Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Editor: With the holidays fast approaching, and pumpkin spice appearing everywhere it only seemed right to hear from the opposition; not everyone loves pumpkin spice.

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

It’s Not The Spice Of Life…

If you look, on my Facebook, or other social media nook,

you will find, on that fall grind, that I mind –

I do not like that pumpkin spice, I do not think it very nice…

 

A Poem… (With Apologies to Dr. Suess)

I often ask why,

Would anyone buy?

Pumpkin spice.

 

I do not like pumpkin spice,

I do not think it “very nice”.

I do not want it in my rice.

 

I consider it a vice,

I would not feed it to some mice,

I would not buy it at any price.

 

I do not want it in a cup,

I would not feed it to my pup,

It’s not something I care to sup.

 

I do not like it for a lunch,

I do not like it for a brunch,

I dislike it quite a bunch.

 

I do not want it quick,

I do not want it on a stick,

I do not want it while watching a flick,

I would not serve it to old St. Nick.

 

I do not consider it yummy,

I would not feed it to a mummy,

I do not want it in my tummy.

 

Pumpkin spice is a bore,

For me it does not score,

It makes my blood pressure soar.

 

I do not want it from a store,

I do not want it to pour,

I do not want it on the floor,

I hope it goes right out the door,

Pumpkin spice no more.

 

I do not like it in a group,

I do not like it in my soup,

I do not like it in a chicken coop.

 

I do not like it at a ball,

I do not like it in the fall.

I do not like it at all.

 

Pumpkin’s not the spice of life,

It, quite frankly, brings me strife.

 

I do not want it for a dime,

I do not want it anytime,

It sort of reminds me of slime.

 

I do not want it in a bowl,

I do not want it with a roll,

I would not give it to a troll,

Pumpkin spice, out of control.

 

I do not want it in my hand,

I sort of feels like sand,

I do not want it in the land,

I do not want it with a band.

 

I do not want it from a can,

I do not want it in a pan,

I would not serve it to cousin Dan.

 

I do not want it in a tub,

I do not want it as a rub,

It is the worst kind of grub.

 

I do not want it in a glass,

Pumpkin spice, I’ll take a pass.

It is a pain in the …

 

This is getting kind of naughty,

Pumpkin spice belongs in the potty.

 

On it I do not wish to dine,

It is not very fine,

I will never make it mine.

 

I would not serve it to a fleet,

I do not want it with my meat,

I do not consider it a treat.

 

This is something I will not eat,

Even though it’s sometimes sweet,

Writing this sort of has me beat,

Avoiding pumpkin spice is a feat.

 

I do not want it in a room,

I do not even want it in a tomb,

I would not feed it to my groom…

 

I do not want it wearing a dress,

I long to see it oh so less,

I really feel it is a mess,

It is something I cannot bless,

Pumpkin spice, never yes,

It does cause me ever stress.

 

It makes me sneeze, if you please…

 

I do not want it in a boat,

I would throw it in the moat,

I am pretty sure it will float,

I wouldn’t feed it to a goat.

 

I do not want it to drink,

I will wash it down the sink,

Pumpkin spice really makes me think,

I sort of feel it does stink.

 

I do not want it with my meal,

I do not care if it’s a deal,

I’m just saying how I feel.

 

I realize it is a fad,

But it sort of makes me mad,

I do not want it at my pad,

It sort of makes me sad.

 

I am so very glad,

It is not what I just had,

Pumpkin spice tastes really bad.

 

I do not want it in a nook,

I do not want it while reading a book,

I would not serve it to a crook,

It is not something that I cook.

 

I do not want it in my house,

I would not serve it to a mouse.

(Not that my house has a mouse.)

 

I would not serve it to a sow,

I would not serve it to an owl,

I would not serve it to a cow,

I honestly think it’s foul,

It just makes me want to scowl.

 

I do not want it now,

I do not want it anyhow.

 

I do not want it in a mix,

That would put me in a fix,

I think they should use it to make some bricks.

 

I do not dream,

Of it in my cream,

Does anyone detect a theme?

 

I feel that it tastes fake,

Pumpkin spice I will not make,

Pumpkin spice I will not take,

Pumpkin spice I will not bake.

I would throw it in a lake.

