Last night, we finished Dexter: Resurrection. It’s rare for a reboot to live up to the original, but this is a fantastic series that perfectly captures the spirit of the early (best) seasons of Dexter. With fun cameos, a great supporting cast, and a compelling storyline, the show runners have pulled off a near-impossible feat: bringing a show back from the dead and breathing new life into it. The only other similar success I can think of is Cobra Kai / The Karate Kid. I can’t wait for more!

(But I’ll have to, since Season 2 is probably a year away.)

The only problem with finishing? Now I’m going through withdrawals. We started watching Dexter way back in April, committing to every episode of every season, including the various spinoffs. Which means we plowed through 126 episodes in a little less than six months. I feel like we deserve a trophy or something.

Another weird thing? I’ve found myself taking on Dexter Morgan’s mannerisms (minus the kill table, of course). Not only am I dressing like him and borrowing his name when ordering food; I now have an inner monologue popping up in my head from time to time, and yes, it’s just as endearingly corny as Michael C. Hall’s. Don’t worry, there’s no need for alarm…unless I begin buying reams of plastic wrap and stocking up on black garbage bags and Etorphine M-99.

To be fair, it hasn’t been ALL Dexter, all the time. A few other shows I’ve pulled up when reaching for the remote these past few months:

  • Alien: Earth. Another great prequel series, even without Sigourney Weaver. The new creatures are just as terrifying as the Xenomorphs. A creepy, dark, and tense expansion of the Alien franchise.
  • Into the Pride Lands. A National Geographic documentary series on lions. It’s amazing how each lion has its own personality. I’ve learned so much!
  • The 1% Club. A game show hosted by Joel McHale that involves solving logic puzzles. I love a game show that requires brains, and this one delivers.
  • The Office. A sitcom that follows the exploits of a fictional paper company in Scranton, Pennsyl…err, you probably know this one.
  • Dateline. Duh.

I even started watching Jeopardy again for the first time in, like, 20 years. The last time I tuned in with any regularity, Ken Jennings was a contestant. Now he’s the host. Wild.

(Filling Alex Trebek’s shoes is a tall order, but Ken’s doing a great job. I like him.)

Not making the cut? America’s Got Talent, which we have watched faithfully since 2012, and Masterchef. We had to free up time for Dexter Morgan, and both those longtime favorites required too much of a commitment.

Time to find a new series to binge, I suppose. Pretty sure it’s going to be The Pitt, but I’m open to suggestions.

About that “never moving again” thing…

Ever since landing in Wisconsin three years ago, I’ve been insisting we will never move again. Two big cross-country moves in five years is plenty! Not everyone believes me at this point. It’s become a long-running joke that we’ll keep moving east until we reach the Atlantic Ocean. Ha-ha, not funny.

However. Maybe my declaration was a bit hasty.

Relax! It’s not what you think. (Deep breath, mom.) Yes, we may in fact move again someday. But if we do, it’ll just be elsewhere in Wisconsin. We really like it up north, where we spent last weekend. Both Tara and I can see ourselves in a smaller home on a secluded lot, surrounded by trees, with easy access to Lake Superior. Or perhaps one of the towns along Lake Michigan. Sheboygan or Port Washington or Manitowoc. But this would be a long time from now, 15-20 years, when we’re both retired and can no longer take care of our current property.

Unless we win the lottery or one of my many get-rich-quick schemes takes off, of course.

Regardless, we’re cheeseheads for (the rest of our) life(s). Mark my words.

R.I.P. ugly wallpaper and old appliances

Our kitchen makeover is finally complete, and we’re happy with the results. Brick dust would have been brighter, but everything really pops against the bayberry blue. We made the right decision.

As a reminder, here’s what it looked like before:

The stainless steel appliances are a huge upgrade, and with a separate beer fridge in the garage, we have more than ample cold storage space now. Not to mention a microwave that actually works and an oven that heats consistently.

Tara is most thrilled that our ceiling is no longer yellow.

There’s more than just beer in the beer fridge.

Granted, one of these days we plan to do an actual remodel, extending the countertop, adding a dishwasher, and replacing the flooring. But that’s a long ways off.

All I need now is that tiki-zebo and I’m set!


87 responses to “My inner monologue is endearingly corny.”

