Sunday Stealing

Getting to Know You 

1) Describe yourself in three words. Loyal. Introverted. Short.

2) What's your favorite dish at your favorite restaurant? The chicken parmesan sandwich.

3) Did you set goals for 2026? If yes, how are you proceeding toward them? My New Year's Resolution was to donate/rehome every month, and I was doing so well! Note that "was." Between fall being warmer than usual – which means I still haven't put my summer clothes away yet – and Postcards to Voters taking up so much of time, I skipped September and October isn't looking too promising either.

4) What's something you have learned the hard way? Just about everything. 

 

5) If you could skip one item on today's to-do list, what would it be? Laundry. But it must be done!

 

Cold and warm water, too!

 

 

Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash 

Thursday Thirteen #476

More budge in your budget. Every time I buy groceries I toss something in the bag for the local food pantry. It used to be I could find all kinds of non-perishables on sale for under $1. Not so anymore. Not that it matters, but I blame the tariffs and the ongoing effect of the War in Iran. 

Of course, my opinion doesn't matter. The store brand pasta that was 99¢ under Sleepy Joe Biden will still be $1.39, whether or not I shake my fist at the clouds. Instead, inspired by a recent issue of AARP Bulletin and Martha Stewart's webpage, I give you ...

13 tried-and-true ways to curb your spending

1. Pay with cash. You're less likely to go over the fixed amount you set aside for groceries or dinner if you go old school and don't rely on plastic.

2. Get rewards. If you're going to pay with a card, make sure it's one that gives you something in return. If Card A will give you double miles on dining and Card B offers triple points at the pump, keep both in your wallet and tap the right card at the right time.

3. Clean your microwave more often. Crumbs left behind can create "hot spots" in the oven interior and shorten the its life.

4. Remove your roof rack. It's a scientific fact: a rack creates aerodynamic drag that makes your car use more gas.

5. Change the oil regularly. Yes, it's dirty and, even if you have someone else do it, time consuming. But skipping your vehicle's oil change can reduce gas mileage (expensive) and damage the engine (even more expensive).  

6. Don't park at the airport. People who are used to driving drive. But it's almost always cheaper to take a rideshare to/from the airport than to park.

7. Don't pay rental car insurance you're already getting. Major credit cards often include rental car coverage as a perk. Check your card's website before you take go to the rental car counter.

8. Turn down the laundry temp. Check the labels and the back of your detergent bottle. You can likely get your laundry just as clean at a cold or warm setting, and you'll lower your electric bill by not making your water heater go all the way to hot.

9. Look beyond the "big guys." Smaller providers – US Mobile, Mint Mobile and Consumer Cellular – access the same networks as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile but often cost less.

8. Celebrate at the dollar store. Save on party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups.

10. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters will sag and you'll have to replace them sooner. They can also overflow and leak, causing expensive damage to the outside of your house.

10. Think thrift for glass. Picture frames, vases and decorative jars are usually good second hand and all are readily available at your thrift store.

11. Keep a tote bag in your purse or car. Many municipalities charge a bag fee that you won't have to pay if you bring your own with you. 

12. Social media is not just for sharing vacation photos. Follow your favorite stores and find out about sales in advance. Some retailers post coupons you can load onto your phone for next time you visit.

13. Comparison shop for pet supplies. Often your local grocery store, Target and Walmart sell the same brands for less than the chain pet stores charge.

How about you? Any tips to add?

 

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August Happiness Challenge: August 16

 

My 2026 Happiness Icon

Today's Happiness: My bath mat. Yeah, sometimes it really is the little things. I like my new bath mat. It's pristine, bright white and it feels cushy under my feet.  

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) This song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache. How's your tummy this morning? This morning it's fine, thank you. 

2) She responds to this malady by calling the doctor. What if you chose to address the problem yourself? Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine chest? Not in my medicine chest. But only because it's too humid in there. I keep Pepto Bismol, Immodium and Lactaid in the kitchen and in my purse.

3) Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more. It's not on the list of top sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone. When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it? I don't remember! They didn't have my go-to – mint chocolate chip – so I went with one of the flavors they were promoting. What I remember best is the chocolate sauce. It was very good. (But really, it's so seldom I run into chocolate I don't like.)

4) Coconut remains popular in baking. It's easy to find recipes for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies ... you get the idea. Have you recently tried a new recipe? If yes, how did it turn out? I can't recall the last time I tried a new recipe.

