¡Ay, Caramba! 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday

/ Ally Bean

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1. I am nuts.  I woke up thinking: we could change the name of Alexa to Annabelle. Where the heck did that ridiculous idea come from? It’s not like we use Alexa often enough that we need our own special name for her.

2. I am laughing.  I follow a few comic strips on Instagram [that I believe are also available on other social media]. The two comics that make me the happiest are: Foxes in Love AND Underpants and Overbites. Never say I don’t share the best with you, my bloggy friends.

3. I am delighted.  I read this interview with Diane Keaton and realized that her approach to life is inspiring. At 77 she exudes enthusiasm with a kind of determination to live in the moment, to not get bogged down, that rings true with me. She’s her own quirky person, doing her own thing… her way.

4. I am befuddled.  I bought the wrong marigolds. While shopping for annuals at the garden nursery I forgot how much I didn’t like the garish orange marigolds I bought last year– and then what did I do? I went on to repeat my mistake, buying the orange ones again instead of the groovy mellow yellow marigolds I prefer.

5. I am considering.  For years I’ve read about the value of creating a Commitment Inventory. You write down all that you’ve said that you’d do;  then you evaluate what you’re doing with your time and how to prioritize your commitments. I can’t decide if this is busy work for a free spirit like me– or might actually have some value.

6. I am drinking.  We watched a documentary Neat: The Story of Bourbon. It was compelling, informative, and features Steve Zahn as comic relief. Prompted by our newfound knowledge, we marched out to the liquor store and bought some Woodford Reserve Double Oaked to serve neat, of course.

7.  I am charmed.  I saw a bumpersticker on a car that said: Think about Honking if you like Conceptual Art. Just goes to show that there are some absurdly delightful people running around out there. God bless them one and all.

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So, what random things have you been up to, mi amigos? Tell all in the comments below, but for the love of Bart don’t overthink it!
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208 thoughts on “¡Ay, Caramba! 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday”

  2. Your list is filled with fun. Good for you. I’ve been spending too much time in my garden and happy to do so. The only bad part is that I got a sunburn on my bald head. Now that was unexpected. 😛

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  3. That’s a great bumper sticker. Those things were high art themselves in 1970s Berkeley. One of my favorites was a little long, but appropriate given the setting: “Intellectual Coolies of the World, Unite! You have Nothing to Lose but your Mentors!” I’d bet the car belonged to a grad assistant.

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    • Linda, that’s a wonderful bumper sticker. I agree it had to be on the car of a grad assistant. I was pleased when I saw the one I did. Much better than anything political or sports-oriented. Keep people thinking!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. My all-time favorite bumper sticker is “Jesus is coming. Look busy.” A close second is “Stamp out first marriages.” How about Jarvis for the butler? And I could use a new name for my Indian-accented Siri gentleman. Any suggestions?

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  5. We have a second name for Alexa! We call her Diane because that way we can talk about her without her listening in. I mean, she is always listening in, but this way she doesn’t know we’re talking about her.

    Love that conceptual art bumper sticker.

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  6. Fun post! You’ve made me laugh. Now I have to go read about Diane Keaton.

    We named our Alexa “Computer” because we are Star Trek fans and I wanted to talk to it like Spock. She sits near the TV. One problem–when we watch Star Trek, and a character asks the computer for something, our Alexa listens. Her response is usually, but not always, “i don’t know that.”

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    • nance, the bumper sticker you saw is more in line with the ones I usually see. Or worse yet, ones FOR tRump. At least when I saw this one I reacted in pure joy, not seething despair.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Why do we do that insane buying thing? I have not done it with marigolds but I find myself doing it with food. I have nothing much against most generic brands at all except for a few things. Yet I get the idea in my head that I need xyz, can’t find name brand, and tell myself “Deb, get the generic. It will be just as good.” Then of course it is not and I swear I will never make the error again…until the next time.

    I rarely see bumper stickers on cars around here. Does that mean we are just a silent bunch, choosing to keep our radical thoughts to ourselves?

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    • Deb, I cannot explain why I bought the orange marigolds, but you’re spot on with your example of shopping for food. I get an idea stuck in my brain and then *wham bam* I’m at home looking at the wrong things.

