought that quiz was a hoot, especially because I stumbled over it while researching a recipe. It was meant to be that I’d find it!

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  23. Mary loves Midsomer Murders. I think she’s binged her way through all the seasons by now.

    I don’t keep a blogroll, but that’s not to say you should or shouldn’t.

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    • John, Mary is a good woman! I like MM because it entertains, but doesn’t require much from me other than to go along with the [sometimes absurd] plots. I’m leaning toward not doing a blogroll again. The Cool Kids widget on my sidebar serves that purpose, now that I think about it.

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  24. First things first: I first read The House on Mango Street in the early 90s and have lent it out and re-read it many times since. Great read!
    Secondly, I perused your ‘new and improved’ About page and the Blog Tips page. I like how uncluttered it all looks and feels. What have you decided on deleting/reformatting your older blog posts? That would make for a great ‘blog tips’ entry…long time bloggers want to know! HA!
    My newest season binging is with “Eureka!” on AmazonPrime…for free. I’m only up to season 3, but I usually watch in groups of 2 or 3 at a time in a row. That way I don’t burn out and also if interest wanes it’s not so hard to just walk away from the series!
    later, beany friend!
    😎

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    • Laura, I know I’ll re-read The House on Mango Street. It’s one of the most quietly charming novels I’ve read in ages. How I missed it before this I cannot say.

      Thanks for taking the time to look at my about page and my hints page. I have zero interest in re-formatting my old post, so no help here. I delete posts from time to time if I go back, read what I wrote, then decide it’s the wrong tone for the blog now. The Spectacled Bean is much lighter + informative now than when I started it in 2011.

      I’ve never heard of Eureka. I’ll look for it. We have Amazon Prime now [I think]. I’m intentional with my TV watching so if one is good, I stick with it… until I don’t. 😉

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  25. We watch (or have watched) a number of PBS Murder Mystery series because . . . no commercials! If we like them, we also request them from the library and/or Netflix. Here’s a few:

    Midsummer Murders ~ present day
    Murdoch Mysteries ~ set in Toronto Canada around the turn of the last century (early 1900’s)
    Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries ~ set in Australia around 1945
    Vera ~ set in northern England near the Scottish border, present day
    Father Brown ~ set in a small English village around 1945

    I’ve also been reading a bunch of books, some from your book list. My favorites have been by Fiona Davis, a fellow alum from William & Mary. All are historical fiction set in the past with one cast of characters and in more recent times with a different cast:

    The Address ~ set in The Dakotas in NYC (where John & Yoko lived) in two time periods, the late 1800’s when the building was in its infancy and about 100 years later

    The Masterpiece ~ multi-narrative story set in two time periods: the 1920s and 1970s New York. The two story threads meet in Grand Central Terminal

    The Dollhouse ~ the lush world of 1950s New York City, where a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors live side by side in the glamorous Barbizon Hotel

    The Lions of 5th Avenue ~ a historical fiction mystery story about two head strong women in two timelines, one in 1914 about Laura Lyons, and the other in 1992 centered around the Beaux-Arts building of the NY Public Library

    The Chelsea Girls ~ Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism centered around actors in NYC who lived at the Chelsea Hotel.

    So, basically, I’ve been busy doing “nothing much of anything.” 😀

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    • Nancy, thanks for all the recommendations. It’s great to have some ideas [from a real person versus online reviews] of what to watch and read next. Of the TV shows I’ve seen Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries many times over. I love them and often wish that I could have Dot by my side. I’ve watched a few of Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, but they didn’t draw me in like the originals.

      I’m not familiar with Fiona Davis, but I like historical fiction so I’ll keep her books in mind. I know I’ve heard the title The Chelsea Girls, but I couldn’t tell you where or when. The Address sounds especially interesting to me. Probably because of… stating the obvious here… the eponymous address of the title.

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  26. I’m confused a lot of weeks and I don’t think it has anything to do with the holiday on a Monday. More like whether or not the kids are working from home or going in to work or if I am doing transcription on a weekend to catch up. Or it could just be that I am old and get confused. Not sure which. We are enjoying a bit of actually going out in public (went to dinner with friends and actually to a local casino for a couple of hours) and I got a notice that our Mountain Winery is going to be offering concerts soon so that’s what I’m waiting for. As other commenters have said, I’m much more inclined to visit another blogger based on a comment I read rather than just seeing a blog roll. So nice to see you Ally!

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    • Janet, made me laugh with your honest assessment of why you might be confused about which day of the week it is. Getting older, yep. Me too. We’ve yet to go out to dinner so I’m thrilled to know that you have. That seems like a milestone now that we’re starting to go back into post-Covid-19 life. I know you lurve the Mountain Winery concerts so that’s great news. I bet they’re going to be a very popular venue once they open again.

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  27. That corn and black bean salad sounds wonderful, especially in hot weather. I love Midsommer Murders although I haven’t watched all the seasons. It is definitely a soothing(?) kind of murder mystery. I like having a blogroll although I need to revise it more frequently. Since I am sometimes hard to find from my comments which link to a defunct/fake blog, I depend on others’ blogrolls so that I can be found.

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    • Margaret, the salad was delicious. Dorothy has many good recipes actually. I agree that the MM are soothing which is a peculiar thing to say, but it is true. Blogrolls are work to maintain which is why I got rid of mine. Now I have The Cool Kids widget in my sidebar. It shows who has commented here recently. In some ways it’s a blogroll for anyone who is interested in finding other bloggers, ones who know how to comment that is!

