Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What title would you give this current chapter of your life? What Day Is Today?  I have been busy and I have actually asked this question and checked my phone to see the date too many times to count lately.  I go to the calendar everyday to see what is going on that day and to plan for the next day. It will get better...I think? :-)

2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?  I can easily get away without a microwave because we don't have one. We haven't had a microwave for quite a few years.  I don't miss it one bit.  I had a hard time softening butter but I have learned how to do that with the toaster oven or actually put it on the counter to soften. I wrote about it before. If you have any interest in reading why check it out.  People still look at me funny when I say that we don't have a microwave.  They just don't understand how we can "live" like that!  HaHa!

3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why? The Christmas Song....I would like to roast chestnuts over an open fire! Don't know why but it just seems like it would be fun!

4. Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken. I would say driving on our road after a heavy snowfall.  Sometimes the trees are absolutely beautiful! I posted some pictures from March that you may enjoy!

5. What's something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one) Personally, I'm not a gift-y person so trying to come up with a gift to ask for is hard.  I have so much and I honestly don't need more stuff! However, I did see a water bottle and tumbler from Pioneer Woman that would be nice to have.  I like to drink out of pretty cups, mugs and tumblers!

6. Insert your own random thought here. Tomorrow marks our 21st wedding anniversary.  I am amazed at how God has blessed us through those 21 years. Thank you Jerm for walking beside me through it all.  Lots of love and happiness to another 21.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What takes you out of your comfort zone? Teaching Ryder math. I hate math and There is just something really wrong when you mix the alphabet and digits!  I did ok with Algebra in high school but this isn't pleasant.  I'm really glad I have a good math curriculum that helps aide in teaching him. 

2. Your least favorite spice?  I would have to say sage or nutmeg.  I like the smells of those spices but as for flavor a little goes a LONG way!

3. What's a small change you'd like to make?  I would like to do better at using up leftovers.  I don't like having to pitch food to the chickens but my creative juices at using up leftovers is waning.  I need to do better with that.

4. Do you enjoy visiting historic homes? If so, of the homes you've visited which one was your favorite? What historic home near you is open to visitors? Have you been? Southern Living rounded up eleven of the best in the southern part of the US and they're as follows-

Monticello (Jefferson's home in Virginia), Nathaniel Russel House (Charleston SC), Swan House (Atlanta), Ernest Hemingway's home (Key West), The Biltmore (Vanderbilt home in Asheville NC), Mount Vernon (Washington's home in Virgina), San Francisco Plantation (Garyville, Louisiana), Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson Mississippi), Longue Vue House and Gardens (New Orleans), Whitehall (Palm Beach FL), and Pebble Hill Plantation (Thomasville GA)
Have you been to any on the list? Of the homes listed which would you most like to visit?  I haven't been to any of these homes.  I would like to go to Monticello from this list.  One of my favorite homes to visit is at a historical center.  They have a 1830's Farmstead cabin.  They have some really awesome buildings there.  I am into history so this is a happy place for me. The kids even enjoy going there! 

5. What's something you think will be obsolete in ten years? Does that make you sad or glad?  I figure land line phones will be gone. I'm not sure how I feel about that... Last night we had company and we were talking about when credit cards came about.  I worked as a secretary/receptionist at a local animal hospital and we accepted credit cards.  I had to place the card in a holder and slide an arm over the card to make a carbon copy on the CC forms.  Madi just looked at me like I was crazy!  She also had a hard time comprehending that the stores were closed on Sundays and you couldn't get gas on a Sunday either! I can remember that some stores started to open on Sundays when I was around 10 years old. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. Ryder has been learning some new guitar songs so I have been serenaded daily for several weeks.  The latest song he's learning is Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven.  He plays it beautifully.  I'm am truly blessed with some talented children!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them. I was close to my grandmothers more than my grandfathers.  My mom was one of 12 kids so there were a lot of us grandkids running around.  I think there were 33 (?) grandkids.  My grandma always made us feel special though.  I went to visit my grandma before she passed of Alzheimer's and I was prepared for her to not know who I was.  I walked up to her bed and I greeted her and asked her if she knew who I was.  She looked me and said, "Yes, I know who you are.  How could I ever forget you?"  She proceeded to tell me who I was and different things about me.  I forgot about that day until I started to type this. Now I have tears streaming down my face so hard I can hardly see to type!  
On my dad's side; I never knew my biological grandfather as he passed several years before I was born.  I was close to my grandmother though.  She had Parkinson's disease and I helped my dad and uncle take care of her until she was too sick for us to take care of at home.  I spent a lot of my growing up years with her and my grandpa (her second husband).  I can remember one time when he took me fishing and I caught a brook trout and thought that it was the biggest fish of my life!  I don't think he got much fishing done that day! 

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?  I don't think I was ever attached to any particular item.  I had several dolls that I played with though.  I kept those dolls and thought that Madi would like them when she was little...nope! She wasn't into my old dolls so they are currently in storage! :-)

3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.  I see a forest and trees!!!  I try to see the whole picture in things and I also know that in every situation there is two sides and the truth.  :-)   I also like to look for the light at the end of the tunnel!