      We were just talking about seeing bumper stickers around here. This is an area with older cars and trucks so people have put them on their old vehicles, while in more affluent areas with newer cars and trucks people don’t [yet] have bumperstickers on them.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Well of course- new cars don’t add up to bumper stickers do they…duh! My daughters first car years ago was an already old Jeep. She plastered it with bumper stickers. That hasn’t happen since she became an adult and drives relatively new vehicles 😉

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  10. You are a lovable nut, who makes us dig deeper and think.
    Gee, I never thought of following a comic strip on IG! I have seen Foxes in Love and have snickered more than once.
    Now I love Diane Keaton even more. That article was so how I would picture it would go!
    I used to have to plant Dad’s marigolds all around the pool every year. Yellow, orange, two-toned. Don’t you just hate when you buy the ones you didn’t want? The ONLY reason I include marigolds in my garden is because they keep away pests. I nestle them in between the veggies.
    I regularly consider organising myself. Read that article and I think I broke out in hives…
    I have come to love Bourbon thanks to Marc and have bought Woodford Reserve. I now have a bottle of Bulleit (delicious). The documentary is now bookmarked.
    There really are wonderful people out there – you’re one of them!
    Have a fantabulous day and rest of week!

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    • Dale, I like seeing comic strips show up in my IG feed. They seem like a nice respite from the deluge of photos. I read the DK article and came away thinking she’s got it going on in a way that makes sense. I want to be like her.

      As for the marigolds, I know I can go buy some yellow ones, but the reality is I should know better when it comes to choosing colors to put out in the garden. A few people have suggested doing a commitment inventory as a way of feeling empowered, but I’ve had a difficult time committing to the idea. 😁

      I’ve not had Bulleit bourbon but am willing to give it a try. The documentary was fascinating and well researched. Thanks for the compliment. I try to be wonderful… most days! Happy week to you, too.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, comic relief is always a joy 🙂 I SO want to be like her, too. She’s her own woman.

        I know what you mean. It’s one thing to buy closed flowers that one assures us is the colour we want… 😉 I have to say that I am commitment-shy to lists and whatnot. I might have to learn, though!

        It is very tasty and I am looking forward to watching it.

        Thank you! It’s my last “free” week until I start my new job on Monday. Wooooot!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, I never thought of that situation, but I can see how it’d happen. it’s funny but no doubt not so funny when it happens in your home. Kids keep you on your toes.

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  12. We don’t have a device like Alexa …I don’t want one. #1 Grandson calls his or summons his by saying “Computer, blah blah blah?”. He’s so cute. 😍

    I haven’t tried Woodford Reserved I may have to remedy that. 😀

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  13. I love this post. Random thoughts is perfect for any day. We got an Alexa for my wife’s father who went to assisted living. First we noticed that he couldn’t remember “Alexa”, and when he did, he would mispronounce it … Alexia … So we thought changing her name would be perfect. We discovered there are only a few choices … so we chose Computer because it would be easy for him to remember …. so he called her Calculator … and wondered why she didn’t respond. However, all is good now. 🙂

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  14. I changed Alexa’s voice to a male voice option and then changed her name to the only male-ish option, Ziggy. I do prefer the male voice but she/he would ever respond to Ziggy which led to shouting matches, well at least on my side. So I have a male Alexa. Seems apropos for the times.

    I rarely see a bumper sticker unless it’s of the sort that makes Ally seethe in despair. Perhaps it comes from not driving or going much of anywhere these days.

    I like all marigolds. Go out and buy some additional plants that are yellow and mix them together. Feel happy with all the pretty color in your yard.

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    • Zazzy, you’ve inadvertently created the perfect Alexa that shows your openness to new ways of understanding gender fluidity. What a hoot that it happened like it did.

      I see many bumper stickers, but usually with some snotty divisive political commentary on them. Or sports. Many sports fans around here. You’re not missing much seeing fewer of them.

      I will go out and buy some yellow marigolds and do exactly what you suggest. It was such a weird moment when I said out loud to myself: you bought the wrong marigolds. Like when did I become a person who says things like that?

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Hey, Ally! I LOVED Annie’s thought about Alexa…just go with ‘computer’. Brilliant! And I feel for you about the marigolds. I seem to do that with impatiens and end up with weird fuchsia pinks when I want red. Thanks for the cautionary tale…I’ll be careful when I venture forth to buy annuals in a couple of days. And Diane Keaton? Oh good grief, yes. She seems to be who I want to be as I grow older…more comfortable with myself…still having fun. Thanks for the link. She’s a delight. Just like you! Cheers! 😎

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    • Victoria, I thought Annie has a good idea, too. I understand about your wrong impatiens. I don’t know whether to attribute the marigold mistake to senility or just being easily distracted by pretty things when I’m in the garden nursery.

