Are You Pondering What I’m Pondering? 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday

/ Ally Bean

“Brain, what are we going to do tonight?” “The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world.”

~ • ~

1 – I am well. Show of hands, who here ate some of the recalled Boar’s Head sliced meat and got food poisoning caused by an infection with listeria? Anyone, anyone, just me? I’m over it now but it was painful and disorienting. And because of it I am vowing to never eat sliced packaged deli meats again. Bleech!

2 –I am enjoying. I adored the Opening Ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics, am still grooving on the history and quirkiness of the show. Since then I’ve discovered a new to the Olympics sport called Kayak Cross. If you’ve not seen this, and it is fascinating + hilarious, think of it as bumper cars for kayaks. What could go wrong‽

3 – I am entertained. A lecturer from the University of British Columbia who teaches about all things musical has put together a list ranking 114 Disney songs. Based on variables such “lyrics, music, vocals, plot integration and subjective enjoyment (‘vibes, basically’)” he scored each song. While #114 is one of my personal favorite songs providing the subtext to my approach to blogging* I won’t belabor the point and instead suggest this is a fun list.

4 – I am contemplating. Earlier this summer a friend surprised me when she confided that after decades on social media and reading personal blogs she’s no longer interested in the details of other people’s lives. She’s not mean-spirited, depressed, or uptight, she’s just tired of knowing so much about people. I’ve considered what she said, wondering how much is too much and too frequently when it comes to sharing socially online? No definitive conclusion, but I take her point.

5 – I am discouraged. One year ago we had 26 beautiful large boxwood bushes on our property. Then the blight came and we lost 13 bushes**. We had the diseased bushes professionally removed and have replaced them with a variety of small bushes, not boxwoods. This has changed the curb appeal of our house and while I understand why we did what we did, the house doesn’t look like my house. Yet.

6 – I am inspired. On my radar is the Cozy Cardio trend which I’m lead to believe started on TikTok. According to the Cleveland Clinic this is a gentle way to get active. I agree with the principles of the trend in reference to walking or pilates, but don’t consider jumping rope as a “gentle” exercise. The rest of the concept sounds doable, even to a sloth like me.

7 – I am relaxed. This blessing, or spell, or poem, or whatever you want to call it, speaks to me in a basic easy way. So in an attempt to parcel out good karma I’ll share a link to it HERE and end this list with a line I am taking to heart: “just for today, let gratitude be a balm I apply lovingly to my modern life.”

~ • ~

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What’s your favorite sport in the Summer Olympics?

If you have one, which of the Disney songs is your favorite? Do you love this lecturer as much as I do?

When do you lose interest in someone online? Is it when they talk about themselves too much [as defined by you]? Is it when they do things differently than you? Some other reasons?

Assuming that you do, how do you spread good karma? Please share the deets.

~ ~ • ~ ~

* Over the years I’ve revised the lyrics to this song as a rational way of explaining who I am as a blogger: We are Ally Bean if you please, We are Ally Bean if you don’t please. 🎶 

** Of the remaining 13 boxwood bushes 10 are struggling and will be replaced next spring, leaving us with 3 of the original ones assuming they don’t get sick between now and then.

239 thoughts on “Are You Pondering What I’m Pondering? 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Tuesday”

  1. I worked in human resources. I long ago lost interest in other people’s lives. It’s just not interesting especially when it’s posted on social media. Especially when it’s about what they just ate, how beautiful they are or how successful life is for them.

    Liked by 4 people

  2. Yikes! I’m so sorry you got sick. That must have been scary and awful.

    Oh, the boxwood blight. We’ve lost two so far, and we may be losing more. And these are lovely mature boxwoods all planted in a row at the back of our yard near the pond. It’s devastating. I know exactly how you feel. We’re even going back to all grass in the back yard now, having lost so much back there due to the neighbor-behind’s black walnut tree’s toxicity killing everything, and now this. Sigh.

    Why isn’t there ever a weed blight?

    Liked by 2 people

    • nance, I didn’t know what hit me with the listeria. I survived without medical intervention, but YUCK!

      You’re right about the boxwoods, “it’s devasitating.” I liked our mature ones because it looked like someone had planned the layout years ago, but now the landscaping looks like that of a new house down the street. I’m sorry about your neighbor’s black walnut tree. Those trees are a messy menace.

      I’d be all for a weed blight. Excellent point.

      Like

    • I actually had to re-re-read that #1 item several times. I guess I didn’t want to grasp the first couple of times that you were hit by that recall. Over the years, we had a couple of items that were recalled, some we already ate (we were fine), others we dumped 10 lbs of (onions…), but getting sick? Oh no 😥

      Like

  3. Ally, it’s sad about your boxwood bushes and that is so many to lose in one go. I feel that one’s gardens are as much a part of a house as the building itself – I feel for you. I hope your newly planted ones grow quickly!

    I wonder if your friend was on lots of different social media and that could explain her fatigue with them all? Personally I only blog and don’t understand how people have time for lots more – kudos to them!

    They really did put on an unusual opening ceremony for the Olympics and I felt for them all with the torrential downpours – the timing couldn’t have been worse.

    I checked out the Disney Song list and see the latest were the more favourite. As my son wasn’t into Disney at all, my favourite would probably be from the Jungle Book, – ‘Bare Necessities’!

    Poor poor you, Ally getting so ill from the sliced meat and no wonder this is making you more cautious.

    Wishing you a lovely rest of the week, big hugs xx ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    • Annika, you raise a good point, the garden around the house is part of the house, a reflection of how I want to live. Better the bushes are gone instead of being dead, but I miss them.

      I loved the ‘Bare Necessities’ song when I was a girl. I’d dance around singing it. In truth some of the songs listed I didn’t know at all.

      I’m feeling much better now, having revised my diet to never include sliced meat again. Happy week to you, too. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Liked by 1 person

    • I knew someone who was addicted (still is, I believe) to reading posts, especially on Facebook. She would send me lots of them, and got extremely upset when I eventually told her that I just didn’t have time in the day to read them all. She didn’t understand why not, because I sat in front of a computer at work, why couldn’t I just spend the day reading them? She lost several jobs over the years, partially because her managers felt she wasn’t “present” enough. She didn’t seem to be able to make the connection between her spending so much of her day on those posts and not being able to get her job done 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 2 people

  4. I’m definitely underwhelmed when listening to the boring nitty-gritty details of a person’s life (who had what for breakfast, when and where which grandkid is playing which sport)—but I am absolutely enthralled by those with courage enough to share their vulnerable, innermost thoughts and feelings openly, not for sympathy, but with a eye toward healing, and for a true heart connection with others. It is indeed a rare and beautiful soul who gives that gift away freely. To someone like that, I’ll joyfully sit and listen, and read all day. Lessons learned, lessons shared.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. **Warning: I just read over my comment- it contains negative connotations in one way or another given my overall mood. I understand if you prefer to simply bypass all of it 🙂

    Sorry for the illness and incredibly glad it wasn’t worse than it was. I never buy deli meat, not for the contamination reason but just because most meat is not my thing. Also it’s sad about the boxwood. I can understand how the entire look of the property and house has changed.
    Only seeing the major recaps on the news of the Olympics- not a watcher really- never was to be honest.
    Not a Disney fan as an adult. Too many social, cultural, gendered faux pas associated with that whole enterprise even though I do remember loving watching Disney on Sunday nights as a kid.
    I appreciate knowing that I am not alone in the contemplation of taking part in others lives online, also putting my own out there. There is no SM for me unless WP counts, and that is becoming more burdensome, tiresome, stressful, disheartening, irritating, fill in your own adjective… Life in general is not a rainbows, sunshine and blue skies place right now.
    I got inspired for a short time with a seated yoga workout. It is on hold again until winter when I feel more trapped inside due to the weather.
    I am not relaxed and have no idea how to spread good karma. Gratitude I have little of at the moment.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, your comment is fine, it’s how you’re feeling at the moment and that’s acceptable. I encourage such, in fact.

      I know that in the future I’ll be eating less meat that isn’t cooked in my own kitchen. And as for the boxwoods, sad experience, huge expense.

      I hadn’t thought of the negative connotations associated with Disney, but I know they’re there. I was more taken with the lecturer’s free-spirited approach to musical analysis than the subtext of Disney. Good point, though.

      You said it well: “the contemplation of taking part in others lives online, also putting my own out there.” It’s been a long time since I stopped to reflect on this point and when my friend mentioned it I felt a lightbulb go off in my mind. How much is too much? What are we really doing online? [rhetorical questions]

      Seated yoga sounds promising. I like to stretch, regardless of where I am. Hoping things even out for you. Life can be bumpy. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. You are always entertaining, keep writing! I took time out from cottage life to watch highlights of tennis and swimming at the Olympics, and the pole vault gold medalist was great! Other than that, I am swimming, reading and contemplating nature.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Arlene, thanks for your encouragement. I enjoy writing and the conversations that ensue so I continue to blog. For now. I saw that pole vault medalist and am amazed, stunned by his ability.

      Enjoy your summertime activities. It sounds perfectly wonderful.

      Like

    • The pole gold medalist/new Olympics/world record breaker WAS great!

      I came across this interesting article, where they took photos of folks who won silver and bronze medals, and show the photos to folks to rank on a scale of one-to-ten how happy the folks in photos were. Turns out the bronze medalist are SIGNIFICANTLY happier than the silver medalists…

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I am so sorry you got sick! This type of thing should never happen but unfortunately it does. Glad you are well again.

    I have missed most of the Olympics. They don’t do it for me as they once did. My favourite sports are volleyball and beach volleyball. That kayak thing looks nuts! What the hell is up with including break dance as a sport? Good grief.

    I love the effort put into the analysis of the Disney songs! How have I never seen nor heard of Wish? I thought I was in the know on every Disney movie. I am going to have to rectify the situation. I love that so many Aristocats songs are included – one of my faves.

    There are those who share way too much on their blogs – but hey, their blogs, they can do what they want; as can I, by not getting involved (i.e. read), so to speak. I get your friend’s point. There are bloggers that I regret signing up to and from whom I have to slowly extricate myself. Those who go on and on and on; those who post a bazillion times a day (I am yet to sign up for your suggested Feedly); those who are such downers, I cringe when I see their name in my inbox… I have to clean up!

    Boxwoods are so expensive I can understand your dismay at losing 13 of them! As for the curb appeal, what is more important: that it appeals to you or to the passersby? I get that you feel it’s not what you used to have but hopefully, will grow into something you love.

    This Cozy Cardio thing is ideal for those who don’t do anything at all. I’m with you – what the hell is gentle about jumping rope? I feel it in my lower back, big time; plus, somehow, over the years, I’ve become somewhat of a spazz and spend more time restarting. 🤣

    That spell or poem or whatever is SO inspiring, I printed it out!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dale, I survived the food poisoning but it did strike out of nowhere. Do. not. recommend.