4. Do you like sour candies? Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats 

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? What's your favorite dish containing one of the sour foods on the list?  I do not like sour candies!!!  Of the foods listed I will say lemons.  I really like a slice of lemon in my water.  I have tried kumquats before and I can't say that I particularly liked them.

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far.  It has been a rollercoaster ride but I love it!

6. Insert your own random thought here.   My mom came over to visit yesterday afternoon and we flipped through some old photo albums I have.  I am so happy that I have those photos and not just pictures on a computer.  It has encouraged me to print off more and fill some more albums!  I am so excited to print more photos.  Am I the only one who likes to look at actual photos instead of digital ones? 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I haven't posted for a bit so I decided to answer some questions for the Hodgepodge! Hope you enjoy reading today.


 1. When and where were the best fireworks you've ever seen? Speaking of fireworks...do you know your hot buttons? The things people can say and/or do to set you off? When was the last time someone pushed one of your hot buttons?  Many years ago we attended a fireworks display that was set a record for the most fireworks set off within a specific time. I can't remember many of the details anymore but it was fabulous! 
My hot buttons: my family can tell you very simply...when I am hot and/or hungry.  People don't do much that make me angry except the things that would make anyone upset like child abuse/neglect.  I have come to the realization that a lot of people are quite honestly stupid and are lacking a severe amount of commonsense. Ok, I guess that is a hot button too! HaHa!

 2. Have you hosted any outdoor summer parties this year? Attended any? What makes for a great outdoor party?  I haven't attended any parties.  Would picnics count?  I have been to several picnics so far.  We have done several campfires also.  For us a campfire is family sitting around a big fire pit roasting marshmallows, hotdogs, making mountain pies and S'mores.  In our family a great party has to have FOOD and lots of it! :-)

3. What does freedom mean to you?  I come from a long line of veterans.  Freedom wasn't free.  Someone paid with their life, blood, sweat and tears for us to be free. Families were affected when that loved one was taken from them for our freedom. We are free to worship as we want, vote in politics like we want and make decisions for our families as we want like whether to homeschool/private/Christian/public educate our children.  We are free to think and act upon our thoughts as we want. We are able to post blogs that have our views expressed pretty freely also...even if they are written with out any commonsense! ;-)  I guess that is a bit along side my answer to number 1.  I also feel that folks need to realize there are two sides to every story.  Pros and cons to every hot button issue out there and we have the freedoms to express those due to our veterans ensuring our freedoms.

4. July is National Cell Phone Courtesy month...what annoys you most about people's cell phone habits?  What annoys me the most about cell phones is that people talk way to loudly into them.  I don't feel that I need to hear your conversations so use your inside voice on the phone; even if you are outside.

5. What's your current summer anthem?  I don't have one.  I don't think I have ever had an anthem.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  I am trying to enjoy summer to its fullest this year.  Usually I am ready for summer to turn into fall but this year has been so different.  I am just loving summer.  I am not ready to turn in the sandals for boots anytime soon!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 1. What color is prominent in your home? Are you glad about that or wishing you could cover it up or remove it?  There are two prominent colors in our home navy blue and brick red.  I am happy about that and they are some of my favorite colors.  I have no desire to remove them or cover them up! 

2. What's something you'll NEVER do again? Well... I am a bit ashamed to admit this but.... I will NEVER, EVER ask a lady when she is expecting!!!   When I was much younger, around 20ish, I asked my neighbor when her next little was due....she wasn't expecting!!!!  I felt horrible! Absolutely horrible!  They had 4 small children already and I figured they were going to continue having more!  She was very understanding but I felt like I had insulted her terribly! Lesson learned!

3. Tell us a couple of ways you fit the stereotypes associated with your gender, and a couple of ways you don't.  I am not real sure how to answer this... I am a woman and I feel that I look like a girl, act like a girl and talk like a girl....  I wear makeup, like to polish my nails and keep my hair done.  I don't care much for snakes, mice or spiders....
Ways that I don't fit....  I am not a fan of cooking.  I do it but I don't love to cook or bake.  I would happily pawn that job off onto someone else.  Dressing up in fancy clothes isn't something that I enjoy.  I don't like high heels.

 4. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Have you ever owned a motorcycle? Ever ridden a motorcycle? If the opportunity presented itself would you hop on a motorcycle and go for a ride?  I personally have never owned a motorcycle but Jeremiah does.  I have ridden a motorcycle many, many times.  I started to ride motorcycles when I was a small child.  My uncle would take me to town on his bike when I was about 7-8 years old.  Jeremiah and I started dating at age 16 and he had a motorcycle and we rode that occasionally.  I go riding with Jerm when the weather is nice. I am not a true fan of it though because I don't like getting my hair messed up.  :-)

5. If someone wanted to understand you, what should they read, watch, and listen to?   I have to say that there isn't an answer for this! If there was Jerm would have read it, watched it and listened to it!  HaHa

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  The weather has been cooler and sometimes dreary here in the pine tree forest.  The leaves have finally popped on most of the trees.  The flowers are coming out in full bloom.  I posted these pictures yesterday of the rhododendrons and some of the garden but thought that I would share it with Hodgepodger's also!  