      I’m with you about DK. You said it well: learning to be comfortable with yourself + having fun.

      Thanks for the compliments. I could say the same thing about you… even if you are confused by impatiens. 😉

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  17. Ally,
    The commitment inventory sounds like something I need to do. Now that I can see again, I feel like I need to hit a reset button and cull a few things in my life. Back to basics! Always get great ideas from you, my friend! Fun post! Mona

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    • Mona, I’ve been thinking in the same way as you. It’s time to cull a few things, obligations, habits from my life. I’m so glad that your eyesight is returning. I can understand how you feel like hitting reset.

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  18. I admit to being choosy about my marigolds. Personally, I prefer the red/orange ones, but they are harder to find. I’m trying to wrap my head around that bumper sticker.

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    • Bijoux, I like the orange-y marigolds in principle, but near our brick they look dodgy. The yellow ones contrast beautifully with the brick. And thus I have shown that I, too, am fussy about marigolds! And aren’t we a pair?

      Like

  19. After reading through the comments, I am more firm than ever in my resolve to never have Alexa (or any of her siblings/clones) in my house! 🙂

    Bumper stickers: Never have them, never will. Not in these divisive times. Don’t need to give someone a reason to key my car, ya know?

    I have been doing a lot of house-puttering. And yard-puttering. Planting flowers (sorry about your marigolds!), cleaning out and re-organizing drawers, making a list of tasks I want to get done before we leave for an extended stay in another state. I love puttering.

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    • Rita, I don’t hate on Alexa but I could live without her. She’s not vital to my existence. I’ve never had a bumper sticker on my car, either. I think the same way you do about the miscreants who walk among us. No need to inflame them.

      Puttering is wonderful. I encourage it to others and to myself. It’s slightly more productive than lollygaging, but has the same mellow vibe to it. Putter on!

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  20. I look forward to finding time to read about Diane Keaton. I enjoy her so much. The bumper sticker is a hoot. We have a bumper sticker that reads: VOTE FOR OBI WAN KENOBI, HE’S OUR ONLY HOPE. That was from the election a few years ago, but it still feels relevant.

    I’m not doing anything random unless you count perusing real estate listings trying to locate a condo that Lad can buy. He has his sights set on a house, which he can’t afford. So mostly, I’m banging my head against the wall, which I don’t recommend. Oh, and I keep busy drafting and redrafting letters to our high school principal. Things are hitting the fan. At least, we hope so. He better take our information seriously. I’ll be sharing the ordeal in an upcoming post.

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    • Ernie, I like your bumper sticker. It is, from my perspective, timeless advice regardless of what the actual election is about.

      Looking at real estate listings is a rabbit hole. You start with one idea in mind, then curiosity takes over, and you wander everywhere. Good luck staying on point.

      I look forward to learning more about your letter to the high school principal. It’s difficult to know how it’ll be received. Still there you go, you do what you think is right and can’t control the outcome.

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  21. Regarding #1, my little brother’s favorite stuff cow was named Annabelle. The memory made me smile, so thank you. I don’t have Alexa or any of the tech gadgets–from the comments, I can’t decide if I’m missing out or happy to not have to worry about gossiping behind Alexa’s back. 🤣

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    • Erin, Annabelle is a perfect name for a stuffed cow. I can understand that. As for why I was thinking what I was thinking, I cannot understand that. Alexa has her purposes, but I could live without her. That being said, she’s here so why not use her?

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  22. Such a great list. I love the fact that you attached appropriate adjectives to your thoughts. I can stop all the crazy thoughts in my head to do that. It’s always extreme in my head either crazy or empty. I think we should all just enjoy being our quirky original selves.

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  24. I love random posts but am never sure quite how to respond to them. I like to be systematic but will have to be random instead. I would gladly take those orange marigolds off your hands since orange flowers are one of my favorites. I have tried bourbon and liked it better than whisky but not by much!

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    • Margaret, I know what you mean about responding to posts with lists of links/ideas/details. I do what you did here, I reply to a couple things that interest me. I like orange marigold but they don’t look good adjacent to our brick. I much prefer bourbon over Scotch, it’s smoother. Or at least it is at the price point I’ll spend on the stuff. I’ve never had top shelf Scotch.

