Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The best part of waking up is____________________________________.

Of course the coffee, but even before getting out of bed I like, did I say like? I meant love that first morning stretch. The one that involves ever part of your body. Even the baby toes. That's the best in waking up.
2.  Given a choice, which animal interaction would you most like to experience (or for those non-adventurers...which would you dislike the least?)- Swim with the dolphins at one of several locations in the Florida Keys, a lion encounter ten minutes from Victoria Falls (Africa), or a day at a remote base camp high in the Big Sur wilderness via the Ventana Wildlife Society helping track California condors?

Well, let's see...I am terrified of heights so that leaves out Big Sur, I am terrified of water so I best not swim with the dolphins.Both of which are bigger than just fears. I guess that leaves the lion. Hmmm. Which would I hate the most. I guess it would be swimming with the dolphins high in the Big Sur wilderness.

3. What is something you fear about 'old age'? What is something you look forward to?

My body falling apart. It has already started. SIGH.  I think the part I would normally look forward to would be the freedom to do what I want, when I want, but I pretty much already have that.

4. Hot sauce...are you a fan? If you answered yes, what's something you make/eat that must have hot sauce? On a scale of 1-10 how hot is too hot?

I do like hot sauce. Sirracha (sp?) is one of my favorites, but only a little bit. I must have it on burritos, scrambled eggs, and tamales.  Maybe I can go to a 5 if I can cut some of the heat with sour cream. And if not then 5 is too hot.


5. It's been said that children learn what they live. What do you think children learn at your house?

I think, I hope, my son learned forgiveness, being able to laugh at ourselves is always good, kindness to others, a good work ethic, charity, and love.
6. What's your favorite movie with a number in it's title?

Hands down "Apollo 13", with out a doubt.
7. Saturday (August 16th) is National Tell a Joke Day...share one here.

What did the duck say when she bought a tube of lipstick?
Put it on my bill!!     Guffaw. 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This where I like to share a photo (s) from around my yard.
The first is of Ozzy who was looking out while I was taking photographs.

The first peppers of the season

Blackberries almost ready

See you next week! Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 A low key Hodgepodge

1. What would you say is the key to success?
I think the key to success is determination. You have to be determined to succeed, and not let anything get in your way. Of course your goals may change over time, but as long as you  keep your eyes on the prize you can make it. 
2. Have you ever been to the Florida Keys? Any desire to visit that part of the US of A?
I have never been to the Keys or even Florida for that matter. I really have no desire to go there. All I can think about is hot, and humid. I know it is beautiful and there is more there than the weather, but no thank you. I did live in N.C. for a while, and that is as much of the South as I have seen.

3. When and where did you last see a real live donkey? Monkey? Turkey?
There is a farm near town that has donkeys. Wild turkeys often find their way into our yard. I think they have a roost in the woods somewhere. I guess my son's girlfriend's little dog. He is quite the monkey. He is a dachshund and min-pin cross. He acts like a monkey. He is adorable.

4. An old Portuguese proverb says, 'Beware of the door with too many keys.'What do you think this means? Share an example of how this has proven true or false in your own life. 
I think it means not to give too many people keys to your heart. You must protect yourself by not letting  too many people in. We need to be cautious.

5. Besides your home, vehicle, and special jewelry, what is something you keep under lock and key?
The title to our property, birth certificates, and things like that are in a fire proof box.
6. When did you last get keyed up about something?
Right now this very moment. My car is broken and needs some expensive repairs. Just the other day the check engine light came on so that is something else that has to be checked. We have only the 1 car so I am hoping the garage has loaners, because if they don't I don't know how I will get home from there. It is 28  miles away.

 Who think.s we need an easy one right about now?  Key lime pie...yes please or no thank you?.
Oh yes please!! 
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Recently I was at a friends house for a few days . She has the most amazing roses. I thought I would share them with you.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...

I am looking at the gardens, and seeing some almost ripe tomatoes.

I am thinking...

About when my car goes in for repairs how I will get back home. The place is about 25 miles away from home.

I am thankful...

To God for providing me with all that I have, and all that I need.

In the kitchen...

Beef stir fry with vegetables and brown rice. Three ingredient peanut butter cookies later.

I am wearing...

Black capris and a pale green tank top. As always sox on my feet.

I am creating...

I was making a baby blanket, but temporarily stopped to make a pair of slippers for my cousin's wife.

I am going...

In 1 1/2 weeks to visit my 91 year old aunt. I go every other month to see her for a few days. She lives 3 hours away from me.

I am wondering...

When the mechanic is going to call with his estimate.

I am reading...

"The Year We Disappeared" by Cylin Busby and John Busby

John Busby was a police officer who was shot by a person he had helped to put in prison. As a result of this he and his family had to go into hiding. 

It is a very good book, but it does have lots of details that might make some people queasy.

I am hoping...

That the beautiful weather holds for a few more days. I love it when the high temps are only in the  70's. I feel much more capable of doing something outside than when it is blasted hot.

I am looking forward to...

Going and having my make-up updated. I haven't purchased a complete new set of make up in way too many years. My skin tone has changed as well the shape of my eyes. I need to have new colors. 

I am learning...

How to edit my photos more effectively

Around the house...

I am sorting through many bags and boxes and bins of yarn. Sorting it out and deciding what to keep, what to give away, and what to donate.

I am pondering...

Why it is I am not pondering anyting.

A favorite quote for today...

Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.

Clare Ansberry, The Women of Troy Hill

One of my favorite things...

New baby kitties. Older cats. Cats of any size, shape, or color.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Finish sorting yarn, finish slippers, laundry, weed the garden

A peek into my day...