 

Please give me a break,

I will not serve it to that Jake

From State Farm, for heaven’s sake.

 

I do not want it in a pill,

I would not serve it to cousin Jill,

It does not give me a thrill,

In fact it gives me quite a chill,

It rather makes me ill,

Pumpkin spice tastes like swill.

 

I do not want it on my toast,

I do not want it with my roast,

It is the flavor I detest the most,

Pumpkin spice I cannot boast,

I would not serve it to a ghost.

 

I do not want it with my dinner,

It is for sure not a winner.

 

It’s deliciousness you can’t convince,

I do not want it in my hair rinse,

I will not give it to cousin Vince,

I would not serve it to a prince.

 

Pumpkin spice has got to go,

I would not serve it to a beau,

Pumpkin spice, just heck, NO!

 

I do not like it in the den,

I would not serve it to a hen,

I do not like it in a pen.

 

I do not want it on a plate,

I do not want it on a date,

It’s popularity I debate,

It is something I berate.

 

I do not want it in a gel,

I do not even like the smell,

Pumpkin spice is not swell.

If you eat it, please don’t tell?

 

I do not want it at the pool,

I do not think that it’s cool.

 

I do not want it in the sun,

I do not want it on a bun,

Pumpkin spice is no fun.

 

I do not want it in a nest,

Pumpkin spice is a pest,

It really is not the best.

 

I absolutely do not jest,

I puts my patience to the test,

I needed to get that off my chest.

 

Pumpkin spice I just,

Do not trust.

 

I realize it is a craze,

That is something that does amaze,

I hope that it is just a phase,

Cause it leaves me in a daze,

The question that I must raise,

Why the pumpkin spice praise?

 

I would rather eat some kale,

I will state, without fail,

Pumpkin spice belongs in jail.

 

I do not want it in a bag,

It makes my feelings sag,

It kind of makes me want to gag.

 

I do not want it in my bed,

I do not want it in my head,

Pumpkin spice makes me see red.

 

I do not like it in my stew,

Just the thought makes me blue,

I will not give it to Betty Lou,

I will not serve it to Aunt Sue,

I do not want it in super glue.

 

I will not feed it to a crew,

To this conclusion, I drew,

Once it’s gone I shout “whoo-hoo”,

Pumpkin Spice, it’s nothing new.

 

I do not want it in my mouth,

Pumpkin spice can just go south.

 

I do not want it with my turkey,

Pumpkin is quite jerky,

This is getting kind of quirky.

 

I do not want it in a tin,

I could try it in my gin,

That might actually win,

But pumpkin spice is a sin.

 

I do not want it on a farm,

It causes me such alarm,

I fail to see it’s charm.

 

I do not want it in my latte,

For me it is a not-te.

 

I do not want it in my sauce,

Pumpkin spice is not the boss,

It’s popularity has me at a loss.

 

I do not want it at the gym,

I do not want it on a limb,

I would not like it on a whim.

 

I would not serve it to cousin Jim,

My chance of consuming it is slim,

Pumpkin spice is pretty grim.

 

I do not want it in a strudel,

I do not want it with a noodle,

I would not feed it to a poodle.

 

Pumpkin spice is sort of snarky,

I am tired of all it’s malarkey.

 

I do not want it on any road,

I would not give it to a toad,

I do not want it in my abode.

 

I would not give it to my prof,

It feel it belongs in a trough.

 

I do not want it around the bend,

If I consume it, I would not mend,

I really wish this was the end.

 

I would abolish it if I could,

This I know I certainly would,

This is something that I should,

Do for all the common good.

 

Pumpkin spice I have not drunk,

Who indeed would have thunk,

I would not serve it to a skunk.

 

I know this song getting long,

Pumpkin spice is simply wrong.

 

I do not want it in a ditch,

Pumpkin spice is something to pitch,

For its flavor is not rich.

 

I do not want it in the snow,

I do not want it at a show,

I do not want it in my cup of joe,

Pumpkin spice is a big no,

It really has to go.

 

I do not want it in a chair,

I do not want it at a fair,

I would not feed it to a bear,

Pumpkin spice, now that’s a scare.

 

I do not want it on a table,

I wouldn’t serve it to Aunt Mabel,

Pumpkin spice is quite unstable.