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  28. Enthralling? Of course, it should be my middle name. Let’s see, there was grocery shopping, reading a book I didn’t enjoy and didn’t finish, working on cleaning out my storage area, and of course blogging. Yep, this life I lead is quite fascinating lol.

    Blogrolls are good if you feel like keeping it updated. I usually just click around in comments to visit new to me blogs.

    I will check out the links to some of the things you’ve mentioned in today’s post, thanks!

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    • Martha, I totally understand why your middle name should be Enthralling. I can see how it suits you and your lifestyle. Thanks for the smile. 😊

      I do the same thing as you. I don’t use blogrolls to find someone new, relying instead on their comments on a blog somewhere, then clicking through to see who they are. It’s just that after I worked on my updated/new pages I wondered about starting a blogroll again. As a page, of course.

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    • Jan, my goodness you have vengeful poison oak! I see that as an enthralling turn of events, but I’m not the one who is itchy now so what do I know. Hope your summer is a good one, too.

      Like

  30. You had me at Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs… yummers! Nothing enthralling here either, it’s actually been a bit chilly (our summer weather doesn’t usually start until July/August… then lasts sometimes into October) so I have spent more time inside than out. I’m currently reading The Invisible life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, which I am enjoying. I’ve never read The House on Mango Street so thanks for the tip! The only reason I knew that today was Thursday was seeing Dan’s Thursday Doors post.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, we really enjoyed the Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs, although we made them with ground turkey. It’s chilly here, too, so I’m inside more than expected. I read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and liked it very much. A+ If you choose to read it, I hope you like The House on Mango Street. It’s not long, but leaves a lasting positive impression. Laughing about Dan’s Doors. Who needs a calendar with him around?

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Thank you so much for the book recommendation and the links to the recipes! And for reminding me of Midsomer Murders…I had started watching this series with Mom when she was dying and we both enjoyed it. I forget where I left off but I don’t think it will be problematic to start over, from the beginning!

    As for me, I’ve been preparing to camp, camping…and recovering from camping. LOL! Wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Deb

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I hope you enjoy the book. It’s been around for decades, but I never read it back when it first came out. If you try the recipes I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. Dorothy has a whole blog dedicated to her recipes, btw. MM hold are pleasant murders, which sounds so wrong to write. There’s enough mystery in most of them to make you wonder, and seeing the English countryside is pleasant. Plus some of the characters are a delight.

      You’re the second commenter to mention camping, in all its permutations. It’s work, but it’s fun, but it’s work. It’s not for me, but carry on [no pun intended].

      Liked by 1 person

  32. I loved The Body Keeps The Score, and I have put the Mango Street book on my to-read list. It sounds like something I would really love. The corn and black bean salad sounds amazing and as for blog rolls, I could go either way!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, The Body Keeps Score was too deep for me. I liked the chapters I mentioned, but am glad there’s no test on them. I suspect my understanding was superficial, but that’s ok. I gave it a go.

      We enjoyed the Corn and Black Bean Salad, immediately adding it to our family cookbook as a standby. I feel the same was as you when it comes to a blogroll. Just putting out some feelers to see what other people thought.

      Like

  34. It’s been quiet here too. I’ve been taking pictures of Irises in my local park, trying to catch them before their brief season is over. I looked for that book. Sadly, it’s not available on Kindle, but now that our local library is open again, I’ll see if they can get me a copy. I’ve started to read real book as I’ve received a few as gifts recently. It’s been most enjoyable. I also liked the sound of the chicken meatball coconut curry. Don’t think I’ve seen ground chicken (or turkey) in our supermarkets, although I’m sure a butcher would do it for you. I wonder how it would taste with ground pork? Sadly, I think we’ve watched every single Midsomer Murders episode ever made, at least once, and usually more often. We delight in new episodes on the rare occasion they appear. There is something gentle & unchallenging about them. Enjoy the fact that you still have a few more to go. I’m quite envious 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I hope you find a copy of The House on Mango Street. It’s been around for a long while, but obviously I just got to it. I liked its tone and the chapters that are short stories in essence. Like blog posts, really.

      We can get ground turkey in our grocery, not ground chicken. I used the turkey and it was fine. I don’t know how pork would taste. Does Thai cuisine have pork in it?

      Midsomer Murders have been our addiction this Spring. You describe them perfectly, gentle and unchallenging. After dinner they make for a lovely evening distraction.

      Like

  35. Thank you for visiting me:) I read Mango street,when it was a reading assignment for one of my kids, then in highs school. It was a delightful book and such an artistically done story! Am busier than ever, because I am doing a symbolic series of paintings about the situation where we find ourselves in now (2020 and 2021), and am crocheting a curtain, which will cost me half of when I need to buy them (I now live in the house with windows – we have 3 large and two long and narrow ones, all in the living room,and so on!) Jesh

    Liked by 1 person

    • Junie-Jesh, you sound busy and in a good way. A symbolic paint series must be a challenge, yet one that’ll put thing into perspective. I love that you’re crocheting curtains for you living room windows. That’s a project that’ll be great… once it’s finished. Best of luck with all that you’re doing.

      Like

  36. I love that dragon! Season 22 of Midsomer is being doled out slowly – 2 episodes have dropped and 2 more coming in the fall. We are not big fans of the show since John Nettles left. The John Nettles Midsomers we have watched something like 3 times. We started watching via Netflix mailed dvds in the early 2000’s. When you mentioned an art show at Coney Island I was a bit bewildered ’cause I’m thinking Brooklyn NY not Cincinnati. I wonder how many more Coney Islands there are?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Grace, Christmas Dragon thanks you for noticing how wonderful he is. We only discovered Midsomer Murders this year. I realize that they’ve been around for a long time, but just got to them. I agree there’s a different feel to the Tom Barnaby versus the John Barnaby episodes. I’ve no preference.