5) This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well known free spirit. He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule. Therefore it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank. Do you prefer a more structured workplace? I guess it depends on the kind of structure. When I was at the ad agency, I liked adhering to a schedule and process because I felt free to be more creative, knowing there was a reliable system supporting me. But I chafed at being told what to wear or being dissuaded from displaying personal items. If I'm not meeting with the client, why do you care about my Beatles t-shirt or my Cubs pennant? 

6) Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they became fast and life-long friends. Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with? My former boss at the card shop, CeeCee. I liked her instantly and never changed my opinion. She has taken her talents to a clothing store a few blocks away and I still run into her on occasion and it always brightens my day. If you don't like CeeCee, there's something very wrong with you.

7) In 1971, when this song was on the radio, detective shows were popular on TV. Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20. Do you think you'd make a good private investigator? No. I cannot see myself on a stake out. I'd either doze off or fixate on where I would go to pee.

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and the occasion was commemorated with an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? I had lunch last weekend with two former coworkers and Rita snapped a selfie. Her selfies always come out better than mine so I didn't bother. She sent me hers.

9) Random question: You can redecorate any one room in your home, money is no object. But only one room. Which room do you pick? The kitchen. I'd replace the refrigerator, stove, floors, and cabinets. I'm no cook, but spending time in there is unavoidable and it would make my life easier and more pleasant to renovate it. (Do they have self-cleaning floors now? I vacuum all the time but somehow that floor always needs a good mopping.)

Thursday Thirteen #472

Conserving energy. After a certain segment of our population lost their shit when Mayor Mamdani suggested New Yorkers set their thermostats to 78º, using too much power has somehow become an emblem of "freedom." I think that attitude makes you a selfish neighbor who cares more about faux outrage than about anyone else's comfort, but hey, you do you.

I've got a pair of "power stations" (aka teeny-tiny generators) ready to use but I haven't lost power once yet during the summer heat and storms. I'm grateful, and in that spirit I spun around the internet looking for ... 

13 ways to save electricity

1. Turn off lights when you leave the room.

2. Take shorter showers so you use your water heater less.

3. Don't charge your devices overnight, instead keep an eye on them unplug the charger when your phone or laptop hits 100%.

4. Tumble dry your clothes or, even better, let them air dry.

5. Use ceiling fans to circulate the air conditioned air.

6. Consider installing solar panels, and check to see if your municipality offers rebates for this.

7. When cooking on a stovetop, cover your pans. Lids can minimize heat loss, shorten cooking time and help keep your kitchen cooler.

8. Clean your refrigerator's condenser coils. 

9. Don't overload your freezer, because air needs to circulate through the unit if it's to run efficiently. 

10. Unplug home office equipment you don't use constantly. Example: printers and shredders often use power even when they aren't in use.

11. Draw the blinds and keep them closed all day.

12. Go old school and use battery-operated alarm clocks and radios.

13. Don't be an ass. Set your thermostat to 78º.

How about you? Can you add any I've forgotten? 

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

Thursday Thirteen #471

It's stupid hot. The heat index is 100º again. The weathercasters aren't even pretending that it's cooler by The Lake. And so I shall turn to Farmer's Almanac for ways to beat the heat and stay healthy during this heat wave.

1. Check a/c ducts for proper insulation and clean the filters.

2. Consider awnings to manage the amount of sun entering your home. 

3. Keep drapes closed to keep the heat out.

4. Add weather-stripping under your front and back doors to keep the cool in and the heat out.

5. Have a home generator on hand because summer power outages are common.

6. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty.

7. Add fruits to your meal because they're high in water content.

8. Avoid alcohol because it will dehydrate you.

9. That goes for caffeine, too. 

10. Never leave pets or children alone in a hot car.

11. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (generally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM).

12. Wear loose fitting, light colored clothes.

13. If you feel too hot indoors, try placing a cool, wet washcloth around your neck.

How are you holding up in the heat?

 

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Thursday Thirteen #470

Inspired by my eraser. I have a favorite eraser. It's white. It was a freebie from a vendor back in my working days and it's probably a decade old, yet I treasure it because it removes pencil marks cleanly, no crumbs. The other day, when I thought I'd lost it,* I was legitimately sad. 

This got me thinking about office supplies. I love them. Even though the world is increasingly more digital than paper-based, I still get excited in the office supplies aisle.  

Here are 13 of the most popular items ordered from a nearby Staples store.

