Wednesday, April 19, 2017

I'm Back!

I'm Back!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

I have been away from the blogging world since before Christmas. It was a computer thing this time, and not me being lazy. I did have the Kindle Fire,  but the point and click method of typing did not work well for me with long posts. But, I am back! And, excited to start with the Hodgepodge.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 304



From this Side of the Pond


1. Tell us about a time you felt like you were 'flying by the seat of your pants'.
It seems as if I am always flying by the seat of my pants. Everyday. My husband turned 80 last week, and is showing signs of dementia. It's more than your average forgetfulness. It's asking 20 times a day what day of the week it is. It's loosing house keys. It's forgetting family member names (his daughter).It's imaginary  visitors or things in the woods. It's countless other things. I never know what the day will bring, but I can tell what KIND of day it will be by the tone of his voice when he gets up in the morning. So,yeah everyday is a day by the seat of my pants.

2.  When or where would you most like to be 'a fly on the wall'?
You know what? Right off hand I can't thing of anything. I  know that there are plenty, but I am going to try and stay politically clear for a while. I think that the fly on the wall is a fleeting moment. You think it because you know something is about to happen,and then the moment passes, and you don't think of it again.
3. 'Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.'-Henry David Thoreau 
3The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.  Psalm 126:3

If I am having difficulty finding joy I turn to Scripture. What better place to find joy  than in the Bible? Having joy in the fact that we have the greatest love possible. The love of our Father.

4. Share a favorite movie, book, or song with flying in it's title, lyrics, or theme somewhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOEqzfte60
Neal Diamond! I need not say more.
5. What is one task or chore you tend to do 'on the fly'? Is this something that really needs to be done another way?
For me is has to be cleaning the house. I pick up and tidy...sort of, but I can't remember the last time I did a Deep cleaning. I would like my home to be clutter free, cob web free. Twenty years ago I did a deep cleaning several times a year. I was clutter free. A cob web was never seen in my house. Not even dust bunnies. I just don't have it in me right now to clean like that.

6. What was happening the last time you thought to yourself or said aloud, 'Wow, time flies when you're having fun', and you meant it.
It would have to be the first weekend in March 2017. I spent that weekend with my cousin at his house. We had so many outings planned that the time really did fly by. A rough outline of our weekend together: Thursday- Arrive 11:30 Am . Off to the Mennonite market. Lunch. Thrift store. Grocery store. Home. Friday - 9:00 AM  Out the door. Bookstore, thrift store, lunch, thrift store, yarn store, Fleet Farm, Wal-Mart, home. Saturday rest for the trip home Sunday. We don't get together very often. When we are together we make our time together very full. We live about 3 1/2 hours apart (depending on who is driving). In July we are going to take a couple of days away and explore a place we have talked about for years. I am looking forward to that time. Our itinerary is filling up quickly as we think of more things to  do. 

7. This Thursday is National Garlic Day. Will you add garlic to your menu on Thursday? Do you like garlic? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?
I could say spaghetti sauce. However, as much as I enjoy having spaghetti I am going to say Parmesan garlic pasta. An easy to make  last minute side for any main course. And always fresh garlic.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
While my computer was down I wasn't able to edit any photos,but didn't stop me from taking them. I just left them on the camera. I won't share them all today, because there are almost 150 of them. I will share a couple though.
 I take my camera with me whenever I am out and about. I am blessed by the many opportunities for photos. The eagle and it's mate were there in trees on a day when I coming home from grocery shopping.  The cloudy sun I took On Good Friday. I felt truly blessed that morning.


8 comments:

  1. What a great eagle shot! Isn't it a thrill to see an eagle in the tree. I am sorry about your husband's dementia. It is a horrid and scary thing. I loved your answer to #3 especially. God has done and is doing great things. We just have to keep our eyes open. Blessings on your day.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by. If I didn't have my Bible to turn to I can't even imagine the kind of shape I would be in. Photography is my passion. I take my camera with me always.

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  2. Welcome back! Glad you got your computer working again.
    I have been slack in blogging, lately. I've been spending my time on other things.
    I'm sorry to hear about your husband. That's tough issue--for both of you.
    Our home isn't spotless or clutter-free, but it's okay. These days it takes twice the time and energy to do anything... Life goes on. Take care, my friend.
    Kathy (Reflections)

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    1. Hi Kathy! I am really glad to have a working computer again. At this point with my husband I am leaning on God for direction.

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  3. Computer issues are so frustrating. Welcome back! I'm sorry to hear about your husband and know each day brings challenges. That eagle pic is fantastic!!

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    1. Thanks Joyce! My camera goes with me every where. I have been known to stop on the freeway if a photo opportunity presents itself. You just never know when it will show up.

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  4. Your photo of the eagle and sky are both beautiful. What inspiring things to see and enjoy.

    I'm sorry to hear that your husband is dealing with dementia. My dad had Alzheimer's Disease and many of the things you mentioned he did as well. It is very trying for the primary caregiver (in this case, it was my mom). We encouraged her to have respite care so she could have a break which she eventually did when my sister, brother, or I weren't there.

    The other thing that was very helpful was that my dad went to an "adult day care" program. A special bus picked him up and brought him to the program. There were lots of wonderful activities with other seniors in various stages of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. There was woodworking, creative expression, Bible/prayer group, and a meal. If the senior needed any nursing or personal services (e.g., shower, haircut, foot care) - it was also available.

    So, while my Dad was enjoying his day (and he LOVED going there and seeing his new friends), it provided my Mom with a much-needed break where she could rest. I'm not sure if you have something like that where you live or if it would be a good fit for you and your husband. It's just a suggestion that I saw work so well for my parents.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words and help Debbie. My husband is agoraphobic, and has been since 2004. He can only leave the house by being heavily medicated. He also is not a social person, never has been. As this whatever it is progresses he is also becoming more crabby. I do get respite care...of a sort. I go out to do the shopping every couple of weeks, and occasionally I go visit friends or a relative a few days at a time. He can still be left alone for small extended periods. It is not easy, but I know God has plan.

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