Weekly Survey

[pegasus216]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?
Gerald's Game. It was a couple years ago maybe. Before the eyes started to go.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.
To see my grandkids graduate high school.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?
About 16 years ago, I caught a 5 pound flounder. I was in my 20's when I caught my first fish.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.
Anyone but Trump, or Cruz.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?
The best summer I had was staying at my cousins house for about a month, then another cousin's house for awhile, and finally at my oldest brothers house, who at the time lived on a dairy farm. I had a lot of fun that summer. I was about 13 years old.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?
No.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)
The on;y thing I can think of it the French fries on the boardwalk. Ain't nothing like them!

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?
No.

9. What was your driver’s education like?
My dad teaching me.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?
No. My parents did. They had 2 gardens.

Thanks, Walt!!

 

[not_nadine]

weekly survey for whenever...8/16/15 or later or never...sorry if some of these have been done before.

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Re-reading . Dr. Sleep, The Drawing of the Three. and depends on what room I am in.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.

True love.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?

Ack! no! Fish creep me out. I remember crabbing. It had a fish head on a string. And that was creeped to a whole new level

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.

What will be will be.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?

Softball! I was you second baseman.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?

Nope. Did write poems as a teenager. scared my mom when she found them. Dark and gloomy teenage stuff.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)

Cheesesteaks and hoagies. Wawa's ..

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?

no.

9. What was your driver’s education like?

Failed first time. Drove it with a VW beetle. I could not downshift fast enough. You were not supposed to use brakes during test. Wild ride.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?

Yep, and I miss it. My problem was that I felt so sorry for them. I saw you as a little flower! It's a little baby cucumber! Then you grew! Look how big! Knife.
I should just stop eating all together.

 

[Kurben]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?
Dreamcatcher, Finished it a week or so ago. Part of my ongoing rereading King-project.
2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.
Visiting Egypt and China and Mexico and the southamericas and Australia and NZ.
3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?
Yes, I caught a big Northern Pike when fishing with just a worm as bait. I guess it must have been hungry. Any way, tasted fine. My mother cooked as dinner. I was perhaps 10.
4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.
if a swede is allowed to choose an US-president i would change the law so Obama could continue. If forced to choose from the present candidates i would go with Clinton with some reservations.
5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?
Taking long Walks in the forest, picking berries and mushrooms, Reading, milking some cows, Taking in the hay. Swimming in the nearby lake (playing is a more correct word for my activities in the water). Lying on the lawn a sunny day with a book and something cold in a bottle close to me was heaven.
6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?
Yes. Have writen both prose, poetry and factstuff. Only some of the factstuff has been publisized though. I've been rather shy about the other stuff. I personally don't write with the intent to publish, i write because it is something i need to do, like breathing. But according yo my mother (and she could be rather critical) i should try to get it out because she said i have my own voice.
7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) Unique, i don't know but a rather swedish meal was Blodpudding (Bloodpudding) served with Lingonberry. Yum... It is basically a mix of Pigs Blood, Broth, Apple, Ginger, Butter, Meal, Pork and red onion. Everything like the pork and apple and onion must be hacked to tiny pieces. Served with Lingonberry. Its actually good.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?
Yes, not because i believed in it but because i wanted to understand it.
9. What was your driver’s education like?
Have never taken my drivers license.
10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?
At our country house we used to grow some basic vegetables and raspberry bushes.

 

[Spideyman]

weekly survey for whenever...8/16/15 or later or never...sorry if some of these have been done before.

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Finders Keepers- finished it two days reading time.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. To be debt free.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? yes. Maybe 9-10 years old

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.Undecided as of now.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?I had wonderful summer in the Catskill mts of NY on a dairy farm. Learned to ride a horse, milk cows by hand, gather crops , eggs, raise a calf, oh so much more. Only good memories. ( remember raise in NYC so this was all new to me)

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? Yes

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) NYC- so the style of bagel, pizza, cheesecake- the ethnic foods as it was truly a melting pot of nationalities.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? yes

9. What was your driver’s education like? Newly built HS- Driver's ed junior year. First class to take driver ed course. Car did not have the dual foot control yet. Stick shift- we quickly learned to observe the instructor move his feet to clutch or give gas. It was a blast. Winter, learned to skid and deal with that stuff. So, I now live in Fl!