1. Compostable packing peanuts

2. Recycled manila file folders

3. Academic year (July 2026 to June 2027) planner

4. Pentel RSVP ballpoint pens

5. Ruled canary yellow notepads

6. Corrugated cardboard file box with lid

7. Sharpie permanent markers

8. BIC Wite Out correction tape

9. Post-It "sign here" message flags

10. Astrobrights colored papers in pink

11. Anti-slip faux leather desk pad 

12. Staples One Touch Stapler (on sale)

13. Self-seal security #10 envelopes

While I appreciate the above 13 workhorses, none of them makes my heart skip a beat the way pencils, erasers and binder clips do.

How about you? Do you like shopping for office supplies?

 

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 *Though where could it have gone? Truly baffling. Glad I found it in the sofa cushions.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: The Men in My Little Girl's Life (1965)

 

 Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. Chosen for Father's Day.

1) In this song, a father shares the story of his daughter's life through first the boys, then the men, she brought home. The first is Rod, a little kid who wants to play in the backyard. Who were your playmates when you were young? Did you find it more fun to have them over to your home, or to go to theirs? I preferred going to their homes because I was curious about how other families lived. Example: Mail. My oldest friend lived in the apartment building across the alley and I enjoyed it when we went all the way downstairs and outside and then used a key to unlock their unit's mailbox. My other favorite playmate's family had a really cool mailbox on their front door frame and the mail slid directly onto their living room carpet! Our mail was shoved through a slot in our screen door. Our front door was so thick that I never even heard it. Ah, the stuff that fascinated Little Me!

2) Then his daughter asked if Lee could carry her books on the walk to/from school. During your junior high years, how did you travel to school (bus, bicycle, car pool, shoe leather)? We walked to school. It was only a couple blocks away and took about 10 minutes if I wasn't distracted. My older sister was a year ahead of me and policed me. She was a drag.

 

3) Throughout this song, the father recalls that his daughter alternately called him "Daddy," "Dad," "Popsie," "Pop" and "Father." How did/do you address your father? Dad.

 

4) The song ends with the daughter asking her father to babysit. When did you last look after someone else's child? About 20 years ago. My nephew was still very young (like 5 or 6) and heard me say I didn't put my Christmas tree up because it was too much of a hassle. He offered to help and I was so touched by his eager little face that we had a sleepover and made a night of assembling my tree and trimming it.

 

5) This record was a Top 10 hit in the US and it made the Top 20 in Canada. Much of its success was attributed to Mike Douglas' TV popularity. From 1965 to 1981, he hosted a daytime talk show. Do you watch much daytime TV? I've got the news on most of the day. Shit moves fast these days and everything feels important.

 

6) Mike Douglas was a father himself. He had three daughters, including twins. Are there twins in your family? Nope.

 

Now about Father's Day ... 

 

7) Retail chains like O'Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Jiffy Lube are all promoting gift cards and car-related gifts for Father's Day. If you got a gift card from one of those stores, how would you upgrade your ride? I don't have a car. But if the gift card was from O'Reilly or Auto Zone, I'd use it to stock up on wipes. Really, you can get the most effective multi-surface wipes and glass cleaning wipes at auto stores. Jiffy Lube doesn't really have much of a retail section so I'd regift that one.

 

Trust me on this.

8) Dick's Sporting Goods also enjoys a spike in gift card sales around Father's Day. Have you more recently given or received a gift card? At Christmas, I sent my oldest friend a Domino's gift card. Because that's her favorite. (Don't ask me why. She grew up in Chicagoland and should know better.)

 

9) In days gone by, ties were the #1 Father's Day gift. But as today's workplace has become more casual, fragrance has taken over the top spot. Dove Men+Care offers gift sets with shampoo/conditioner, body wash and antiperspirant. Think about your shower routine. Are your shampoo, body wash and antiperspirant all the same brand or the same scent? Nope. Right now I've got lavender shampoo and mint conditioner. Oatmeal body wash. My deodorant is "powder fresh." All different brands.

 

 

 

  

Thursday Thirteen #467

 My typical Target run. There's a Target store just around the corner and up the block. I stop there several times a week. This does not reflect my shopping list. These are the impulse purchases and what I grab when I run out.  Here are the 13 things they tell me I pick up most often.

1. Goldfish Crackers. I do mix it up, however. Sometimes I go with Original, sometimes Flavor Blast, and I've just discovered Pizza flavor. 