      I don’t know how many Coney Islands there are in the US/world. The one here dates from 1870 and has been well maintained over the years. IF the weather is with us, it’ll be a fun day doing something normal.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. Seriously I love coming late and reading all the comments!
    I usually read most blogs on my phone so rarely see the front page to see a blog roll. Comments are a good way to find blogs to follow. For about the first 10 years I had very few comments as I had only non blogging friends reading. I like your blogging tips page (except they are closed for comments!) and your new about you. As to enthralling HM.. like someone else I am weeding, endlessly weeding. Plus hanging out with my grandkids and the cows.

    Liked by 1 person

    • bernieLynne, yes I love the comments here, too. I never know who’ll show up or what they’ll say which keeps me on my toes. [Or more accurately stuck in my office chair.]

      I hadn’t thought about people who read blogs on phones. I’ve never done that but I can see how a blogroll would mean little to them. Thanks for reading my new pages. I close comments on all posts after about three weeks. If I don’t I get inundated with spam and strange reposts.

      We did a lot of weeding last week, but it’s wet here this week so it’s too muddy to try it. I hope you and your grandkids and the cows are having a lovely week together. *moo*

      Like

    • Donna, if you’ve got a cute dragon then why not take pictures of it? Clearly he was just hanging out doing the puzzles. I have no strong opinion about blogrolls either. Just curious to see if anyone did.

      Like

  39. I understand the discombobulation of having a holiday on Monday. Today, Thursday, feels like it should be Friday, but does that really make sense?

    Like you, I’ve enjoyed the House on Mango Street. I don’t remember much about it except that I remember Sandra Cisneros’ writing was wonderful.

    Blessings on your new (matching) mugs. Otherwise, life will sort itself out, Ally!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, I find it odd that today is Thursday but that makes no difference to Thursday, now does it? I agree that it feels like a Friday, which will be tomorrow so yay!

      I was struck by how the chapters in The House on Mango Street reminded me of blog posts. Plus I loved all the stories, told succinctly. I like succinct. I’ll enjoy having matching coffee mugs. My dreams are small, but doable. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, the Blogger blogroll doesn’t update in a timely fashion? Interesting. Didn’t know that. I use Feedly to follow blogs, but as for creating a true old-school blogroll, I dunno. Not feeling it.

      Like

  41. Monday being a holiday really seemed to throw me off this week. I think the fact that my husband took off the Friday before for a four-day weekend upped the confusion. We had some rainy days in which we decluttered tons and took loads to the thrift store. Monday was a little cool, but there was some sunshine so we took a boat ride. My youngest’s soccer season is running past the school year since everything was pushed out and compressed…so there are two games this week. At least two of my children have read The House of Mango Street for their English class. I’ve yet to read it but am looking for some short summer reads and will probably add this one. I am in the market for new dishes as well. One son has moved out and the other will soon follow. I’m handing off the old white Corelle. I’m thinking I’m ready for some pops of color and have been eyeing Fiestaware, but this reminds me that Le Creuset has some gorgeous pops of color as well. I’m looking forward to some warmer weather. Hooray! Let summer begin!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amy, I can see how a four day weekend could mess with your head. Plus your weather sounds as unpredictable as ours. The outside things I planned on doing over the weekend got pushed to this week, but now it’s raining again. I hadn’t thought of a kid’s soccer seasons being a muddle, but they must be.

      I liked The House on Mango Street and it is short so good summer reading. I’ll reread it sometime again because so. well. written. If only I could write that well.

      I love your plan of getting some new colorful dishes for yourself whilst graciously pawning off your Corelle to the sons. I like pops of color. We have a couple of bread plates that are from Fiestaware and I love them, but with an outlet store nearby Le Creuset calls to me.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. I got hung up on mugs. We’ve collected mugs for 40 years and probably have about 100. Each season we rotate them. There is space for about 30 at a time in the kitchen. Maybe every decade we go through them and decide which to donate, usually one or two. They are all used at least a few times every year.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. I’ve never heard of House on Mango Street, I will see if my library has it. Thanks for the suggestion! Matching mugs might be fun, especially if you fall in love with a color. I tend to buy them places that I travel and bring them home as souvenirs, so there isn’t really room in the cupboard for a matching set.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, I only recently became aware of The House on Mango Street when I saw it on a display at B&N. The sign on the display said Required Reading. I’d read, or knew of, the other books, but hadn’t even heard of this one.

      Souvenir coffees mugs sound like fun. I’m not sure that you’d like matching mugs after living with what you have. We just have a hodgepodge of meaningless mugs, so I’m going for matching.

      Like

  47. I copied your recipe for the curried meatballs. It looks delicious. What’s an old-fashioned blog roll?

    I’ve been going to read The House on Mango Street for a long time. Still haven’t done it.

    I’ve been watching another old PBS series, New Tricks. I didn’t see it the first time around.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, a hat tip to Katie for introducing me to that meatball recipe. We used ground turkey, not ground chicken, btw.

      The House on Mango Street charmed me. It’s short, but memorable. Someone else mentioned New Tricks and I’d never heard of it before. Will look for it. Thanks for the idea.