 

I do not want it with a pickle,

I would not pay for it a nickel.

 

Pumpkin spice has me in a rut,

I would not serve it to King Tut,

It’s a pain in my butt.

 

I do not want it in June,

It will never make me swoon,

I do not want it by light of moon,

I do not want it on a spoon,

I would not serve it to a goon.

 

I do not want it in my home,

I do not want it under a dome,

I would not serve it to a gnome,

Pumpkin spice, feel free to roam.

 

Pumpkin spice is not right,

It always gives me quite the fright,

It is not a pretty sight.

 

I do not want it on a bike,

I do not want it with cousin Mike,

I would not feed it to a tyke.

 

I do not want it in a tent,

For it my money won’t be spent.

 

I do not want it in my dip,

I will not sip even a little nip,

I will not taste a single drip.

 

I do not want it on a tray,

I do not want it while watching a play,

I do not want it in my spray,

It sort of smells like clay.

 

I will not serve it to cousin Ray,

It sort of makes me feel gray,

This is getting tired, you say.

 

I do not want it anyday,

It is not welcome to stay,

Pumpkin spice, go away,

Pumpkin spice, I say oy vey!

 

Pumpkin spice won’t get the gold,

The flavor really is too bold,

This is getting old, I’m told.

 

Pumpkin spice is not the best,

It has put me to the test,

Drink this stuff?  You jest,

Almost time to put this to a rest.

 

It is nearly time to bid pumpkin spice adieu,

And get back to our regular brew,

Of pumpkin spice I must again say ewww,

But this is nothing new,

I do not like it, that is true.

 

Pumpkin spice is a sham,

For me it is not glam.

 

I do not want it in my beer,

It does not make me cheer,

I do not want it as a schmear,

It just makes me shed a tear.

 

But during fall, it’s all I hear.

Therefore I must jeer,

I do not hold it dear,

It makes me fear,

I am glad the end is near, for this year.

 

I do not want it at a dance,

With pumpkin spice I have no romance.

I do not want it on a ranch,

Pumpkin spice, not a chance.

 

I do not want it in a yurt,

I do not want with yogurt.

 

I do not want it while wearing a skirt,

Would just a taste really hurt?

I would not choose it over dirt.

 

I do not like it with pink eggs and ham,

I do not like it with a can of Spam,

I will not give it to cousin Pam,

I will not serve it to Uncle Sam,

Tired of it, yes, I am.

 

I do not want it in my hat,

I would not serve it to my cat,

I do not want it with cousin Matt.

 

I would not serve it to a bat,

I would not serve it to a rat,

Pumpkin spice, ewww, what is that?

 

I do not like it on a plane,

I do not like it on a train.

I do not like it in the rain,

I prefer it down the drain.

 

I do not like it in a car,

I do not like it in a jar.

I do not like it at my coffee bar,

I think it tastes a bit like tar.

 

I do not like it on a bus,

In my house, it might gather dust.

You may consume it, if you must.

 

I may try it in a pie,

but will be happy to bid it goodbye.

 

I do not want it in a fog,

I would not give it to my dog,

I would not give it to a frog,

I would not give it to a hog,

I do not want it in my blog.

 

I do not like it in my hair,

I do not care to spray it in the air,

I do not like it anywhere.

 

I do not want it in a truck,

Just the thought, ewww, yuck,

I do not want it for a buck.

 

I would not feed it to a duck,

It sort of tastes like muck,

I think it might bring bad luck.

 

I do not want it at the dump,

Let’s just give it to Donald Trump,

Because he is such a chump,

And such a pain in the rump.