 

 

  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?  I can't state an actual day of January but the end of January has definitely been better since I have figured out what I can eat and what I can't.  Staying clear of wheat and gluten has been a major plus for me. 

2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?  At the moment the fan from the furnace is blowing, the radio is on in the kitchen, the dishwasher is making a quiet hum and Ryder has the TV on for some history lessons. 

3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?  I have dropped a lot of these from my life several years back.  I'm still prone to anger though. That one is hard to keep in check for me.  I recently started to have some negative self talk though.  In the last year, I have been struggling with negative thoughts with my body image.  No I am not a youngster- I am in my early 40's.  Jeremiah has been very supportive of me and has been excellent at counter-acting my negative thoughts.  He doesn't see me the way I do.  I never cared about body image before but for some reason the last year or so has been hard for me.  I am not the skinny-minny of my youth and maybe that is catching up with me.  I know that I have a husband who loves me for me and not for what I think I should be.  I am getting better with the negative thinking and I owe a lot of that to Jerm.  I can only pray that other folks have someone in their lives who loves them through the negative. 

4. What is sacred to you?  I guess there are different ways of looking at the word sacred so I am just going to go with my first thought.  My marriage and family is sacred to me.  I can't imagine not having them.  I also keep my faith and belief in God on the sacred list. 

5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?  I do like some oatmeal.  I make oatmeal with butter, brown sugar and a little vanilla.  That's the way the kids like it too.  You can make oatmeal taste good and not like wallpaper paste. 

6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?  I do not have any particular feeling stir at twilight.  Sorry but I don't have an answer for this question...

7. Something you're looking forward to next month?  My birthday is in February along with my mama's.  My little nephew's birthday is two days after mine.  He is the sweetest little guy ever!  We will celebrate his 1st birthday on my 42nd birthday!  I am 41 years and 2 days older than him.   :-)  I am so excited!  He is my only nephew so he is pretty special around here. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  We have been getting some snow around here lately.  I plan to do a separate post sometime soon with some pictures that I have been taking.  This photo is the Pine Tree Forest. Madi gave me her phone to shoot a few pictures of the snow while she was driving.  I ended up taking about 500 photos. She went through them and narrowed them down to 25!  Only 25!  ;-)  It was a very overcast morning so it was hard to get decent pictures. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list? EVERYTHING!!  I haven't even started to shop! Ok, well I did order one thing from Amazon but it is materials for something that I still have to make. We will be going shopping on Friday to take care of the gifts.  Oh and by the way for those who are wondering...this doesn't stress me out at all...Jeremiah yeah a little, me- not so much.  It will get done, sometime!  One year (many years ago) Jerm and I did ALL our shopping on Christmas Eve.

 

2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter?  I like the beginning of winter. It's the end of winter that gets me...It is just too long and cold!  :-)  But for my favorite part, it has to be those first couple snows.  I love when we get a big snowstorm and it coats everything in a dazzling white!

 

3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not.   This is hard.... I will say...parenting.... I don't know if I will ever get it together in this department but I am trying! Lord willing, I will keep trying!

 

4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016?   It has to be to savor each moment we have together.  

 

5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? SHRIMP!!!  YUCK!!!  I do not like ANY seafood.... Shrimp may be part of our holiday feastings because Ryder LOVES shrimp.  We usually get one or two shrimp rings for an appetizer for the Christmas Eve dinner that we host.  

 

6. What sound lulls you to sleep?  A fan.  All of us are lulled to sleep by a fan.  Our first home was right by a busy road.  Lots of noisy vehicles going up and down the road.  It would wake up the kids when they were babies.  We had found that running the humidifier helped all of us to sleep better.  Summer arrived and the hum then came in the form of the fan.  No going back now!  :-) 

 

7. What one word best describes your 2016? Blessed

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  For the past several years we have exchanged home made gifts with Jeremiah's family.  One gift per couple.  (The kids are the exception, they still get gifts)  This year we decided to change up the gift to have a family experience.  So as of now, we have decided to go snow tubing at a local ski resort in January. 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate.  I am definitely a people oriented person. I don't care much for working by myself and will happily delegate tasks to others.  Now, I will say that once upon a time, I would have rather done the work myself so that it was "done correctly" but I have learned that I can't do that anymore.  It was very wearing on my mental health!

2. December 15 is National Wear Your Pearls Day...do you own/wear pearls? If you're a man answering the question, does your sweetheart own or wear pearls? Everyone share a 'pearl of wisdom' with us here today.   I do not own any pearls. I have a set of small earrings that are fakes. My pearl of wisdom is to enjoy every moment of each day.  I will add more to this in #8, the random thought.

3. Speaking of pearls...oysters? Are you a fan or not a fan? If you answered yes, tell us your favorite way to eat oysters? If you said no, be honest-have you ever tried one or does just the idea of eating an oyster make you gag a little?   Not a fan of oysters and no I have never, ever eaten an oyster and hopefully for the rest of my life I will never have one of those slimy things in my mouth.  For me, it's a texture thing and I will never willingly eat one!

