Just another routine appointment at Mayo today – ugh. I made some notes whole I was waiting:
- Why do people talk so loud on their phone in the waiting room?
- Why do some people wear such sloppy clothes to Mayo Clinic?
- How can there be so many obese people at one of the leading clinics in the world? Very unhealthy.
- The piano player has the best job in the clinic!
- No matter what time I arrive I almost always end up on the 9th floor of the parking ramp.
- The Mayo gift shop has the BEST cards!
- We’re so lucky to live just 2 hours away from Mayo.
Here’s the pattern for you:
A friend sent me some great jokes! Here’s another:
GO FEVER!!
Thanks for the pumpkin pattern; I love it.
It is good you have one more Mayo appointment behind you; I know you will be glad to have the surgery behind you, too. Prayers continue.
Your “people watching” list is great. When we had to move to the St Louis area for Herb’s job, I went from being a school secretary (casual) to working in a beautiful corporate office building. Herb wore only white shirts, no colored shirts. Occasionally, we would
have a ‘casual Friday’. There was definitely a different, atmosphere on those dress down days.
Thanks, Mary 🥰
Mary, thanks for the jokes, pattern, and photos. I saw that Caitlyn is the Associated Press Rookie of the Year. GREAT. Good for her. I wonder about people and clothing, too. One mother wore the following tee shirt to parent conferences one year–“I’m a bit__ so get over it.” Yep, in front of principals, her daughter’s teachers, other parents etc. Hard to believe! Wouldn’t we be appalled if our doctors showed up in ripped jeans and tee shirts? We had a speaker one time who said all schools should have a dress code and/or uniforms because when kids get into the work world, many places have dress codes.
I loved your story about Rick and the mouse. I think they just don’t notice. LOL
We are getting some rain, but we are still in drought.
Mary,
Loved the blog photos today. I was a few days behind and wanted to say I enjoyed Pattie from PA’s post and travel news. Just wonderful for her.
No snake in the raspberries this morning but he was by the stairway near the chicken coop as I was searching for 3 of my chickens. I occasionally let the chickens free range in the flower garden as a treat. When I wanted to put them away, three were missing. I looked and looked and scanned under my tall plants and even went around to the other side of the house thinking they were really on an adventure! Well, there they were sitting under a wrought iron garden table and chairs near the front porch. It appeared they were waiting for tea! Getting them down the hill and around the house was my adventure! They tried hiding under the zinnia plants which are quite tall. I ended up carrying them down, they don’t mind being held but I did lecture them on safety and wasting my time! Damn chickens!
Have a great day.
Sunflower – those lucky chickens, out for a stroll! I want to see mine in the yard so bad but also terrified that something will swoop down and pick them off one by one. Since I know so many of them and there’s only 23 of them, I’d know who was missing and I’d be just sick! And right now I have just 8 old hens and 2 are in the infirmary so what to do
Thanks you for the laugh about your chickens.
Note to self:
1. wine.
2. cockroach.
Hi Mary-
Thank you so much for the cute pumpkin pattern!
Some of your observations really resonated with me about how people act and look. I remember thinking at the local quilt show I went to this summer how overweight many of the attendees were and also how many “devices” they seemed to need to get around in. It was really eye opening. Quilting is a pretty sedentary pass time but you’ve got to fit in some other activities and habits to get some exercise on a regular basis. It’s frightening that people are living much longer and taking very poor care of themselves.
I don’t use my cell phone very often…in fact I don’t have the number memorized.
What I fail to understand is the difference between talking to it in front and holding it to your ear to talk and listen?
When I started working, way back in 1970, we couldn’t wear pants. During Frontier Days we could wear jeans, but the 4 B’s had to be covered. Boobs, belly, back, and butt.
Eventually, we were allowed to wear jeans, but only on the weekend. How times have changed.
I went to McDonald’s the other day. First time in months, it was not as good as I remembered and expensive.
My friend lost her husband yesterday. Our little quilting group of 6, 4 of us have joined the widows club. It’s a horrible place to be. But we have each other.
Jo -I’m so sorry your friend has joined your club! I stopped at McDonald’s on my way home yesterday and I ordered the fish sandwich combo – the total came to $10.80! The fries were old – tough and cold but by then I was down the road. Almost a rhyme!
