Do you remember a few years ago (March 2023 to be exact) I blogged about getting a coffee table, as in should I or shouldn't? Last night I was sitting here on the floor in front of my couch--my "island" in my apartment--wondering about it again. I just like being down here, sitting cross-legged or legs stretched out. It really helps prevent swollen feet and ankles.
But I can't help wondering if it's time I got more civilized and got a table so guests will have somewhere to set their teacup down after I recover from this damn long covid and become social again.
On the other hand... I've never been comfortable having more than one guest in my home at a time. That will never change. And I don't have any teacups.
If need be, I have this sturdy hemp ottoman to set cups on, and a cool guest chair
So what else... I finally decided to sully my sparkling oven with one of my big juicy meatloaves. My cooking will never make it into Bon Appétit, but it was still pretty tasty. I tossed in some baby carrots at the last minute. I usually have corn or green beans with meatloaf, but these worked just fine.
Some chopped parsley for the potatoes and carrots would've been nice, but my meal was still good. I put nearly half of this meatloaf in the freezer and still had plenty for meatloaf sandwiches this week.
I was surprised at how little splatter there was in the oven, but in my ongoing effort to keep that shiny and clean, I wiped the insides down after it cooled. I think I can keep it this way as long as I don't cook chicken or bacon in there.
And finally, look what I got today. I am such a hypocrite. After I finished reading Jennifer Grey's book (her saucy autobiography) last week, I said "No more. My days on this planet are numbered, and there are better ways to spend my time than reading some tell-all from an actress who starred in one popular movie in the 1980s."
Then the very next morning while watching tv, I see Eve Plumb (who played middle child Jan Brady on The Brady Bunch) being interviewed on the Today show about her new book that just came out. Another tell-all, another actress who starred in one popular tv show in the 1970s.
I said to heck with it, went online to Barnes & Noble to buy the ebook for my Nook, then changed my mind and paid the extra $5.00 and got the hard copy instead.
Why Doug, why? I admit to having a thing for her, but that was 50 years ago. Also, if I'd waited a couple years like I did with Grey's book, I probably could've saved a few bucks. Oh well!
This one was different though. I always related more to Jan than the other kids on the show. I think a lot of people did.
I do know when Jan was forced to get glasses (because she had to in real life) so did I, and I felt like we were kindred spirits.
Way back in 2015, I did a special "birthday blog" to Eve Plumb (with some pretty mental memes) you can
check out here.
She also bears the distinction of being my last post on Facebook before I closed my account there in 2016. I shared an article where Eve was donating her teenaged bedroom door to a pop culture art museum in California. The door was covered top to bottom in 70s stickers and decals, and her parents left it that way, after she grew up and moved out.
So I've just finished the first chapter of Eve's book, and it's a sweet and quiet read, nothing like Jennifer Grey's juicy word dive. Eve writes she was a real surprise to her parents when she came along in 1958; they were in their forties and had a son and daughter in their mid-teens. (She also says that aside from new carpeting, her parents kept the same paint, wallpaper, curtains and furniture in their home over 50 years, from 1950 to 2001.)
There's lots of photos too, and Eve claims many of these have never been shared before. I'm certainly looking forward to more of her story.
Hi Doig. Great minds (or stomaches) think alike. I just made a turkey meatloaf yesterday and this time in the crock pot. It turned out great, tender and juicy. And easy peasy crock cleanup. No more oven loafs for this old gal. I never watched the Brady bunch, but I know it was very popular. Have you delved into Bab5 yet? Take care, Kris in Ohio
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris, I definitely need to make a crackpot meatloaf. Wow you never saw the Bradys? Honestly at this point I couldn't sit thru another of those episodes again. And no, haven't started B5 yet but soon! 👍
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DeleteGot it--thanks Kris, and your meatloaf looked awesome!
DeleteMorning Doug, like Kris I don’t recall watching the Brady Bunch initially when it first came out. We played a lot of board games and did homework at night. Saturday morning was for cartoons for a couple hours but with two parents working full time through the week the weekends were for going places and getting errands done. Your meatloaf looks delicious! Our eating has turned pretty simple for the next few months. Chuck is having an implant put in one of his front teeth and has to be very careful he doesn’t jar the set screw thingy. Lots of soft food. Your meatloaf would be perfect if we ate meat! I am 3/4’s the way through Shirley Jones book. Yikes, definitely not what you think Mrs. Partridge would be doing!!😳 Let us know how Eve Plumbs book is when you are done. I love her bedroom door from the 1970’s. I did the same thing too. I recognize a few of the same stickers I had on my door! Have a good weekend Doug.❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Robin! We actually p.ayed a lot of board games back then too, but a couple nights a week we watched too much television. That's awesome you and Chuck don't eat meat, and I'm envious of his implant. I was in the process of getting 2 last September before my long covid returned. And I have to say, that's funny you reading Shirley Jones book. Talk about sharing too much! I love her but man! As for Eve's stickers, yes I remember many of these as well. I miss those days. 🙂 Thanks Robin. ❤️
DeleteGood morning Doug! I like your comfortable living room. If you like how it’s set up, don’t change it conform to “normal” expectations by having a coffee table. Any guests you may have are only there for a short, limited time. You’re the one living there!