4. Time Magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump Person of the Year. Let's take presidents and presidential candidates out of the mix for a minute. If a political figure had not been chosen who would you name Man or Woman of the Year for 2016?  Honestly, I have no idea.  I guess they want famous people or newsworthy folks and really there are very few of those worthy of being called the "person of the year" to me.  I don't have an answer to this question.

5. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 has been announced, and it's a vibrant green aptly named-greenery. Your thoughts? Is this a color currently in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade for the new year? Click here to see the color.   I like the color.  I don't think I have anything in that color anywhere.  It's pretty but I don't think it will show up in my home or in my wardrobe.

6. Today I've had too much________________________.   To do!!  I have cabinets to organize, my kitchen needs some major attention and as usual the laundry is out of control!!  Oh, I also need to get the Christmas cards out! AND what am I doing....blogging!  HaHa!  I will get to it though!

7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.   One of my favorite carols is Mary Did You Know? and Silver Bells is a song that makes me think of my grandma.  She used to play it on the organ a lot when I was a little girl. I don't enjoy shopping or going to the city but the song is sweet. I am going to post the lyrics to both songs. I think that Mary Did You Know? is a deep song.  Madi sang this song at our homeschool Christmas Variety Show.

Mary Did You Know?:

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know

 

Silver Bells:

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks,
Dressed in holiday style,
In the air there is a feeling,
of Christmas
Children laughing,
People passing
Meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you'll hear :

Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
ring- a- ling, hear them ring,
soon it will be Christmas day.

Strings of street lights,
Even stop lights,
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush,
home with their treasures.

Hear the snow crunch,
See the kids bunch,
This is Santa's big scene,
And above all this bustle
You'll hear :
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city,
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas day.

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.  In keeping to my answer in #2 about enjoying every moment of every day here's why... This isn't to necessarily be a Debbie Downer but it's what happening in my life in real time....

 

I say to enjoy every moment because we don't know how many days we have with those we love.  In August, Jeremiah's cousin and her hubby lost their little girl in her 7th month of pregnancy.  It was a devastating loss to them and the family.  They have 3 beautiful little girls and she would have made their fourth blessing.  On Thursday of last week my mom called me and said that my cousin and her husband lost their little boy in her 7th month of pregnancy.  He would have been their fourth little boy.  His funeral is tomorrow. 

 

Yesterday, I kept my nephew.  He just turned 10 months old and is a sweet baby boy!  He had two vaccinations on Monday and wasn't a very happy camper.  He was fussy and didn't feel too good along with not sleeping well.  He wasn't easily entertained or his regular happy self yesterday.  I have a metal star hanging on the glass patio door that leads to the playroom from our kitchen.  He liked touching it and playing with the star. There are little fingerprints on the glass now and I will be letting them there.  It seems like just last week that my own kids were leaving little fingerprints on the glass.  They are both bigger than me now.  I will savor those little messy prints for a bit longer.  It won't be but a couple blinks and he will be taller than me!

 

Enjoy each and every moment you have with those you love.  We only have so many days and I want to savor as many of those as I can.  I will snuggle, hug and kiss my little nephew and pray God's favor on him as I do my own two kids.  I hope that as we enter into this wonderful Christmas season that you embrace those around you and enjoy every moment spent with them....even the ones who try your patience!  Blessing to All! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?  I USED to be a Clark Griswold but now...not so much.  When the kids were little, Jeremiah and I went all out decorating.  We did most of the house.  However, as time went on I have drastically changed my decorating habits.  It is just too much extra work for me right now.  I am not into it as I once was.  Each year depends on my energy level and amount of excitement I have for decorating.  I don't think I will do much this year.  The tree is up and so far that's all....

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas!  I have a beautiful nativity scene.  It is very simple in design but is very fitting.  I do not have it up yet.  I think I will get it out this year, maybe.

3.  Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?  Many of my neighbors are my family... We are social for sure. 

4.  As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?  It is ringing true here.  I don't spend a lot of time thinking about the future at the moment.  We are living day by day and enjoying it.  Each day is a gift and I want to savor it.  Today I will be keeping my baby nephew.  He is 9 months old now and I honestly can't believe how fast the time has flown!  It seems that a blink ago he couldn't even roll over and now he is crawling and getting into everything!  I love it and it helps to keep me grounded!  My own babies are teens so I truly miss this wonderful baby stage!

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?  I am one of those people who dread Mondays.  I think I have always dreaded Mondays.  I am not a schedule person so when Monday rolls around I have to leave the carefree weekends go...

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?  I will say Christmas Cactus but the Poinsettia is very close...  My Christmas Cactus is in bloom right now.  They are so lovely.  When I decorate, I like to use Poinsettias. 