      I want to see some of the sport called breaking. I mean, REALLY? This is something that I never thought I’d see in the Olympics. Of course the kayak thing is also a different take on sports, so get with the times.

      Your take on the Disney songs is like mine. This lecturer made me smile with his project, what a thing to catalogue. As for the boxwoods, lack thereof, I’m a pragmatic soul so I’ll learn to love the new landscaping, especially after they mature some. Right now, so puny.

      You’ve summed up the issues I have with some bloggers too. This is what my friend was alluding to: telling too much, posting too much, opining too much. It can get overwhelming to read all that.

      I’m glad you liked the poem. It resonated with me in a gentle way that seemed hopeful but not overly maudlin. Some people are so good with words.

      Like

      • So glad you did. I shall definitely avoid experiencing the same. If I can!
        Really, indeed! Kinda weird to me, but hey.
        Yeah, that’s a fun project. And yes, I can imagine they are more of an eyesore right now being so puny 🙂
        Yeah. Please. I get overwhelmed and have taken to choosing to read but one of each of the multi-posters. If that much!
        I did. Some people have such a gift. I love to surround myself by them, hoping they will shed onto me!

        Liked by 1 person

        • Years ago a blogger I followed announced that she’d read ONE POST PER WEEK written by anyone she followed. I admired her policy and while I’ve never announced it the way she did, I admit she was onto something. Less is more, people. Less is more.

          Liked by 1 person

          • There are bloggers that I follow, that I know they are about to post because they read and comment on my latest. I like that. Blog and comment on the days that work for YOU. I agree with her method. And funny thing, I am not insulted that she doesn’t read whatever I write in between. Go figure! 😉 Then again, I am not a writer who whines about numbers and stuff…

            Liked by 1 person

            • I take your point. I suppose IF I cared about my stats and staying true to my own self-imposed posting schedule, THEN I’d be more upset when gentle readers weren’t there for my every post. HOWEVER… I’m too mellow for that.

              Liked by 1 person

              • You and me both. I read a post the other day about a guy “jokingly” whining about where his lost readers were… A tad insecure, methinks.
                So not me. I couldn’t tell you how many I have from one day to the next!!

                Liked by 1 person

                • Along those lines… I saw a woman on Threads complaining that her commenters were doing it wrong, repeating what someone before them had said, and to reply to them all inconvenienced her. She was peeved. A few days later she was whining about getting so few comments. ‘Ya think there’s a correlation? 🤨

                  Liked by 1 person

  8. Oh geez. The dang boxwoods. We lost ’em all – the ones that lined our front walkway and we’ve replaced with other stuff. Deer food, mostly. Why do they love the pink hydrangeas the most?
    I like your karma question, Ally, and your list. Especially the action words you used…I often find Contemplation helps me when I’m feeling Discouraged because taking stock helps me find pockets of Inspiration/relaxation that might morph into Enjoyment (or improved awareness of whatever’s bugging me). Love your “just for today” inspo. Sometimes I need to break it down into “just for this moment”. 🥰

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  9. I just recovered from food poisoning as well. Lost 3 kg (6.6 lbs) in 5 days. I was sooo weak. I’m not sure of the exact source although I narrowed it to a restaurant meal. A bad case of food poisoning is no joke.

    I find that there’s very much a sameness to the people who overshare on social media. Attention seeking, obsessed with appearance, money, clothes, make-up, etc. Who cares? Most of it is silly. I’ve dropped all social media except WP, where generally, the characteristics of its users are quite different.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, hear, hear. Food poisoning, no matter the source, is no joke. I’m sorry you’ve been suffering too.

      Interesting insight into the sameness of people who overshare. I’ve never put that together, but you are onto something. Many do come across as needy, seeking external validation. You’re right there is a lot of silly that goes on, trying to manipulate people into caring about them? A rhetorical question, but one that springs to mind.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dorothy, our street looks different now that so many of us have lost our boxwoods, not everyone has, but many houses have. Go figure.

      According to the article the criteria for a song being on the list was: “only those sung in the style of traditional musical theatre, ie by the characters rather than by an absent, omniscient voice (knocking out the likes of Elton John’s Circle of Life).” If nothing else this lecturer had clearcut rules. Probably why I liked him, I’m a sucker for clarity of purpose!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I feel for you regarding the boxwoods. I cut back 30 this spring because of psylids and leaf miners. It was a huge job. All but one appears to be coming back. Sorry to hear that you have to lose all of yours. They are such beautiful shrubs.

    With regards to Disney songs there is no single song but all the songs from my two favourite movies top the list for me. The jazzy sounds of the 60’s version on the jungle book were my intro to jazz at a young age, although I didn’t know it was jazz at the time. And The Lion King, a movie I watched at least once a week with my son when he was a toddler. I think we both still sing along to the Elton John, Tim Rice tunes when we hear them. Plus we went to the stage production as well. An event I will never forget.

    I do get bored with blogs at times. The oh poor me and my poor health ones do nothing for me. The 2 to 3 times a day ones wear me down. I usually let both those types go in favour of ones that make me smile and think. I favour quality over quantity. Honestly, I don’t follow many because I have other things I rather do. But I am loyal to those I do follow.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jenn, you’ve lost many more boxwoods than we have. I’ll whine no more about our situation. Well, maybe I’ll bemoan it less.

      I never put together that the Jungle Book music was jazzy and yet now that you say it I realize it was my introduction to that genre, too. I know a few other people who saw The Lion King live and loved it. We saw Beauty and the Beast, but it wasn’t spectacular, just nice.

      I’m with you about blogs that go down what I call the poor pitiful Pearl path. I wish those bloggers well, but I just move on. I’m also with you about reading blogs that suggest the writer has a sense of humor or a bit of depth. I follow fewer blogs now than I used to, but I do enjoy the people I follow.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I unfollowed more than half of blogs about 3 or 4 times a year, not because I don’t like the bloggers, but because same old? Or just meh? I don’t know… Sometimes I go back to read them without subscribing. I spend less time in the blog world these days but this comes and goes in phases.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Claudette, I know what you mean about the sameness of some blogs. I see that too. I aim on providing variety but that’s not everyone’s thing. The closest I come to *same old, same old* is I try to post on Tuesdays. And some weeks that’s too much for me.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Sorry about your shrubs. That’s sad, and it’s something that is hard to replace. Also sorry to hear about the food poisoning. I’m glad you’re feeling better.

    I like gymnastics and diving.

    No favorite Disney song, unless you accept all the classical music in Fantasia as a choice.

    I only lose interest online when someone digs deep into a cause and wants to drag me into the orbit of that cause.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, yes replacing mature bushes with younger bushes doesn’t make for the same visual appeal. I understand the why of it, but am disheartened.

      I’d forgotten about Fantasia, I had a record of that music when I was a kid.

      I’ve not had the experience of someone going overboard for a cause. Fascinating. I’ve ditched non-credentialed bloggers who want to tell me how to do things all the time. That gets old fast, I often know more than they do. 🙄

      Like

  13. I’ve pondered some of those things. Like, with all of the food warnings and recalls, is anything safe to eat? Apparently not. I’m sorry you got sick.

    I’ve pondered why the Siamese cat song is considered racist and was removed from the new movie. It was about cats and how stuck up they can be. Along the same lines, The Song of the South is racist because a nice black man told allegorical tales to a mixed group of young people and sang a song about being happy. Most people don’t even know that the story was set post Civil War or what those tales about Brier Rabbit were really saying.

    I really can’t imagine who would want to read about the details of my life but I have friends who insist that it’s good to vent. It’s more fun to talk about mooses and art but right now I’m gradually getting through with new laptop stress. I win. I made a 2015 windows laptop talk to a 2024 Mac. Now if I knew where it put my files I could probably win a Nobel prize.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Zazzy, you’re right about the recalls. I read about them, but this is a first time for me getting sick from some recalled food.

      I didn’t know the Siamese cat song is considered racist. Huh? I think of it as the perfect way to explain cat behavior. The lyric could be changed to “We are Tabby cats if you please…” and the sentiment about cat attitudes would still be accurate.

      I hadn’t thought about the value of venting in the context of blogging. I wonder if that’s part of what my friend was tired of? Will inquire when next we speak. And yes you are well on your way to earning a Nobel prize. It’s only a matter of time.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. First a true story. sometime last week I was finally wrapping up spring cleaning (yes, you might say my Cozy Cardio version of) and made it to the candlesticks. Completely unbidden, my. brain starts singing, “Be Our Guest,” so by default that is now my favorite Disney song. And nearly I spread good karma just by being me- or else I wouldn’t. I can’t say I’ve stopped following someone because I’ve lost interest in them. I think otherwise I would not have begun following them. Revision to that – I haven’t stopped following someone I had followed for any length of time. If I lose interest or I find someone a bad match for my karma, I don’t stick around for very long right from the start. Now I must check out Kayak Cross. I personally would like to see bowling (they have beach volley ball for Pete’s sake) but I suppose that’s more a winter games wish.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Micheal, I can understand how “Be Our Guest” would come to mind when you saw your candlesticks. It’s endlessly fascinating to observe how a brain works.

      I don’t follow people in social media or in blogland without first checking out what they’re about. However sometimes people change in ways that suggest we’re no longer destined to be bloggy friends. That could well be what friend was getting at.

      I’d put bowling in the Winter Olympics. Maybe someday, huh?

      Liked by 1 person

      • I can understand people change, start moving in a single direction that moves away from you. I haven’t experienced yet. Hopefully I won’t. But hopefully we will find a few thousand more to sign the petition to get bowling in the Winter Olympics

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  16. You are not alone in the deli meat experience. It put my dad in the hospital for several days after he was found on the bathroom floor unconscious. Usually watch gymnastics – amazing to me what they can do. I have a virtual jukebox playing in my head al the time but Disney is not one of the song options.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Danny, NO! Oh your father’s experience was far worse than mine. I’m sorry to read this but know that listeria can be deadly.

      I don’t think of Disney songs often either. I liked the article though, nice to read about someone doing something on a lark that they do just to add joy to the world.

      Liked by 1 person

      • The article is a way cool concept and I totally enjoy the songs when watching the movies. They remain in my head for hours or sometimes days. I simply am not going to break out into a bad rendition of Bear Necessities. or maybe I will.

        Dad has a “help” emergency button in their apartment but mom refused to press as she does want the attention. My sister was trying to call them but no one answered so she stopped by. He was on the floor for 4-6 hours.

        I worked in grocery stores for 16 years, packaged meat scares me.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Don’t sell yourself short, I’m sure you do a rousing rendition of the “Bear Necessities.”

          Oh your mother’s behavior rings true for so many older people, fearful of getting the attention they need. Not understanding it’s there for them. I’m sorry to read about this situation.