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? Yes, many vegetables, citrus - tangerines, grapefruits- tried banana tree but a frost killed it. Wild blackberries/ strawberries.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Revival, November of last year.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. have a publisher accept something, put it out

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? yes...I was three and I brought it home in a metal pail of water...a small "speckie" or brook trout...brought home alive.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. I dunno yet...that guy from Indiana, governor I think...or that governor from Virginia...forget their name

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? swimming, biking, baseball, football, and for more than a few summers we built "forts" up in the bush, woods above town, fishing, creeks and the lake, Torch, Dollar Bay...kick the can at night...night, didn't get dark 'til 10:30 summer so our days were long.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? yes

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) we wore "chooks" winter, wool watch caps...had "swampers", green rubber insulated boots..."choppers"...deek-skin outer mittens worn over wool mittens...we called...um, pop, pop. Cokes and stuff. We wore cut-off jeans, too, as shorts...and I don't see younger people doing that too much anymore, guys and gals both. We had/have "scoops" to move snow...we "pank" the snow at times, "pank" not a word save for here in the Copper Country. and here's one, when we were young, instead of knocking on a door, we'd call from out in the yard, "Krrrrrrrr-IS!" but just in Tamarack Mills...kids over in Dollar Bay thought we were retarded, slow if you will. "Waaallllll-EEE!"

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? yes

9. What was your driver’s education like? uneventful, we were required to take 6 hours of driving time, course work...maybe 24 hours' worth of course work? had a "learner's permit" at first...I think...been a few years. Young man I had working this past week said they have to take...was it 50 hours of driving time? lots more driving time that I had. When I first got behind the wheel...I thought the wheel turned like on TV...Car 54, Where are you?...guys behind the wheel, camera head-on, guy's moving the wheel back and forth although you get the sense he's moving straight ahead. Was concerned real driving was like that. Told the story before.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? yes...had come cucumber and tomato with what we grilled for supper...beef and turkey burgers. we also pick wild...raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries, thimble-berries, huckleberries....oh yeah, and blackberries!

 

[ZNPaaneah]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?Stephen King on writing, a few weeks ago, the book referred me to this website.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.
A solution to the Israeli / Palestinian conflict.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? My Dad was a big fisherman, he had spent a year in Alaska as a professional fisherman, we had a Boston whaler for fishing, so I did a lot of fishing as a child. The first fish I recall catching was a trout. We were fly fishing, once I hooked the fish I would just back up onto the land until I dragged the fish out of the water rather than try and reel it in. I was probably about 6-7.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? I like Bernie Sanders

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?
I was on a swimming team that swam in the ocean. I also spent the summers in my Dad's boat on the ocean and I also went to football practice.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?
No. Just about everyone in my family is published. Kind of 50/50 between fiction and non fiction. The only thing I have written was non fiction. (sorry I forgot, I wrote a poem -- Midnight in Darktown,

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? I grew up in a suburb of NYC, one year we had the America's cup winning boat in one of our docks being worked on.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?
Yes. I spent 20 years in a group I would now characterize as "cultic".

9. What was your driver’s education like?
I was taught in a Driver's ed class at school and by my Mom. She was an excellent teacher.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?
Yes. We have a pear tree and fig tree that we have gotten quite a bit of food off of. My brother is a "farmer" (hobby) he has 7 cows and a few horses. My dad was a great gardener and I helped him quite a bit. We had a small strip of a yard that he literally fed us fresh vegetables from for the entire summer (this is in a suburb of NYC).

 

[fljoe0]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Finders Keepers - June.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. I'd like to paint my living room. I've been talking about it now for 13 or 14 years and I'm not sure it's ever going to happen. I've gone down and picked out color chips at least a dozen times over the years but haven't got past that phase of the project yet.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? Yes - I can't remember an exact age but I was in single digits.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. I thought I would vote for Hilary but this e-mail thing bothers me a couple of different ways. One, it was deceptive (as well as careless) and two, it makes me question her judgement that she would put herself in that position. So at this point, I don't know but I can tell you (with complete certainty) I will not be voting for Donald Trump.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? Played basketball, went to the beach and there was always a summer trip with the parental units (that usually involved a lot of driving just like the Chevy Chase movie )

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? Other than loan applications, no.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) Gator tail. You can get it all over now but when I was a kid, it was kind of rare.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? No

9. What was your driver’s education like? (probably around 14 years old) Dad would take me out on sparsely populated roads, throw me the keys and tell me to keep it between the ditches. After that I also had driver's ed in school but I'd already been driving a while before that.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? I've had some citrus trees and I've grown pineapples.

