10. Have you ever owned a Tamagotchi?
I have no idea what that is...I looked it up, so the answer is no.
28. Do you own many notebooks? What do you use them for?
Not anymore. I mostly keep track of things on the computer or phone.
March
1. Since 1990, Clean Up Australia Limited has sponsored a yearly Clean Up Australia Day. Have you ever taken part in a ‘clean up’ initiative where you live?
I have not. They tend to have them at inconvenient times and places especially for us.
2. My mother taught me to get rid of hiccups by holding my breath and then swallowing three times. It works most of the time! How do you get rid of hiccups?
3. If you visit somewhere special, do you buy a small memento to bring home (such as a fridge magnet, keyring, ornament or something else)?
4. Have you ever been in a road traffic accident (either as a driver, pedestrian or on a bike)?
5. How many local birds can you name?
6. Have you ever seen a dinosaur skeleton?
7. Do you embrace technology or prefer things the way they used to be (or a bit of both)?
8. It’s International Women’s Day – can you name any famous female artists, musicians, scientists or authors?
9. As it’s ‘Check Your Batteries Day’, when was the last time you checked your stock of batteries? Or, do you just buy them when you need them?
10. It’s International Wig Day – have you ever worn a wig or a hairpiece?
11. How organised are you with household paperwork (or is everything just in one big pile)?
12. When was the last time you vacuumed the floor?
13. It’s International School Meals Day. Did you ever have school meals, and what dish still sticks in your memory if you did?
14. International ‘Ask Me A Question Day’. Go ahead – ask me a question!
15. What’s the weather like today?
16. How often do you eat out?
17. It’s Kurt Russell’s birthday – a child actor who grew up. Have you seen any of the Disney films in which he acted (he played the college student Dexter Riley)?
18. Which flowers or trees are blooming where you live now?
19. If you had the space (and the time), would you like to keep chickens?
20. Was learning a new language part of your education when you were at school? Can you still remember any of it?
21. It’s National California Strawberry Day. What is your favourite way to eat strawberries?
22. Do you still buy physical books, or do you tend to buy e-books these days? Does it depend on the type of book (i.e. fiction or non-fiction)?
23. When was the last time you ate some chocolate?
24. Harry Houdini was born today in 1874. Are you a fan of magic shows? Have you ever seen someone perform close-up magic?
25. How often do you wash your hair? Do you style it, or just let it dry naturally?
26. In 1484 Aesops Fables were first printed in English by William Caxton. Do you recall any of the fables, such as The Tortoise and the Hare?
27. It’s World Theatre Day – when was the last time you went to the theatre?
28. Have you ever been to a circus?
29. Have you ever made anything out of clay?
30. Are you allergic, or have an intolerance, to anything?
31. Do you regularly use your freezer? What do you store in there? Be honest – how often do you check what’s in there…?
I have no idea what that is...I looked it up, so the answer is no.
28. Do you own many notebooks? What do you use them for?
Not anymore. I mostly keep track of things on the computer or phone.
March
1. Since 1990, Clean Up Australia Limited has sponsored a yearly Clean Up Australia Day. Have you ever taken part in a ‘clean up’ initiative where you live?
I have not. They tend to have them at inconvenient times and places especially for us.
2. My mother taught me to get rid of hiccups by holding my breath and then swallowing three times. It works most of the time! How do you get rid of hiccups?
3. If you visit somewhere special, do you buy a small memento to bring home (such as a fridge magnet, keyring, ornament or something else)?
4. Have you ever been in a road traffic accident (either as a driver, pedestrian or on a bike)?
5. How many local birds can you name?
6. Have you ever seen a dinosaur skeleton?
7. Do you embrace technology or prefer things the way they used to be (or a bit of both)?
8. It’s International Women’s Day – can you name any famous female artists, musicians, scientists or authors?
9. As it’s ‘Check Your Batteries Day’, when was the last time you checked your stock of batteries? Or, do you just buy them when you need them?
10. It’s International Wig Day – have you ever worn a wig or a hairpiece?
11. How organised are you with household paperwork (or is everything just in one big pile)?
12. When was the last time you vacuumed the floor?
13. It’s International School Meals Day. Did you ever have school meals, and what dish still sticks in your memory if you did?
14. International ‘Ask Me A Question Day’. Go ahead – ask me a question!
15. What’s the weather like today?
16. How often do you eat out?
17. It’s Kurt Russell’s birthday – a child actor who grew up. Have you seen any of the Disney films in which he acted (he played the college student Dexter Riley)?