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  25. We don’t have an Alexa, but I do have a very good friend called Alexa so that would be a constant trigger for any Alexa device. If I *did* have one, I’d want it to sound like Stephen Fry in Jeeves & Wooster. I’d not be bothered what he was called so long as those very discerning and somewhat disapproving tones were coming down the wires at me.

    Thank you for Foxes in Love – I *love* it!

    The Commitment Inventory made me shudder, possibly because despite being a good organizer, I don’t want to be judged on it – even by myself 😉

    PS: hope you’re enjoying your reduced schedule.

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    • Deb, I loved Fry as Jeeves. He’d be a wonderful voice/attitude for something like Alexa. Ingenious idea.

      Foxes in Love makes me smile. I have reservations about a commitment inventory but I’ve known a few people who feel it brought clarity into their lives. I figure I’m organized enough as it stands now.

      I am enjoying doing less in blogland, more in the real world. I’m looking for the comfortable balance I had between the two before the pandemic changed my way of doing, well, everything.

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  26. Diane Keaton’s daughter was on a swim team in Southern California when my kids were swimmers. We’d see her on deck at swim meets and she’d vacation in our town for holidays and her daughter would practice with my kids’ team. One of our fellow swim parents saw her at a meet and said “You look like that famous actress, what’s her name.” She smiled and said she was. He laughed and said “Sure you are.” She asked if he wanted a photo with her. He came back to our pop up tent and he told us he got a photo with a mom who looked like Diane Keaton. We told him it really was her!

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  27. I am entertained. What a delightful way to do a post, Ally! I love your delight about Diane Keaton and your recommendation of comics on IG. As far as nuts go – yep, I can relate to that. Did you know you can rename her to “echo” or “computer” from the app? And when you do that, everyone else in the household has to guess what to call her? You’re welcome… 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    • EW, you may be able to find either of the comics on Twitter or FB, but I don’t know for sure. If you input “green fox blue fox comic” into Duck Duck Go you’ll get lots of them in the images part. Same with “Underpants & Overbites.” Might work with Google too.

      Like

  29. That commitment journal would drive me to drink. My Alexa thing thinks her name is “I’m sorry.. It was an accident.” I’m still trying to figure out if I care how many times during the coronation Prince Louis yawned. Do I? Tell me Alexa/Ally. ; )

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    • Jan, I don’t know that I’m going to do a commitment inventory but I have had people suggest it’s great. I figure if it works for you then YAY, but maybe I’m more of a go with the flow person. I do not care how many times that poor kid yawned, nor should anyone. I think it was close to child abuse to make him sit there to begin with. 😑

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  30. Oh…that bumper sticker IS delightful. I really do appreciate people who like what they like and share it. (This post is a great example of that!)

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    • Katie, as I walked into the grocery I saw that bumper sticker on a day when I wasn’t in the best mood and it instantly cheered me onto grocery shopping victory knowing someone in the store had a good sense of humor. I like your posts like this one, too. It’s insightful to learn what other bloggers find interesting.

      Like

  31. Why do we always forget things after a year? Why?

    Random: I just gave blood and ended up passing out and they had to fill out a form and call the on-call doctor and it was a THING. Now I’m chilling on the couch like some sort of random Tuesday afternoon sitting on the couch kind of person. (I’m fine. Obviously. Just high maintenance.)

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    • NGS, I’m glad you’re okay but what a mess, huh? I so like the idea of you being a random Tuesday afternoon person who lounges on a couch like it’s totally normal. Hang in there and don’t pass out again, okay?

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  32. We don’t have Alexa so I mostly just shout my questions to the sky. Lately I’ve been thinking about downsizing, getting rid of stuff we NEVER use; giving our houseplants away; changing from a gas stove to an electric one; stop reading the news; and learning how to go back in time to fix everything!

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    • Robin, shouting at the sky is a time-honored way of relating to the world. 😊 Wouldn’t you miss your houseplants? I’ve named some of ours so I might be too close to them to ever give them away. As for an electric stove we have one and love it. They’re much better than they used to be. If you figure out how to go back in time, make sure take some photos!

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  33. I try to find red marigolds every year, and sometimes it is challenging. If I can’t find them I always prefer yellow to orange. 🙂 I’m not going to even click on the link for the Commitment Inventory because it sounds like something I would have done when I was working, and I actually got a paycheck. 🙂

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    • Judy, I’ve not seen red marigolds but I have seen some pink ones. I don’t hate the orange ones exactly, just prefer the yellow ones. I don’t know about the commitment inventory either. I doubt I’ll do it. You raise a good point about it. Sounds very much like a workplace concept.