 

[HollyGolightly]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Revival - in April or May

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. I want to get everything organized, I don't want to be troublesome after my demise.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? Just 1 - a rainbow trout when I was 9 or so.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. I can't even think about this right now.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? Spent a lot of time in the woods - building forts, having adventures, playing kickball; as a teenager: lots of time on boats, at the river, going to music festivals, partying way too hard

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? Yes - a few things - nothing I'd ever try to sell, but I think they'll be a gift to my children one day.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) Cincinnati Chili, we called all soda "pop"

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? Yes, a few

9. What was your driver’s education like? Terrifying for my father; I hit a car in the WalMart parking lot

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? When I was a kid, we always had a garden: green beans, corn, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes. The Ogre always grows tomatoes. I'd like to do something more next year.

 

[Debbie913]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Finders Keepers in June.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. Acquire enough money to care for my son for the rest of his life.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? I caught a couple fish in the Ohio River when I was about eight years old.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. I have no idea at this time.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? I spent lots of time riding my bike at all ages, though not now. I played in the sprinkler a lot as a child. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time at the video arcade all summer with my friends.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? Nope

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) Rocky Mountain Oysters used to be unique to this area, I think. I never experienced them, though. Can't think of anything else just now.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? Not much, but a little.

9. What was your driver’s education like? Mostly self taught. I never took any kind of class and my parents didn't teach me.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? Yes, but not for quite some time. A couple of years ago I grew some jalapenos in a large pot on the porch. We had a garden with several kinds of vegetables when I was a kid.

 

[KingAHolic]

1) Is there a song/artist that set your taste in music? What is it? Aerosmith. Rock
2) Do you have 'only in an emergency' underwear? No
3) Do you believe in love at first sight? I have never experienced it. I think it can happen, yes.
4) How many pets have you had in your life? While on my own? 3. Including while growing up? 9
5) When was the last time you laughed? Last night while talking to hubby.
6) How many books can you see right now? Too many to count. Over 100.
7) What movie have you seen the most often? Wizard of Oz.
8) If you lost your phone, would it feel tragic? No
9) Do you like to exercise? How? Treadmill, bike, and tennis.
10) What food makes you think of your grandma? She was an awesome cook, but nothing specific coming to mind.

 

[KingAHolic]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? Full Dark, No Stars (or, A Good Marriage) - April I think...

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. Get a job that is impactful.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? Many. 41.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. I'm leaning toward Ted Cruz or Ben Carson right now......

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? Playing in the woods, catching fireflies, vacationing with family, going to the pool.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? I've tried but I can never finish...... and usually delete it because when I go back to read it sounds stupid.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) I grew up in Maryland, so, we are known for having good crabs.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? No, have only attended or been a member of Christian churches, but, different denominations.

9. What was your driver’s education like? Fun. I enjoyed it.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? No. Never.

 

[skimom2]

weekly survey for 8/16/15

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?
Rage, last Monday or Tuesday.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.
Publish another book. (and thank you for 'Green Ripper', Walt. He and the "Twi Night Double Header" are two of my favorite monsters )

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?
Heavens, yes! My dad, and later two of my brothers, loved fishing and we went often. I think I was maybe 4 or so when I caught my first fish.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.
Someone who cares more about what's right than what makes money for Mr. Deep Pockets. You might say I'm a dreamer...

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?
Reading in a tree. Catching a little red wagon full of tadpoles and watching them turn into frogs. Then dissecting the occasional frog when it died (I wanted to be a doctor and thought that might help--lol). Biking everywhere.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?
Yup

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)
I grew up in a military family, so I grew up everywhere. What I think of as home is WY, though, and kid WY was Sweetheart Bread It had little packages of seeds in each loaf (we once planted my grandma's brand new front yard with veggies), and Peanuts characters were on the wrappers. Don't know why that sticks with me. And the smell of the post office in Thermopolis, WY. You could walk me in there blindfolded even today, and I could tell you exactly where I was.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?
Yup--it's interesting to learn about other religions

9. What was your driver’s education like?
Standard school drivers ed, in 10th grade. I was 1 of only 2 kids who actually had never driven (I really wasn't interested in driving), and I drove the passenger side of the car off the road and into a tall grass field at one point--I couldn't figure out how you recognized where you were on the road.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?
Yep, for many years now. Nothing like a warm, homegrown tomato, right from the garden, or fresh peas or beans, right off the vine

GREAT questions, Walt!

 

[Leif]

weekly survey for 8/16/15

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?

1922. 8/7/15

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.

See my son be happy in life.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?

Yes! 2 years old. Haven't stopped since. I am an avid fisherman, fly tier, rod builder and lover of fish.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.

A miracle worker.


5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?

Run through the sprinklers, ride bikes, feel wonderful.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?

Yes.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)

Staten Island Zoo. Kick the can and stick ball.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?

Yes

9. What was your driver’s education like?

Unforgettable! Mrs. Brandween in drivers Ed said I have a good feel faw da bwake.
My dad stepping on the imaginary brakes for the car was cool.