 

I do not want it in the aisle,

It surely does not make me smile,

This has gone on for quite a while,

Pumpkin spice, just not my style…

 

Things AI Cannot Do

Things AI Cannot Do

Things AI Cannot Do

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

AI, yi, yi, yi…

I don’t mince words when it comes to my extreme dislike of AI – truth be told, I don’t really mince words about anything. Someone I consider super stupid refers to AI as “Super Intelligence”, but his opinion on anything isn’t worthy of respect. I completely can not stand AI, except for Alexa – she lives with us – and the cute talking kittens on Facebook. AI annoys and scares me to be honest; I don’t want AI in my medical or financial records, and I don’t want AI making medical decisions or diagnosing illnesses – these things take actual human intelligence. I want customer service interactions to be with a human being, not AI. Here is a list of things AI can’t do:

  1. Show love or compassion
  2. Show any emotion or feelings
  3. Walk the dog
  4. Scoop the litter box
  5. Load or unload the dishwasher

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Load or unload the washing machine or clothes dryer
  2. Fold laundry
  3. Actually cook a meal
  4. Apply lipstick
  5. Take a shower

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Scrub the toilet
  2. Diaper a baby
  3. Mop the floor
  4. Clean the kitchen
  5. Take out the trash

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Pump gas
  2. Wash the car
  3. Act on stage, TV, or film (Tilly Norwood, or any like her, doesn’t count)
  4. Perform a ballet
  5. Do the twist like we did last summer

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Dance like nobody is watching
  2. Operate a sewing machine
  3. Change a tire
  4. Change the oil in a vehicle
  5. Mow the lawn

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Wash windows
  2. Preach a sermon or homily
  3. Write in cursive (and likely can’t read it)
  4. Pour a beverage
  5. Muck out a horse stall

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Drive a stick shift
  2. Feed a baby
  3. Feed the pets
  4. Weed the garden
  5. Paint the house

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

  1. Raise a barn
  2. Enjoy retail shopping in a brick and mortar store
  3. Do home renovations
  4. Clean the windshield
  5. Pick up the dry cleaning

Many things still and will always require a human touch…

 

What AI can do is get on my very last nerve, make mistakes, and cost people their jobs or worse. It’s just my humble opinion that AI does more harm than good. Unfortunately, the virtual receptionist at my dentist’s office is more competent and pleasant than the human – that’s a very sad commentary on our world today…

Let’s Talk Alexa

Let’s Talk Alexa

"A metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection." Wikipedia

Let’s Talk Alexa

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Well, I went online to make a reservation for our 35th wedding anniversary vacay this month, and got to chat with a bot. I did not enjoy my conversation with this robot in the least – it was impersonal and annoying. This non-human could not answer a single question that I asked. Don’t get me wrong, I know people can be annoying to deal with, too.

Some “robotics” are fine by me – who doesn’t like Rosie on “The Jetsons”? I do love my girl Alexa, but she is family. She wakes us up in the morning with music, sets our cooking timers, tells corny jokes, and even can give us the time of day in Tibet. I must admit the AI cat videos on social media are adorable, and the AI assistant Margot at my dentist’s office is far more pleasant to deal with than the human assistant Diane.

I truthfully don’t care for other forms of artificial intelligence. Unless it’s eyelashes or fingernails, I do not like artificial anything. I certainly don’t want a robot diagnosing anything to do with my health, or giving me financial advice. I have never liked knock off accessories, they are unfair to the designer, not to mention illegal. Artificial people that are insincere, selfish, back stabbers, and two-faced, make my blood run cold. Artificial ingredients in my food, like fake colors or flavors – I don’t eat those, either.

I like genuine, God created, natural things. As much as I do like to use technology, I long for a time when telephones, TV’s, and appliances were not smart, but people were. Authentic and the real deal, now that has style…

But Alexa, on the other hand – we’ve ordered so much from the online store that has “everything”, our local driver calls in a wellness check if he doesn’t have a stop at our house every day.  That guy’s become like family, and so is Alexa.

She can do many things: tell the circumference of the equator, find a recipe for lemon poppy seed muffins or homemade stain remover.  Taking after the cats, she listens to my husband more than me.  But alas, Alexa, doesn’t do windows, sort the laundry, walk the dog, clean the kitchen, give pedicures, or prepare lunch; she’s not pulling her weight around here.  But she has a pleasant voice and of course, Alexa has style…

 

Women Of A Certain Age, In A Modern Era

Women of a Certain Age In a Modern Era

Women of a Certain Age In a Modern Era

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Women of a certain age, here are three scenarios of life in the world today – may we always be able to laugh at ourselves. Tushy selfies on social media, medical mishaps, and deodorant differences are modern stories for our times:

Licking My Elbow

I found a lingerie clad female, complete with a bare backside, on my husband’s social media. He was rather unimpressed with her “assets”, and my sister thought she looked like a man. I, however, was very displeased with the friend responsible for bringing this individual into our lives. When I emailed my online buddy to inform her that there was a moon out tonight on my husband’s Facebook page, and that her new chum was smiling on both ends for all the world to see on my spouse’s timeline, she was very apologetic, explaining she barely knew the culprit when she accepted her friend request. Had she known she would target her other friends significant others, she would have blocked the person.