2. Raisins. I'm trying to snack on these more often than cookies or the aforementioned crackers. 

 

3. Tuna in a pouch. This is not for me. Last fall, my church opened a pantry on the porch of the rectory. It is available 24/7 for neighbors who are homeless or don't wish to go to the "official" local food pantry, likely because they are undocumented and ICE sucks. I like to leave this because it works whether or not you have your own kitchen. 

 

4. Green beans. This is for the "official" local food pantry. Whereas for my church's porch pantry I go for convenience, I select more nutritious foods for the "official" food pantry, whose clients are able to cook at home. Also, I try to grab something for the food pantry every time I go to Target. That way I can gradually accumulate a bag of non-perishables without noticing any impact on my budget.

 

5. Sweet peas. These are for me. Love 'em.

  

6. Coca Cola. I prefer the 7.5 oz. mini cans.

 

7. Skim milk. In the 52-oz. bottle. If I buy the gallon, I end up pouring milk down the sink and that makes me sad.

 

8. Post Great Grains Banana Nut Crunch. I go through phases with my cereal. I believe I'm transitioning to my Apple Cinnamon Cheerios era.

 

9. 4-oz baby food tub of peas. Again for the food pantry. Since I don't have a car, I like to buy things that are easy for me to both get home from the store and then carry to the donation spot. And maybe I'm trying to inspire a new generation of pea lovers.

 

10. Fragrance-free skin baby wipes. These are for me, but you can see why Target sends me notifications whenever they have "baby stuff" on sale.

 

11. 100% pure canned pumpkin. For my cats. They love it, and it helps keep them regular.

 

12. Nilla Vanilla Wafers. Because I am weak and often tempted by something less nutritious than raisins.

 

13. Batteries. I lumped the AAs (TV remotes) in with the AAAs (shower radio). It would probably be more economical if, instead of packages of 4 or 6, I just bought the big 20+ packs. (Note to self: Add batteries to grocery list.) 

How about you? What do you run out of?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Thursday Thirteen #465

One man's trash is likely just junk. I have a 25 year old, 50 lb., completely non-functioning TV. Even if I was strong enough to lift it and hoist it into the dumpster behind my condo building, I wouldn't. It should be recycled. So I'm going to call a junk removal service that promises they will do just that. 

To make the trip worthwhile, I'm going to give the rest of the stuff in my home a good, hard look and see what else can go. After tooling around the internet, here's what I found we most often pay to have hauled away. 

1. Major kitchen appliances. Stoves and refrigerators.

2. Washers and dryers. Like stoves and refrigerators, these things are just too big for most homeowners to dispose of on their own. 

3. Countertop appliances. Non-functioning microwaves, coffee makers, blenders, and toasters. 

4. Home entertainment. TVs and gaming consoles become obsolete quickly.

5. Office equipment. Laptops, printers and scanners.

6. Heavy furniture. File cabinets, armoires, china cabinets.

7. Mattresses. Because of bed bugs, many municipalities have strict rules for disposing of mattresses. Hire a licensed removal service to avoid fines.

8 Glass-heavy items. Mirrors, table lamps, light fixtures and picture frames.

9. Exercise equipment. Treadmills, exercise bikes, etc.

10. Baby stuff. Cribs, playpens, strollers and car seats. 

11. Yard and garden. Patio furniture, grills, bird baths, above ground pools, lawn mowers and snow blowers.

12. Old rugs, carpets and carpet padding. These can be heavier and take up more space than you might think.

13. Debris from big projects. Like dry wall, paint supplies, bag after bag of yard waste.

I've got a lot of crap around here. I just have to get organized and get it together so the junk man can carry it all away.

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

Thursday Thirteen #460

 Emergency! As winter gives way to spring and summer, weather around here can be very changeable. Storms can come up quickly and knock out power. I've lived here all my life and should be ready for this, but now that I think of it, I'm not sure I am. Here's how experts recommend we prepare in case power is knocked out for hours or maybe days.

1. Food that requires no preparation. I've got canned tuna and ham, dry cereal and protein bars. I might not be happy, but I'd be OK.

2. Bottled water. Well, I've got a pitcher of water in the fridge and a couple bottles. I know I should have more.

 

3. Pet care. Oh, they're in better shape than I am! I have plenty of food and litter for the cats. I gotta stock up on the water, though, for them as well as me.

 

4. Prescription meds. I'm good here, too.

 

5. Flashlights and batteries. Yeah, I need to attend to these. I know where my flashlights are – one is in the bedroom closet, the other in the kitchen – but I'm I should switch out the batteries. (C? D? Gotta check.)