10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?

Yes, Always had a garden.

Leif

 

[Riot87]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? I am reading Dream catcher right now

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. I want to visit Tokyo Japan

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? no

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self. not sure

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? walked around town with friends and went to the movies and the mall

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? poetry yes

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area) nothing good

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? no i'm not a religious person

9. What was your driver’s education like? Pretty good i passed the test on my first try

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? no but i know how to.my mother has a garden.

 

[pegasus216]

Our new member, Leif, will be doing the survey next week. Yeah!

 

[DiO'Bolic]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it? I’m almost finished with Thinner. I must say that Bachman guy would surely be banned if he posted in the SKMB.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling. To get a personal noted, signed Stephen King novel, made out to my wife before the big “C” finally gets me for good. (((another shameless ploy )))

2. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first? I've caught plenty. I once fished the amateur division of the Bassmaster tournament series. Probably my first fish was at three or so.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? At this point Scott Walker with Carly Fiornia as VP.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months? Swim, play sports, explore the forest... then later party and chase girls (of course those were year-round endeavors).

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it? No, but I have created art for the same reason.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? As a young child I grew up in a "Superfund" town laden with Zinc, Cobalt and a few other lovelies. Probably why I glow in the dark and got cancer so young.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar? Only studying them in college, except for the Hare Krishna cult when a good friend of mine dropped out of college to join it. (I even studied extensively on how to become a "deprogrammer" and was successful when I utilized the principles on him several years later).

9. What was your driver’s education like? Pretty average I’d say.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food? Oh yeah. My father had some land with a large garden on it. I swear I spent my childhood spring and summer Saturdays weeding, hauling water from the creek, killing potato bugs, and cutting the field with a scythe. Today I only have a small garden and plant tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, strawberries, scallions, leaf lettuce and radishes.

 

[Pucker]

weekly survey for whenever...8/16/15 or later or never...sorry if some of these have been done before.

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?

I finished Finders Keepers just a couple weeks ago. Very entertaining. Not sure how comfortable I am with this, but I actually saw a disturbing amount of myself in Morris.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.

Live each day as if it were to be your last, and one day your certain to be right. I still hold out hope that one day I'll publish one of my novels.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?

I began pulling sunfish out of the brook by mouse when I was probably eight or nine, but the best fish "story" I have involves my dad taking me deep-sea fishing off Gloucester when I was 13. Nominally we were fishing for mackerel, but I pulled up this thing that I think was called a "pusk", if I remember correctly. It was maybe eight or nine inches long and didn't look like any kind of fish that I had ever seen before, and I reached up to take it off the hook when one of the mates came running up hollering "Don't touch that!" He took out his knife and clubbed the thing on the head until it either went to sleep or died and then he showed me its teeth. It wasn't a very big thing, but I don't want to imagine what might have happened if I had put my fingers anywhere near that mouth. I was lucky that guy happened to see me pull it up.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.

I may as well wish to carry stars in my pocket, but for once in my life I would like to see an elected official -- no matter who it is -- actually try to keep the promises they make. Just try. I know it can be difficult. But, please, stop lying to us, willya?


5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?

Summer was always an endless search for more kids. Between my brothers and I and the Ekstrand brothers, our group was five, and you can play a lot of fun games with five, but eight is better . . . and 10 is even better than that. We did the stuff American kids do. We played baseball and tag football and another game that went by a lot of different names, but you might recognize as "Kill The Guy With The Ball."

As I got older I came to spend more time reading in the summer than some people thought was good for me. Opinions vary, I guess.

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?

Oh my, yes. Indeed, I've had people at work tell me -- in so many words -- that my memos are too "literary." Imagine that!

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)

Where I grew up, in Massachusetts, we called soda "tonic." It's an interesting thing. On the old westerns I like to watch you'll sometimes hear reference to "soda pop." I've lived places (most places, really) where they call it "soda" and where I live now they call it "pop." But you never hear anyone say both together. In parts of the deep south Coke is Cocola.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?

I have never been a particularly religious person. I wasn't raised up on it and I don't really have an opinion on whether or not that is good or bad. When I lost my wife I was encouraged by a friend of mine to try the church and I did. I'm not going to specify any denomination, nor make any sweeping judgments, but I will say that I discovered that there can be a difference between the kind of person who eschews organized "religion" altogether and a kind who acts one way six days a week and an entirely different way in his go-to-meetins.