18. Which flowers or trees are blooming where you live now?
19. If you had the space (and the time), would you like to keep chickens?
20. Was learning a new language part of your education when you were at school? Can you still remember any of it?
21. It’s National California Strawberry Day. What is your favourite way to eat strawberries?
22. Do you still buy physical books, or do you tend to buy e-books these days? Does it depend on the type of book (i.e. fiction or non-fiction)?
23. When was the last time you ate some chocolate?
24. Harry Houdini was born today in 1874. Are you a fan of magic shows? Have you ever seen someone perform close-up magic?
25. How often do you wash your hair? Do you style it, or just let it dry naturally?
26. In 1484 Aesops Fables were first printed in English by William Caxton. Do you recall any of the fables, such as The Tortoise and the Hare?
27. It’s World Theatre Day – when was the last time you went to the theatre?
28. Have you ever been to a circus?
29. Have you ever made anything out of clay?
30. Are you allergic, or have an intolerance, to anything?
31. Do you regularly use your freezer? What do you store in there? Be honest – how often do you check what’s in there…?
February 9, 2026 + February 26 & 27, 2026
Feb. 9th, 2026 05:10 am9. This year is the 40th anniversary of the release of the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – have you ever seen it? Bueller…. Bueller…. Bueller…..
Too many times to count; although not for a while.
26. When you leave your home, what essentials do you have with you?
Phone, wallet, keys.
27. Have you received a letter recently?
Yes, we received a letter from an older friend after they received our holiday card.
Too many times to count; although not for a while.
26. When you leave your home, what essentials do you have with you?
Phone, wallet, keys.
27. Have you received a letter recently?
Yes, we received a letter from an older friend after they received our holiday card.
February 8, 2026 + February 24 & 25, 2026
Feb. 8th, 2026 07:49 am8. How often do you read fiction?
All of the time. It is my preference rather than nonfiction. I read 50 books last year and hope to do about the same this year.
24. What are you watching this month that you are enjoying?
We re-watched "The Night Manager," so we could watch season 2. The first was excellent, the second is good, but not quite as good. Also watching figure skating in the Olympics.
25. When was the last time the windows in your home were washed?
It's been a couple of years. It is something we will (hopefully) do more regularly once K retires.
All of the time. It is my preference rather than nonfiction. I read 50 books last year and hope to do about the same this year.
24. What are you watching this month that you are enjoying?
We re-watched "The Night Manager," so we could watch season 2. The first was excellent, the second is good, but not quite as good. Also watching figure skating in the Olympics.
25. When was the last time the windows in your home were washed?
It's been a couple of years. It is something we will (hopefully) do more regularly once K retires.
6. In 1869, Harper's Weekly published the first picture of Uncle Sam with chin whiskers. Do you know anyone with a beard or a moustache?
K had a mustache when we dated, got married and for about 6 years after (he cannot grow a beard.) He has been clean shaven for the last 30 years though. His middle brother sometimes has a goatee.
7. Is there a subject at school which you disliked, but you would consider learning now?
No, I loved school, so there was nothing much I disliked.
22. What is your favourite writing implement – a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, pencil or something else?
I like to write with a pen that has a semi fine point and does not smudge.
23. Do you own many mirrors?
Besides the ones in our 3 bathrooms, I have a handheld, a lighted make-up mirror, a free standing mirror in the bedroom and a couple of large mirrors in our gym in the basement.
K had a mustache when we dated, got married and for about 6 years after (he cannot grow a beard.) He has been clean shaven for the last 30 years though. His middle brother sometimes has a goatee.
7. Is there a subject at school which you disliked, but you would consider learning now?
No, I loved school, so there was nothing much I disliked.
22. What is your favourite writing implement – a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, pencil or something else?
I like to write with a pen that has a semi fine point and does not smudge.
23. Do you own many mirrors?
Besides the ones in our 3 bathrooms, I have a handheld, a lighted make-up mirror, a free standing mirror in the bedroom and a couple of large mirrors in our gym in the basement.
February 5, 2026 + February 20 & 21, 2026
Feb. 5th, 2026 06:33 am5. It’s the 60th anniversary of the game ‘Twister’ – have you ever played it?
I have many times, but not for many, many years.
20. Are you a fan of mayonnaise in a sandwich (either egg-based or vegan)?
I love mayonnaise! It disgusts K, but I could eat it with a spoon.
21. When was the last time you heard music played live (at a concert, in a musical)?
Early January when we saw "Book of Mormon," during our Broadway series shows.
I have many times, but not for many, many years.
20. Are you a fan of mayonnaise in a sandwich (either egg-based or vegan)?
I love mayonnaise! It disgusts K, but I could eat it with a spoon.
21. When was the last time you heard music played live (at a concert, in a musical)?
Early January when we saw "Book of Mormon," during our Broadway series shows.