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  34. You know I love posts like these! ❤️
    Diane Keaton is one of my favorite actors and while I was reading the article, I could hear her voice in my head.
    Marigolds are one of my favorite flowers. They remind me of my childhood. That, and Dusty Miller.

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  35. Currently, I am on peony watch – looking out the back window all day. The older peony has already flowered and dropped all it’s petals. The newer peony (which is my favorite; don’t tell the other one) is so close to blooming that I can’t stand it. I just know the darn thing will bloom when I’m stuck at the office for the next two days.

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    • Gigi, peony watch! Oh I love that. I adore peonies but they don’t do well around here. I hope your favorite one speeds up and blooms while you can see it at its best. Such a bother to go to work. Rather inconsiderate of your employer to want you there, considering. 😉

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  36. As always, this was so fun to read. I’ll play along!
    I am happy because I went to the garden centre today with my older son, who was helpful in a) having a second cart for lots of plants and b) convincing me to buy two new gnomes, who will be friends with Salvadore.
    I am a Crazy Gnome Lady.
    I am excited because I am going to my parents’ on Thursday for my mom’s 70th birthday and to see my aunt for the first time since 2019.
    I am nervous because I have to drive home very early Friday morning to take my younger son for DENTAL SURGERY.
    I am contented because Rex is sitting at my feet.
    I am wondering what will happen in a very enjoyable book I am reading right now.
    I am looking forward to dinner, which is a teriyaki stir fry with veggies, tofu, cashews, and rice, and is one of my favourites.
    I am puzzling over what soft foods to have for my son on the weekend after his surgery. He’s a big eater and I’m hoping to tide him over with lots of scrambled eggs, smoothies, and maybe some canned fruit.

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    • Nicole, you have more gnomes! Oh I am jealous. The gnomes I’ve seen around here are not worth the price. I want a garden gnome, but it has to be the right gnome. I’m sure you understand.

      Your mother’s birthday celebration sounds delightful, your son’s dental surgery less delightful. Rex is a wonder dog. Have I told you that before? I used to make Cashew Chicken [or tofu] and liked it, but got away from it for no reason I can think of. Funny how recipes come and go from the repertoire.

      How about mashed potatoes as a soft food? They’re warm and filling. They might keep the kid going for an hour or two. 😉

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  37. Well, Evan alway go for some neat whiskey. We’re currently on a Jameson’s kick. Woodford’s pretty good. We’ll pass on rye, though.

    Glorious mountain bike ride today at the Alien Run in New Mexico. 👽 landing site near Aztec.

    Writing a blog about Picket Wire for Thursday.

    Pulling up blue mustard that I find pretty, but is non-native and spreads like crazy.

    Training Hunter in agility skills.

    Planning a dinner party for tomorrow night.

    Going to a friend’s talk this evening about NAGPRA. (I’ll let you look it up.)

    I didn’t change Siri’s name, but did change the voice to an Aussie male, which I find charming.

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    • Eilene, I may have had Jameson’s along the way, but am sure I’ve had rye. My parents liked it, used to make a cocktail called a Rock and Rye. Picket Wire? I look forward to reading that post.

      I’m not familiar with blue mustard but good luck taming it. Hunter and a dinner party sound like they’re keeping you busy.

      I didn’t know that Siri could have an Australian accent but I can see how that’d be fun. Alexa speaks in basic American, nothing interesting.

      Now I’m off to find out what NAGPRA is all about. You know I’m intrigued.

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  39. The conceptual art cohort is clearly struggling with its fan base. But good on them for going back to basics in their recruitment drive! Lol.
    Do change Alexa’s name to Annabelle and see how it goes!

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    • Amanda, I thought that bumper sticker was delightful. I saw it on a car in the grocery parking lot, far away from any museum. It made me smile.

      Yep, we could change Alexa’s name BUT I don’t think we will. Who knows where that thought came from. I’m nuts.

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  43. I haven’t even been to a nursery yet for plants yet. I don’t like marigolds period. I want dipladenia, pink ones, but mostly they only have red. I spent 2 days waiting for the plumber to show up and he finally showed up today at 6:30, in a bad mood. Needless to say our supper was takeout by the time he left an hour later, but I now have water in the bathtub again so I’m happy. I almost felt sorry for the guy, the call centre overbooks, and I’ve worked enough to know that angry people are almost always hungry, so I offered him a box of cookies, a leftover Lindt Easter Bunny and some pop/soda, and surprisingly he took them and seemed grateful as he still had two more calls to do.

