1. What’s worth standing in line for? I honestly do not mind standing in line. I will say, though, that forming a line and/or staying in said line is not something that is not well here in the states. Other countries seem to understand, appreciated and call pull off this “trick” without much trouble. But, here it is akin to trying to merge onto a highway…which is another trick that alludes many in this country. The last time I stood in line was to ride the cable car in San Francisco. The cars being full everyone “in line” was determined to be at the front of the line to ensure getting on the next car. The line quickly became a jumbled mass. Or mess. This type of thing happens often and so, quite often, I don’t even bother staying in line. However, in San Francisco, I really wanted to ride the cable cars. And I did:) Definitely one of the highlights of my trip and I did not mind standing (or mashing) in line for it. At all.I can say things I do not (or even will not) stand line for: black Friday shopping or other supposed bargains/latest upgrades, airport security, Disney World rides or attractions, anything sports related (game, etc.), fast food/junk food or public restrooms.
2. Tell us about a favorite food related memory. I come from a long line of excellent cooks. Not professionally trained cooks but women who made from scratch, Southern meals that would make your mouth water just thinking about. And they did it all by instinct. So many of my childhood memories revolve around those meals. Thanksgivings in North Carolina are some of my best memories. Aunt Daisy’s small house would be filled to overflowing. Just like her table and counters. Plates would be piled high. Seconds would be had. And there would still be plenty of leftovers to be enjoyed later in the evening. All of the food was delicious but Aunt Wilma’s feather biscuits (more of a parkerhouse roll) would always steal the show. Many attempts have been made to replicate those biscuits but they were never exactly the same.
All of the generations of wonderful cooks before me have since passed. And so have the delicious dishes. There were really no recipes to pass down and, let’s be honest, I would in no way be able to honor them if there were. Talented cook, I am not. Oh but what delicious memories!!
3. What are some things you find particularly peaceful or calming? Early morning sun rays. Lighting a candle to “close the kitchen” in the evening. Morning devotions with my husband over a cup of coffee. The sounds of dusk. My morning walk. A pup curled up asleep next to my leg.
4. Is there something you do now that gets you just as excited as it did when you were a child? This one has me a bit stumped. When I try to remember the things that “got me excited” as a child, I think of holidays, birthdays, sleepovers with friends and waiting for vacation. Oh and the anticipation of school getting out for the summer. Holidays and birthdays certainly do not have the same type of excitement. Or energy. No sleepovers these days but I do enjoy a fun girls’ getaways and time with my friends. But not like I did as a child:) I think my answer would be summer. I love it. I get excited (and giddy as a school kid) when the calendar page turns to June and summer has arrived.
5. To what degree are you in touch with friends from grade school? high school? college if you attended college? I am very blessed to not only be in touch but still be quite close to friends from grade school, high school and college. Many of these girls I consider the best of friends. Not only do we text, chat on the phone but we see each other as often as possible. One of my grade school (fourth grade) friends still lives near by and we have breakfast once a month. It is a highlight of my month. Maintaining friendships for years, and even a lifetime, takes effort and commitment. I am grateful that many of friends are willing to make both.
6. Insert your own random thought here. The most random of random thoughts but on Monday I mentioned that we are working on a project in one of our bathrooms. I said ceiling fan. More correctly, I should have said ventilation fan. Or exhaust fan. Not to imply some pretty, five-bladed fan that is suspended from our ceiling. Is that even a thing, I asked myself. Of course, I inquiried on Pinterest. And got two photos…both of which were in bathrooms the size of my bedroom! I have a nice bathroom. I’m not complaining but it is not a bathroom that would warrant a ceiling fan. And our project is in the guest bath, to boot.
One more incredibly random comment here. I used to think the crock pot was the most amazing kitchen accessory/appliance/necessity. And I still like my crock pot. And crock pot recipes. However. The air fryer is pure genius! Please tell me you use your air fryer. Like all the time. If not, we can surely still be friends but, let me tell you, you are really missing out!!
I had to chuckle about your air fryer comment, Jennifer. We don’t own one at all and never have. We do use the crockpot (or the crockpot component on the power pressure cooker) a lot. About the only place I will wait in a line for is at the grocery store. I haven’t taken part in Black Friday shopping in probably 35+ years and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
I love your food memory. My grandmother made the absolute best rolls, and while I’ve tried to duplicate them they’re never quite the same. I’ve never done Black Friday lines either. I like to be on a hike in the woods the day after Thanksgiving, far from the crowds. Hope you have a great day!
My dad bought us an air flyer last year and I do love it. Even my kids love using it.
Enjoyed reading your answers! We are on air fryer number two- we gave our first one to one of the kids. Our second one is much larger and we love it and use it quite often. The longevity of your friendships is #goals but, alas, that ship has sailed for me since I don’t have that kind of contact/relationship with my childhood friends. Lines at amusement parks- NO. I have about a ten minute limit. Some people wait HOURS for one thirty second ride. This I do not understand. Your food memories sound amazing! Have a great day!
hahaha! We love a good line here in England. The cable cars sound worth lining up for.
The older generations always seemed like amazing cooks and bakers. Reading about your food related memory did make me smile.
I would love a bathroom big enough for a ceiling fan. hehehe Good job with the project in your bathroom.
I love my air fryer, I don’t know how I managed without one and rarely even use my oven now.
So you have to let me know where in North Carolina your thanksgiving dinners were!!?? We are located in NC! I love this state and everything about it. How far was it to travel for you? I also don’t like Black Friday shopping. I did years ago but then I read something that talked about how we spent Thursday being thankful then Friday shopping like maniacs and it has never interested me since!
I still use my crock pot constantly, and I had a free standing air fryer that I never used- but this spring we had to replace our oven and it has an air fryer component to it and we use it every single day! I wish I would have known how much better it was I would have been using the other one for years lol, but the one in the oven is far more convenient and requires much less cleaning lol! So nice to visit with you today, have the best week!
I enjoyed my visit with you today, and reading all your answers was delightful. We have a crockpot, but we used it for the first time since our move in 2020 this past weekend. We do not own an air fryer except as a setting on our large toaster oven. We, however, keep our pressure cooker very handy and use it fairly often. Our cooking and eating routines have changed over the past couple of years, and we find ourselves doing less and less of both.
Great answers and your pup is adorable. On our next trip, it will be my first time to travel with Global Entry so I’m wondering if that will make a difference to the chaos that is airport security. I’ll have to read up again on how it works, something makes me think it’s more helpful for re-entry to the United States rather than for leaving. That’s awesome that you’re still in touch with childhood classmates.
Hello, I love how you light a candle to “close the kitchen” I also love your #2!!
I loved reading your responses and thoughts. You are right on the childhood memories. I think back to the same thing and they are not the same as far as the excitement level. What a blessing though, that you still get together with childhood friends. So rare.
I’ve never heard of lighting a candle to “close the kitchen” . . .but it makes sense!
I don’t own an airfryer but was actually contemplating buying one when I was out shopping yesterday. I’m not quite there yet but just maybe!!
My bathroom is the size of a postage stamp so I don’t think a ceiling fan would fit. Good luck with the bathroom project.