ReplyDeleteThat meatloaf looks delicious! Are you still using instant potatoes? I’ve always loved them and actually prefer them because of the texture. Slap some butter on them and YUM-O!!
Looking at the cover of that book, I see that some Marcia just had to have her name on Jan’s book! Marcia! Marcia! Marcia! Some things never change.
Sending hugs, my friend. Keep fighting that long covid. As somebody that deals with a chronic illness myself, I know it’s easy to feel like you’re losing the battle. But…each day that we get up and fight on, we are winning. One day at a time. ❤️
Jase, I'm very glad to hear from you. Thank you for the living room advice, just what I needed to hear. Yes, I use Idahoan potatoes, love em. And you made me laugh about Marcias name on that book, why didn't I notice that?? I am very sorry you're dealing with a chronic illness too, I hope you're not in a lot of discomfort. Mi e has been pretty rough this week. Taking those hugs and sending one back. 🙂❤️
DeleteI used to make meatloaf and for some reason always had potatoes with it. Your meal is way healthier! I loved the Brady Bunch, especially Greg. OOOH, AHHH! I wonder if he has a tell all book out. There were certainly many rumors about various relationships on the show. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! Oh, mashed potatoes with meatloaf is the way to go... :^) And yes, as a matter of fact Barry Williams wrote the first Brady book almost 30 years ago "I was a Teen-aged Brady" that was on the NY Times bestseller list! If you read ANY Brady book, that is the one to read. He shares stuff you wouldn't believe :^)
DeleteI wish I could cook like you, I eat so much pizza. Is that ketchup on your meatloaf or tomato sauce? Do you put it on after it's out? Tom from MN
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, but if my jaw didn't tire so easily I'd be eating pizza too :^) That topping is 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tbl yellow mustard. I spread it on top of the loaf 15 minutes before it's done cooking.
DeleteI wouldn’t get a coffee table just for company since you like sitting on the floor. We have one on wheels and the top pulls up so you can eat on it while sitting on the couch, or use it as a desk. We roll it out of the way when the grandkids are over. I love your meal as usual! My mom used to make meatloaf a lot. We didn’t have cable so I only watched the Brady Bunch at a friend’s house, and saw a lot of reruns when I got older. Sounds like you are enjoying your books and that’s good. We can lose ourselves in them. I’m too hyper to read I guess, but love doing lots of other things. I’m doing pretty good, just need my ear to heal up and I will hopefully be back to normal. Have a good weekend! Joyce
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce! Thanks for sharing, and it's good to hear from you. I was just wondering about you, you sound like you're on the way to real healing. As for reading, you're exactly right and I'm trying to do that more. My next book will be a little more serious. :^)
DeleteI'm curious how much of Eve's book is devoted to her time with the Bunch, as that's what most people will be interested in reading about. Barry Williams' book was a great deep dive into those years, but Florence Henderson only devoted one chapter to her time on the show.
ReplyDeleteDavid, good question--I'm reading about her first year filming the Brady Bunch right now but it took me 100 pages to get here. I think she preferred talking about her earlier career, guest starring on 60s shows like Lassie & Big Valley. I read Barry Williams book 25 years ago and you're right, he really gave the readers what they wanted! Have you read Shirley Jones book? It's surprisingly adult in nature.
DeleteI have not - but I've heard the stories from friends who did. I did read David Cassidy's book, which was also pretty salacious.
DeleteOmigosh David I bought his book like 30 years ago, such a fun read. But half the women in my office back in the early 1990s borrowed it and I never saw it again!
DeleteWhat a neat and tidy apartment. Mine has a “lived in” look, so you know what that means.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if you have a coffee table there, the one with the lamp on it.
Hmm, meatloaf. Not for me.
The Brady Bunch is yet another program that I’ve never seen a single episode of, and know little about.
I still have the same paint and carpet (no wallpaper) I’ve had since I moved in (40 years ago) and they were, no doubt, there the previous 20. I’m in the middle of changing curtains as we speak (or as we type). They pretty much resemble the old ones but without rips, dust or dirt.
Thanks for sharing Peter, I was hoping to hear from you as I named my big juicy meatloaf after you. No joke, you made me laugh the last time I mentioned craving one. Well, that one table by the couch is an end table. I once had an accompanying coffee table as part of a set, but sold it when I moved in here. As for the Brady, it was a silly kids program. And congrats on your new curtains. 🙂👍
DeleteWow, great. I’ve never had anything named after me before.