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    • Joni, when I saw two pink dipladenias at the garden nursery I grabbed them on the spot for the reason you mentioned, they go quickly and then there are only red ones left. Your kindness toward the plumber is an example of something random. I’m sure he appreciated what you gave him to eat. I know you’re right that often tradesmen are overbooked and dealing with problems every which way, so a little sweet sustenance can go a long way to helping them.

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      • What is that word ‘hangry’ a combination of hungry and angry. As someone who sometimes suffers from low sugar (I don’t get enough protein in my diet) I can recognize the symptoms in someone else! Besides I want them to come back if needed!

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  44. I’m pondering your inspirational advice about personal blogging and considering a twist to my posting schedule for the summer. And I clicked off your post to start following your two favorite comic strips on Instagram. I find peachesanddiesel104 funny there – she is definitely quirky and is writing her own murder binder. Sorry to hear about the marigolds, thankfully, there’s always space for more pots of them on your deck, right? Plus another shopping trip to the garden nursery is refreshing! I’m also feeling a bit of panic now that the weather is finally nice…somehow Mr.’s TO-DO-LIST has grown faster than the green grass on the other side of completion! Maybe I (he) need(s) that commitment inventory……………..! Cheers to neat drinks!!

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    • Shelley, I’ll look for peachesanddiesel104. Thanks for the suggestion. There are many clever people out there, if you know where to look. You’re absolutely right about putting the wrong marigolds in pots on the deck and returning to the garden nursery for round 2. I shall persevere.

      I have yet to do a commitment inventory but I do toy with the idea from time to time. I think I have it all together, or together enough, but then I have days when I wonder. I have a shot of bourbon and all is well again! 🥃

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  46. Thanks for the Instagram recommendations. I’ll check them out.
    I’ve also been doing some drinking — scotch whisky for me. We just returned from a trip to Scotland to visit our son and whilst there (one must write whilst when talking about Scotland) we did a whisky tasting. I bought myself a bottle of Balvenie at duty free and I will celebrate with a wee dram on special occasions. The first will be Mother’s Day this weekend.
    Slàinte Mhaith!

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  50. These are all great; thanks for the trip down the rabbit hole!
    I’ve always loved Diane Keaton, and my husband is on a HUGE bourbon trip. I mean, he’s buying a lot, but only drinking a little.

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    • Suz, I’ve liked DK forever so the interview was an insight into her way of viewing the world. The bourbon documentary was unexpectedly informative, yet lighthearted. We’ve wandered the bourbon trail in KY so it was kind of reliving our vacation.

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  52. At one time, my husband had a man with an Australian accent as the assistant on his iPhone. It was delightful, but they didn’t always understand each other! I stopped for iced coffee from Bad Ass Coffee today. They use coffee to make their ice cubes, which tastes good, of course, but makes me happy beyond practical reasoning!

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    • Christie, I can see how there could be miscommunication based on different accents, same language. Kind of funny when I think about it. I like the idea of coffee ice cubes, that seems like a classy way to keep an iced coffee tasting its best.

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  54. I nominate “I am nuts.” as the Best Opening Line of a Blog Post in 2023. I may be biased as a squirrel lover and someone who definitely is nuts, but it hooked me from the beginning and kept me reading to find out just why you are nuts. Personally, I think people who actually call AI “assistants” by name are nuts….

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    • evilsquirrel13, THANK YOU! You flatter me and I’ll cherish this comment forever. I am nuts most days so by speaking my truth here I wrote what had to be said. I don’t know that I’m going to change Alexa’s name to anything different, but I take your point. She’s fascinating and creepy in equal measures.

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  55. “Befuddled”. Delightful word there Ally, even if you bought the wrong marigolds (again). When I was learning to talk in my wee years I pronounced my name “Day-fudd”. My brothers, naturally, picked up on the nickname and I’ve been “Fudd” every since (just like Elmer). So, you are “befuddled” but perhaps I am just “fuddled”.

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    • Dave, what a sweet story, Fudd. Your mispronunciation is the stuff that siblings live for. Of course that nickname has followed you your whole life. Being fuddled has a good ring to it, I’ll admit.

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  56. That last one made me laugh out loud! And like you, I really prefer yellow marigolds (pretty) to orange ones (just too blatant). But plant them anyway…who knows, one of your neighbors may be delighted!

