After three weeks of non-blogging due to holiday madness, I’m back to explore Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness prompt: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of “out of the box.”
I’m looking like Hoshi at the moment. A little bit clueless, a little bit waiting for someone to present my next meal.
Hoshi is wondering why Linda G. Hill didn’t make this prompt about “in the box,” because she and Gibbs would have a lot to say about that one. She has no idea why anyone would want to be outside a box. Weird. Blasphemy. Rift in the universe.
But she digresses and I must move on.
Out of the box.
I took my Christmas tree out of the box back at the end of November. It will stay upright and lit until the end of January because I love seeing the lights during the darkest days of winter.
I opened up various Amazon boxes over the last month and took out cookbooks, a novel or three, clothing, a humidifier, Christmas presents, a charcuterie board (that I used 3 times), and Christmas presents.
Brother loved my gift of a mixology book, which contained a recipe for Wisconsin Old Fashioned, one with Skittles and beer (gross) and a few with Chartreuse, a French herbal liquor that has been made by Carthusian monks since 1737.
Brother’s better half said she came to visit solely for my cookies, which rapidly exited the plastic box that was holding them within a couple days.
Neither brother or the better half appreciated the frigid cold and blizzard of Christmas week. Someone let that shit out of the weather box and thought it was really funny. It was not, but we made the best of it and still had a lovely five days of holiday. Brother was happy we made it to Bazil’s, a local establishment, for a beer from their excellent selections.
I’ve been trying to think out of the box on how best to instill in Hoshi that the kitchen and dining room areas are off limits, but she continues to resist water sprays, clapping hands, loud “outs” and spikey plastic mats. Note to self: Never ever leave unprotected food on the table or counters for more than five seconds as a roadrunner in cat form is present in the apartment. I’ve contacted ACME for suggestions, but they only want to supply me with rockets, boulders and catapults.
Gibbs might want to see Hoshi catapulted down the hallway at times, but I think that would have disastrous consequences.
Continuing on…
I’ve had no reason lately to think out of the box other than battling with the continuous naughty kitten. December was a month of planning, shopping, cooking, baking, cleaning, hosting, eating, drinking (mildly), wrapping, rinsing and repeating. And a bit tiring. It took three days, starting on January 1st, for my recuperation. I skipped church on Sunday and moved a PT appointment on Monday for the express purpose of not having an agenda, not having to go anywhere unless I wanted to, and just breathing. I did keep my massage appointment on Tuesday, because massage…
I feel better now.
And it’s time to end this post because biking buddy wants to quit work early (it’s Friday as I’m typing this) and head to the local microbrewery/wood-fired pizza place for a good brew and supper. I’m all in the box with that one after I finish the laundry, make the bed and go get gas.
Enjoy the gallery!
Stream of Consciousness Saturday is the brainchild of author Linda G. Hill. Every Friday, Linda provides her followers with an inspiring blogger’s prompt. It can be a word or words and sometimes bonus points are involved (my favorite). Linda asks us to write without editing, other than correcting spelling errors.
Just go with the flow.
Like a babbling brook or rain drops. Click HERE if this type of writing floats your boat or helps with your decision-making. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “out of the box.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think “out of the box.” Enjoy!
Mary J Melange 
Sounds like you had a great holiday and definitely deserved a little rest. One benefit of retirement is one can rest when needed. 🙂
I had a very nice holiday, Judy. And now I am on a schedule that allows me to take a few naps here and there and not worry about cleaning house or making food for the next event. It feels good.
Out of the box is an expression that is lost on cats around the world. MiMi says “it’s a ridiculous concept. Go Hoshi!” She’d send a hug to Hoshi, but cats, well, you know.
There’s nothing like a holiday season that takes days to recover from. You did a great job preparing for and participating in the season. I hope you had your beer and pizza and I hope you relax tomorrow as the Packers clinch a playoff spot.
All the best in 2023, Mary!
Happy New Year! I understand, Dan. Cats do not hug unless you count the times Hoshi has her paws around Gibbs’ neck and he reciprocates with a hissy meow and a swat.
Beer and pizza were yummy last night, especially when two friends share Mr. Potato Head and Sas-quatch pizzas and a flight of our choosing. The place we go has unusual pizzas (plus the usual) and changes their offerings every six weeks. So, if you find a favorite pizza, you have to go often before it’s gone.
Can the Steelers still get in the playoffs?
That sounds like a great place for pizza.