  1. Wait a minute… Ken Jennings is the host of Jeopardy now?!

    You might like Still Game on Netflix. It’s a sitcom about a bunch of Scottish pensioners getting into mischief. It will require captions due to heavy accents and it takes an 2-3 episodes to understand the premise, but it’s delightful! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281491/

    Also, the kitchen turned out great! Bayberry blue was a good choice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ken’s been hosting since 2021 actually. Mayim Bialik didn’t work out. I never saw her, so I can’t judge, but Ken’s very personable and doing an admirable job.

      Thanks for the link. I always turn on subtitles whenever watching Once – I can’t understand Irish English worth a lick – so no big deal there.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Love the new kitchen look, and yes, if you have yellow walls, I do not recommend a yellow ceiling. It’s a bit much. I’m trying to remember the last good binge series Andy and I both liked. He likes explosions and I’d prefer comedy, but he does enjoy “Abbott Elementary” with me. And I did get sucked into “Department Q” and “Slow Horses.” I’ve heard great reactions to “The Pitt,” but with the country sliding into fascism–or maybe galloping into fascism–I need my escapism.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We have no idea why they did the kitchen all yellow, but I tell you, Tara was thrilled to paint the ceiling white. Oh, and when we removed the cabinet over the fridge, we saw the original paint color was an even deeper harvest yellow. I’m sorry, but that’s just way too cheery.

      Thanks for the recommendations! As dark as “Dexter” is, even “The Pitt” will probably seem like light escapist fare!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Mark told me I’m the second person to mention Abbott Elementary, so I had to scroll to see who else had. Figures it was you, Autumn. You’re cool like that.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I bet your family enjoys it more than most, given all the time in schools!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That could very well be. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Yay for a new kitchen! It looks fantastic!

    I don’t blame you for wanting to eventually move north- Northern Wisconsin is so beautiful, and it’s so much more affordable.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And the Superior area is surprisingly liberal. Win/win!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Whoa! That is pleasantly surprising!!

        Like

  4. I voted for brick dust, but I have to admit the new stainless steel stove looks good with your blue.
    I’m seeing a decided lack of craft beer in the newly appointed beer fridge. Get thee to a brewery forthwith!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. What can I say? Tara likes her Bud Light, and I’m not a big beer drinker. I did add some Leinenkugel’s Juicy Peach after snapping this pic though. It’s not a sour but also not overly hoppy. I like it!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. The blue does work quite nicely. I am digging the new kitchen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Matt! It’s all come together nicely, I think.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. The yellow ceiling looks a lot worse now that I see the current look. Upgrading old appliances is always a wonderful morale booster!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yellow is one of those colors where a little bit goes a long way. There was just way too much for our tastes!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I’ve seen some episodes of Dexter and The Office, but your other shows are ones I’m not familiar with. [Well, years ago I watched Jeopardy with my mother so the previous sentence isn’t entirely accurate.]

    I like your new kitchen. It is shiny and inviting. I hope it makes you happy, now that you’re a permanent Wisconsinite… Wisconsinian… Wisconsiner…?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you! I used to refer to us as Sconnies, but learned that term isn’t widely embraced around here, so I usually just go with Wisconsinites.

      Ooh, that could be a good topic for my Wacky Wisco Wednesdays, huh?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes it would. A perfect topic in fact.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Thanks for the list of shows. I love “The Pitt” . Your kitchen looks great!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Nancy! Sounds like “The Pitt” is living up to the Emmy hype. Glad to hear that.

      Like

  9. The Office was good until it wasn’t…and the spinoff The Paper is grindingly boring (even my millennial kids think so, too!). If I weren’t such a whimp, your assessment of Alien: Earth sounds like a good one ( like sci-fi) …but again, I’m a whimp, so that might not be viewed anytime soon by myself! HA!
    Glad to see your kitchen – happy for you, too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. And it wasn’t right around the time Michael Scott left (though he deserved his happily ever after with Holly). I haven’t checked out The Paper and, given what I’ve heard…you know, like your comment here…I don’t have much of a desire to.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I really like how the blue came out and it seems to even make the line design in the floor stand out nicely. – And the new light fixture seems to open up the ceiling space more