          Interesting takeaway from your time working in grocery stores. It is mine now, too.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. I was curious about Kayak Cross because you mentioned it’s like bumper cars for kayaks, so I checked out the link. Hmmm

    One question: Do being discouraged and inspired cancel each other out? Maybe not, if they happen at different times. Cool post, Ally!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, the Kayak Cross stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t look away because it seemed more like kids goofing off than a real sport. But there it was!

      I’d say that if you think about your life as one big jigsaw puzzle, then some pieces will be discouragement and some pieces will be inspirational, so overall when put together they’ll be in balance and create a whole picture. How’s that for an answer!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Oh, I love how you ponder, Ally! You have such a great way of encircling what’s going on and wrangling it down on paper.

    We sing a lot of Disney songs. My favorite on the list is #19 You’re Welcome but #29 #30 and #38 are all sung regularly around here. Oh, who am I kidding – most of those songs are! 🙂

    I tried to spread good karma by noticing what people are doing right and then telling them.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Wynne, yes I did wrangle this onto paper, didn’t I? Thanks for the compliment.

      I bet you do sing lots of Disney songs in your house, how could you not?

      I like how you spread Karma. Noticing people is in and of itself important but then to say something affirming them is vital. Well done.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. First and foremost, I am so sorry you got sick from the lunch meat. That’s no fun.

    I haven’t watched the Olympics yet, but my favorite sport is typically women’s gymnastics.

    My favorite Disney song on this list is Bibidi Bobidi Boo. And I love the lecturer’s backpack. ❤️

    I think I lose interest in someone online when they talk about politics or something hateful.

    How do I spread good karma? I’m reading a book about good karma, so I should know this! Ha! I’m trying to figure out how to be a genuinely good human in the world. It’s a lot harder than it looks.

    I love “just for today.” Thank you for sharing that.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kari, thanks for your sympathy. The food poisoning snuck up on me and I did not like it.

      Yes to both your favorite Disney song and the backpack. This lecturer charmed me with his list and his style choice.

      Agree that being a good person in today’s hyper-connected politically-divisive world is, shall we say, problematic. No wonder it takes a lot of effort to share the good karma. Even when people throw it away like it is nothing.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I haven’t seen Tangled nor any more recent Disney films. I’m a fan of some of the Aladdin music and Beauty and the Beast since they were in the era when my daughters were young. I didn’t watch the opening ceremony, but I sure read/heard a LOT about it. Gymnastics is my favorite Olympics sport. I still use my blog writing as cheap therapy and enjoy reading about others’ lives. However, I also understand the exhaustion of that at times, being immersed in so many different worlds, problems, day to day events, etc. I’m so sorry about the meat sickness! I had heard about it without expecting anyone I know to be affected. It sounds miserable!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I haven’t seen many of the Disney movies on the list, but am familiar with more of the music. I adored how this man created his own criteria then set about cataloging the songs.

      The opening ceremony for the Olympics was wonderful. I rarely watch anything on a screen for longer than 45 minutes and it was 2 1/2 hours in and I hadn’t moved. Mesmerized, I was.

      I’ve thought about what my friend said about her waning interest in blogs and social media. I know she has a point about being concerned about how much is too much info, but like you I’m still interested in following some people so I shall, at least for a while longer.

      I’ve seen food recalls before but never imagined I’d be someone who’d get sick from the contaminated food. Lucky me. 🙄

      Like

  21. Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that you got sick, Ally. That whole thing is so awful and sad.
    I enjoy watching whatever Olympic event is happening when I turn on the TV, but I don’t seek out particular events. There are so many amazing sports and athletes!
    I guess I think that people use their blogs for a variety of reasons, and that’s the beauty of it. No one is obligated to read every post, or any post. And I think it’s a good idea to take a break from both reading and writing once in a while.
    Disney songs! I love them all! Now I’ll be singing your Ally Bean blog song all day!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Michelle G., I’m the same way. I don’t intentionally watch any sport, but enjoy seeing the ones I do.

      I agree with you about the reasons why people write personal blogs, there’s no one correct way. I also agree that you can only read and comment on so much of what’s out there, so do what makes sense to you. My friend’s admission did get me thinking, though.

      You know that’s the thing about Disney songs, once you hear/think of one it is with you for the day. Probably why they’re so loved or despised, depending on your personality.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. There are a lot of my Disney favorite songs on that list, but my favs didn’t make the top 10! Mine are Cinderella and the Jungle book.

    I’m so sorry you got sick from that tainted lunch meat but, and glad to hear you’re alright now!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, I couldn’t tell you why your favorite songs aren’t on the list, but I bet if you had the chance to talk with the lecturer he could explain it!

      Yes I got sick and wouldn’t recommend. Food poisoning is insidious, so sneaky.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Cozy cardio is an oxymoron. You cannot be at “moderate intensity” and be cozy. These two things do not go together!

    That list of Disney songs exhausted me. And now I have competing earworms to go everywhere with me for the rest of the day.

    Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, while I take your point I also know that the trend and term came from TikTok which explains a lot to me. Might not be the most logical.

      I read through the Disney song list and felt the same way. Just seeing the name of a song puts it in my brain, where it competes with all the other jumbled mess in there.

      Like

  24. I have wanted to watch Kayak Cross but it has never been on when I’m streaming things. Argh. The premise sounds SO COOL.

    I really enjoy watching just about anything, but my favourites are swimming, diving, and gymnastics. I take a pass on anything involving air pistols or horses, but beyond that can enjoy every sport. I have been watching a lot of Olympics!

    I love a lot of Disney songs; hard to pick a favourite. Even picking a favourite soundtrack feels impossible! So much good music with endless “earworms”…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, I was taken in by Kayak Cross from the moment I saw it. Then I went back and researched to make sure I understood it. It seems nuts and is supposed to seem nuts.

      I like diving and volleyball and gymnastics, but like you don’t lean into shooting or horses. Or weightlifting.

      Disney is a good source for earworms. I just read the title of a song and it floods into my brain. And I’m not a kid!

      Like

  25. Love the Siamese Cat song. Some of the other ones I don’t remember, especially the newer movies. As the kids grew up I didn’t watch as much.

    As for bloggers, I follow a lot during the A to Z challenge but sometimes find that after it is over, the routine writing of these folks is not really my cup of tea. I struggle to “unfollow” but honestly I just delete a lot of the posts without reading them. Maybe unfollowing would be easier. And some, like you, I follow religiously and you don’t even do the A to Z anymore!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I’m like you. Many of the newer Disney songs I don’t know off the top of my head.

      I did the A-Z Challenge once and it was a lot of work. I’m in awe of you doing it every stinking year. I follow people actively via Feedly or WP Reader, but also keep what I call Tickler Files in my browser of other bloggers who I like and want to keep track of, but don’t exactly relate to.

      Thanks for following along here. I appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I’m sorry you got sick, but glad you’re better. The Gaston song is my favorite Disney song (And every last inch of him’s covered in hair). Reflection from Mulan is also a favorite. I don’t see Circle of Life from the Lion King on the list.

    I lose interest in people with whom I have nothing in common. The way of spreading good karma that comes most naturally to me is to compliment someone.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, thanks for your well wishes. I am much better now, so. much. better. The explanation about the Lion King song is: “…the criteria for a song being on the list was: only those sung in the style of traditional musical theatre, ie by the characters rather than by an absent, omniscient voice (knocking out the likes of Elton John’s Circle of Life).” His list, his rules.

      Yes, not having anything in common with other people can make it difficult to relate. I like your approach to good karma, do that same thing myself.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Wow, you’ve presented a lot of assignments here, but I’ll admit to enjoying the homework. Although, I did skip the article and go straight to the list of songs in assignment #3. It isn’t possible to pick a favorite, but ‘Let It Go’ seems like a good mantra for most days. I didn’t know about the meat recall. What are the odds that you’d pick a contaminated package? That must have been a rough couple of days. Sorry about the hedge. That happened at our last house. Forty feet of spindly sticks all in a row by the time it was done. My favorite Olympic sports – swimming, diving, gymnastics. Now that I know it’s a sport, I’ll check out the bumper kyacks. Losing interest in someone online – when they get too whiny and seem to need constant validation. Fix your problem already! People truly are fascinating and I come here for inspiration and information, and to see life lived from different perspectives. How do I spread good carma. I smile a lot, and say hello to strangers and try not to think bad thoughts about the person ahead of me in the deli line ordering exactly 4 slices of turkey, cut thin but not too thin. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, thanks for reading along and jumping into the comments. The songs list charmed me, I’ll admit it. I’m with you about let it go, musically or as a mantra.

      The recalled meat was a surprise. I saw an article about it, didn’t think much about it, then a few days later I was sick. I checked the info about the recalled packages and yes I’d had some.

      The bumper kayaks is off-the-wall and makes me think that the Olympics are grooving with the times. I do like the more traditional sports like diving and volleyball, too.

      Yep, yep, you said it: “Losing interest in someone online – when they get too whiny and seem to need constant validation.” I’m with you in that I want to learn from people, by their choices, by what they read + do, by how they describe themselves… and how they solve their problems and never speak of them again!

      Smiling is good karma, as is attempting to not think bad thoughts about difficult shoppers in front of you. Who are these people anyhow who don’t know how to order things at a counter?

      Liked by 1 person

  28. I am sorry to hear that you got sick (and I just bought some Boar’s Head deli meat today!), and glad that you are on the mend. Intestinal issues are the absolute worst! Also sorry to hear about your boxwoods. We bought two small shrubs this spring, and one appears to be nearly dead if not already expired. It has been a total mystery to me. Now I’m wondering if it, like yours, is ill. I’ve been telling myself it’s gotten too much heat, as I planted it right next to our driveway and we’ve had so much hot weather this summer.

    As to your questions, I’ll take on the one about blogging. I think your friend is on to something. I’ve had similar feelings of late. I’m tired of hearing myself talk! And I keep thinking, when writing my own stuff, who cares about this? I think it’s different for me when the writing is more literary–I love some who write memoir online, but it’s because of the quality of the writing, not because I’m interested in their day-to-day existence. I tend to follow people who are good writers (which I define in more than one way) and/or have some kind of expertise on their subject. I don’t feel this way about the very few I have been interacting with for a long time (but honestly, most of them are doing something more than an online journal). I’m not too open to new “let me tell you about my life” bloggers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rita, the thing about the food poisoning was that it just happened. No warning, just sick. On the Boar’s Head website they keep a running list of the recalled products, the days they were sold, and where they were sold. Yours is probably okay, but in case you’re concerned.

      I feel the same way: “I’m tired of hearing myself talk!” I have that same feeling whenever I start writing anything. Good point about it’s the writing style more than the daily details that draw you into someone’s life. I hadn’t thought of it like that but it is true for me too.