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    • Ann, I’m glad the bumpersticker made you laugh. It struck me as funny and absurd, a perfect tonic for negativity. Excellent point about planting the wrong marigolds so that neighbors who like them might enjoy them. You are a wise woman.

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  57. My part-time job makes sure there is plenty of “random” in my life. Yesterday I checked insect traps and spent hours fertilizing young pecan trees. All of this was interspersed with bouts of looking for things because no one ever puts anything back where it goes. (How can so many pairs of scissors possibly disappear?!?) Since I didn’t have time to get to it yesterday, I’ll spend next Tuesday morning hanging small bars of soap in young peach trees to serves as deer repellent.

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    • Linda Lou, you are the epitome of random. I’m liking this, what a bunch of things to do. I’d like to have a pecan tree or two. I like the idea of hanging soap to dissuade the deer and will want an update about it, if it works. 🤔

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      • We have three types of deer repellent we use on the young peach trees:

        1. small bars of Cashmere Bouquet soap,
        2. Hinder, an all natural repellent that has to be sprayed on
        3. garlic “sticks” which contain some sort of garlicky liquid. They reek and should be capable of repelling both deer and vampires.

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  58. Life that bumper sticker! I can’t help but overthink it so I’m diving right in & saying the most random thing I have done this week is meet my own husband for a coffee date at an airport while he was going one way & I was going another, it’ll be our only face to face interaction for 2 weeks & I couldn’t help but think how did it come to this?! But we still wanted to meet for coffee, so that’s promising! 🤣

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    • Rae, your random event is unique. I like that you went on a date with your husband in an airport while you were [air]ships that passed in the [night] day. That took some planning on your part. Well done.

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  59. Love Diane Keaton and always have, she has the best demeanor. And I think Annabel suits Alexa.LOL
    This week was full of having the flu and trying to manage life with kids that expect you to be healthy!

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    • Belladonna, I agree about DK. Her way of being just seems cool and easy and authentic. So you want me to change Alexa’s name and give into my craziness! Maybe…

      Sorry you were sick this week. I hope your kids understand that you were trying. Get better, ok?

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    • Suzanne, you’re right. No way could commitment inventory be a fresh new concept, but I’ve never done one so maybe if I did one I’d learn something. Smiling at your idea of what to put on the list. Smart thinking.

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  61. Thanks for pointing out both comics! I found them both on Twitter.

    Your desire to call Alexa a different name reminds of an old SNL skit where Alexa had been programmed to answer to whatever name some grandparent-types called out. So hilarious! I don’t call mine anything. She’s still unplugged for now. I got tired of her butting into my phone conversations.

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    • L. Marie, I’m pleased you found the comics. They make me smile every time.

      I could change Alexa’s name but doubt that I will. I also could unplug her, but lately she’s been minding her manners so she stays… for now.

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    • Marty, the documentary on bourbon had compelling real life people talking about the production of it plus Steve Zahn, of course. I saw the bumper sticker on a day when I was feeling blue, and it cheered me up just knowing someone with an absurd sense of humor was nearby.

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  63. Ally, I am commenting on four of your random things:
    1) NUTS. Join the club. You probably don’t want to know what goes on in my head at times or perhaps you do in order to savor the strangeness that is Mary J.
    2) LAUGHING. The world needs much more of this. I love any cartoon or meme that makes me LOL. Then I usually share it with a few friends who enjoy the same weirdo sense of humor.
    3) BEFUDDLED. I’ve never heard of wrong marigolds before. Interesting. I suppose you could donate them to someone and re-purchase the yellow ones. Or buy purple flowers to offset the orange. Or plant them behind something tall.
    4) DRINKING. Awesome! Two thumbs up! Cheers! Have another one! *hic*

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    • Mary, I understand the “strangeness that is.” I mean really, who wakes up thinking about their virtual disembodied voice assistant?

      Laughing at fun things, not mocking, is good. About the wrong marigolds, I’ve done exactly what you suggest and planted them behind taller bushes. And as for bourbon we have embraced our fondness for the stuff. 🥃

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  64. I have never interacted with Alexa before, so I have to enjoy stories about her through you. I went over to check out Underpants and Overbites as I was intrigued by the comic’s title. 🙂 I used to follow Dan Reynolds’ comic strip “Unwrapped” then he went to a paywall so I stopped following him, but his “Cow/Pig/Chicken” cartoons are all over the internet. I used to buy marigolds to keep the critters away … the smell of them stops critters in their tracks and they don’t cause mischief. Once I bought Garfield Marigolds to try them out., They were huge and bloomed like crazy all Summer.