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.  I don't think I actually have a favorite quote but one our family uses is: You'll shoot your eye out with that thing!  from a Christmas Story.  I will assume that it isn't the actual direct quote but close.  I will also state that I am NOT a fan of that movie but it has some really good one liners in it!  :0)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.   Today Jeremiah and I celebrate our 20th Anniversary. We were high school sweethearts who were engaged on Christmas Day then married two years later with a Country Christmas wedding. December 7 is Pearl Harbor Day so many folks don't choose to marry on that day but it was also my Pap's birthday.  We decided that it was ok to chose that date.  We even mentioned Pap's birthday on the wedding program.  He is gone now, actually passed away on Christmas Eve many years ago, but all our grandparents live on in our hearts and memories.  In reference to question #4; live in the present and enjoy every day you are given. Plan for the future, but don't obsess about it; remember the past and learn from it.  We never know how many of days were are blessed with.  Have a blessed day and enjoy it to the fullest.  God is good- all the time!

After re-reading #8, I think I hit random on that!!!!  I am very scattered with my answer!  Have a good day anyhow!  ~smile~

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. Give us three rhyming words that say something about your Thanksgiving holiday (or your most recent holiday gathering if you didn't celebrate Thanksgiving).  
   1. Fast- This holiday was quick.  Time flew!
   2. Blast- Time flew because we were having such a great time.
   3. Last- This is the last holiday of the year that all of Jeremiah's family gets together.  Those that travel stay home for Christmas. 

2. When did you last say, 'the more the merrier'? Did you mean it?  I can't exactly say when I used that saying last.  I use it a lot.  Every time we have get together's we love to have more.  I definitely mean it when I say it! 

3. What's one piece of advice you'd give someone who is your same age?  This is tough as I could really use the advice! LOL  I am entering into a stage of life where my kids aren't as dependent on me anymore and are branching out onto other things.  They do most of their school themselves so I am not necessarily needed there anymore. They are teens and it is hard to sometimes let go.  I guess my advice would be to enjoy every moment of time together we can.  They will be flying the coop way to soon!

4. You're ordering a veggie plate, what four veggies are on it? 
   1. Carrots
   2. Cauliflower
   3. Broccoli
   4. Radishes

5. Shop til you drop! Did you? Have you ever? Will you between now and Christmas?  I didn't shop til I dropped.  I may have in my early twenties though.  I will shop again but it isn't my favorite thing to do.  I detest shopping.

6. What's your favorite chair in your house, and why is it a favorite?  A favorite chair is actually a glider with a matching ottoman.  A dear friend gave us this glider set and it is so comfortable!!!!  I love to sit and read on it. I think it may actually be a favorite chair for a lot of the family.  It isn't comfortable to take a nap in though.  I fell asleep in it one time while reading. I woke with a terrible kink in my neck!  LOL  It is also a great chair to be in while holding my baby nephew! Awesome!  It gets a lot of usage! 

7. Share an early memory of faith, religion, or spirituality. I have so many memories that picking one is hard. I guess I will go with one from my teen years.  I was in our church youth group.  It was different from many of the ones today.  Our group met to help others; like an outreach ministry and we spent a lot of time learning the Scriptures and how to apply them to our lives.  Occasionally we would go for ice cream and once we had a sledding party. That was fun!

8. Insert your own random thought here.   It's amazing that Christmas will be here soon.  I can't believe that we are at the end of November already! We have only had one snow so far this season.  It seems weird!  LOL  Today it is raining!  It should be snow... I am not wanting snow but it makes it seem more festive.  We have had the Christmas music playing since Thanksgiving and it is starting to look like Christmas in our home!  The tree is up and some decorations have been set out.  It's an exciting time of the year!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What would you say is your strongest sense? Smell and taste are close for me.  Since I have to chose one I will go with smell. 

 2. Do you believe in the idea of a 'sixth sense'? Why or why not? I do believe in a "sixth sense".  I think that we all have one.  We get that feeling in our gut and to me that is a sixth sense.

3. When do you most feel like a slave to time? Explain. When I need to get out the door for an appointment or to have one of kids to work. I don't even fret about supper time anymore....  We can eat sandwiches! :-)

4. Have you ever worked in a restaurant? How would you rate the experience? If you could own a restaurant what kind would it be? Yes, I have worked at a restaurant.  I somewhat enjoyed that job.  I learned a lot about dealing with the public and practicing patience. That job gave me experience for my future jobs as a secretary/receptionist. If I owned a restaurant I would do a down home-styled restaurant.  For one, that's the food I know how to cook and I don't like food from packages or the kind that you microwave and eat. 

 5. Ever traced your family tree? Share something interesting you learned there. I haven't actually traced my family tree but family history is a big deal in my family.  Information has been passed through the generations but my brother has traced some of our family history online.  An interesting story he found is that one of our "a lot of great's" uncle was close to George Washington during the Revolutionary War.  Shortened version:

    ::George found our uncle to be a close friend
   ::After the war was over he asked uncle what he could give him for being
      loyal to him during the war
   ::Uncle said that there was a beautiful piece of land that he traveled through
     on his way to one of the other forts
   ::George gifted him the land for his loyalty and service
   ::My kinfolk have been here since
    
 6. What did your childhood bedroom look like?  Exactly the same as now.  My mom still lives in my childhood home and nothing has changed really.  I had a nice bedroom.  It was cold in winter though as there isn't a heat source in there.  My old room has sloped ceilings- kinda like an A but had straight walls about 3 feet to the floor. My kids love to go to my old room and hang out when we go to Mom's.  We go there frequently as mom only lives a couple miles away. 