      I like your concept of “let me tell you about my life” bloggers. That is a wonderful way to categorize a type of blogging that used to be all there was, but now seems less interesting.

      Like

      • Maybe it’s just that social media is no longer new/novel. Back in early days, it was so unusual to have the kind of access to each other that we suddenly had. And the circles were smaller. Now, social media (of all kinds) so often feels cacophonous to me. There are so many people sharing! (And I get the irony of saying these things here.) I find myself craving quiet, even as I am grateful for the ways in which I connect with others I’ve never met IRL.

        Liked by 1 person

        • That is true. It was a total novelty when blogs came along, we’d find each other online, then hang of each other’s every word. Reciprocity was the rule, not the exception. Now it is loud out there in blogland and in social media. I keep at blogging because it keeps my mind clicking, but I sometimes feel overwhelmed by it. That is something I didn’t experience back in the day.

          Liked by 1 person

  29. Pinky & the Brain – my favorite 1990s cartoon! Especially the Woodstock episode which somehow got pulled from the ‘archives’ (copyright infringement? who knows) yet holds a delightful memory in my mind.
    BTW: you’re right about the jumping rope thing – terrible for the feet and it is intense exercise once you master the coordination of the act of jumping rope without the ‘hop’! I delved into it deeply during COVID as it was something I could **do** Ya know? I ended up with shins splints and tossed that rope in the pile of used masks to be discarded with the daily trash.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, I liked Pinky and the Brain too. Their doomed quest makes me smile in spite of myself.

      I didn’t know the facts behind how jumping rope can do your shins and feet, but it makes sense to me. I can go along with walking and pilates as gentle exercise, doable on your own, but not the jump rope idea. Glad you disposed of yours promptly and properly.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. This is the first time I’ve heard of someone I know actually getting sick from a food recall. So sorry you went through that. But also, you’re like, famous now!

    The woman no longer interested in the minutia of other people’s lives–I understand the desire to scale back. It’s hard to keep up. This also made me think of Colleen Brown’s book, Yellow Door. Relatives visit her on the island (have you read this?), and she realizes she is little interested in the ins and outs of other people’s lives now. It just seems far less meaningful now that she has simplified her life down to the basics of survival and nature. I imagine it’s a rather freeing feeling.

    Watching your new plants grow will be fun. I hope by the end you’ll be so glad and see the new plants as even more appealing than the boxwoods.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Betsy, I’d prefer to be famous for something more meaningful than getting sick on recalled meat, BUT there you go. So be it. Yay me?

      I’m not familiar with this book but I take the meaning. It sounds similar to how my friend was thinking: enough already of your minutia, I’m not interested anymore. This idea lead to the question about to what end is following of strangers online?

      You’re right. Watching the new shrubs and bushes grow will be fun and considering they look better than dead bushes I’m pleased… even if they are puny little things right now.

      Like

  31. I have been so busy following politics this year I haven’t followed the Olympics. In general I like the winter games better. But when you mentioned jump robes my ears perked up. I’ve been seeing some really fine young men doing jump robe workouts and it’s fascinating the tricks they can do.

    I’m sorry you got sick but I feel badly it was Boar’s Head that caused it. It’s a brand I’ve always loved.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jean, I like the winter games better, too. But I’ve watched bits of the summer games this year. Jump rope is difficult to do after you get to a certain age. Heck I wasn’t good at it as a child and now it is so complicated.

      Yes, I’ve always like Boar’s Head brand too, but after this food poisoning experience it’s going to be a long time until [if] I try it again.

      Like

  32. Glad you are feeling better–listeria sounds pretty terrible. Just one summer sport from the Olympics?! How? I love gymnastics, but the likelihood of catastrophe makes me too anxious. I was a swimmer, and those relays are so much fun. But it’s probably volleyball–indoors, because there’s so much more going on when there is an entire team. The list of songs is fun–FUN TO HATE! There’s no world in which “Part of Your World” or “Let It Go” are not Number 1 & 2 (or 2 & 1) by that dude’s own criteria.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. So many interesting thoughts in one post! I’m just going to focus on two, but I enjoyed pondering all of them. (1). I am sorry that you were affected (infected?) by the listeria outbreak. I sort of decided that I’m okay not having deli meats. Cheese and crackers suddenly sound so much better; (2). Your friend’s comments about social media and people resonates with me. Then again, why have a blog if aren’t interested in sharing things about yourself? Hmmm. – Marty

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marty, I, too, am okay with not having any deli meats henceforth. It was an experience I don’t want to repeat.

      My friend’s comment about social media surprised me because she’s been into it for years, in place I am not: FB and LinkedIn. But now that she’s soured on it and told me such, I’ve been thinking about why I’m still here. I share, I care about other people, but how much do I share and care?

      Liked by 1 person

  34. I hate losing plants but sometimes it just happens. I honestly don’t know what people want to read! I’ve tried all sorts of things and am always surprised by what by clicks and puzzled by what doesn’t. So I just write to entertain myself. I guess the gymnastics are my favorites although I am a Winter Olympics person. Beware the sliced bologna has been my mantra since childhood!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jan, I can’t stop the boxwood blight, it’s a regional infestation, so I’ll work on loving our new bushes and shrubs.

      I know exactly what you mean about knowing what to write in your blog. When I started the standard wisdom was to write like you were sending a letter to two friends, so I did that. But now people come and go so quickly, who knows what they’re here for.

      I’m with you, I prefer the Winter Olympics. And your childhood mantra is one I’m taking to heart. Thanks for sharing it here. It made me laugh out loud.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I, too, had a mild case of listeria from eating the Boar’s Head Bologna! At first I thought I was having symptoms from my overactive thyroid and started thinking that I might need to stop taking my medication for Graves Disease. I ate the olive loaf just fine with no issues. Yorkie also ate the bologna.

    Then I heard on the evening TV news about the recall for Boar’s Head. I googled listeria symptoms and I was experiencing all except convulsions. That’s when I knew it was the bologna!

    I threw out that as all the deli sliced cheese and meat that I bought the previous day because my grocery most probably used the same slicer!! It will be awhile before I take the risk of purchasing from my grocery deli. Eventually I trust it will get all clean again.

    Sorry you were sick. Did Z-D get sick too?

    You asked “When do you lose interest in someone online?” Neither of your answers. Recently, I unsubscribed to two blogs. One that started posting pictures and talking about bugs too often as well as constantly referring to God stuff. I’m not religious and I don’t enjoy being stuffed with God stuff, though I respect everyone to worship who or whatever they want as long as they don’t stuff their God stuff on me. The other blog I unsubscribe I found posted every day, of a bug, in a different color or location. Bugs again… and every day boring.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TD, your story is similar to mine. I heard about the recall in the news, didn’t think much about it, until I got sick and it clicked about what had happened. I hadn’t thought about how the slicer could have spread the bacteria and still might do that. Z-D was fine, btw, thanks for asking. I got sick before he ate anything bad.

      Now that you mention it years ago I unsubscribed from a blogger who went full-on evangelical Christian. I grew up in and abide by a Christian faith, but mine is low-key quiet faith, just part of who I am, no need to shout about it. She was wacko.

      Bugs‽ That is a topic I wouldn’t need to know much about either. I understand why you unsubscribed.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I have been enjoying your blog for a few years. I remember the first one I read I commented. It was about voting and I had just voted that day and was given the same sticker. I think I found you from Rita O’s blog who no longer uses that blog anymore. I see her commenting on your blog, so I’m glad that she is well. Ally, you bring a lot of variety to your blog and good humor which I appreciate adding you in my thoughts and life.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Thank you. I’m flattered. I try to bring variety to this blog and I try to keep the tone fun, civil, intelligent. Well, within my definition of what that means. I appreciate you reading and commenting here.

          Liked by 1 person

  36. I thought that the professor’s rankings were pretty good, though I think “Beauty and the Beast” should have been #1. I’m glad he included “Be Our Guest” and think it should have been higher, because it’s what I call “Disney Madness At Its Finest.” (and besides, Jerry Orbach sang it perfectly…)

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Oh, Ally, what a nightmare – I’m talking of course about the food poisoning! I’m SUCH a fickle eater because of that exact fear, but so far, I’d been enjoying pre-packaged deli meats. After reading this, however, while snacking on a sandwich with deli meat, I’m starting to remember how I wanted to become a vegetarian a while ago. Yikes. Glad to hear you’re well.

    Your post was interesting. Unfortunately, I’, not a music person. My favourite Olympics sport this summer has been spotting drone footage of Paris and dreaming of this lovely city where I lived fora couple of years in my twenties. Cycling was a good one for that. Ah, Paris! 💖

    As for spreading good karma, as a former customer service worker, I always try to send positive feedback after getting great service, so the person’s boss can see it and hopefully tell the person, too. Luckily (?) that doesn’t happen very often, or I’d be quite busy!

    “When do you lose interest in someone online? Is it when they talk about themselves too much [as defined by you]? Is it when they do things differently than you? Some other reasons?” -> Well, this is interesting. I’m not on social media (except LinkedIn), but I’ve always felt like the blogging world fills that void for me. I have stopped following some bloggers and one reason was that the blogger talked too much about their parents. Photos and all. I really don’t care about them that much.

    Other reasons: recycling content I’ve already seen or summarising old posts from previous years – while I do think it’s a shame most of our old content just died, completely alone and abandoned, if I’ve already read it, I don’t want to read it twice. If you recycle or repurpose content, better make sure your readers will enjoy it – make it amazing, or make sure they are new readers who haven’t seen it before.

    And also: total lack of engagement. And promoting products. Or if it sounds like AI wrote it. I guess I’m picky 🧐 I just want something generic, interesting, authentic, relatable. I think you do all this very well, and that’s why people enjoy leaving comments. ☺️

    Gosh, such a long comment – sorry! 🙈 You inspired me! Take care and stay away from deli meats!

    Liked by 1 person

    • The Snow Melts Somewhere, thanks for your sympathy. I know that listeria can be serious requiring hospitalization, but for me it was just awful.

      I like seeing Paris, too. I visited once for a couple of days when I was a poor college student, but would like to see/experience it as an adult [with some money].

      Bloggers talked about their parents? Fascinating. So far I haven’t encountered that kind of content but get your point. I don’t know that I could ever speak of mine more than as the catalyst for a story.

      Good point about recycling content. I don’t do that, but you’re right some bloggers do. I wrote some great stuff back in the day but it got me to today so maybe it is meant to stay in the past?

      Like you, I won’t follow anyone who makes a habit of not replying to comments, lack of engagement is the antithesis of what personal blogging is about. Also, I don’t like personal bloggers selling me things. There is a place for that [a business website], but to me it seems like your personal blog isn’t the place.

      Thanks for leaving a thoughtful comment. I appreciate that. It’s why I keep on blogging, to see what people will say. It can be soooo insightful.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Thank you for intoducing me to kayak cross!!