      Like

      • Oops, forgot to answer your question about a blogroll. It’s a list of blogs that you enjoy & follow. The list is on the sidebar of your blog OR on a separate page. Once upon a time, like 10+ years ago, everyone had a blogroll. It was a way to show favor and be friendly and help everyone get to know each other. HOWEVER now people find each other through comments, so an old-fashioned blogroll isn’t necessary. But I was toying with the idea of reviving one here…

        Like

  48. I hate that my email notification of your post comes through at a time when you are probably bored with comments. 123 here already! I would like to read them but it is too many!
    I love yoga and meditation and coincidentally posted a short piece on a meditation, so I knew of some of the benefits but did not know that yoga and meditation can actually, “help you release the negativity/emotional hurt in your body.” How amazing. Did it relate to a particular type?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, I’d never read 123 comments on anyone’s blog, so don’t worry. There’s no test on general comment knowledge you must take before you’re permitted to comment. Have your say, go at it. 😊

      The Body Keeps The Score is about people who have suffered severe traumas in war or being raped or being emotionally abused. The book talks about each type of trauma and how people who are hurt retain the horror of it in their bodies. Drugs can help release the hurt, but so can yoga practice and meditation IF the person is willing to face their hurt and move on. It’s a deep book and I skimmed it because while I liked the premise, I wasn’t up for the detail.

      Like

  49. Thanks for mentioning “The House on Mango Street.” I just added it to my Audible library. I’ve recently discovered that I love being read to and it gives my weary eyes a much needed rest… And your mention of the outdoor art show reminded me to check on the dates of ours…

    The only enthralling things we’ve been up to is entertaining visiting grandchildren and reuniting with local friends. Life simple’s pleasures seem more riveting than ever. 🙂 Looking forward to that art show!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Barbara, I need to investigate Audible. My eyes are tired most of the time, so that might be a good way for me to *read* a book.

      I agree with you that life’s simple pleasures seem more riveting this summer. The pandemic was [and still is] awful, but I feel clearer about who I am now– and what I want to do. Hello art show!

      Liked by 1 person

  50. It’s funny you mention it, I thought today was Saturday until a couple of minutes ago. 🙂

    We have no real travel plans this summer, but I am going to stay with my oldest daughter at her apartment for a few days in July. She’s living in her college town over the summer as she’s working there. So I’m looking forward to that.

    I love a blog roll! I don’t have one on mine because I do not know how to add it to Word Press, lol. But I like it because it gives me new blogs to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kari, let me assure you it’s not Saturday today, although I’m sad to say that. Oddly enough once I wrote what I wrote here I got clearer about which day it was. The wonders of blogging never cease.

      We’re not traveling this summer either. Maybe in the fall, though. Go south, see the autumn colors in the Carolinas.

      I have a de facto blogroll on this blog thanks to WP. I have a widget, The Cool Kids, in the sidebar that shows the icons of anyone who comments here. I was toying with the idea of making a proper blogroll, though. Still it’s work to do so, and I’m in a lazy summer mode now.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. Hi Alley, Thanks for making the unenthralling entertaining, I’m afraid I’ve adjusted a bit too much to a COVID lifestyle and have not ventured out much at all. Joe has booked a couple of nights for us in St. Augustine toward the end of the month which will be our first adventure out. The chickens have made another jail break and are now locked inside the screened pool area so I’m staying put until Joe cleans it all up. I’m always astounded by the amount of poop they produce.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Anna, we’re the same as you when it comes to adjusting to a pandemic at home lifestyle. Of course as introverts we would be, wouldn’t we? Your getaway to St. Augustine sounds lovely, though. As for your chickens, I am amused. If it’s not one thing it’s another thing with those creatures.

      Like

  52. Nothing enthralling here unless you count HOA meetings that don’t go as hoped for. Pulling weeds, ugh.

    Not sure what the heck a blogroll might be, so no clue if they’re good or not.

    Just finished the first season of a show called Elementary (a modern-day Holmes-Watson set in Nee York). It’s my best find and replacement after finishing The Mentalist series last year.

    Enjoy the arts show – sounds fun! Our big local arts show takes place in September.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, I don’t attend HOA meetings anymore. They never go as intended, in my experience, and I don’t need the aggravation.

      You never had a blogroll? A blogroll is a list of blogs that a blogger follows. It is either in the sidebar of the blog or on separate page. They we popular about 10+ years ago and I used to have one because they were meant to be a way to be friendly.

      However I got tired of maintaining it, bloggers come and go so keeping it current was a challenge. I deleted mine years ago, but I asked the question to see what people thought of them now.

      Liked by 2 people

  53. I got to thinking and so went on my lap top — I have a blog roll! And it is current because I just started following a couple of new blogs and they are on there. So it must be automatic as I sure the heck haven’t done it. Isn’t it crazy that I even forgot I had one! I rarely go to the “outside” of the site.

    Like

  54. Monday as a holiday always throw me off ( which is bad when garbage days are important)
    Enjoyed your updated “about” page, and the blog hints. Nicely done (Of course, you are nice)
    My favorite coffee must just cracked up and died. I’ve never had a favorite – maybe the utilitarian one at work that filled up but otherwise got ignored. But the one that broke was a gift from a doc in Italy and local made quite elegantly and professionally – and even better it had just the right shape and fit to hold (Never paid much to that before, but COVID was pretty boring and things were examined more.)
    I hope you locate just the right mug bunch – and buy multiples. Only way to do things these days.
    I know the book! It and the author were wildly popular here as the book rings so true
    Thanks for the mention of the TV murder series – we’ve been watching less and less – mainly because the scripts are so badly written – some time you just want a good story and an ending that surprises/makes you think “Oh, I should have seen that” would be quite welcome.