February 4, 2026 + February 18 & 19, 2026
Feb. 4th, 2026 07:05 am4. How old is the oldest book you own?
We have a Bible from K's grandmother that is over 100 years old.
18. What is your favourite shellfish dish (if you have one)?
I love crab, but not the process of getting it out of the shell.
19. Have you ever worn false eyelashes or had eyelash extensions?
No. I have thought about it, but I doubt it would work well with the swimming. I also sometimes have itchy eyes due to allergies, so that would probably be an issue.
We have a Bible from K's grandmother that is over 100 years old.
18. What is your favourite shellfish dish (if you have one)?
I love crab, but not the process of getting it out of the shell.
19. Have you ever worn false eyelashes or had eyelash extensions?
No. I have thought about it, but I doubt it would work well with the swimming. I also sometimes have itchy eyes due to allergies, so that would probably be an issue.
February 3, 2026 + February 16 & 17, 2026
Feb. 3rd, 2026 07:51 am3. Is there a book you’ve seen made into a film and been disappointed with the result?
Oh yes, but the first ones I can really remember that upset me were "Jurassic Park" and "Rising Sun" both by Michael Crichton. They changed the ending in the first and just completely changed the second.
16. Do you own your own washing machine in your home, or do you use a laundry service/laundry room in the building or a launderette?
Yes, we have a washer and dryer. The last time we lived without one was in DC 23 years ago. We had a laundry room downstairs and it was a pain.
17. Chinese New Year begins today, and festivities continue until March 3rd – the year of the Fire Horse. What animal are you born under in Chinese astrology?
It appears I was born under the Fire Goat sign.
Key Details for 1967 (Fire Goat):
Sign: Goat / Sheep (Wei)
Element: Fire
Traits: Known for being creative, gentle, compassionate, and artistic, yet sometimes, emotionally volatile.
Duration: February 9, 1967, to January 29, 1968.
Oh yes, but the first ones I can really remember that upset me were "Jurassic Park" and "Rising Sun" both by Michael Crichton. They changed the ending in the first and just completely changed the second.
16. Do you own your own washing machine in your home, or do you use a laundry service/laundry room in the building or a launderette?
Yes, we have a washer and dryer. The last time we lived without one was in DC 23 years ago. We had a laundry room downstairs and it was a pain.
17. Chinese New Year begins today, and festivities continue until March 3rd – the year of the Fire Horse. What animal are you born under in Chinese astrology?
It appears I was born under the Fire Goat sign.
Key Details for 1967 (Fire Goat):
Sign: Goat / Sheep (Wei)
Element: Fire
Traits: Known for being creative, gentle, compassionate, and artistic, yet sometimes, emotionally volatile.
Duration: February 9, 1967, to January 29, 1968.
February 2, 2026 + February 14 & 15, 2026
Feb. 2nd, 2026 07:36 am2. When was the last time you saw an original hand-painted painting?
If it counts (it is an original print) I have one in my house. Otherwise, it was in August 2025 when we were in Italy and saw The Last Supper again.
14. How many flights of stairs would you consider walking up in a building, or do you always take the lift/elevator?
Depending on how I am dressed (meaning shoes,) I will walk up a couple of flights, rather than take the elevator.
15. Have you ever considered how you would leave your home in an emergency?
Not exactly, but it depends on what floor I am on; if I was on the main floor, I have the front door and the french doors to the patio, in the basement, there is a door in the garage portion and also the actual garage door, upstairs things would get more tricky. If I could get down the stairs, the front door is right there, if not, then I would have to climb out a window; probably the bathroom.
If it counts (it is an original print) I have one in my house. Otherwise, it was in August 2025 when we were in Italy and saw The Last Supper again.
14. How many flights of stairs would you consider walking up in a building, or do you always take the lift/elevator?
Depending on how I am dressed (meaning shoes,) I will walk up a couple of flights, rather than take the elevator.
15. Have you ever considered how you would leave your home in an emergency?
Not exactly, but it depends on what floor I am on; if I was on the main floor, I have the front door and the french doors to the patio, in the basement, there is a door in the garage portion and also the actual garage door, upstairs things would get more tricky. If I could get down the stairs, the front door is right there, if not, then I would have to climb out a window; probably the bathroom.
January 27, 2026
Jan. 27th, 2026 07:14 am27. Up-Helly-Aa is a vibrant fire festival celebrated in the UK Shetland Islands tonight. Thousands gather to witness the breathtaking sight of a longship ablaze, illuminating the night sky. Do you have any similar local winter or summer celebrations?
No, not that I am aware of. Our part of the US seems to have forgotten that traditions existed before the US was found and settled.
No, not that I am aware of. Our part of the US seems to have forgotten that traditions existed before the US was found and settled.