    No paricular olympic sport, mostly because my tv isn’t picking up the only free broadcast channel, so I’ve seen nothing but the opening ceremony.

    I left all social media, except blogging, several years ago. I recommend it!

    I lose interest when a blog stops being personal and tries to become “professional”. I also lose interest if all the posts are consistently miles of text w/o any images.

    My main karma attempt is getting food/drink for homeless people. And NOT doing any of the vindictive things which sometimes cross my mind.

    Liked by 1 person

    • leendadll, kayak cross had me from the first second I saw it. I like how nuts it is, yet considered a sport. Enjoy.

      I don’t do much in social media. I can go days without remembering I’m there. I like learning things which sometimes happens so I stay on IG and Threads. Other places that I’ve had accounts on, I’ve deleted.

      You’re right that occasionally a personal blogger will change the tone of their blog, making it their professional spot online. It is difficult to sustain interest.

      Well said about NOT doing vindictive things. Seems like that contributes to good karma as much as anything.

      Liked by 1 person

        • Thanks for coming back. I’m glad you enjoy the comments. I keep this blog going less to tell my stories than to start conversations. Years ago I figured out that people will tell me all sorts of things [often unprovoked] so why not encourage that to happen here in blogland.

          Liked by 1 person

  40. Dang – I was gonna be one of the early commenters, but then I got called in to see my doc and have been going ever since. I like swimming and gymnastics. I had not heard of kayak cross. I had not heard of hand ball – I though hand ball was different than what it is in the Olympics. So wild that there are so many ‘other’ sports that don’t get the same kind of attention as the big headliners.

    I am shocked to learn that you and I both enjoy the Siamese Cat song. I can sing most of it by heart and often sing it to my young charges. It’s so catchy and fun. How did it get ranked #114? I’m also partial to #112, Savages in Pocahontas. OK, I don’t really know much about that song, but the title, well, it resonates with me. wink, wink. I can’t believe When You Wish Upon A Star wasn’t ranked higher. That one seems timeless. I don’t know much about that lecturer.

    I agree with you, I don’t think jumping rope is gentle.

    Such a bummer about your bushes. What a shame. I’m sure the new ones will grow on you. 😉

    I hadn’t heard of that recall. So sorry it impacted you. It sounds awful. Eek.

    I only blog. I have a FB account, but I really only use it for the second hand sales of things that I’m looking for in addition to that’s how I meet families who need an in home daycare. I occasionally see posts from other people when I’m looking for something else. I’d say the posts over time that have caught my attention are those that focus on humor vs look at me and what I did and who I know, etc. I really don’t get why folks post birthday wishes to someone on FB. “My sister is the best because . . . ” Why do we all need to read your ‘card’ – buy a Hallmark and keep it between you and the b-day recipient. Sorry, but I do find that weird.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, you said and I agree: “So wild that there are so many ‘other’ sports that don’t get the same kind of attention as the big headliners.” Yet that’s how it is.

      I liked how the lecturer decided to do this project, made his own rules, then put this list together. I don’t know lots of the songs on the list, but the ones I do know are rattling around in my head today.

      I’m sure I’ll like our new healthy bushes and when they grow a little bigger they’ll look more in scale with the house. Still, it was a heck of a mess and expense to deal with.

      You raise an excellent point that I’ve thought about too. I don’t know when people started piling onto birthdays online like they do now, but it is everywhere. I send cards, the real paper kind, to friends and family but wonder if that is now considered so passe as to be insignificant.

      Thanks for coming back to comment. You know I adore what you have to say.

      Like

  41. A wealth of thought-provoking content as always, Ally!

    I’ve never been an athletic person and thus have never gone out of my way to watch the Olympics. However, if I happen to walk by during gymnastics, I’ve always captivated.

    I haven’t watched or listened to Disney in 25+ years and haven’t seen half the movies listed, but the 90s-and-earlier selections are pretty darn good.

    I quit social media around 2013 and shortly thereafter developed chronic illness, and was very grateful to have no clue what old friends and family were up to. With blogging, though, I tend to unfollow only if someone gets caught in a self-pitying downward spiral and is not open to support from readers. It spoils the joy of blogging for me.

    The karma question is a tough one. I try to be good to everyone I encounter–it’s just my nature–but I don’t go out of my way. But maybe it’s high time I begin. 🤔

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erin, I’m not athletic either, but admire people who are. I like the gymnastics, too, but also like some of these newer off-the-wall sports, like kayak cross and breaking. There’s something for everyone with this Olympics.

      I admit I’m not up-to-date when it comes to Disney movies, but many of the songs I’ve heard. I liked the criteria the lecturer used and he seemed like a pleasnat person, so I like the list. Not the deepest reasoning, but honest reasoning.

      I’m not on FB or LinkedIn which is where my friend is. I agree that occasionally a blogger will just go downward and keep falling down. I don’t mean to abandon someone like that, but I also don’t feel equipped to deal with their problems so I gracefully [I hope] back away.

      Karma is a state of mind, in my estimation. I’m with you, I’m good to people, but I don’t run after opportunities to be good. At least I’m not thinking bad things about most people.

      Like

  42. Yikes. Sorry to hear you got caught by the bad Boars Head. Food poisoning is definitely not fun. 😰
    We had that boxwood blight years ago and it was tragic. I had to replace half the shrubs around our deck and it’s really never been the same.
    As for blogs, I suppose everyone is different. Personally… I like getting to know my virtual friends through shared life experiences as opposed to those who think they are poets or the next Pulitzer Prize winning author. Humor is important for me as well, when it ceases to be entertaining I’ll quit.

    Liked by 1 person

    • River, Boar’s Head is currently on my NEVER AGAIN list. The boxwoods were pretty and comforting to see when I came home, but dead is dead. There’s no reason to get new ones, so different curb appeal it is.

      I like shared life experiences, too. I like knowing what makes someone tick, so reading personal blogs feeds into that, has from the beginning. But I also think my friend has a point that there comes a time when it becomes too much info. The question is when?

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Oh my goodness! So sorry you had food poisoning! I didn’t eat the bad Boar’s Head, but I have had food poisoning thanks to grocery store products. 😓 So glad you are better! But I am sorry about your bushes. 😓
    As for my favorite Summer Olympic sport, it’s hard to choose just one! The gymnastics events rank way up there. I loved watching Stephen Nedoroscik’s phenomenal pommel horse routine. The mixed 4 x 4 was great to see.
    Love your reworking of the Siamese Cat song. 😊 As for Disney songs, I was shocked at the number one song. I’m not saying it’s bad. I’m just surprised. Some favorites from the list: Zero to Hero; Beauty & the Beast, The Bells of Notre Dame (Hunchback).

    Like

    • L. Marie, thanks for your sympathy. No more sliced deli meats for me. Not a great experience, food poisoning.

      You’ve been paying attention to the Olympics! I read about the pommel horse event. Sounds almost magical.

      I’m not familiar with all Disney songs but I thought this list was fun. I’d have expected more Beauty and the Beast songs higher up, but will bow to the lecturer.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Glad you recovered from your food poisoning. Whew. Sorry to hear about your boxwoods. We have so many in several beds that if we lost them all, the place definitely wouldn’t look the same. One of the saving graces is the deer don’t like them especially since many of my hosta are down to stubs. I enjoy Olympic swimming and running. I watch most of it, but really enjoy those. Every blog is personal, and sometimes lives just change. What was interesting five years ago may not be so much today. I also do not enjoy bragging about how much money they spend on traveling or seeing a dozen selfies in each and every post. I cannot follow someone who blogs daily or multiple times a day, it just wears me out. Anyone who watches the news even once a day, is so saturated with negativity, that anything one can do to spread positivity is a good thing. I say very little online and what I do say is always positive. I read some of the nasty negative comments people write to some innocent question, and I just shake my head and wonder how we got here. Take care, stay well, and may the deer find another neighborhood.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, I’m much better now that the food poisoning is over. What an experience, not to do again me hopes. We can’t have hostas here, the deer devour them. I am trying not to be bitter about it.

      Made me laugh with the selfie quip. I wonder about that, too. Who takes that many photos of themselves– and to what end? Yes some bloggers who are daily, or more, wear me out, too. A few don’t though.

      I’ve seen what you’ve seen when it comes to negative comments out of nowhere. People seemed primed to be disagreeable for no reason other than they can be.

      From your fingertips to God’s ear, deer please move elsewhere. Nothing here to see.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Posts like this are such fun! Like having tea with a friend, catching up.

    No song, no Olympics.

    So as of this moment I’m still ok with some forms of social media (I deleted a bunch a couple of months ago). I prefer words, but some videos are cool. Limiting the amount of time catching up with virtual peeps is something I do with IRL peeps as well, but, as my zodiac sign says, moderation leads to balance. If the scales tip, I adapt (eventually, and sometimes while kicking and screaming).

    Liked by 1 person

    • Claudette, I know that it can take a lot of time to keep up with people in a way that is meaningful to them. I don’t pay much attention to videos or podcasts, but when it comes to the written word I’m there for you. In a balanced way, of course.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. So sorry to hear that you were caught up in the Boar’s Head problem. I won’t be buying it anytime soon, either. I had salmonella poisoning in January due to Quaker Oat cereal, which amazed me. I had bought it at a big box store in October, and I received an auto call from them in January advising me to stop eating it. I am still in the “never gonna eat Quaker Oats products again” camp, at least for now.

    As for reading blogs, I am still a fan. I am doing less socializing than normal while I try to prepare my house for sale, so I enjoy catching up with people’s lives. And any day that I am not in the mood, I just don’t check in! I really enjoy your blog because you have an entertaining way of discussing things, and you usually offer up more than one topic.
    Nina

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nina, salmonella from Quaker Oats cereal! Oh that doesn’t make much sense to me. I get how sliced meats could be contaminated but cereal? That is just sad. I’m sorry that happened to you.

      I still read and comment on blogs, too, but fewer than I did during the pandemic. Like you I don’t check in every day, only when I can in a relaxed way. It has to be fun for me to want to do it.

      Thanks for the compliment, I try to add some variety to what I share here. Information is my love language.

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  49. Sorry to hear about the bout of food poisoning Ally. When I heard about it I was surprised as Boar’s Head deli meats are only available in specialty stores or high-end produce markets around here. I think we used to get their veal bologna. I stopped eating sliced-to-order deli meats when our Hepatitis A outbreak about 10 years ago killed 32 people in a three-year period, all from food handler’s unclean hands, admittedly not Listeria.

    I have not watched the Olympics, except excerpts from the opening ceremony when I wanted to see the controversial video.

    What a treasure trove of Disney song titles. Some were after I stopped watching Disney shows, which I loved as a kid. Many of the Disney shows on Sunday nights (“World of Disney”) or at the movies were also favorite books of mine. Honestly, “Heigh Ho” sticks with me as I’d say that sometimes on a Monday morning walking out the door to go to work.