7. Anyone who knows me knows I love_______________________? TEA!!!!!!  :-)

8. Insert your own random thought here. I have finished canning for the season.  Madilynne and I canned 15 pounds of carrots yesterday.  I will be carrying them to the shelves today and the season is done!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August?   At this moment in time, I choose letter writing, but calligraphy sounds like it could be fun.  I have no desire to learn a new dance or dance (it's just too hot) and as much as I like to cook, I wouldn't have a very full cookbook.

 

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain.  I both agree and disagree on this statement. I agree with it from the viewpoint of: I want a new cell phone, computer, iPad, TV, car, etc. You can find happiness with out those "things".  However, to those who are longing for a baby/child or a spouse; I think you may have a hole in your heart that will complete your happiness when you have a child or find your spouse.  It's not that you can't be happy, it's that your happiness hasn't come full circle. Above all, I feel that without God in your life, you will never achieve full happiness. Period.

 

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds.  I am not a thrifter.  I wish I could say that I am but I am not.

 

4.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1= almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear? I am a 3 maybe.  I have several places that I want to visit but I do not care much for the traveling part of getting to the destination.  I am excited when Jeremiah is able to go along with us so he does a lot of the driving but overall I am not much into travel.

 

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so?  Marathon.  Our garden is producing amazing food for us this year.  I have been canning a lot of our veggies and it isn't done yet.  I am so happy to fill my basement shelves with food to feed our family for the coming year!

 

6. What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives?  We need to get wood in for winter. Usually at some point in late September we will need some heat.  We need to get our chimney ready and wood cut and stacked.  Jeremiah and Ryder handle all the wood cutting and Madilynne and I help with loading, unloading and stacking.  I am not a good stacker so I am usually the one handing the wood over to Jeremiah or Ryder to stack. 

 

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time? Visiting!!  I get so caught up talking and catching up with friends and family that I loose track of time! Happens quite frequently in my life.  I enjoy a good visit!

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I am getting ready to pick and process more green beans.  I switched to canning them in pints this year.  Our family likes green beans but for some reason we just don't eat a full quart.  I always seem to have leftover green beans and no one wants to eat the last bit. I figure if we need more I can open two jars. Madi opened a jar up last week and ate the whole thing herself- straight from the jar.  She said that a quart jar is just too much commitment!!    

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 



1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?   I am going to go with June.  Right now it's warm but not cook you from the outside in hot! I am also happy with the garden and all the flowers. 

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?  I can swim.  I took lessons as a child.  I can't remember not being able to swim.  I own one pair of sunglasses.  That pair stays in my car. 

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?  I am not really harsh about myself.  I have come to accept myself and not get worked up about things I am not "perfect" in. Years ago, I would have said my weight but now....not so much.  I just don't care what others think.  I guess some people would think I am a bit loud.  I am not the meek, mild and quiet type! I have good friends and they accept me for who I am.  As for other people, I have to say laziness bothers me.  I don't care much for people that are pure lazy as in- too lazy to take a shower and wash their clothes!  Too lazy to take care of their children- change their diapers and wipe their faces.... you know the type I mean? 

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you?   Honestly, the road I am traveling right now is a road I have always wanted to take.  I am a home schooling mom.  I take care of our home and raise our children. I am married to the best and hardest working man I know!  No one can take his place in our lives and I am loving the road I am taking!

 

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor?  I am in the nay camp.... I may have only liked them when I was a kid....then just maybe....

 

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?  I am in the upper scale.  I know about it and have followed it in the news but I am not going to concern myself with it right now.  I honestly don't know how it will play out in the USA.

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.  I don't have a summer playlist.  I don't listen to music unless it is from the kids devices or on the radio.  There isn't a particular song that comes to mind.  I have a radio on in the kitchen all day long.  I turn it on in the morning and off right before bed.  It is tuned to a local Christian music station.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I have been keeping my cucumber plants watered (they take about 1-1.5 quarts of water a day) and they are really producing some terrific cukes!  I am really happy with these hanging vines.  I picked 5 cucumbers off them on Monday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why? I would go to a local lake.  I just wrote about this yesterday!  Here is a link to that post! I have pictures included so you can see how beautiful it is against the mountains.

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? Most anything "strawberry"! I really like strawberry flavored drinks. I did have an apple flavored iced tea last fall at a local restaurant it was delicious but I will stick with strawberry drinks. Oh wait...I did have a blueberry flavored soda at a quaint restaurant and it was beyond delicious!!  I have a post on that also. It's so hard to decide!  HaHa!

 

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simplify your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

Helpful:  clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships, de-clutter, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, say no,

Should adopt: unsubscribe, reply to emails right away
 

Now my thoughts... I try to clean as I go but it doesn't always work out.