The Steelers can still get in, but it requires many things, least like among which is the Dolphins losing to the Jets. We have to win, The Bills have to beat New England and the Jets have to beat Miami. Honestly, after starting 2-6, I never thought we’d be having this conversation.
Same here, Dan. If you had said this would be happening back in late November, I probably would have laughed.
I’m pleased to know that your cookies are so good they draw people to you. I bet that’d be true whether the cookies were in the box or out of it. Happy New Year, Mary!
You’re right, Ally. I could also use the phrases “off the plate” or “a cookie in the hand is worth many crumbs on the floor.” Happy weekend!
I’m with you on leaving the tree up to light up the darkness. Love those golden tree lights and book illustrations! Hoshi will hopefully gain impulse control as she gets older. Hang in there!
The golden trees and book illustrations are from the Paine Art Center. They have numerous rooms filled with beautifully decorated trees with the theme of the Nutcracker. At each stop, a book is turned to a page in the story as it relates to the room or area. It’s very cool.
Hoshi needs much in the way of impulse control, but I’ll be patient because she’s just too cute and funny not to be.
Sounds like you had a very fun month! Oh, the joys of moving appoitments around just because…I am such a fan.
Hoshi is adorable. That is the expression on Pumpkin’s face before she swats one of the other cats off the counter. Gotta watch the cute little ones. Happy New Year to you, Mary!
I rarely moved appointments when working, Lois, but retirement and the necessity to stay at home some days gives me the freedom to be flexible. I have to get ready soon for a funeral (pastor’s mom), but that is something I’m 10% willing to get out of my pj’s for.
I like leaving our tree up, but we have a live one and this was the year of sap. SAP EVERYWHERE! I may be ready for an artificial tree I can leave up longer.
Cats are the best even though a bit mischievous at times. My soon to be 21 year-old grandson whispered to me he is thinking of getting a cat since he is in his own apartment now. His parents have dogs but his mom is allergic to cats, I think it is a secret that is not yet out of the box!
Happy New Year, Mary. Your photos are gorgeous.
I’ve had an artificial tree for most of my adult life. I never liked dealing with the pine needles and watering, but the smell was always lovely. Balsam Hill is having a sale on their trees right now. They are usually pricey, but supposed to be very nice.
I didn’t have a cat until I moved into my first apartment. Mom was not allergic, but she was afraid of them. One of my most loveable cats ever made her jump!
I have never understood why so many people are afraid of cats, but maybe it has something to do with the fact I have had them all my life. They have always been a great comfort to me.
Mom grew up without any pets, so didn’t understand cats. She did grow to like a neighbor’s dog, so that was a good thing.
My mom grew up on a farm and loved all animals. Our childhood exposures definitely sculpt our future.
Well you covered this prompt thoroughly and with pizazz Mary! I love your brother’s gift. My som got a Mixology book and bar set for me last Christmas. This year that sweetheart came to stay with is here in Panama for the week before Christmas and brought me a bottle of Yellow Chartreuse. It really is very special. Kudos to the monks! Good luck with that wild and crazy Hoshi. Hoping you have Springtime soon!
Thanks Cheryl! I’m glad you were able to celebrate Christmas with your son. Curious how you drank the chartreuse…straight up or with a mix? Hoshi is incorrigible so will need lots of luck. 😼
We looked up drink recipes. One used gin and soda. It’s also tasty straight up.
Good for you! Love your humorous viewpoint too. I’m keep the tree up for the same reason. 😉
Thanks Susan! I often think how bright and fun January could be if everyone kept their Christmas lights on part or all of the month.
Love how so many posts refer to cats and boxes 🙂
It’s a comfort thing with cats, I think. It makes them feel cuddled and safe.
yes, they also like to go in/on pristine surfaces they are so fussy!! 🙂
A post chock full of action! I’ve resorted to putting aluminum foil on the sofa and love seat in the living room to keep Mochi off the furniture. She jumped up once and then freaked out. She is currently giving the living room a wide berth. I don’t know if that would work for Hoshi. I’m glad your visitors managed to arrive before the blizzard and were still able to enjoy their visit. There were lots of boxes to think outside of and I’m guessing for cats to explore inside!
I’ve tried the aluminum foil with Hoshi, but neither that nor sticky mats have had an effect. She is incessant and determined. I have my hands full with her, but Gibbs reminds me every day that I saved that cute little face for a reason and that’s more important than anything.
I told my brother to visit next time in the summer. Better chance for warm weather and no snow. 😉