    I am on Facebook to follow news and nature sites, our neighborhood residents forum and a few friends. One friend posts non-stop about what she and each member of her family eats, does. I tune in occasionally because it is just too much – I sometimes want to say “who do you think cares?” But, that would be rude. I think with all that is going on in the world right now, everyone is fed up with information overload, personal, political or otherwise.

    I hate going into my backyard and am still angry with the landscaper not contacting me. Like you, I remember how it looked – not blight for me, but the downed wire fire. It will never look like that again. I used to love being out in the yard, but this heat and humidity, has made me turn a blind eye to weeds and overgrowth. With a very warm Fall predicted, possibly no snow until late in the year, I worry next Summer will mirror this one and Summer 2022. I may do nothing at all (and then whine about how it looks).

    I had not heard of the Cozy Cardio trend. Years ago I read that jumping rope, especially on a hard surface, was bad for your bones, the constant landing and jarring of your feet.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, Boar’s Head isn’t a specialty product around here. It’s in Kroger after all, no big deal.

      Loved the Opening Ceremonies for the Paris Olympics. It’s one of the few times I’ve ever sat still for hours watching TV.

      I never got to see The World of Disney on Sunday nights. My father preferred Midwestern Hayride, a local gem that was on at the same time so Walt’s show wasn’t on the TV when you only had one TV. 🙄

      You nailed it: “who do you think cares?” Answer that question and we might get a clue into the thinking of people who post all. the. time. about. nothing.

      It’s difficult to look at a formerly beautiful landscape and see what it isn’t there. Yet nature is what it is, so I adapt.

      Not a fan of jumping rope. So far no one here has been. Go figure.

      Like

      • I didn’t know you could buy Boar’s Head meats at Kroger. I’d drive ten miles to Westborn Market for Boar’s Head meats back in the day. I used to go to Kroger years ago to buy Honey Crisp apples, but then Meijer opened up near me and they carried them, so I never went back.

        We only had one TV when I was growing up too … I got to watch “my show” (Disney) on Sunday nights and then the TV channel was switched over to “The Ed Sullivan Show” (boring, except for the Beatles’ appearance in ’64) and then it was bedtime for me.

        And the people who post on social media too much, also complain they have no time. Well maybe if you stopped posting so much, you’d have more time.

        I jumped rope as a youngster and with friends at the schoolyard, we did Chinese Jump Rope at recess – pretty fancy footwork back then, but regularly jumping rope does a number on your heels/toes, however you lane onto the pavement.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Maybe only certain Kroger carry Boar’s Head? The ones closest to us do, but can’t speak for all of them. It’s a huge company.

          I remember The Ed Sullivan Show. It came on the same channel after Midwestern Hayride. I hear ‘ya about the people who are online all the time, then complain about a lack of time. Do the math, gumdrop!

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          • I don’t mind store brands for some things, but for lunch meat I would only buy an established brand. Today I heard on the news that Cocoa Puffs have a high amount of lead in them. I don’t eat Cocoa Puffs, but I do eat Quaker Oats Oatmeal 365 days a year and it reportedly has traces of pesticide in it.

            My friend was bad enough with the incessant posts while using her laptop, but when she got a smartphone, it was worse. Yesterday, she was at the dentist and posted how awful the music was in the overhead speakers and she wished she could turn it off before he started working on her teeth. Turn it off and put it away.

            Liked by 1 person

            • Not Quaker Oats Oatmeal! I eat that about once a week, but haven’t had Cocoa Puffs maybe ever, but oatmeal… {I shuffle off in despair}

              She posted that kind of inconsequential gibberish? Oh that’s the sort of thing that I ignore, both the music I don’t like and my ability to tell other people I am unhappy. WHO CARES‽ Smartphones can bring out the worst in some people.

              Liked by 1 person

              • I still eat oatmeal and and I’m still here, but Triscuits also are on the “list” and I eat them. I hope I’m not sorry years from now.

                I never got to eat fun cereal as a kid except when we traveled and there was a breakfast buffet with those little packages of cereal, then I took liberties. 🙂

                A third person died today from the Boar’s Head lunch meat – yikes!

                I love salads, but after the Dole listeria or salmonella outbreak years ago, I quit buying their bagged lettuce or veggies. They had another one this year and Fresh Express with their similar products is no better.

                Yes, she is stupid with the incessant posting. She was bad before, but with the smartphone it’s gotten worse. Give it a rest already! I expect that from a teenager, not a 68-year-old-woman.

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                • Triscuits too! I eat those as well because they’re healthy, dammit. Honestly, when it comes to food you can’t win.

                  A friend refers to those salads + veggies as botulism in a bag and I think she’s nailed it. I don’t buy them ever, but I guess some people still do.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  • It bummed me out about Triscuits too as I love them for the crunch factor and because they are healthy, healthier than most breads. No, you can’t win.

                    Your friend did nail it with that name. Supposedly, the salads and veggies are triple washed so it’s always going to be too moist and it spoils. And then Dole had to explain away a bird claw was found in one of their bagged salad a few years back.

                    I found a huge fly in a can of creamed corn once. I had already taken a few spoonfuls when I saw the fly. I took photos and e-mailed Del Monte about it and was told their Quality Control has no humans touching or watching over the contents of their canned vegetables – it is machines/conveyor belts only. I received a voucher for a couple of cans of Del Monte veggies. I’ve not eaten creamed corn since!

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  50. Cozy Cardio… I’ve always been a walker, but last Christmas my husband got me a set of ear buds so that I could listen to music while I walk. I also have music for when I do circuit training. The music is why I keep doing both activities! The downside to the earbuds is that now my husband gets to hear me sing along to the music…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margery, I’ve never had ear buds, so my husband isn’t hearing me sing along. I know that good music can get you going and keep you engaged in being active. Your experience confirms it.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. What’s your favorite sport in the Summer Olympics? I’m awful – I don’t watch any of it. I want the US to win all the gold, but I just don’t want to watch it.

    If you have one, which of the Disney songs is your favorite? Do you love this lecturer as much as I do? It has been a million years since I’ve seen a Disney movie or listened to a song, so I have no idea.

    When do you lose interest in someone online? Is it when they talk about themselves too much [as defined by you]? Is it when they do things differently than you? Some other reasons? I am enthusiastically curious so it’s rare I lose interest online. But when I do it’s usually because their writing (or the content) puts me off.

    Assuming that you do, how do you spread good karma? Please share the deets. I hold doors for people, I try to give out random (and sincere) compliments to strangers and just generally try to be kind and helpful to the world at large.

    The day before the news broke about Boar’s Head, the Husband had a turkey sandwich; apparently he got lucky.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, your attitude is in the right place when it comes to the Olympics. I haven’t seen a Disney movie in years either, but do know some of the music.

      I’m observant and curious about people, too, which really got me thinking after my friend said what she did. When do you know enough about someone? I agree that some people’s style and insincerity put me off in a snap of the fingers.

      Being kind and helpful in this world is a good way to spread Karma. I like knowing that about you. As for Boar’s Head meats, your husband was lucky.

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  52. I’ve talked to many people who say that they are happier after giving up all social media. I haven’t cut the chord completely, but I give about five minutes per day to Facebook and that’s enough for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pete, I’ve heard people say the same thing. I deleted FB years ago but am on IG and Threads. I’m not all that taken with social media but do check-in occasionally. I feel in control of my time there which is key.

      Liked by 1 person

  53. OMG, so sorry to hear you got the listeria! My hubby eats Boar’s Head deli meat, but not the pre-packaged variety (if that is where the contamination was). I haven’t heard of anyone here getting ill.

    I probably don’t know most of those songs, but I can recall the Siamese Cat song! I like your revised lyrics.
    Bummer about your shrubs😪
    Good karma? Mmm. Offering to take family pictures at the local resort when they are switching off parents (“Would you like me to take a photo of the three of you together?”)

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    • Eilene, the meat I had was pre-packaged. I don’t know if the meat cut in front of you at the deli was included in this recall. Right now I’m off all Boar’s Head anything.

      Yes, the first half of the bushes are gone, the rest will be taken out next spring. I know it had to happen, but boxwoods made me happy. Thought of England. However it is not meant to be.

      I like your way of sharing good karma. I’ve been going through old family photos and there are only 2 of me with my parents taken when someone offered to snap a picture of us. Otherwise it wouldn’t happen.

      Liked by 1 person

  54. OK. I’ll boycott all deli meat too. In fact, I’ll boycott all meat. 😀

    Glad you are recovering. Being sick to one’s stomach is a terrible way to spend our limited time on the planet.

    My favorite Disney songs are not on his list ~ The Circle of Life and Hakuna Matada from the Lion King are two. And I love a bunch from Mary Poppins.

    I liked the Opening Ceremony too, and the coverage has been quite good for most events I enjoy watching.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nancy, I realize that you’re not eating any meat ever so this recall must confirm your decision. I’m eating far less meat/poultry than I once did, before the recall and especially now after it.

      I hadn’t thought about Mary Poppins. I suppose songs from it didn’t make the list because it wasn’t an animated movie.

      I’ve enjoyed the Olympics more than I usually do. I don’t watch a lot of it, but like what I see. Such amazing athletes all in one place.

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      • I have aerial envy when I watch the gymnasts flying up 12 feet in the air and landing safely back on terra firma.

        Strength. Grace. Flexibility. Speed. Power. Concentration. WOW!!!

        I “let go” of meat gradually. The last to go ~> 4 oz. Filet Mignons and 4 oz. pork tenderloins from Omaha Steaks. BFF and I would split one, hot off the grill, for dinner (rounded out with baked potato, veggies, salad, whatever) . . . and he’d have the leftovers the next day in a sandwich for lunch.

        Eventually the sides appealed more and more and the meat appealed less and less until it disappeared from our diet.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I find watching gymnastics makes me a little tense. I worry so about if they’ll land safely.

          I haven’t had a steak in years, but do eat pork tenderloin once in a while. I can understand how you slowly let meat go. Who knows we may eventually follow in your footsteps.

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          • When I see them fall ~> OUCH! But if they don’t slip, trip, or fall, I am mesmerized.

            Having more and more meatless meals is better for you, better for the planet, and better for the animals you would otherwise be consuming. That said, life is a process, a journey, an adventure . . . from where we are to where we ultimately want to be. Since we don’t know how long or short our journey will be, it makes sense to enjoy each and every step that we can, including feeding our bodies with fuel we ENJOY. If I woke up tomorrow with a craving for meat (which is unlikely after 25 years), I would indulge. Guilt Free. You do the same.