My pal, in an effort to make up for her new acquaintance’s behavior, sent me a how to video giving play by play advice to teach me how to take a rear end selfie of my very own. Huh? A derriere selfie is like licking your elbow – it can’t be done, can it? One must need to be contortionist to accomplish this feat. I informed my friend that my cell phone doesn’t have a wide angle lens – things are definitely larger than they appear. I assumed the backside bimbo on social media had a “photographer” do the deed for her. I was never good at the game “Twister” and I am not double jointed, but I must admit my curiosity was peaked. It can’t be any more difficult than the fifth position in ballet…

I donned my spanx leggings (with rear-lift technology built in) and gave it a whirl, twisting and turning while setting the camera at a jaunty angle just like my friend suggested. I wasn’t sure my husband would want this display on his page, either, but what the heck. Needless to say I threw my back out and fell on the floor right on my said tushie. En route home, after my trip to the chiropractor,  I stopped at a medspa for a non-invasive Brazilian butt lift, because my rear view has style…

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47 Things More Pleasant Than Trump 47

47 Things More Pleasant Than  Trump 47

47 Things More Pleasant Than Trump 47

Editor: I have been avoiding the TV news recently; because his name, the sound of  his voice, his tweets, his quotes are the rantings of a demented old geezer that ‘otta be in a forensic unit at the Florida State Hospital instead of pretending to run the 21st century government of the United States. Before Trump sank into the depths of a terrifying dementia he was a thieving grifter who had fooled a lot of people for a long time. He has no respect for the law because he has always broken it and gotten away scot free while making huge sums of money. Now he is scamming the United States government for a whole bunch of cash for those who will claim false prosecution. Only in America. Holy fuck, what a terrible epitaph for this once glorious country. So with all that said, here’s Cate again with a few things she would much rather hear about than Donald Trump.

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

47 is the worst excuse for a “president” ever…and I mean E-V-E-R. So with said, here are 47 Things I think are more pleasant than Donald John Trump

  1. A peanut butter and pickle casserole – I will never call “The Donald” president
  2. Stepping on a screw
  3. Gastric disturbance
  4. The fragrance of a garbage truck
  5. Cotton mouth – I will never call “The Donald” president.
  6. Extreme physical pain
  7. A root canal without Novacaine
  8. Cockroachs – I will never call “The Donald” president
  9. Stomach flu
  10. Food poisoning
  11. COVID – I will never call “The Donald” president
  12. Poison Oak and Poison Ivy
  13. Dog poop – I will never call “The Donald” president
  14. Toilet back-up
  15. A sewer back-up
  16. A rectal exam – I will never call “The Donald” president
  17. Sink holes
  18. Razor burn
  19. Rat infestation – I will never call “The Donald” president
  20. Nails on a chalkboard
  21. Cellulite
  22. Stubbing a toe on pointy heavy furniture – I will never call “The Donald” president
  23. Crepie skin
  24. Being mooned by a stranger, or anyone for that matter
  25. A flasher in the produce aisle of the grocery store – I will never call “The Donald” president
  26. A flat tire during a rain storm
  27. Losing water pressure while showering
  28. Black ice – I will never call “The Donald” president
  29. The stirrups, if you are female
  30. Turn your head and cough, if you are male
  31. A kick in the balls – I will never call “The Donald” president
  32. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  33. Cleaning up hairballs from the sofa
  34. Spending the night in a haunted house – I will never call “The Donald” president
  35. A clogged drain
  36. Arriving at the water park to discover someone threw up in the pool
  37. Finding a dog accident the hard way – I will never call “The Donald” president
  38. A can of warm soda or beer
  39. Running out of toilet paper
  40. A dead battery in subzero temperatures – I will never call “The Donald” president
  41. A gas gauge on E when you are running late
  42. A sprained ankle
  43. My in-laws – I will never call “The Donald” president
  44. A traffic citation
  45. Finding a fly in your soup
  46. The laugh of a hyena – I will never call “The Donald” president
  47. Creepy clown with orange hair – oh wait, that IS “The Donald”…

Bean There, NOT Done That. . .