    Liked by 1 person

    • philmouse, I’m glad I’m not the only one who is confused by the days this week. Not a big deal, but seemed important to mention. Thanks for reading my new pages. I felt like it was time to revise myself. When I broke my favorite coffee mug I decided I’d just make a clean sweep of them all. I like Le Creuset mugs because the weight of them makes it easy for me to drink from them.

      About MM I get what you’re saying about the writing. It’s changed in these last few seasons. I haven’t disliked the stories, but I haven’t adored them either. Of course without Ben Jones I am bereft. He was my favorite character, not that the other assistant detectives aren’t good– they’re just not Jones. I smile just thinking of him.

      Liked by 1 person

  56. The Le Creuset outlet store is a dangerous, dangerous place. We have one in our town, and I’ve noticed that each time we visit we walk out having made SERIOUS purchases. A most dangerous place, I must say.

    I’ll be curious what your impressions are of Midsomer Murder once you make it to the current season, number 22. We loved the corny/quirky nature of that show up to at least season 20. But we sort of bailed after watching two episodes of this season. Sadly, we found it boring. Please update if you can think of it later. – Marty

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marty, yes you’re right about the Le Creuset outlet stores. Everything in them calls to me, whispering discount prices, saying you must buy me.

      I’ll let you know what we think. At some point this show has to end, right? How many more people could there be alive in Midsomer? Seems like they’ve all been murdered– or sent to prison.

      Liked by 1 person

  57. We have been on an epic camper van adventure this week with our kids and the dog…despite some trepidation about whether it would work out we’ve had glorious sunshine all week (a rarity) & the holiday has been great fun, I even managed to read a book which I haven’t found the time for lately.

    I love that you love Midsomer Murders…whilst I can visit a quaint English village (because I live in one) it’s still a great go to bit of comfort television, nothing like a gentle ‘whodunnit’ on a Spring evening.

    Please can someone tell me what a blogroll is?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rae Cod, while I’m not a camper I do understand how it is fun for other people. Of course at this point any vacation is a good vacay. So glad that you had fun and got to read a book.

      MM are exactly what you said: a gentle ‘whodunnit’. We enjoy the pace and just float along with the storylines.

      A blogroll is a list of blogs that you follow and recommend to other bloggers. The list can be either in your sidebar or on a separate page. They were popular years ago when blogging was newer because they are a way of showing support and friendship. Now, however, they seem less necessary. I deleted mine a few years ago, but just wondered what other bloggers had to say about them.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Misomer Murders is mad. My other half watches it. How can anybody be left alive in the entire county, after all the crime that goes on there? It’s always some old lady that helps in the church that’s massacred half the village over some slight, isn’t it 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jonathon, you said it. And if it’s not the little *innocent* old lady it’s the person who’s behind the bar in the local pub. The place scares the Dickens out of me… yet I continue to watch.

      Like

  59. I think I used to have a Blog Roll but with the theme I’m using now, there’s no space for it (and my blog is all about me, anyway … [snort] …). I have never read Cisnero’s novel but you’ve reminded me that I want to. Traveling vicariously is why I love to read books and watch TV/films about other countries. Enjoy your outing this weekend!

    Like

    • Marie, you’re right that some WP themes don’t allow blogrolls. I realize that now but I have a feeling that their time has come and gone. The Cisnero novel is short, but delightful. Let me know what you think if you read it. Again you’re right about traveling vicariously via books and TV. It’s fun. Happy Weekend to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  61. I am so glad to see that you watch Midsomer Murders. We started watching it a few years ago and watched all that was available. Then we moved on to other stuff and just tonight started talking about watching it again… all of it. It’s been long enough that we’ve probably forgotten all of the murders and the mysteries. Thank you for the reminder.

    Like

    • Robin, MM have become our default nighttime TV show. At the end of the day they’re perfectly entertaining, not challenging, just intriguing. I’m sure I’ve already forgotten many of the murders. I bet you’ll enjoy seeing them again.

      Like

  62. Whew! I had to do a LOT of scrolling down to the bottom so I could add my two cents worth. I’ll have to go back and read the comments which are also always entertaining 🙂

    I loved the old Morse – very much. I quite like the current one. I must check out the series again, I always used to record them for later viewing. I loved the Colin Dexter books on Morse. I reckon you would find them a treat Ally Bean..

    What is a blog roll? am not a 100% sure …

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, I agree with you that the comments on this blog are as good as, maybe better, than what I write here. Makes it fun for me.

      I don’t know about old Morse so I’ll look for it. Thanks for the suggestions. Soon we’ll be finished with MM and need a new nighttime distraction.

      A blogroll is a list of blogs that you recommend to other bloggers. It’s usually in your sidebar or on a separate page. They were popular years ago as a friendly way of promoting other bloggers. I deleted mine a few years ago, but got thinking about adding a blogroll again IF there was a demand. From the comments here I don’t think there is.

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  63. Hi Alley! I’m one of those who reads a handful of blogs using my mobile phone for several years. When my computer items died it was obvious to me that I really no longer had a need nor desire. I usually read your witty blog including most comments. I’m not a blogger. I’ve seen your cool kids photos group at the very end after the area to add a comment, but I has no idea what those photos were about. Now I do! I’m wondering if WP includes all who comment on the particular post or who comments mostly or what’s the criteria. For me, I have found my favorite blogs through other blogs that I truly enjoy, but it would be nice to know what the blogs are about or why you follow a particular blog? It’s really fun to find a blog to read for entertainment while I rest my body.