9. What was your driver’s education like?

I was lucky to have a neighbor, for whom I did a lot of yardwork, who let me learn on his Ranchero -- one of those half car, half pick-up things. My mom didn't have time to teach me and I would learn in the fullness of time that she would never have been able to do it in any case. But the funniest part of my drivers education was the actual class I had to take in order to get the insurance discount. The lady who taught that class liked to sit on the edge of the teacher's desk while she pontificated, and this one day she came in with her fly down. Imagine a room mostly full of adolescent boys all sitting facing a marginally attractive "older woman" with her pants open. Nobody said anything. For my part, I would have been far too embarrassed . . . but surely not as embarrassed as she must have been whenever she realized it later.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?

When I lived in Florida I had a garden every year. Simple stuff. Tomatoes, green onions, cucumbers, maybe a little swiss chard. You have to watch out for the snakes when you're weeding down there.

 

[CrimsonKingAH]

weekly survey for whenever...8/16/15 or later or never...sorry if some of these have been done before.

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?
I'm re-reading some now.. short stories.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.
I would love to be a grandmother

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?
Yes.. I love to go fishing. I don't recall.. fishing has always been a part of my life.. I suppose since I could first hold a pole.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.
I haven't chosen one.. just know who I don't want- trump

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?
Riding (horses) , swimming in the ponds/lakes and beaches , playing in the creek beds , bike riding, ...
As a teenager : cruising , parties, etc

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?
Poetry ..

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)
I don't know

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?
Yes.. I find it interesting. Not to join, but to understand

9. What was your driver’s education like?
I grew up driving on a farm and back country roads. I took Drivers Ed at 15.. it was fun.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?
Yes.. I have always had a garden until my Mother passed 3 years ago. Just haven't been able to plant one since (not yet).. gardening was always what we did together.

 

[80sFan]

weekly survey for whenever...8/16/15 or later or never...sorry if some of these have been done before.

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?

I reread "Revival" a few weeks ago.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.

Seeing my kids as happy, healthy adults.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?

No, I am way too squeamish for fishing.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.

I don't have anyone in mind yet. Every time I "like" someone for the job, I find out they have a "dealbreaker".

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?

When I was very young we visited my great grandparents' "down the shore" (that's what Philly folks call the Jersey Shore, but mostly refers to Wildwood, NJ). Then in later years we went "up the mountains" (Philly-speak for the Pocono Mountains area).

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?

No, I'm more of a reader than a writer.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)

Not_nadine mentioned "Wawa" and it's funny because I always forget that's a regional thing. There was also Acme (a supermarket chain we pronounced as "Ac-a-me" lol.)
Soft pretzels aren't exclusively a Philly thing, but you can't get an awesome one outside the city...and nothing goes better with a soft pretzel than "wooder ice" (aka "water ice" aka Italian Ice).
Then there's Scrapple - a delicious nightmare. It's called "Scrapple" because it's made from the scraps of pigs that they don't use for bacon, ham, etc.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?

Not really "explored", but I do like reading fictional stories involving other religions.

9. What was your driver’s education like?

Nothing special.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?

Nope.

 

[flipska19]

1. What was the last Stephen King story you read & when did you read it?

I read Finders Keepers as few weeks ago, I am in the process of re-reading From a Buick 8 right now.

2. Name one goal you’d like to achieve before the Green Ripper comes calling.

Visit a US State that has legal recreational cannabis.

3. Have you ever caught a fish? And if so, how old were you when you caught your first?

Went fishing once, didn't catch any.

4. Who would you like our next president to be? You can be specific or in general, a governor, a senator, an unknown…but not your self.

H. Clinton, but only so Billy would be the first "First Gentleman" or whatever the male version of a "First Lady" is.

5. What are some of the things you did as a child, young person, teenager, over the summer months?

Watch the daytime kids shows on PBS. (As a teenager I took a lot of Summer Classes, some that I failed and some to get a head.)

6. Have you ever written anything fictional, story, poetry, memoir with the idea that one day others might read it?

Just some poems when I was younger. I threw some away that my friend said were really good.

7. In the area where you were born & raised, what is one thing (or more) that you experienced that was unique to that area? (could be a style/name of clothing, a food or beverage known in that local area as whatever, whereas these same or slightly different items are known by other names in other areas, or maybe it was a game you played, familiar only to those in that particular area)

Chico's Tacos

Spoiler: Chico's Tacos on Food Network

In other parts, these wouldn't be considered tacos, but flautas.

8. Have you ever explored a religion with which you were previously unfamiliar?

When I was in my teens I got into Christianity, while I grew up taught the Catholic stuff. I identified with the Christian one more.

9. What was your driver’s education like?

It consisted of my dad freaking out, and me ultimately not knowing ow to drive very well.

10. Have you ever grown some of your own food?

Some Jalapeño Peppers.