DeleteHaha 😆😆! You have a good sense of humor 😉
DeleteHi Doug,
ReplyDeleteMmmmm. I love meatloaf, and yours looks so good! As for Eve Plumb, I'd be interested in reading her book. I think I saw her older sister in an episode of Mannix on DVD (her name was Flora and she passed away some years ago). We didn't watch the Brady Bunch until the third season when we finally got cable TV up here in Toronto. Only the Buffalo ABC affiliate aired the show at that time and the reception was very fuzzy. We were able to watch the older episodes later on in reruns. Yes, it was a silly show, but weren't there a lot of them back then?
Steve from you know where
Hi Steve from Toronto, so glad to hear from you my friend! Thanks for the meatloaf comment, and verry interesting about Eve's older sister. I'm still in the first half of the book, Eve talks about how much she loves her but I was thinking "If she is 15 years older than Eve, she'd have to be in her 80s now..." Anyway, I hope you're doing well. You're a good guy you know ;^)
DeleteWhen we were raising our kids we had a GIANT coffee table and loved it. It could hold two large pizza boxes! It could hold a jigsaw puzzle. We couldn't live without it. Then one day we moved it out to the garage (maybe to make room for Christmas) and never brought it back in. I bet we haven't had a coffee table in 10 or more years. We do have side tables in case I would ever have company who requires a tea cup.
ReplyDeleteThe meatloaf looks so delicious! I used to make meatloaf quite often. Now I am eating heart healthy rabbit food instead and life is not the same. I think cooking a big meal and freezing some of it is the way to go.
I always liked Jane the best too. I bet the book is good.
Thanks very much Miss Merry, and that's interesting about your own coffee table--I always had one too, until I moved into this apartment in 2017 and got used to having the free space. And I'm glad (and sorry) to hear you're eating so much healthier right now, but I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. Plus you have a lot of people who rely on you :^) And you're right--the book is a very kind, sweet read. I know how much you liked the Andy Griffith book, you would like this one too.
DeleteYou know something that actually shocks me? Those episodes of the Brady Bunch floating around the airwaves? The Brady Bunch do not collect residuals. Not a penny.
ReplyDeleteTrue... they only made like $550.00 a week at the time too. Meanwhile, the cast of Friends are still paid tens of millions each, every year.
DeleteHi Dug! Having trouble this morning with an ocular migraine... messes up my eyes and leaves my head achy. But wanted to comment regarding your post. First off, I too like your living room... especially since it's so neat and 'uncluttered'. As for a coffee table, doesn't seem like you need one (and kudos to you sitting cross-legged on the floor - that becomes difficult with age. Although actually I can still do that... but getting up gets harder.) We have an old sea chest that I picked up in Maine years ago as a coffee table in the den.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to books, I do read an awful lot, but mostly fiction or historical fiction. I find a lot of non-fiction too depressing as it's usually about someone who had an awful childhood and survived - not enjoyable reading for me. I'm a Hallmark girl... real life can be sad enough without reading about it.
And lastly, I love meatloaf sandwiches... although I haven't had one in ages.
Thanks so much Rian, I'm glad to hear from you but I knew you were probably dealing with pain and eye issues. You're very kind about my living room, it's pretty Bare Bones compared to your grand and cozy Southern place! You know I'm a big fan of your house. I also know what you enjoy reading, but this book is so quiet and sweet, Eve starts the book by saying not to expect anything negative or family trauma as she had none. It's a nice read. Anyway, I'm very glad to hear from you my dear friend. 🙂
DeleteI recall watching The Brady Bunch when we arrived home after school, and I sort of remember Eve. The older girl, Marsha, is the one I recall most simply because of the phrase. While I liked the show, David Cassidy on the Partridge Family was my eye candy. :)
ReplyDeleteYour meat loaf looks delicious! And meat loaf sandwiches are the best.
Thank you Maebeme, and too funny about the eye candy. But my sister had a poster of David Cassidy on her bedroom wall, I totally get it! 😄
DeleteYour meal looks wonderful, as usual! 😉 I like your living room just as it is, who needs a coffee table? We ditched that years ago, we don't have a couch/sofa either, just chairs because we don't get much company. I enjoyed all the interesting comments on this post. Hope you're feeling well and having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteBobi, thank you so much--I always appreciate your feedback. This is an interesting coincidence, I was just talking to my old friend Susie (we worked together in the 1990s) and like yourself, her and her husband Dave have always had 2 big recliner chairs in their living room, no couch or coffee table. I love it when people just live their lives, and good for you. :^)
DeleteDon’t you have a coffee table under your bed? It might be nice to set it up. You could stick your legs under it, place your dinner and drink on top, and even read your iPad there. Gigi Hawaii
ReplyDeleteGigi you have a very good memory--I did, and I finally fished it out of there a year ago to assemble. But it was black and I knew right away it wasn't for me. I packed it back up, and took it downstairs and gave it away to a young couple on the first floor. If I ever do get something it will not be black. :^)
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