Bean There, NOT Done That…

 

 

Bean There, NOT Done That…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

I recently researched unusual jelly bean flavors. Strange activity you say?  Normally, I would agree, but I was looking for a new flavor for my candy dish. You would be amazed how many disgusting varieties of jelly beans have apparently been created or at least proposed.  Some bodily function flavors are simply too revolting to even mention, but here is a list of the ones I won’t be putting in my candy dish, and should certainly cause a normal person to widen their eyes. I’ve pretty much decided I’m sending a 100#’s of number 12 to the White House. Marketers call them failed flavors – in my estimation that should apply to the recipients as well…

  1. Jalapeño flavor – why? Because just like garlic and cinnamon you can never have too much jalapeno.
  2. Moldy cheese flavor – I’m allergic to mold- so I’d need my Epi Pen for this adventure.
  3. Fried chicken flavor – I think the mind of whoever came up with this idea is fried, or should be.
  4. Canned dog flavor?- even my pug turned her nose up at this one.
  5. Essence of Bacon – not everything is better with bacon.
  6. Taco flavor – I love a good taco but not in my candy dish.
  7. Febreeze flavor – this is for stinky tennis shoes and wet dog odor on the sofa, not for the candy!
  8. Sausage flavor – um, no, just no.
  9. Gin flavor – Nope. Strawberry Daiquiri has my support…
  10. Sex lube teaser. Nope. But I’m curious; do they make actual sex lube in strawberry daiquiri flavor? Sorry, I’m only kidding.
  11. Fish sticks flavor-again, NO. And, NO, NO, NO.
  12. Gasoline flavor-I forecast some gastric disturbance in the car at a high cost. I’m sending 100#’s to the WH.
  13. Gravy flavor-does it come in a package with turkey and stuffing flavors?
  14. The flavor of old books -Huh? What?
  15. Toothpaste flavor-it seems counterintuitive that a sugary snack would taste like toothpaste. Perhaps wintergreen or peppermint might be better here.
  16. Boba Milk Tea flavor-The Taiwanese might make this one work.
  17. Curdled milk flavor-EWWWW.
  18. Okay, we are really gettin weird with this one; ready for it?  Skunk spray flavor-it’s a black jelly bean, but where is the white stripe down the center?
  19. Lawn clippings-a pretty lime green jelly bean. Here’s an idea, how about a fresh lime flavor?
  20. Rotten egg flavor-what the hell?
  21. Centipede flavor – how does anyone know what a centipede tastes like? Or, ever wants to find out!
  22. Bubble gum flavor – but can you swallow it? Why not chew a piece of bubble gum instead?
  23. Anchovy flavor – bet that’s really salty; NOT what I want in a jelly bean, yuck.
  24. Pizza flavor – guess it goes with anchovy flavor; just order a damn pizza; I suggest.
  25.  Habanero flavor (“Ass Kickin’” brand, not Jelly Belly) – not sure if my brother who loves spicy food would enjoy these, but bet they kick more than your derriere…

Instead of jelly beans in the candy dish this go around I decided on Andes Creme de Menthe candies; with those pretty shiny green foil wrappers.

 

Women of a Certain Age

Women of a Certain Age:

Fashionista Edition

 

Women of a Certain Age:

Fashionista Edition

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If Chanel Number 5 is your go to fragrance, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If Channel number 19 is your other go to fragrance, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  3. If you are aware Youth Dew started out as a bath oil, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  4. If you call Youth Dew perfume a bottle of Estee Lauder, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  5. If you remove one piece of jewelry before going out the door, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  6. If you ever shopped at Peck and Peck’s, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  7. If you own a Bergdorf Goodman sweater or dress, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  8. If you own short white gloves not in a winter fabric, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  9. If you own long gloves, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  10. If you splash on Jean Nate, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  11. If you use Vaseline around your eyes before going to bed, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  12. If you remember Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers and Ten-O-Six lotion, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  13. If your ever wore stirrup pants, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  14. If you ever wore shoulder pads, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  15. If you ever wore a body suit with snaps down there, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  16. If you own a slip or “girdle”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  17. If you are glad to see skinny jeans go out of style, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  18. If you ever wore double belts, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  19. If you own a muff (get your mind out of the gutter, please), you might be a woman of a certain age.
  20. If you regret owning a real fur (I do; make a donation to an animal welfare cause and donate the fur item to a theater or museum), you might be a woman of a certain age.
  21. If you own clip earrings, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  22. If you own velcro curlers, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  23. If you ironed your “Long and Silky” hair with a clothes iron, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  24. If you had “Short and Sassy” hair, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  25. If you used Lustre-Crème Shampoo, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  26. If you match your hemline to your shoes, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  27. If you use a point system for jewelry and accessories, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  28. If you ever wore go-go boots, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  29. If you every wore bell bottoms that would make a sailor proud, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  30. If you wear pearls everyday, you might also be a fan of VP Kamala Harris and yearn for her to be president…

 

A Few Things I Trust More Than Trump

A Few Things I Trust More Than Trump

A Few Things I Trust More Than Trump

Editor: Thanks for the laughs

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. Dollar store teeth whiteners
  2. The rhythm method
  3. Any cosmetic made in China. That goes for dog food, too.
  4. Used car salesmen
  5. Diamonds from “we might be some jewelry sellers .com”
  6. Unsolicited telemarketers that call at dinnertime
  7. Eat whatever you want and lose weight diets
  8. Unfiltered tap water from Flint, Michigan
  9. Get rich quick schemes
  10. Televangelists, especially …
  11. Food with a 1998 expiration date
  12. “But I just want to cuddle”
  13. The odometer wasn’t set back
  14. It’s fifty percent off- Today Only
  15. It was only driven on Sundays to church by a sweet old lady and her cat
  16. Sushi from a fast food establishment
  17. Chicken salad from a gas station
  18. Giving a drunk the keys to the wine cellar
  19. A date with Bill Cosby
  20. Convenience store restrooms
  21. Tom Brady offering to help with a dead battery or flat tire
  22. A pet piranha or shark
  23. A North Korean peace plan
  24. Casey Anthony as a baby sitter
  25. Retreaded tires
  26. Day old unrefrigerated scrambled eggs
  27. Four for a one dollar deli sandwiches
  28. “No, that does not make your rear end look big”
  29. My ex-boyfriend
  30. My husband’s ex-girlfriend
  31. “Of course my boobs are real”
  32. A rabid bat
  33. An appliance bought on FB Marketplace
  34. A flight on “We Might Just Make it This Time” Airlines
  35. A drive-through root canal
  36. This shot might pinch just a little
  37. Anyone I don’t know messaging me about weather conditions because I have a beautiful smile
  38. You win a million dollars if you pay a small fee
  39. The check is in the mail (who even uses checks anymore?)
  40. The house comes with a brand new roof and furnace
  41. The United States healthcare system
  42. The prince formerly known as Andrew
  43. The seven “real” Rick Springfield’s and assorted Dolly Parton’s messaging me on X
  44. Only one treatment will remove 8 inches off your thighs for just $29.99
  45. Concierge at Trump hotels
  46. Brain surgery guided by AI
  47. “I will pay you back with interest”
  48. A social media scammer that just happened to come across my profile
  49. A 25 year old prophylactic
  50. Mail order from late night television little blue pills