Thanks for the pumpkin pattern! I’m not much for making fall quilts but that one looks easy and quick. I was looking for something in the sewing room closet the other day and found another huge tub of strings! Ugh!! So today I’m making a string quilt and will keep making them until I see a dent in the amount. I swear they multiply when they’re not being used.
Barbara – sewing strings is the kind of mindless sewing I like and should start.
Thanks for the pumpkin pattern. I was just telling my daughter that I need a small fall pattern to make so I can hang it on the entry door, This is perfect.
And as for the obese-I went to our county fair last summer and there was a gal there (in her 40’s) walking around with her daughter. She was very obese and was wearing a pair of capris that were torn here and there from her knees to her crotch and a tank top that left nothing to the imagination. Oh my word! I can’t believe she looked in the mirror and thought she looked good. So, come to find out-she was the wife of a guy we hired as truck driver for harvest. So glad I didn’t comment on that when I took a meal to the field!
And last week at the post office, an employee who waited on me had bright purple hair and tattoos all over her arms. Hmmm.
Cindy k – I simply hate tattoos!
Cindy – forgot to add that I would have probably opened my mouth! Good thing you didn’t!
I can recall my husband dressing neatly to fly on a plane and for going to work, 3-piece suit and a tie. He truly loved dress down Fridays, still no blue jeans were allowed. How nice that there is a piano player at Mayo, what a lovely idea. I just had my yearly physical which leads to more mundane appointments, ugh. Fall weather is here and the trees are changing colors. Hoping to get a bike ride in today while its so nice outside. We bought 2 E bikes, a gift to ourselves.
Oh I like that pumpkin pattern. Tempting! Thank you.
I am at day retreats this week. I got binding on a quilt and finished another quilt yesterday. I feel like I am on a roll. We play bingo for white elephants we bring, and I brought home a new to me fall wreath. I had a guest for one night. This retreat ends Friday. I hope to get more done.
I like that word “shabby”. You don’t hear that word often any more. It’s because “shabby” has become way too common. It’s almost dress code. Ha
I agree with everything you said. I heard on the radio that 77% of Americans are considered overweight or obese. WOW
The white lilacs at the cemetary by my house are blooming! We’ve pulled out the garden, but the neighbors are still getting pepper and tomatoes. I pick theirs as they have moved out and the house is for sale.
My mom has been feeling dizzy and nauseous. Took her to the ER Friday, and they found a mass in her brain. Hospice will come to our home and take over care for her. She is comfortable but sleeping a lot.
The life cycle continues.
Diana – oh no, your mom! I hope she’s not in pain and that Hospice can keep her that way. What does your grandson think is happening? And you’ll be getting new neighbors eventually. Tough days ahead for you – I’m sorry. All of these comments about losing our moms must really have caused you pain.
My mom has been so sick for so long that we have both made peace with this. She is not in pain, just very tired, and having trouble reading . The grands know that great grandma is sick, and we need to be quiet when we go up by her room.
God is in control – always – and we lean on him for comfort and guidance. She is ready to see my dad again.
Diana – after reading this I hope the end for your mom comes quickly.
I don’t go anywhere without wondering if people look in a mirror before they leave the house. Beauty sure must be in the eyes of the beholder, but not mine. Girls must wear clothes just because that’s what is in style but please, cover the rolls and boobs and wear something over the behind of the leggings especially when you are not wearing underwear! And yes, who really wants to see a man’s underwear under their pants that are falling off. My son is responsible for a lot of employees at clothing stores all over southern California and the first thing he has to do during an employee interview is ask how they identify – he, him, her, she….don’t even think of mentioning or even thinking about all the tatoos or piercings or ethnicity. At least his company has a dress code so they are dressed decent.
I don’t think people care anymore which is unfortunate. I think you should wear Sunday best to church and funerals, there are other places to wear shorts, tank tops and jeans. We do make first impressions so why not make a good one. I mentioned bra straps showing and my daughter-in-law said there’s nothing wrong with that, I’m showing my age! Oh well, it’s hard to break the manners and habits drilled into us when we were growing up!!