            Liked by 1 person

            • I agree with your approach to being vegetarian. I prefer to eat fish or eggs, not meat or poultry, but I don’t obsess about it. Like beans and lentils, too. We both realize that we’re eating more vegetables since we stopped dining out, instead cooking at home. So wherever the healthy eating path leads, we’ll go down it free from guilt. Thanks for the encouragement.

              Liked by 1 person

  55. Oh, so sorry to hear you fell victim to the Boar’s Head listeria contamination! So glad to hear you’re well now. We buy Boar’s Head — so I looked at the things recalled, but I think there were none in CA? I didn’t recognize many of them. Is it exclusive to those already sliced and packaged? Or does it also include ones where the deli slices them for you? I wasn’t quite sure!

    Favorite Olympic sport: Gymnastics, specially floor exercises.

    Disney song: I don’t think I have a favorite but if I have to pick, it’d probably be A Whole New World. I remember seeing the movie and just being moved when it was sung.

    Lost Interest: I don’t know that I’ve lost interest on anyone I’ve read for a while (it’s harder for me to get started/continue reading new-to-me blogs). I think maybe when I’m busy and don’t have much time to read, I’d skip some of the ones who post about the same thing. But also: I almost hate reading when I know I don’t have time to respond…it’s almost rude, so I tell myself not to read.

    Karma: I don’t know; I don’t particularly pay attention to it. I just live the best I can — be kind, be thoughtful, be helpful, etc. Maybe it’s a way to spread karma but I never really thought about it.

    I’ve missed reading and responding to your posts, Ally Bean! It’s been a very busy few months….and it continues to be busy but I can read and comment on some posts again.. Yay!

    Liked by 1 person

    • M, I assumed the Boar’s Head recall was for both pre-packaged, which is what I had, and sliced in front of you, but I don’t know for sure. Good question.

      I like the song ‘A Whole New World’ too, for the same reason you mention.

      I’m the same way: “I almost hate reading when I know I don’t have time to respond…it’s almost rude, so I tell myself not to read.” I enjoy reading blogs if I can do it all at once in a hunk of time, so I put it off until I can do so. Don’t know if that’s how other people do it or not.

      I definitely think your approach to life is the essence of good karma. Well done. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I appreciate it.

      Like

  56. I’m enjoying little snippets of this and that from the Olympics. I’ve never seen rugby before. That’s crazy! Especially the women’s rugby. And the men’s indoor volleyball is also crazy scary. They’re so strong and hit so hard. The gymnasts and the high divers are amazing.

    “Beauty is such a beautiful song!” We don’t always recognize how good the Disney songs are because they’re part of the whole.

    I’m so sorry you got sick from the Boar’s Head meat, but grateful for your healing powers. Also sorry about your diseased boxwoods.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, my husband played rugby in college. It is a fast, yet potentially brutal, sport. I’ve seen the women’s beach volleyball but not the men’s indoor volleyball. I can imagine how they hit the ball.

      You’re right about the Disney songs, they blend into the movies and you forget about them.

      Thanks for your sympathy. I’m fully recovered and the boxwoods are a memory now. Life goes on, eh?

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  57. I am SO sorry you ate the Borshead. I fed it to members of a board I’m on, during a meeting at my house…hopefully it wasn’t the tainted type…I haven’t heard from anyone. Still…..I agree. No more deli meat!

    Jump rope is not relaxing. Who are they kidding?

    I don’t think I know any Disney music. Well, maybe some from playing in the community band. Well…maybe I probably do, but just don’t KNOW it’s Disney music.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dawn, I’m also sorry I ate the recalled Boar’s Head meat, but it is done and I survived. The contaminated products weren’t everywhere in the US so you might have nothing to worry about.

      I get what you’re saying about Disney music. I know many songs from Disney but not specifically which movie they were in. And I wonder what Disney songs I know of, but am not aware that they’re Disney songs.

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  58. Oh my gosh, you had the bad Boars Head? I’m so sorry that happened to you! Glad to know you are beyond it health-wise and I can understand the need to avoid sliced sandwich meat in the future; some things we just can’t get over.

    I didn’t recognize half the Disney Songs. Am I old? I must be.

    Your friend is probably on the right track; if I didn’t write a blog, read blogs or have FB or Insta, I’d probably have much more time to do other stuff. Like read a book. Exercise more diligently? Clean more often? But also, I’d probably miss my online people.

    Sorry about your boxwoods—that is such a bummer. Sometimes Mother Nature does us a dirty.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, yes I unknowingly ate the contaminated meat and got sick. I’m lucky though, I am healthy so the listeria went straight through, but it can be deadly.

      I didn’t recognize many of the songs on the list, but my guess is that if I heard them I would know them. Disney music is ubiquitous.

      My friend surprised me with her comment. She’s been messing around in FB and LinkedIn forever, but she’s had it. No awful thing happened, she’s just sick of people. I know I’d miss my online people so I’m still here, just maybe less often.

      The boxwoods were pretty, but I can’t undo what is. A blight is a blight. Eventually I’ll get used to seeing the new bushes. I have to.

      Liked by 1 person

  59. Hoping you’re feeling better!!!! I like gymnastics the most, but admit I get tired of all the posturing the hosts do when talking of events. If I lose interest in someone online, it’s usually because they are hypocritical, say one thing but in actions do something else. Everybody wants to be a cat is my fave Disney song. As to karma…I try to remember I’m not the only person in the world. Sometimes it works better than others

    Liked by 1 person

    • LA, thanks, I’m feeling MUCH better now. I agree about the gymnastics and the hosts. A little less self-important jibber-jabber would be great.

      Yes anyone who comes across as a hypocrite, or a know-it-all, is someone who bores me so I wander off. Good point about karma and how to make it happen. I’m with you, trying to be kind, not always achieving that goal.

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Ah sorry you got ill Ally, that sounds awful. Glad to hear you’re on the mend.

    I confess I have never nor am I currently watching the olympics, it just doesn’t interest me (though my friends were surprised at this when I shared & suggested I should give it a watch, maybe I will).

    I love the last line of that poem but unfortunately I couldn’t get the whole thing to open.

    I guess I have an interest in the lives of people I feel I’ve established some kind of relationship/ connection to…but I don’t really care what they ate for breakfast, so it depends what’s being posted.

    Hope you’re hedges sprout quickly (we planted laurels a few years back & it took a while but we now have proper hedges!)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Rae Cod, I don’t watch the Olympics with any purpose, that is I don’t follow a particular sport. I just watch occasionally to see what I see. I do know some people who are really into it though.

      I’m sorry the website with the poem doesn’t open for you. It’s on Substack which doesn’t seem to be a reliable platform, but I thought I’d try a link to it.

      I feel the same way about my bloggy friends. We have a connection, but I don’t need or want to know everything about someone’s every day. Less is more.

      I look forward to seeing mature bushes around the house. I know that it’s silly for me to fret about the size of bushes and that they’ll grow.

      Like

  61. I’d forgotten how much I liked the “We are Siamese” song when I was a kid! I haven’t heard that in years. I didn’t watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony (I never do), but I have enjoyed watching the indoor volleyball and the gymnastics. I watch the Olympics in bits and pieces, so I haven’t kept up with much.

    As for oversharing on social media, I do get your friend’s point. I love to follow blogs that are interesting and engaging, whether or not those share details about the author’s personal life. But I don’t have time to read daily (or multiple daily) posts, and when someone is using their blog simply to complain about their life, because that gets old quickly and there’s no real way I can help. Some blogs are easy to “unfollow” but there are a few cases where the blogs aren’t particularly good but the blogger is so nice I just don’t have the heart to disengage. Social media has raised all sorts of new issues for me!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, I remember seeing Lady and the Tramp in a theater and laughing my little head off at the Siamese song. I watch the Olympics like you do, in bits and pieces. I don’t follow any one sport in particular.

      You’re saying much of what my friend said about blogging: no more daily blogs and no more whiners because often those who whine need more than a sympathetic ear, they need some professional therapy.

      I know what you mean about continuing to read some blogs that might not be the best writing, but are written by delightful people. Sometimes it’s just about the connections and good vibes.

      Liked by 1 person

    • colinmcqueen, it’s been fun to learn which Disney song is a person’s favorite. I haven’t seen or thought of Robin Hood in years. I know what you mean about the Olympics, all the athletes are the best.

      Liked by 1 person

  64. Olympics- I get a little bored with all of the numerous renditions of the power sports (gymnastics, swimming, T&F, etc.) They go on forever. I’ll usually watch to see the main storylines, but then I do like to catch some of the more obscure sports that I would never see under any other circumstances. I marvel at how unusual some sports are, how athletic the participants are, and wonder how did they ever get involved in the first place?
    Boxwoods- Sorry for your loss. But I’m not a fan. We yanked all of our boxwoods out a while ago. They were too boxy. Replaced with lovely azaleas and other freeform bushes. Hope you find the curb appeal that you are looking for!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gwen, I’m with you on your approach to watching the Olympics. I like the newer or less well known sports that leave me wondering, like you, how did anyone ever figure out they were meant to do this.

      While I’m a bit underwhelmed by the small size of the replacement bushes, I’ll admit that overall the whole landscape looks fresher. I’ll get used to seeing it soon enough.

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  65. I am sad to hear of the sickness prevailing over your little patch of paradise. Both the bushes and poor you! I hope the new hedge thrives.
    Food poisoning – it is never fun.
    I didn’t watch the Olympics but loads of folks here – especially the older set, are quite addicted! I don’t mind watching the diversity of sports int he Olympics but they keep adding more and more and that makes me think about what consitutes a sport? It seems less important today than in previous years.
    You talked about someone losing interest in other people’s details, and I have heard this sort of comment before – from people who are stressed, overloaded or overwhelmed. I don’t think this when people do things differently. Perhaps there is too much information out there to consume, and this exhausts their thresholds forcing them to step away.
    How do I spread good karma? I try to practice loving kindness each day to others. I am not perfect at doing that, but always aim to try. Empathy and loving kindness is a good guiding principle in life, even when they are nasties out there.

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    • Amanda, I’m feeling MUCH better now and am getting accustomed to seeing our new small bushes around the house. All is well and I am grateful.

      I wonder, too, about how the Olympics define ‘sport’ and why we only hear of some of these sports during the Olympics. They seem to disappear for 4 years, then reappear yet someone somewhere during that time is playing them.

      I agree that there is too much information, or jibber-jabber, out there in social media and blogland. I suspect that when you hit your threshold of seeing it, you realize it’s time to step away for your own sanity.

      Empathy and kindness are wonderful life principles and definitely help spread good karma. Same as it ever was!

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  66. My kids LOVED watching Pinky & The Brain! Thanks for bringing up a forgotten memory. 🙂 So sorry to hear you got sick from the deli meat but am happy you’re okay now. I like hearing about the details of people’s lives, but I’m not sure about how much is too much.