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! The light fixture is actually the same (though Tara did clean years’ worth of grime from it, so maybe that’s wh everything looks brighter!).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. wow – she did a great job on that really pretty lamp – it looks like a Tiffany shade

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re right. I see the resemblance!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Such a great post! I totally get the “never moving again” joke. We’ve been saying the same thing, but then we decided to tackle a huge backyard reno that definitely requires a dumpster rental. So much for staying put! 😂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Oh gosh, there was so much going on with the walls that I hadn’t even noticed the yellow season. Congrats on finishing the updates, it looks really good!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Diana! I have no idea why they painted the ceiling yellow…but I’m glad it’s white now!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Kitchen photos, yea, yea, show us more of the beer fridge. Ha, ha. I’m just kidding. Love both the beer fridge and the new bayberry blue kitchen. They look great. And here’s to cheeseheads for life. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ll admit, I have a strange fascination looking inside other people’s refrigerators. It provides an unfiltered look at their lives.

      Like

      1. My fridge is always open. My beer fridge is definitely more exciting. Ha, ha.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. The kitchen remodel looks terrific. The cabinets work well with the blue.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Pete! I always thought the cabinets would pop better against the blue than the red. Seems to be the case.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. You don’t have a dishwasher. Wow. How old IS that house? The blue wall v the old wallpaper definitely a nice upgrade. I didn’t even notice the ceiling. I didn’t realize anyone painted ceilings other than white. I also like the mug… tree? No, that’s not right. Mug branches? That seems a little better. Stainless steel def looks more modern.

    I can’t really comment on the shows, as I have little experience with them. That one about an office sounded interesting. A shame you didn’t finish the explanation. 😉

    I didn’t know Jeopardy was hosted by a former contestant, and, I’m guessing, big time winner? That’s a cool twist of events!

    You had me going with the move. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s five years newer (younger?) than our Rapid City house, which did have a dishwasher, so we can’t blame the 1979-ness of the place. I guess Dick and Carol were old-fashioned and preferred doing it by hand. We don’t, but alas, we have no choice. Installing a dishwasher now would mean gutting a cabinet and losing precious storage space, so we’ll just stick it out for a few more years.

      Ken Jennings had a 74-game winning streak in 2004, winning $2.52 million and the “Greatest of All Time” tournament later. Nobody is more qualified to host the show than he is!

      Like

      1. 74-game winning streak! Holy cow! Is that guy a genius, or what? How super cool and smart of them to offer him the job.

        I suppose with only two of you, you don’t rack up the dirty dishes too much. Cabinet space is definitely precious. Though you could potentially add a small island and have cabinet space plus more counter space.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. We actually have a peninsula (not pictured) which gives us more under counter space and a nice work area.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Oh that’s cool.

        Also, try Abbott Elementary. Like The Office but at a school.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. You’re the second person to mention that one.

        Like

  16. I spent the summer rewatching Downtown Abbey, which I LOVE, but given your list of what you watch, I’m not sure it’s up your alley. Right now I’m bingeing all the episodes of the six seasons of House of Cards. SO GOOD. (I’d watched about 1.5 seasons years ago, but then stopped. Not sure why…)

    Kitchen looks great, but it didn’t realize you didn’t have a dishwasher. Not having a dishwasher in our house may lead to a divorce, so we have one. You might love an island in the middle of your kitchen, too.

    When you mentioned some of the places you might move to, my initial thought was, “Watch out for the winters,” but then I remembered who I was talking to.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, “Downton Abbey” isn’t on my list, though I’m sure it’s good if you like that sort of thing. I’m curious about “House of Cards.”

      We don’t really have room for an island in the kitchen, but we do have a peninsula (not pictured) with more under-counter storage and a convenient workspace.

      I ain’t afraid of no cold!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. House of Cards is political intrigue at the highest level. It’s based on the original English series, so you know it’s good. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Good for you, enjoy TV shows you like. I ‘m a news addict so dwell in a diferent and certainly much less charming world. However, my inner monologue thing and I have a close relationship and it is very very smart like me and also has same anxiety-perfection inclinations and we get along majestically. I am so happy now to have a best friend inner monologue association to complement discussions with my teddy bear and two imaginary friends that whisper wisdom to me now and then from the Enlightenment corners of the universe. . So “alone” does not have to mean alone and is all very comforting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You know, Dexter converses with imaginary friends, too. You don’t have a secret stash of very sharp knives, do you?