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    • Linda, Alexa has been useful, but also a weirdly entertaining device. Who’d have thought that she’d invade my dreams? I’m not familiar with Unwrapped so I’ll look it up. Thanks for the suggestion. I usually buy marigolds that are the cheapest and have no idea what kind they are. Now I’m curious, so I’ll look for Garfield marigolds.

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      • I have a Windows 10 laptop, but am still using Windows 7 – I like it better. But, when I do updates on the Win10, I can’t even get Cortana to work – be happy you hav a Mac! Marigolds work pretty well to plant around flowers – no matter the color. Years ago I planted several clematis and before they were big enough to start climbing their trellis, I was told to surround them with marigolds because the smell is a great barrier – it looked funny but it worked. No one chomped on them.

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  65. Well, it’s Sunday and I’m commenting on your Tuesday post — seems like I might need a commitment inventory! Loved this list and, of course, hustled on over to ToDoist to see how I can improve my general overload. This week I wrote about a brick with links to my childhood. Hope you’ll pop by for a read 🙂

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    • Molly, I figure that whenever anyone has the time to read and comment here it is the right time. Tuesday, Sunday, it’s all good. I need to focus on my commitments, I get that, too. I shall read what you said about a brick, because it sounds delightful. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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  66. I agree with you, the mellow yellow marigolds are better. A Commitment Inventory may be useful. But wouldn’t it take the fun out of life and leave you feeling guilty for things you didn’t accomplish?

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    • Nicki, it may be odd to have a preferred marigold color, but so be it. I want yellow. I totally agree with you about the commitment inventory. I know me and I do better winging it when I can.

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  68. A Commitment Inventory sounds like something I definitely need. I also enjoy drinking and Steve Zahn (he’s quite funny), so that sounds cool. Also loving that bumper sticker. I’ve taken pics of bumper stickers to share with my BBs. Still need to get around to blogging them, though. I guess I should add that to my commitment inventory, huh? 😛

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    • Betsy, I haven’t done a commitment inventory, but I think about doing one then realize I am too disorganized to do one, I guess. But maybe I’ll get it together yet. I’m not fast enough to snap a pic of most of the bumper stickers I see, but I can remember what they say. I look forward seeing your gems when you share them.

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  69. Hi, Ally – I absolutely love your Seven Random Things. They all struck a chord in me. I am especially interested in the article on Diane Keaton as I just saw her in a movie (Book Club II) yesterday. I will start with that article. Thanks for sharing these!

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    • Donna, I’m looking forward to seeing Book Club II and I think that’s why The Guardian interviewed her. DK is her own person and that’s why I like her, in addition to liking the person she is. Thanks for stopping by.

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  70. Great list, Ally! My smile got bigger with each item 🙂 I love Diane Keaton. I might have read the same interview. For years I tried to mimic her style from Annie Hall but I don’t have the right hair or figure or cheekbones 😉

    Commitment inventory? I keep (more or less) a bullet journal, and it’s been helpful. It gives me a sense of how much I really do since my common complaint is that I never get anything done. Well, dolly, I get a lot of things done. My bullet journal does not lie. A commitment inventory sounds a bit more intense. You know, I was happy to commit to my husband, but I think that’s about it.

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    • Marie, I love knowing you tried to dress like DK. I never went that route but I do like her attitude and approach to life. She’s older than I realized but doesn’t seem it to me.

      I’m laughing about your take on the commitment inventory. I, too, committed to my husband but have yet to do an inventory. I’ve read about these things of ages, and in theory they seem sound, but in practice I dunno. I’ve gotten this far without one, so why rock the boat?

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      • Good point. Indeed, why rock the boat? You be you. You do you.

        I’m trying to learn to go with the flow. Right now, our weather determines the flow: “Hey, it’ll be sunny and only 80 degrees on Friday! Let’s go for a bike ride at the refuge.” Learning to shift from “I must be productive” to “I just want to ride my bike all day” is still a challenge, but a fun one 😉

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  71. I get that. I like the feeling of HAVING ACCOMPLISHED THINGS, but realize it’s not always possible because so many variables are out of my control. I am getting better at going with the flow, being spontaneous, and just living in the moment. Of course pleasant spring weather may have a lot to do with my current mindset.

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