OK, I’ll get off my soap box. I’m really not snooty, live and let live and if someone thinks they look good, I am not the judge, maybe I should say more power to them for the confidence they must have that I am missing. But if you see me and I am totally inappropriate, please let me know! By the way, my sister and my two besties and I am wearing onsie pjs at out retreat the end of October. I saw them at Walmart so we decided it would be fun to sew in jamas one day. And these onsies have hoods on them that are part of the animal!! Nancy is going to wear the cows and the hood even has horns, I am going to be Garfield, Marica is hello kitty and Rudy is a panda bear. I will send you a picture Mary! Why not have fun, everyone will at least get a good laugh out of it!
Linda – I think God deserves my very best when I go to church and others say God isn’t looking at my appearance – He’s just glad I’m there. There’s also the fact that I sit at the very front of the church and I’m very visible – I’d be uncomfortable in anything but my best. Visible bra straps? Uh, no. And sometimes the heavier a gal is, the more she wants to wear scanty outfits. Of course I’m old and was taught differently. I identify with your soapbox! Ha!
A blog about nothing & Random thoughts. 😉
Ha ha Mary! Some times you just have to prioritize and being “sick” from practice makes you happy to watch your beloved basketball.
Thanks for the cute pumpkin pattern. Would make a cute door hanger.
I gave up years ago trying to understand why young people wear slippers and sleep pants out in public.
LOLOLOLOL!!! I love the jokes, especially the one about the cockroach!! Did Rick really step right over the remains of a mouse??! I would be getting a cockroach if l was you!!! Lol
That is a cute pumpkin. Thanks for the pattern. Glad your trip to the Mayo Clinic was routine. It is funny how styles change. My husband wouldn’t let my girl’s go to school in ripped jeans in the 80’s and now they come ripped from the store! We had a manage at Penneys who insisted that all the women were to wear dresses, no slacks. I had to get a whole new wardrobe for work when we made a move and I transferred to the new Penneys. The last time I was in Penneys all the sales members wore jeans. And now the store is closed. The end of an era.
I’m relaxed when I go shopping, but still appalled when I see people in their pajamas and slippers at libraries and Walmart. I just shake my head.
My mother was from New York City and couldn’t get over the women in Ohio who would were curlers in the stores. And that was in the 60’s.
Anyone remember the pictures in Glamour magazine with “don’t wear that in public” with the the identity of the woman blacked out.? Back in the 60’s and 70’s.
Still can’t believe it’s 2024! How time goes by.
Carolyn – yes, I remember those magazines with fashion no no’s – young people today would laugh and laugh, wouldn’t they?
Carolyn, our Penney’s is still open and I would miss it like crazy as I like Liz Claiborne clothes . It’s where I shop and it’s mostly older folks as clerks checking us out at one central location now but they do dress very nice here as I love to see how they accessorize when I’m the one in jeans and a shirt. Infact today I’m wearing an OLD Arizona brand cotton denim button down shirt my daughter wore back in high school. She’s 48 now! I love this soft shirt and I know you’ll remember that line from Penney’s. When I visited Missouri Star quilt Company I enjoyed that they honored the roots of the JC Penney store there.
Hi Mary,
I love the playhouse pumpkin quilt. Thanks for the pattern. Are the measurements for the finished blocks or for cutting sizes? I would love to make one for my dining room.
Have a great day. Love your blog.
Bonnie – all measurements are cutting size –
Thank you for the pumpkin block pattern. Yours is really cute. JanetB, I started working in professional type jobs in the ’70s also. I wore nylons, slips, dress shoes everyday. I remember when businesses started doing “dress down” Fridays. Now, it seems like it’s “dress down day” everyday for businesses and even church.
Loved your notes from the waiting room!😉 Spot on !🥰
i was just wondering how your trip to the mayo went and bang, here you are. glad it was just routine. kinda like my trip to the heart failure clinic. routine. said the hospital records never did say what was wrong but did notice i wasn’t given my heart medicine. aha! i see the heart doc on 10/3. even they questioned the fact that i wasn’t treated for the uti.
left there and went to a local jewish deli (great one). while eating i started choking and couldn’t quit. one of the few times when i actually got out. was embarassing . could not catch my breath. i am fine now. no worries. one of the downfalls of copd.
i spent time this afternoon and evening with leader/enders. matching whites and/or creams with novelty type fabrics (all 3″). suppose i’ll make 4-patches and then put them together. had short spurts of time and needed to do something. i have like 120 of them ready to be built into 4 patches. it’s how things get done around here.