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    • Barbara, Pinky and the Brain makes me laugh, even just thinking about it. I’m over the food poisoning, wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

      I suspect too much information is different for everyone. I get what my friend is saying, but haven’t quite gotten to her point yet. I’m still interested, enough.

      Liked by 1 person

  67. Gymnastics, far and away. However, we are hosting houseguests for two weeks so I’ve missed much of the Olympics this year. Not happy about that.
    I have a Facebook friend who puts things (either her own stuff or shares others’ stuff) 8-12 times per day. I wonder how she works fulltime when she spends so much time on FB. Drives me nuts and I don’t look at most of it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • The Travel Architect, gymnastics seem synonymous with the summer Olympics to me.

      I don’t understand the desire to post anything anywhere 18-12 times per day, yet I know your FB friend isn’t unusual. I can barely manage to show up once a day to social media, the necessity of it eludes me.

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  68. Oh no, you got food poisoning from Boar’s Head Deli Meat. That sucks. I like their meat selection usually. I hope you’re better.

    About your question how much is too much on social media/blogs? Well, I can relate a little bit to your friend who is tired of “knowing so much”… if I am honest, I have a hard time with people who blog daily, just because it’s a lot to keep up with… not necessarily because I am not interested in what they have to say, but because I try to keep up with so many people and sometimes if you share every day, content can get diluted (IMHO) and I am all about “efficiency” when it comes to consuming content.

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    • San, I’m back to normal now but won’t be buying any Boar’s Head meat in the immediate future.

      Maybe it comes with having blogged for 20 years but I’m the same way as you: “I am all about ‘efficiency’ when it comes to consuming content.” Well said. I follow many blogs and enjoy them but I also don’t need to know everything about everyone who I follow. There’s a balance between caring and being inundated. This I have learned over the years.

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  69. I can’t believe you were one of the few to eat Boars Head deli meat (which is my favorite) and get the disease. Terrible! I’m loving the Olympics. I’m also contemplating FB, because it is too much. Inspiration is far more powerful than discouragement.

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    • Jennie, in truth I can’t believe I got food poisoning either, I’m so careful. I’m okay now, but when in the grocery store I have been giving Boar’s Head meats the evil eye.

      I’m with you. I want inspiration when it comes to social media. I understand that not all events in a person’s life are rosy, but that doesn’t mean I want to read all the time about your doom and gloom. Apparently FB [that I am not on] is a bummer in that regard.

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  70. Here’s the first thing I’m pondering. You posted on Tuesday, and it’s Saturday. This was the Week That Got Away. Being late has one advantage; I know you’re feeling better; I’m glad about that. I’ve never purchased packaged deli meats. Every now and then I’ll buy Boar’s Head for sandwiches but I always have it sliced in front of me, and never have had a problem.

    Until this year’s Olympics, I’m not sure I’d even heard of the pommel horse competition, but now I’m in love with the pommel horse guy. What I learned along the way is that this was one of the original competitions, and (surprise, surprise) it was meant to test the ability to mount and dismount a horse with a few tricks thrown in for good measure.

    I don’t mind personal details in a blog, particularly if they’re part of a larger narrative. But I don’t need photos of your breakfast, or daily snaps of the weight shown on your scale, or gossip about the neighbor you don’t like. When that sort of thing shows up, I quietly click out and go my way. I don’t fuss at anyone for what they post, but I don’t feel I need to respond to it all, either. If I feel like griping about life’s latest frustration, it’s real friends in the real world that get to hear about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I’m smiling here because I feel the same way about this week. Where did it go? I suppose that means I was busy and that’s a good thing, but sometimes time slips through my fingers.

      I didn’t know that about the pommel horse competition. Many of the sports in the Olympics seem to have a long history that has been either forgotten or marginalized.

      I agree that personal details that add to a story are wonderful, I adore them. But my friend was referring to jibber-jabber that some people use to fill in the posts, assuming that other people will enjoy knowing the deets. Ditto about complaining to in real life friends, not bloggy buddies. Yet we both know that’s not how everyone approaches personal blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  71. Pingback: Olympics, Disney and losing interest | Questions of the day – A weirdo with…

  73. Oh, Ally, I’m so sorry to hear of your bout with listeria. That sounds miserable. I’m glad you are okay now. And I feel your pain with the boxwoods. I am having a struggle with our lavender plants. We have (had) four, and each year a different one seems to die, while the others thrive. I love them so much, but I am tempted to replace the next one that dies on me with something else. As for the Olympics, I don’t think I can pick a single favorite event, but I am enamoured with the track events, especially the sprinters and hurdlers. I think because they are such amazing specimens of the human body.

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    • Christie, yes listeria was lousy and I’m off Boar’s Head because of it. I like lavender plants but here they’re annuals. Your experience with yours sounds exactly like our boxwood problem. At first we didn’t realize there was a blight so we replaced them thinking they died because we did something wrong. Good point about the Olympics, all the athletes are amazingly gifted. Seems almost a shame that only a few get medals.

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  74. Hi – well it looks like those boxwoods are high maintenance and maybe just not hearty any more – I am sorry for your loss and it sounds like you are handling the loss – oh and wow – sorry you ate the Boar’s head – that sliced meat has such a good reputation as being some of the best lunch meats – and when we used to eat “subs” – we also got the paid upgrade for Boar’s head. But I had to get away from all lunch meat and only have it once in a while – and I am glad you are on the mend – 🙂

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  75. OMG, listeria is no joke! I’m glad you lived to tell the tale. That is just awful! I always think I don’t eat deli meat, but then realize I eat things like prosciutto and salami from charcuterie boards all the time.

    I’ve had many discussions with my grands about the song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” after seeing it performed twice with Disney On Ice. They never seem to be able to answer the question, ‘Why don’t they talk about Bruno?’ even after watching the movie multiple times. This makes me laugh for some reason. I was never a Disney movie fan.

    Also, not an Olympics fan, but I couldn’t stop watching Ray Gun’s breakdancing!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, you’re right about charcuterie boards and the meats on them. I don’t see me eating anything like that in the near future.

      I don’t know the song about Bruno. Like you I haven’t seen many Disney movies, but I like this lecturer’s list. It seemed like such a whimsically unusual project that it drew me in.

      Yes, the break dancing was fascinating. How anyone could do that let alone that it’s a sport in the Olympics. Win win.

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  77. Oh no, I’m sorry you were sick! Also, glad that you’re better.

    I love those naughty Siamese, even though they were sure cruel to poor Lady. Also, seems racist by today’s standards. Also also, we used to have a Siamese cat named Sheba when I was a kid, who was not racist at all and was best friends with my dog.

    I take your friend’s point about social media, but I love keeping up with my FB friends and most especially my blog friends. Did I want to know that you got food poisoning and that you’ve lost your beloved boxwood trees? Yes, yes I did! Very much. It’s that human connection that I enjoy.

    I’ve not heard of the kayaking sport you mention, but I suspect I am going to want to look it up now. Fun!

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, I, too, am glad to put food poisoning behind me.

      Sheba sounds like she was a delight. I realize that today the Siamese song would be racist, but I don’t take it that way. I figure you could substitute any cat breed in the lyrics and it’d still be true: “We are tabby cat if you please, we are tabby cat if you don’t please…”

      I’m on the fence about my friend’s take on social media. I get what she’s saying, some people are too much & online all the time, but I enjoy keeping up with people so social media and blogging is how I do it. I suppose it is a matter of balance.

      The crazy kayaking sport had me hooked from the first glance at it. It’s nuts and it was in the Olympics, of all places. Gotta love progress!

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  78. My answer is “no” to the Boar’s Head lunch meat. I buy organic sandwich meat and have never once been sick from it. Sorry you had to go through that.

    I am missing my daily dose of Olympics. Back to crappy daytime TV. I loved the gymnastics, swimming, diving and those fast men and women who make running look so easy. I was only confused by the breakdancing and why it is an Olympic sport. Well, maybe WAS an Olympic sport because I heard they are not bringing that back in 2028.

    The apartment complex where I live have cut down most of the trees on the property due to the emerald ash bore. We only have the mature trees along the front of the property, next to the road, and I hope to God they survive because otherwise it will be even more sad than it already is. Sorry you had to lose your trees.

    As for social media, I am still appalled by the mad, angry, crazy, name-calling people out there and had to experience a FB friend, someone I worked with long ago, who called me “woke” (as if that’s a bad thing), yelled at me for pointing out hard facts about Trump (even though she posts anti Biden/Harris/Walz memes), and then told me I need to read the Bible to understand why I should be on her side. It’s mind-numbing and heart-breaking. I unfollowed this friend. In this case, knowing too much about someone else can be a not-so-good thing.

    On the bright side, I am spending Sunday with a friend, shopping, eating, and eating some more. It will be a nice break.

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    • Mary, there’s organic slice meat? I’ve never even thought to look for it. Thanks for the heads up.

      I’m amazed by all the athletes and how they’re able to do what they do so well. I, too, am missing seeing the various Olympic sports now that it’s over. It was a fun distraction.

      HUH?!! This so-called friend sounds like a nut job first class. Woke is good, facts are good, the Bible has little to do with supporting the Donald… in fact it would suggest that he is not worthy of support based on his violations of the 10 Commandments. Your friend is a sick puppy.

      Have a lovely Sunday with a sane friend. That sounds like lots of fun.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Look for Applegate organic lunch meats at whatever store carries healthier foods. I believe my friend has been brainwashed by Fox News, the far right and evangelical Christians who think the same. It’s sad because she and so many others don’t realize how much narcissistic Trump has taken them for fools.

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        • Thanks for the name to look for. Will do. I agree with you about Faux News and the sway it holds over some gullible people. I don’t get it, but I see that happening too. Brainwashed is right. [Not meant to be a pun but it sure is.]

          Liked by 1 person

  79. The whole Silk Milk listeria thing got me bummed out too. I didn’t get it, it’s just that I have to drink real milk and all I do now is fart all day and night. OMG, so gassy!
    My girlfriend is a trooper to be putting up with my pooper.
    But I’m kind of hesitant to drink the Silk Almond Milk again after 3 or 4 people actually DIED from it!

    To answer one of your questions:
    I lose interest in Facebook friends that post / share something every 5 – 10 minutes congesting my feed. I find that to be a narcissistic behavior. I hate having to troll through my feed skipping the garbage they post to see what others are saying. My list of FB friends is small, comprising of only actual real friends and family.

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    • Mac, I read about the Silk Milk listeria situation, but don’t drink it so by default am avoiding it. I didn’t know about the Silk Almond Milk though. Will keep that in mind.

      You’re right about people who post to FB [or any social media] so often that it congests your feed. I hadn’t stopped to think that it can be narcissistic behavior, I just chalk it up to being lonely. HOWEVER, regardless of why they’re doing what they’re doing I’m with you in wanting to keep up with a small group of friends and family.

      Liked by 1 person

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