      The news is too damn depressing nowadays. Though really, it’s always been that way. It’s just gotten worse.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Kudos on the completed reno — looks great! And I hear you about the gap/withdrawal stuff when you end a beloved series. Darling daughter is a fan of “Dexter”…I’ll have to ask her about the reboot…I’ve never watched but her description of a loveable murderer…was perplexing….LOL.
    And…I waved at you on Thursday. Did you see me? Made a quick trip to McFarland to see a dear friend and as much as I wanted to detour just a tad to ambush…I mean visit…you, it wasn’t meant to be. Next time!
    😉😉😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A serial killer who only preys on other serial killers. He’s doing society a favor. What’s not to love!

      I felt a slight disturbance in The Force on Thursday, and now I know why! Seriously, feel free to let me know if you’re ever in the area and have an hour to spare. We can grab a coffee/drink/lunch/whatever floats your boat.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yay!! Will do! 🥰❤️🥰

        Like

  19. Wow – your remodel looks great! Since you aren’t moving for another 15-20 years (holding you to that…), I love the changes you are making at home!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You did see my “unless we win the lottery” disclaimer, right…?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Glad you called that out for WHEN it happens!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. This will be the ultimate manifesting test.

        Liked by 1 person

  20. We don’t have our TV hooked up . . . except to the DVD player. We rent movies and shows from the library. We tend to do lots of Nature & PBS shows, plus Great Courses (with lectures on tons of interesting topics).

    Until we moved, we watched Jeopardy most weeknights. In the past 9 months, not so much.

    The kitchen looks great. So does the beer fridge.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sounds like “Into The Pride Lands” would be right up your alley! I love that you are Team DVD. Me too!

      Like

      1. Watching DVD’s and playing CD’s still works for me. Although I don’t miss 8-tracks, cassette tapes, or VHS tapes. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Cassettes were a pain. I don’t miss them either!

        Like

      3. Oh, I forgot to say that I added the first 2 seasons of Dexter to our library queue. I’ve never seen it, but the premise sounds right up my alley. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      4. You’re in for a treat! Those first two seasons especially.

        Like

  21. It’s a gorgeous color, that blue.

    I used to have blue dishes of a similar color because I love that blue so much. I started looking for other items that matched those dishes including placemats which I found in the exact color at a Christmas exhibit, and dish towels… I couldn’t find a little area rug in that exact color or a mat for in front of the sink, but I never stopped looking! 😃

    Now my kitchen black, white and cherry wood on the floor. Dishes are mixed ,(kids, dishwasher accidents etc). They only color I have is the clutter the family leaves around, or the accents I use for decor. Right now it’s orange. 🎃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Our dishes are a rainbow of colors. I like the mismatched look, because life isn’t always neat and orderly, you know? Glad you like the blue. I was starting to think I was insane after so many people chose the red in my poll.

      And I will always love orange.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I also chose the red (brick dust? what a cool name). But the blue has its moment now. And, our dishes are also mishmash, which I like now. Some of them are thrifted. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Dude, you missed the whole early 20’s Jeopardy host controversy?!

    Seems quaint now. Sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I heard about it though. Was Mayim THAT bad?

      Like

  23. Fun–my husband and I also commit to series in very serious ways, only we usually watch old stuff. (Though we both really liked Better Call Saul a ways back.) We’ve watched every single episode of Cheers, Magnum PI, and Rockford Files, but we got a little fatigued with Simon & Simon and didn’t make it through. It sort of makes me feel like an anthropologist/cultural historian, which I’m not, but it was definitely a different world in the 80s.

    The only place I’ve been in Wisconsin (I’m from Ohio but have lived in VA and MD for a million years) is Manitowoc, which was beautiful. I’d love to be somewhere north of here–summers are brutal. And, while we don’t need it, necessarily, my husband just got enough wood stacked for two Wisconsin winters (maybe).

    Kitchen looks great–love that blue.

    Glad we connected. Reach out if you’d ever like to do a guest post on Rust Belt Girl. Doesn’t look like you need the followers–lots of comments here!–but we might run in slightly different circles. Book reviews, author interviews, or even a humorous take on life in the upper midwest–I’m open.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Better Call Saul was SO good! And a couple of years ago, I rewatched Cheers from start to finish. It was dated, but also, still really funny.