I have re-evaluated my relationships and I have a close circle of friends in whom I find encouraging and freeing. These friends allow me to be myself and accept me for who I am. 

De-clutter, that is hard for me but I try to work at it regularly.

I do not multitask much anymore.  I concentrate on one thing before going on to the next.  It works out so much better for me as I am forgetful.  

I have a morning routine that works for me right now.  I have to be flexible with it as different days have different schedules but I have found what works for me.

Say no.  I am getting good at that now.  I used to be a people pleaser and took on way too much. 

I need to unsubscribe to some websites but I just don't do it.  I really can't explain why.  I have ditched some sites that wore me down mentally.  I can overlook some ideas because we are all different but I felt that several sites just didn't come in close to my ideas and found myself thinking that the ladies who wrote those sites were idiots so instead of thinking bad about them, I unsubscribed. Problem solved. No more negative thoughts...

I am NOT good at replying to emails right away.  I will if it is necessary but some I need to think about prior to forming the email and some just go unanswered.  I was better at this years ago but I have somehow let go of quick responses.  It would do me good to get better at this.
 

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?  I got a job and worked through college.

 

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? I am probably the only person out there who hasn't listened to a podcast.  I honestly don't think it would be all that great for me.  I don't concentrate enough to listen to one. 

 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?  I believe it to be- just different.  Men are men regardless of time period.  I think that they want to do the best they can to provide for their family and it doesn't matter what year they were born in.  Each time period has its own set of challenges and I think that good fathers really do try their best and make the most out of every possibility for their families.
 

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?  I like country living and so does my dad.  It's nice to go and sit on the front porch and look out and see the lush green fields and wooded areas all around us. 

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  Last week I mentioned our cucumber plants in hanging baskets and several asked that I keep you up to date. I think that they are doing really well.  I am pleased so far and think that if it keeps working out like this we will do it again next year!

 

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 
Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list?  I would most like to pick strawberries.  It is one of my favorite berries.  Jeremiah (I am a terrible gardener) had a lovely strawberry patch for us for many years but these past two years have taken a toll on it.  It hasn't produced many at all. 
Least likely to do- take a morning run is almost tied with spend a whole day hiking....
Will attempt in June: read at least one book and visit a Farmer's Market
Add to the list: Attend our homeschool graduation and end of the year picnic.

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?  Drink more tea!  Actually I start my day with Bible reading and prayer so my day has a peaceful beginning.

 

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?   This is easy...I don't care much for ice cream no matter what the flavor is. The only ice cream that I will eat occasionally is vanilla.

 

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?  Not a happy camper when hungry or hot!
 

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?  Well unfortunately, for this question, I haven't had much time to surf the web this week or spend much time on the computer so I don't have anything to put here.

 

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why? I guess summer because it is warm and I always seem to be warm.

 

7. "You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.  I think it depends on where you are traveling and what your level of contentment is.  This seems to be a "worldly" quote to me.  A "keeping up with the Joneses" type of statement; if you will. If you are always in a competition for bigger and better then this statement would be beneficial to you. 

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Madilynne, Ryder and I went to a local greenhouse Monday to get some cucumber plants that my mom had told me about.  I got two plants.  They planted cucumber plants in a hanging basket and the vines hang down and produce nice cucumbers.  They aren't huge in size (about 5-6" long and 1" in diameter) but we don't eat a lot of them so what these plants will produce will be wonderful for us. Has anyone ever heard of doing this before?  I think it is a neat idea.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.  Our home school group will be having our End-of-Year Picnic and graduation service this month.  You can't go wrong with good food and good friends. 

 

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?  I am not careful in the sun.  I don't spend a lot of time in the sun but when I do I do not use sunscreen.  I don't think it can be healthy to bake chemicals into your skin and say its safe....Not going to have a debate on that though.  I burn and then get a slight tan.  Nothing great either way.  I do not go to see a dermatologist.

 

3. Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'?  Our laptop will occasionally go wacky on us.  It seems to only do it when I am in a hurry or need to access something quickly.  I have to shut the system down and reboot again. It frustrates me and I am ready to say goodbye to technology.  Then it reboots and all is well again! 

 

4. What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics?  I can't think of a song at the moment....

 

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin?  I like berries.  Strawberries are my favorite.  While at our family Memorial Day picnic someone brought a Jello Cake with a flag design on it.  I had a piece with a strawberry on it! So good!  I enjoy blueberries also. My favorite from the list would be blueberry muffins.  I enjoy making them and apparently my family enjoys eating them as I never have many left over to have tea the next day! 