    Enthralling: I’m watching two morning dove chicks that hatched on the day that you posted. It’s so sweet to watch the mother bird keep them warm and dry (it’s been raining nonstop for weeks). This morning both Mother and Father were on the nest with the two chicks. I do love birds! So this chicks watching is enthralling for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TD, thanks for reading and commenting here. I appreciate it. I don’t read any blogs on a mobile phone so I don’t know how they appear on one. Fingers crossed this one looks pretty and is clear to read.

      You ask great questions about WP’s criteria for inclusion in The Cool Kids list. I don’t know what it is. All I know is that it’s a widget that automatically does its thing and that the kids listed usually look like the most recent commenters, but not always.

      I like how you’re being entralled at the moment. It’d be fun to watch little chicks as they grow, not to mention watching their parents. You’re lucky to have the view you do.

      Like

  64. Have you ever read the books that the Midsummer Murder series are based on? They’re by Caroline Graham, and I read them years before I knew there was a tv series about it. I liked the books better, as I usually do, but I do enjoy watching the show as it seems to offer a little slice of rural England and until I can go there in person, I have to take what I can get.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann,I haven’t read the books and never thought about that before. Maybe I should read one. I found the TV shows not too long ago and figured like you that if I can’t travel to the UK, which we were planning on doing last fall, then I’ll watch the Barnaby detectives in action. We adapt, don’t we?

      Liked by 2 people

      • We do adapt! And like you, I enjoy the series mostly because of it’s setting. If you enjoy reading mysteries, you might try the books. The earlier episodes were based on them, I think. At least I’ve seen a few of the books adapted for the TV series, and assumed they did them first.

        Liked by 1 person

  65. Hi ally
    I am not sure what you mean with blog roll- is it the link of blogs you follow? Or is it the images of other bloggers at bottom?
    –
    Anyhow – sounds like your summer is off to a nice start and the Misomer Murder series sounds good and I will check them out.
    For me – I watched the first seven seasons of Columbo since last December –
    Enjoyed them very much

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yvette, a blogroll is a list of blogs that you feel are worth reading. You have, or had as in my case, the blogroll on your sidebar or on a separate page. Back in the early days of blogging everyone had a blogroll. It was a friendly way to show support for other bloggers.

      On this blog I now have The Cool Kids list in my sidebar. It’s a WP widget that generates the list based on who comments here. In reality it’s a de facto blogroll. It requires no maintenance on my part… which is why I ended my blogroll years ago. Keeping it current was too much work for me.

      I haven’t seen Columbo in years! What a fun flashback TV show to watch. Great idea.

      Liked by 1 person

      • hi
        thanks for the blog roll info and i really do love some of your seasoned blog experience insight – the things that have changed and things that have not
        and i have the blogs i follow worth images on mine but would prefer the one that rotates according to activity (i will check on it)
        also, i have seen sone blog rolls on blogs and never once clicked on a blog from there.
        —
        and Columbo was a fun adventure and i kept a few notes.
        one of the reasons i wanted to watch is because i heard the creator of Monk was a big Columbo fan and many others – so i did see Monk connections.
        —
        hope your weekend is nice

        Liked by 1 person

        • You nailed the issue with blogrolls. For all the work of maintaining them many times, like you, I’ve seen one and not clicked on any blogs listed. I appreciate that someone took the time to share who they follow, but I find most of my new [to me] bloggers from their comments.

          I loved Monk and didn’t know that about the connection to Columbo. Now I’m doubly intrigued by the idea of watching it.

          Liked by 1 person

          • well regarding Monk and Columbo – i wish i wrote down all of the connections i noted – but one of them had to do with how Mink’s dad left when he was little and “went out for chinese food and never came back”
            well that was in an episode – some side character said it about her ex –
            then some characters from columbo made it to Monk-
            i might post about it later this year / i have a few episodes to watch again – and then there are other later seasons – i just explored the first round of 7
            oh and the cars and clothes are a hoot so please let me know if you get to watch them
            and i accessed the show on IMBD with commercials – strangely enough the commercials were a gift – if go tea or empty the dryer
            –
            lastly – i do recall early on feeling like an outsider when i saw someone’s list of bloggers –
            i was new to the blog world and not a big deal – but i faintly remember seeing it as that person’s exclusive group
            –
            and so that is why i like the way blogger images show if they comment – rather inclusive that way
            —

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            • I’d love to see Columbo just for the clothes and cars and decor in rooms. I’ve added to a list I keep of show to check out.

              I know what you mean about blogrolls coming across as exclusive. There’s a weirdness to them that I couldn’t put my finger on but you’ve nailed it. The way the WP widget creates The Cool Kids list seems more egalitarian. Comment here and you’re in. Don’t comment and you aren’t. Seems reasonable.

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  67. Ally, I enjoyed reading your updated About Ally Bean and Blogging Hints pages. I don’t keep a blog roll on my blog as I’m all for low maintenance but it can be useful to readers who are looking for more blogs to read.

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    • Natalie, thanks for reading my new pages. I felt the time had come to update them. No reason in particular, other than I had the time. Like you I’m a low maintenance blogger. Keeping a blogroll up to date was too much work for me so I deleted mine years ago, but I got wondering if other people still had them/liked them. The answer has been pretty much NO.

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  68. Nothing enthralling here either unless you call endless home projects enthralling? I’m certainly not complaining about it though.
    Having new recipes is a good thing; keep it fresh in the kitchen.
    On my old blogger blog, I had a blogroll but ditched it when I went to WP. I Do enjoy seeing them on other blogs as they occasionally inspire you to check out a new (to me) blog to read. I suppose I could go either way to answer your question.
    An outside art fest sounds like a great day!

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    • Suz, your definition of enthralling is the same as mine. We’ve got projects around the house and in the garden, but they’re not interesting enough to write about on them. Not complaining either– happy to have something to do.