      Manitowoc charmed us, what little time we spent there. We have lots more exploring to do.

      And thank you for your kind offer! I just might take you up on that. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Although I voted for the red the blue looks good, especially with the white ceiling and stainless appliances (did you also paint the walls next to the blue?). I wonder if you could just put some peel and stick vinyl squares over the existing floor while you wait for a future remodel?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We did paint the walls, yes. It was a complete kitchen makeover on a budget!

      I suppose we could do the vinyl squares, but we don’t hate the floor. It’s a total ’70s vibe, but I can live with that for now.

      Like

  25. I laughed out loud at your “never moving again” update, but – in truth – it sounds like an entirely realistic and reasonable acceptance of changes in later life. And a bloody gorgeous place to go do it in if you don’t mind my saying.

    Your kitchen looks vastly better. TBH, either colour would’ve worked great, as it was the yellow which was the *big* problem – Tara’s right again! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s tough enough to keep up with the property now. I can’t imagine doing all this work in 15 years! Though Dick lasted a lot longer than I’d have thought. Pretty sure he was still maintaining the yard at age 80.

      The yellow was the biggest offender for sure. I’m glad it’s gone.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I totally get the sadness when a beloved series ends and a need to sometimes revisit it (yes, the office and including the British version because nerd level 2) and true crime shows, old crime series, Matlock, etc. old game shows, and Somebody Somewhere and Schitt’s Creek and…..

    the kitchen turned out well, in spite of my brick dust vote , the blueberry people were right and it looks great and is a wonderful kitchen upgrade.

    I would just like to know if and WHEN the tiki-zebo manifests itself at some future date, could I please have an honorary tiny name plate or a toast, as a rapid lobbyist on behalf of this project who refused to give up hope, knowing that you and tara would live an enriched life with a structure like this on your property.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love the British version of The Office, so I guess I’m also Nerd Level 2.

      Glad you like the blue! Seems like most people who voted for red admitted we made the right choice. I appreciate that.

      Tell you what: if/when the tikizebo happens, we’ll have one night where anyone named Beth who stops by to visit gets 1/2 price cocktails. It’s the least I can do for your continued support!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. or ‘beck’ or ‘ben’ or something close?

        Like

  27. Looks great!! I watched master chef all season. We were away from Thursday on so I didn’t watch the finale. So of course I saw an insta of who won before I watched episode. For the record the season was average

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We’re working our way through the last five episodes now. I agree; it’s hard to get excited over this season. I did like the auction though, where they bid for time.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Talk about a spoiler! You mean The Office was based on a FICTIONAL paper business? WHAT?

    The last series I’ve watched are Severance (hated the ending-still confused!), Shrinking (LOVED!), Ted Lasso (LOVED!) and I’m watching Gilded Age. I’ve tried to rewatch entire seasons of vintage shows (Seinfeld, Friends, that era, etc…) but for some reason, I can’t do it. I mean, I can catch an episode here or there, but never the whole thing. I believe I’m a one and done kind of gal.

    The kitchen makeover looks fantastic; you two must love going into your kitchen now!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Have you ever watched Six Feet Under? If not, you would love it! It’s weird with some gore.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I have not, but it’s been on my list for a long time. I want to see Michael C. Hall in a role other than Dexter!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I actually forgot he was in that! You guys will love it, it’s a very dark show.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. If it makes you feel any better, Scranton is real. For better or worse.

      (No shade on Scranton. I’ve never been there, but I’m sure it’s a perfectly lovely town with plenty to offer.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So Jim and Pam were also really in love?🤣

        Liked by 1 person

  29. Mark, I don’t know if you’ve sampled it yet or now, but the Netflix show Wednesday will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween. Mrs. B loved The Office during its long run. We gave Alien Earth a shot but it didn’t stick. I have heard a lot of good things about the Dexter franchise but have never sampled it…consider me intrigued.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have not seen “Wednesday” yet, but more than one person has recommended it. I’ll add it to my list!

      Liked by 1 person

  30. […] plowing through 126 episodes of Dexter in less than six months, maybe I’m just desensitized to blood, guts, and gore […]

    Like

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