Women of a Certain Age-“Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If your call math “arithmetic”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you call mathematics new math…
  3. If you ever carried books in a strap…
  4. If your back to school wardrobe included Peter Pan collars and plaid…
  5. If sleepovers during the school year meant popcorn and a Frankie Avalon movie on network TV…
  6. If you had a Friday night party with a record player and bottles of Coke…
  7. If your birthday during the school year meant homemade cupcakes for the class…
  8. If you ever took a peanut butter fluff sandwich in your Scooby Doo lunch box…
  9. If you owned a Howdy Doody lunch pail…
  10. If you watched a happy tooth film strip…
  11. If you know what a film strip is…
  12. If you had a gym uniform that was a short jumpsuit in a shade of blue…
  13. If you wore white Keds with pom-pom socks (mine were pink)…
  14. If your cheerleading uniform didn’t expose your belly button…
  15. If Friday night football games were followed up at the malt shop…
  16. If you went on high school dates at the drive-in…
  17. If you know what activity was done in a rumble seat…
  18. If you participated in said activity in a rumble seat…
  19. If you participated in the same activity at the drive in…
  20. If you know what a rumble seat is…
  21. If you had a back-to-school Lilt perm, courtesy of your older sister or cousin…
  22. If you drove to school in a 1967 Mustang…
  23. If you know what a bobby soxer is…
  24. If you ever owned bobby socks…
  25. If you read Tiger Beat in the girls room at school…
  26. If students today read about your era in history books…
  27. If you carried mad money on dates during your high school or college years…
  28. If your sorority sisters wore pink foam rollers and half slips…
  29. If you ever wore pink foam rollers or half slips…
  30. If you know what a half slip is…

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2026!

12 Days of Christmas Gone Rogue

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

1. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree…

What a cute little birdie and I do love fruit… Apparently, my dear true love forgot I have a cat. That little bird sure can fly fast when being chased by a feline. I had a devil of a time getting him down from where he landed on the chandelier. Then the little dickens ate the biggest pear off the tree, the one I was saving to make a tart. I put the tree and its occupant on my patio. Perhaps a basket of fruit from Harry and David with a partridge figurine from Wayfair would have been a more appropriate present…

  1. On the second day of Christmas my love gave to me, two turtle doves…

It appears my love is quite the birds enthusiast, but these “peaceful” little creatures have a mean streak. They attacked the poor partridge when I placed them on the patio. The feathers are flying here today.  The veterinary bill is being sent to my darling gift giver. How can one re-gift feathered creatures?

  1. More foul – hens! Three of them, and not for Christmas dinner, either. Three French Hens, complete with a tariff bill I had to pay before they were shipped, arrived today. I don’t have a hen house, and my patio is getting crowded…
  2. The man with whom I share some affection sure is a bird lover. Today I received four squawking, er, I mean calling birds. These birds certainly need their own cell phones. My patio is beginning to look a lot like an aviary. Has this man not heard of Zales? My dear seems to forget I work from home…
  3. Finally, my true love sent jewelry – five lovely stackable gold rings. Maybe a diamond bracelet or earrings is in my future, in place of our winged friends…
  4. More feathered friends. Six geese-a-laying eggs all over my carpet. Perhaps my love is hinting he would like to come over for an omelet. I know eggs prices have soared, but this is a bit overkill…
  5. Enough with the birds already – my boyfriend sent seven more avians. Apparently my condo association has a rule about seven swans-a-swimming in the community jacuzzi. Who knew such a codicil existed? Perhaps my next gift will be a consultation with an attorney, and I will be seeking the services of a realtor in the new year. This has been a challenging week, thanks to my guy. I sincerely hope he doesn’t acquire a fondness for rodents…
  6. Well, at least no more birds. The gentlemen with whom a bit of affection is shared sent me eight maids carrying empty milk jugs, since I don’t have a cow. Perhaps tomorrow’s gift will involve bovine. I do love me some fat free milk but really, a grocery gift card would be much more appropriate here. These alleged maids did a terrible job with the kitchen and bathroom; they did nothing for my egg stained rug, either…
  7. Now there is a ballet going on in my living room. Nine ladies are dancing their hearts out here – I had to move the furniture out of the way. I am sending them and the maids to a motel for the night. My friend with benefits is getting an invoice for the Uber and accompanying accommodations…
  8. My friend without benefits has now sent ten lords-a-leaping. These men in tights already knocked over a table, broke a floor lamp, and scared my dog, who was already quite traumatized from all the birds and women that keep arriving. Another trip to the veterinary clinic…
  9. More noise in the form of eleven pipers piping in my dining room; my acquaintance really needs to choose gifts more wisely. Has this dude never heard of Sephora or Macy’s? I am amazed at what one can purchase on eBay or Amazon…
  10. Even more noise for my frenzy – a dozen drummers to give me a raging migraine. I flew the coup and filed a restraining order against lunatic “true love”.

 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone – hope my gift of laughter made you smile this holiday season…