      I used to keep a blogroll but doing so was work. People come and go from blogging every month, so keeping it current was a chore. That’s why I ditched it, I don’t want more work writing this blog.

      So far most commenters here are indifferent to blogrolls, like them, but don’t need them. Plus on my sidebar I have the WP widget that keeps track of who comments here and that’s a lot like a blogroll.

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  69. Happy kick-off to summer! I enjoyed reading the updated About Ally page. I’m not quite sure what an old-fashioned blogroll page is? Perhaps I even have one on my blog and didn’t know it? I think you’ve been busy and have much to look forward to this summer. An adventure to the outdoor festivities will no doubt produce some blog-worthy thoughts! Thanks for sharing your clever thoughts with us!

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    • Shelley, thanks for reading my new About page. Every so often I feel the need to update it. Plus I had the time so why not?

      A blogroll is a list of blogs that you like. It’s either on your blog’s sidebar or on a separate page. They were the *done* thing years ago because they let you support other bloggers. I deleted mine a few years ago because it’s work to maintain it. Now I have a WP widget that I call The Cool Kids. It shows who has commented recently. It’s kind of like a blogroll and WP does all the work to keep it up to date. From my point of view, it’s a win-win.

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  70. Much that is enthralling here. I like Midsomer Murders, and we watch maybe one a week. But I am super in love with Vera. Even better, but much less perky because of the location, I’m sure. Midsomer is south England, whereas Vera is north and I have yet to see a blue sky in a single episode. Rain in at least one scene every episode! But the stories are good, and the actor who plays Vera is ALL THAT. I could watch all these types of shows for hours a day if I let myself and knew how to work the TV (there’s a reason, so no eye rolling, please). So I read the Cisneros years ago. Wonderful book, an easy read, and I still remember the house (es) in full charming color.

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    • Luanne, I’m not familiar with Vera, but I can understand how northern weather would be different than southern weather. I’ll look for this series. Thanks for the suggestion. I like TV mysteries, too. I can barely turn on our TV, so for that reason alone I don’t watch too much TV. I enjoyed The House on Mango Street and will keep it in my library. I’ll read it again, I’m sure of that.

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  71. Well, I’ll confess it: blogrolls never have interested me. I never look at them. I don’t really know why. I think part of it’s that so many people just kept adding names, and adding, and adding… Beyond that, I’ve never felt the need to search out another blog to read. If I come across someone who seems to have common interests in a comment section, then I go explore.

    Beyond that, the practical matter is that blogrolls slow down page loads, because every link has to be fetched. If someone wants to recommend others, it’s best to designate a separate page.

    Instead of using a blogroll, I’ll often link to specific posts from other bloggers within the body of one of my posts. It gives a little recognition, and says, “I enjoy this or find it interesting; you might, too.”

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    • shoreacres, I’ve come to the same conclusions as you have about blogrolls. Back in the day I found it time-consuming to maintain one that was current– and if a blogroll isn’t current, what’s the point? Plus like you said they slow down how quickly a page loads.

      I deleted mine years ago, but as I was reworking my pages I got thinking about blogrolls and thought I’d ask everyone to see what people thought of them now. I enjoy reading comments on other blog so that’s where I discover *new* bloggers. And people seem to find me that way, too.

      I’m not looking to have more work here on this blog so I won’t be adding a blogroll to it, but I had to ask. Interesting discussion about them. 🤔

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  72. [I apologize for my tardiness in commenting Ally – we had a computer crash at work that has wreaked havoc on my work life as well as encroached bigtime on my personal time. I was ten days behind in Reader but am only behind a week as of tonight. I jumped ahead to you to get there before your next, week from Tuesday, post as I saw you posted in Twitter.] I have never had a blogroll, but I’ve not enhanced much on my blog home page since tweaking it and adding some favorite critter pics a few years ago and really need to update that. I worked out in the garden most of Memorial Day weekend and I’m glad I did as this weekend was steamy and oppressive here in SE Michigan. I like the heat but no fan of this much heat. I’ve got to get back into reading – I bought a bunch of books at the tail end of 2019 as I enjoyed getting back into reading again that Fall, then have not touched them. They’ll keep. I cancelled my cable ten eleven ago and had not watched TV in that long and discovered the wealth of shows and movies available on my Amazon Prime membership. I treat myself once a week to TV night and am savoring the AMC series Mad Men. I worked in the creative department of an ad agency for 18 months after college graduation. I just started Season Six and it ends after Season Seven.

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    • Linda, I appreciate you reading my blog posts whenever you get to them. I don’t take attendance so whenever [or not at all some weeks] is good by me. Still thanks for your explanation.

      We worked outside over Memorial Day weekend, too. For the same reasons as you. This past weekend got wet and hot, so I’m glad we did what we did. I’ve got books that I intend to read all over the place and like you said “They’ll keep.”

      I’ve never seen Mad Men. I know it was wildly popular, but somehow never tuned in. We have Amazon Prime now so I’ll add it to TBW list. Thanks for the idea.

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      • Ally – I felt compelled to offer an explanation to the people who routinely comment on my blog on why I was not reciprocating on their posts. I can’t seem to catch up, weeks after the computer issue. Tonight it was a weather issue and I shut down for hours as storms rumbled through the area, the first of many this week to the heat spikes.

        The weather was gorgeous for the long weekend and I wished it had stayed longer.

        The series Mad Men began in the late 50s and it’s been interesting to watch this show with an eye toward fashion trends and culture during this period. The episodes often mention big news stories from those time periods (1960 presidential election, JFK’s assassination, moon landing, etc.) which has been interesting to me having lived through them.