6. What's something you want to do before your next birthday?  I would like to visit the Creation Museum. 

 

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here.  I was checking out at our local Wal-Mart Saturday and the cashier was very pleasant.  I told her that she made parting with my cash a much more pleasant experience. My former life (before kids) I was a secretary and worked with the public.  The public can be rude a lot.  I wanted to let this lady know that I appreciated her positive attitude.  She thanked me for noticing!  How about that?! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.  The temps have been cooperating and I have been running the kids to my in-laws to swim regularly.  We are hoping to go again this evening.  Enjoy your day!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. Tell us about a time you found yourself 'in the middle of nowhere'. Was this deliberate?  Where we live is kinda in the middle of nowhere, really.  I wish we lived further away from our neighbors.  Our home was built around the 1850's.  When it was first built the only people who lived here were in the family.  There are 4 homes that I can see from our property and only two are still family owned.  The one home was built within the last 50 years and it was sold to folks who aren't family but are real decent people.  The neighbors beside us bought a home that was owned by a cousin to my descendants.  She recently passed away.  Ryder really liked to visit with her. Moving here was deliberate.

2. What's something you're 'in the middle of' today or this week? Laundry!  We went away over the weekend and I need to catch up on that laundry plus some here have a stomach virus that is making for extra laundry.  We are almost through that too.

3. At what age do you think 'middle age' begins? What does it mean to be 'middle aged'? I don't know the answer to this question.  I would guess somewhere around 35-40, maybe?  I think middle-aged is more of a mind set. Hopefully you enter this stage of life with some wisdom.

4. Ravioli, stuffed peppers, samosas, deviled eggs, steamed dumplings, pierogis, or a jelly donut...your favorite food (from this list!) with something yummy in the middle. Your favorite not on the list? Honestly, I don't care much for any of these foods.  Ravioli is ok, I used to love deviled eggs but I have a hard time digesting them now and pierogis are edible.  I like donuts but not the jelly filled kind.  I much prefer the donuts with pudding or custard in them.  Cheese sticks are good along with jalapeño wontons!

5. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying ''In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' Would you agree? Have you found this to be true in your own life? Feel free to elaborate. I agree with this statement.  I think when you are in the middle of difficulty you sink or swim.  Most of us would swim and grow in opportunity.  I believe this to be a true statement in my life.

6. What's a song you remember loving from your middle school years? Do you love it still? Here is something, I can't remember much musically about my middle school years. I am sure there was a song in there somewhere but what it would have been...couldn't tell ya!

7. May 18th is National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate? Which relative would you visit if time, distance, and expense were not considered.  I will not be going anywhere to celebrate but since we live so close to family someone is bound to stop in.  If I could go visit any distant relative it would be to see my brother.  After all this rain and dreary weather a visit to the beach would be lovely!

8. Insert your own random thought here.   Rainy days have really been making me appreciate the sunny times that pop out.  Rain makes for good sleeping though and with this stomach bug, sleep is a good thing!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

I haven't participated in the Hodgepodge for quite some time.  Life has been busy and some of the questions lately have required more thinking than I was able to give!  :-) 

 

 

1. What does retirement mean to you? Are you planning for it, not thinking about it, looking forward to it, or dreading it? We are "sorta" planning on retirement but not really focusing on it.  As with everything in life it will be here soon enough!

2. It's International Guitar Month...do you play? Does anyone in your family play? What's a song you especially like to hear played on the guitar or a favorite song featuring the guitar? I do not play the guitar but Madilynne, Ryder and Jeremiah all do.  I do not have a favorite song to hear played on the guitar but I really like to hear the family playing together.  It's beautiful.

3. What's your comfort food? I like fresh baked bread and spaghetti.  Stand alone or together.
 
4. What's one activity or area of your life where you absolutely never procrastinate? Absolutely never those are strong words to a procrastinator! I have been thinking on this for quite some time and I can't think of one thing that I don't do at the last moment.

5. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Does your local store bag the groceries for you or is it a do-it-yourself kind of place? Do you like someone packing your groceries? I do the grocery shopping for our family. It isn't a chore that I enjoy either. I shop at several different stores.  My favorite store is Aldi and I bag my own groceries with Madilynne's help.  We work very well together and have a system for bagging them.  We think it is very effective!  I do have to go to another store that bags the groceries for me in those junky plastic bags.  It is okay but they only put two or three items per bag. I am not a fan of those bags because several years back we were carrying in the groceries and a bag broke.  I had two jars of spaghetti sauce in that bag- both jars broke and was a mess to clean off the driveway! I started to take my own cloth bags to this store afterwards.  The cashiers aren't very friendly to those bringing in cloth bags. Apparently it is more work for them to put the cloth bags on the turn table....  I wish that all stores would go to a bag it yourself system. 

 6. What's the coolest thing you've seen in nature? A black bear or a fox.  However there are very few things seen in nature that I don't enjoy watching.  This morning I heard a Ringneck Pheasant in our back yard by the swing set. He has been around a lot frequently.  Last week he even visited our front porch. 
EDITTED TO ADD PICTURES:  SEVERAL HOURS AFTER I POSTED THIS THE PHEASANT VISITED OUR PORCH AGAIN. I GRABBED THE CAMERA THIS TIME! I TOOK THE PICTURES THROUGH THE WINDOW SO THEY AREN'T THE BEST BUT THESE BIRDS ARE BEAUTIFUL! 

 7. Share a favorite quote about home. Home is where the heart is.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I have a very simple thought today...It's chilly outside and I am having a cup of tea thinking "Spring can't come soon enough. I am tired of cold!"