was supposed to have an occupational nurse here at 2 pm. told her this morning that i was leaving at 3 pm. she left a message on my phone at 3:32. i didn’t get home from doc and dinner til 7 pm. this is the longest i’ve been away from home in forever. will call her tomorrow. 1.5 hours past your due time is not acceptable to me. if you can’t make it, you call.
thanks for sharing the playhouse pumpkin with us. i really like the one you made. something i should be able to get done. love the other pictures and the jokes. i’m gearing up for nba basketball and you are nearing the end of wnba. so sorry. patti in florida
Hi Mary, such casual dressing these days! Who isn’t glad not to wear stockings, corsets, gloves on a summer day!But having your trousers at half mast with underpants showing or bra straps showing ,is a step too far! I am showing my age!Rick and a lot of men (including mine)have selected hearing and eyes,not seeing rodents etc. It was always me who cleaned up animal accidents etc, l need to stop ranting now, sorry everyone! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – Rick wouldn’t clean, I mean really clean it up, any animal accidents. I’m worried about being gone for surgery – what will it look like in here – I’ll have to schedule my cleaning lady to come the day before I get home.
People talk loud because they are hard of hearing and are to proud to wear aides. I agree with Janet B that people do not take any pride in their appearance and to many employers do not have dress codes. I think is you care about your appearance and making a good impression for the company you are a better employee and have a better work ethic. As far as our obese population, fast food is the number one culprit. Women don’t cook nor take pride in presenting a healthy meal to their family as prior generations did. And lack of exercise.
Thank you for sharing the cute pumpkin pattern!0
At my house the hubs would tell me there is a cockroach to be dealt with and I had better scrub everything. Just like you Mary no helper here.
I agree with you about the fast food playing a large part in the current obesity epidemic. I moved to Japan 9 years ago and, although there is a MacDonald’s about 5 blocks away, the closest we come to fast food is ordering pizza once a month. I’ve lost a lot of weight without having access to fast foods, prepackaged or even the blue box mac and cheese (that I love and miss more than anything).
As for cockroaches in the kitchen, they are considered good luck here – well by everyone but me – and hubby takes care of them for me.
Connie, yes because people are having trouble hearing someone talking on their phone, I think they instinctively talk much louder. My hubs CAN hear (apparently when he wants to lol) but it is so funny when he has headphones on and is listening to a book or music and I ask him a question – he shouts, even though I can hear and don’t have headphones on! I laugh, point at my ears, and say – ‘no need to shout, I can hear you and I am 2 feet away from you!’ – but he shouts because he can’t hear me. And then there’s my brother who I think can hear okay – speaks in his outdoor voice ALL THE TIME. I am always telling him ‘calm down, I am sitting in the same room and you may use your indoor voice’. It is just his habit.
It’s a beautiful Thursday – so we are loading up the new E bikes and driving to Lanesboro MN to ride along the Root River. I don’t think many trees have changed color but with the abundant sunshine, the 76 degree temperatures, and no wind….it’s too nice to stay home and work lol!
Sherry in SE MN
People with their phones are a lot more polite here in Japan. If you want to talk on a train, you go to the area between cars. If you want to talk on a bus – well, it’s just not done. As far as waiting rooms or even on the streets, they take it to a quiet area (usually outside if you are inside or a quiet corner away from the traffic on the street). They even have signs on busses and trains reminding you to turn your ringer off and be mindful of your fellow travelers. UGGGGG I really hate it when you are sitting by someone and they have the ringer and/or text message ding turned all the way up. Okay, my rant for the week.
Sorry Mary, but I’m cheering on the Lynx! Hopefully we will not come to blows over this! Take care and keep up the great work.
Deb in Japan – haha! The Lynx have been so very good this year – I love Brigette Carlton. I think the Fever won’t go too far this year but look out, they’re coming for all you teams who are jealous in the next few years. I love the politeness of the Japanese people – Americans could take a lesson!
My brother and I had a conversation about #2 today. He works in a customer-facing business. He was lamenting about some of the hair styles and dress of some his co-workers. He and I started work in the 70s where you took pride in your appearance and it was important to make a good impression on others. Those values don’t seem to be prevalent in today’s environment.