 

6. Transistor radio. Oh, I'm very good here! My shower radio is always operational. I can't shampoo without my tunes.

 

7. Be sure your electronics are charged. Phone and laptop. I've got a small portable power station for this. Better make sure that's charged, too. I got it less for my electronics than to run a fan. I hate, loathe, despise and abominate extreme heat and would really suffer without a fan if I can't run the ac.

 

8. Sanitation. As a storm approaches, fill a couple buckets with water. I always forget to do this, but it's important. Why? If the storm interferes with your plumbing, you can pour water in the toilet to trigger an automatic flush. Similarly, you might need a bucket of water to wash dishes. 

 

9. Paper goods. Have you got enough paper towels and toilet paper? I do.

 

10. Garbage bags. You may need all sizes for after-storm clean up efforts.

 

11. Ice and ice chests. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you'll need to do what you can to save your refrigerated food from spoiling. I have the ice chests, ice and some ice packs ready for this.

 

12. Decide where you'll go in case of a storm/tornado. A basement is best but, if like me you don't have one, choose an interior room with no windows. For me, that's the bathroom.

 

13. Store your stuff. Make sure your car is in the garage, not the driveway. Don't leave lawn chairs on the deck.You saw The Wizard of Oz. You know what can happen. If your basement frequently floods, make sure nothing of value sits directly on the floor.

How about you? Are you ready for a sudden summer storm?

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Thursday Thirteen #459

Hello? Sometimes when I watch old movies or TV shows from decades gone by, I find myself distracted by and nostalgic for the technology we've left behind. Particularly phones.

First of all, I long for telephone conversations. You know, where you can listen to someone's voice instead of punching out abbreviated words with your thumbs. Second, I like the phone being rooted in my home or workplace, and away from me when I'm at a restaurant or walking up the street or in a car or bus. When I'm home or at work, I like to be connected. When I'm away, I enjoy being disconnected. Now it's almost the opposite. People text me when I'm home and my cell is in my purse or charging on the kitchen counter. Yet when I'm in public and I have my phone in hand, I see it right away. That's not how I prefer to communicate! I'm out of sync with my times.

And so I'm wandering down memory lane and posting a Valentine to all the phones I've loved before. 

 #1 The first phone I remember in my parents' kitchen. The first call I remember receiving was on a phone like this. It was from May, the cleaning lady who came by once a week. She called me on Sunday afternoon – she asked for ME – to tell me The Beatles were going to be on Ed Sullivan that night. I was 6. I was no only thrilled about seeing The Lads, I felt very grown up that I had gotten a call.

#2 A few years later we upgraded to this phone with buttons. It was either the late 1960s or very early 1970s. The one in the kitchen was yellow. It was at this point we became a three extension family ...

 

#3 Phones almost identical to this one also appeared in my parents' bedroom and the basement. It was easier on my mom because we had a 4BR ranch with the laundry in the basement, so she was able to answer the phone pretty much wherever she was during the day.

#4 In 1975, when I began working in an office immediately after high school, the phone on my desk was like this one, except mine was black and had only 5 lines. 

 #5 Rows of payphones like this were in train stations and hotel lobbies around the Loop. I used them often. It's from one of these phones that I generally let someone know that I was running late.

#6 Pay phones like this were all over, too. I seldom used them because they always seemed filthy. (So much old gum! Ick!) At least cleaning the ones in hotels and the train stations was someone's job. I don't know who, if anyone, was responsible for the upkeep of these phones.

 #7 The phone in my first apartment, ca 1978. My place was so tiny I didn't need an extension. It had a really long cord so I could carry it around with me. 

 #8 My 1980s boyfriend had one of the first cordless phones. He got it at Radio Shack and was wildly proud of it. He never liked talking on the phone until he got one like this.

 

 

 #9 In 2001, when I moved into this condo, I had two of these phones – one just inside the front door and one in the master bedroom.

 

 #10 These phones were, for a time, on the back of airline seats. I never used one, but I received many a call from one, always from bosses who were in love with idea of calling from mid-air.

 

 

 #11 My first flip phone. I found snapping it shut very satisfying, especially if I was displeased with whomever I was speaking to.

 

#12 My current landline phones. Still the best way to reach me at home. They are placed where the original ones were when I first moved in – by the front door and next to my bed. If it's not broke, don't fix it.

 

 #13 My current phone is not really a phone. It's mostly a camera and a vehicle for sending/receiving texts and summoning rideshares.

Do any of these phones look familiar to you? 

 

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.