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        • I know what you mean about wanting to be clear about how you reply to comments. I appreciate that. There seems to be a trend among some bloggers to not reply to comments, or do so selectively. To me that seems like they’re missing the point of blogging. 🤷‍♀️

          I imagine Mad Men is something I’d enjoy for the reasons you mention. I don’t watch TV during the day and only about an hour each night, so eventually I’ll get to the series.

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          • I’m leaning toward just going to current Reader posts, but I feel that is wrong if I continue to do my own posts. I’ll have to decide and I don’t like to miss any, then later on reference to a past post is made and you’d be clueless. You are right – there is blogging etiquette to be considered. I think you’ll like Mad Men. I only watch two hours a week and have two seasons left and hate to see it end. Now that Amazon has acquired MGM, there will be more movies, but whether they are free or a nominal charge, we’ll have to wait and see.

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            • We all find our own ways to keep up with other bloggers. I don’t worry about missing any posts and try to visit those who I follow once a week at least. Many bloggers who I adore write every day and I cannot be there for that, so I chose one or two posts per week and read/comment on them. I know it is shocking, but I do have a life away from the blogosphere. I figure I’ll live it first, then blog. Radical thinking, I know! 😉

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              • You’ve got the right attitude Ally. I will adopt that attitude too. The best thing I did this year was reduce posts to two per week, with one being just photos. Daily posts are too much – I hear you. 😉

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  73. Let summer begin! As I write, I am at my cottage in sweltering heat and humidity – yes, we get that in Canada. It feels like summer on Speed. All I have the energy for is resting and reading. I added The House on Mango Street to my list. I always appreciate a book recommendation. Thanks for posting! I really miss your blog during times of blog breaks.

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    • Arlene, it’s hot and getting more humid by the hour here. I relate to your resting and reading energy. I like how pretty it is outside during summer, but the heat does me in. The House on Mango Street was one of those books that’s been under my nose, but I didn’t know it. Hope you enjoy!

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  74. I heard The House on Mango Street was good. I need a good book to read.
    I can’t say I’ve done anything enthralling either. I don’t have summer travel plans. Just trying to stay cool.

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    • L. Marie, I enjoyed the novel then wondered why I’d not read it before. We don’t have summer vacation plans either. Not sure that even bothers me, staying around home seems exciting enough now.

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  75. I love how you are very reflective over human dynamics like I am and just read your post over the difference between friends and followers. It’s the sort of thing I think about as well. I have a tendency to view my blog friends as potential real friends I’m coming to know and often feel closer with them than some long term friends who aren’t bloggers so I’m very thorough over trying to obtain a balance between it all as in I always participate mutually and that works better. I’ve been slow to get into WP so far but it’s gradual and I’m getting there. Trying to climb the ropes lol. I’ve really enjoyed discovering you on here so far and I’ll try again with seeing if I can get the follow to work but I’ll keep interacting either way, with or without the follow label.

    On LiveJournal, I think there is more emphasis on the nature of “friends” as it’s called a friends list rather than a reads/followers list but as well I’ve found bloggers all there for different reasons and the way we all interact differs from person to person. So there’s blog friends where we share a “life share” and have a sense of mutual friendship of “we want to invest in each other” and then there’s “people we enjoy reading and them us” but as you said, sometimes the balance can feel off and where feelings can be hurt. I for one am not interested in a one way blogger’s audience or to boost a follower’s count as I truly have a deep need for connection that I think arises from blogging type people better than many other avenues of life.

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    • webgirluk, when I started blogging I had two goals: 1) to see if I could show up and write and publish; and 2) to make friends. That’s how I thought about the whole [new!] thing, simple and straightforward. Of course now blog land is a whole different complicated place and my original ideas are simplistic. There are about a gazillion different ways to write a blog and to interact with other people around the world. While I still default to thinking of my commenters as friends, I realize that only a few of them are truly friends, many more are followers. And that’s okay, probably for the best. I’ve learned to adjust my thinking.

      I was never on LiveJournal, but I know of it. I don’t know how WordPress differs from it so I cannot give you any advice about how to learn WP. Trial and error, is probably the reality of it. Good luck making your profile this weekend. I fussed around with mine at the beginning of the year when I upgraded my template, but once I got it set, it’s set. I’m patient enough to make changes to my blog, but not patient enough to do more than I need to. Like a crockpot, I fix it and forget it.

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      • That’s a shame you ended up adjusting your thinking over blogging being a social avenue to make real friends with other people but lovely when it happens, isn’t it still? And thanks over wishing me luck over setting up the profile properly this weekend. I’ll try 🙂

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  76. Those meatballs are my favorite and I’m glad you’ve made them and are enjoying them. That black bean and corn salad sound like my kind of food too!

    The Coney Island art fair sounds amazing. I miss those things.

    I’m pro blog roll even if they are outdated and unnecessary. I like to see who my fellow blog friends like to read on the reg.

    The House on Mango Street is good. I read it a couple years back and really loved it and you’re right about the chapters!!

    Happy week!!

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    • Katie, thanks for the meatball recipe. It’s one of our favorites now. Trying new recipes has been one of the better parts of the pandemic.

      I can do without socializing but going to art fairs or farmers’ markets or free outdoor concerts have been some things I’ve missed this last year. I am a simple introvert!

      I don’t know how I missed The House on Mango Street but I did. Had I read it back when it was published I’d have liked it, but now I was instantly reminded of blogging. Which I like so that was a good connection to make.

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