And there is at least this much more to sort through.

(add your picture here)

______________________________

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge 184

1. "Summer is like childhood. It's full of warm memories and gone too soon."~Kellie Elmore  Agree or disagree? Share something you loved about the summers of your childhood.

I loved summer as a kid. Not just because I was free from school, but because of all the freedom I had. I am remembering grade school summers specifically as being the absolute best. We would take old blankets and pin the to the clothes line, and put a couple on the ground. We had a tent! Many a night was spent outside. My block had lots of kids. So we would get together and put on parades for all of the block to see. Floats, and clowns, and make believe bands. Oh My! My yard was very big. We would play kick ball everyday. The area never needed mowing because we kept it tromped down. You could see the base line in the turf. Such fun was summer as a child.

When we left the city to live in the woods it was just my son and I during the week. My husband continued to work in the city. My son and I had grand adventures each summer. I looked forward to having him home ans was sort of sad when he had to return to school.

2. Are you a fan of auto racing-NASCAR, Indy, Stock, Grand Prix, etc? Ever been to a race in person? Any desire to do this?  Do you know a lot about cars? Do you notice particular makes and models when you're out and about? 

I have never been to a major race, but I have been to a few at county fairs. I had a friend whose uncle raced. They were always working on the car. I got to hand them the needed tools. Oh joy! (sarcasm added) Back then I wanted to be under the car with them. I loved the demolition derby.

I sometimes notice cars. Mostly just my model. I have a PT Cruiser, and it does stand out from all the others. I am going to be needing a different car soon, and I am sad that this car is no longer made.

3. What's something you think is too serious to be joked about? Or do you think anything and everything is fair game?
Common decency demands that we never joke about 9/11. Or other horrific tragedy's. I don't think the misfortune of someone whomever they are should be joked about. I don't like to hear jokes that make fun of people real or imagined. 

4. July 29th is National Lasagna Day. Are you a fan? Do you have a great recipe, and if so where did it come from? If given a choice would you choose a plate of lasagna or a plate of spaghetti?

That's a tough choice. I like them both. If I were the person cooking it would be spaghetti, because lasagna is too labor intensive. If someone else cooked I would choose lasagna. I couldn't pass up all that cheese.

5. What's a simple pleasure you'd miss if it were not a regular part of your life?

I would miss walking out my front door, and taking a walk in the woods. God planted me here, and the woods always welcomes me to enjoy. Everyday it looks and feels different. I have been here 20 years, and I do miss living in the city, but I would miss my woods more if I had to leave.

6. If you could be the CEO of any company, which would you choose?

Hobby Lobby. I would change the health insurance mandate. It is between a woman and her doctor what is happening to her body. They company she works for has no business making medical decisions for her.

7. August is just around the bend...bid farewell to July in exactly seven words.
Good-bye heat. I won't miss you.
8. Insert your own random thought here.

Just a couple of pictures. And if you don't mind a prayer request. My aunt is 91, and is failing quickly. In her words she is, "wearing out." I know God is preparing to take her home, but the prayer I am asking for is for my cousin. He has been her caretaker for quite a while. He is very very close to his mom. I am worried how this loss will affect him. He lives a few hours from me, and I will help all I can, but I would appreciate your prayers for him

Baby robins.

Cone flowers

My driveway.

Front Porch Chat #147

 Today's Questions:

1. Do you like cucumbers? Is there a favorite way for you to prepare them? I love cucumbers. I use them in any green salad I prepare. In the summer when I can get right from the garden fresh cucumbers I mix them with thinly sliced onions. and mayo. I always, always peel and remove the seeds also. I think those 2 things make a cucumber bitter tasting.
2. How good a housekeeper are you? I used to be the white glove kind of house keeper. My gloves are pretty much gray these days. I fall behind on everything. Yes, it drives me nuts that bringing in a bulldozer might be easier than trying to clean at this point, but my husband won't let me.
3. Please finish this: To spend a day____________would be amazing! In a boat out on a lake. I love being on the water. I love to fish, but fishing is not a prerequisite to being on the water. It is so calming to float along with the breeze. Funny thing  though I am terrified of being IN the water. Down right hysterically terrified. But put me ON it and I melt.
4. How do you handle times when you are "down" or "blue"( depressed )? That's a tough one, because I constantly battle depression. The dark kind,  the can't get out of bed kind of depression. I turn to my Bible. I walk outside and give thanks for all I have been given. I talk with my BF who doesn't give me sympathy, but does give me empathy. I had therapy for about 5 years so I do have some go to things that help.
5. Have you started using essential oils, since they have become so popular? The only essential oil I use is on my dryer balls. I am a trying to get away from chemicals in the house, and have done away with dryer sheets and fabric softener. Did you know how many unsafe, unhealthy chemicals are in those things!? I use wool felted yarn dryer balls now, and put a couple of drops of Lavender essential oil on each ball before drying a load of anything.

I have a story to tell. I won't tell it right now. It is the story how Rosebud Lane got it's name. Come back in a couple of days and read about the origin of Rosebud Lane. It is a good story, and I know you won't be disappointed.

Everyday Rurality Chat #144

 

I am joining Wendall and for a chat again today. We have rain, rain and more rain here. Some pats of Minnesota are having flood warnings. If we had flood warnings here near where I live we would need and Ark. We are on high ground. That is very wet.

I am packing to go away for a few day. I am going to my aunt's and my cousin's. She is 91 and lives with my cousin. She has an urge to go antiquing. That is the plan for Saturday.

My cousin is making me a dollhouse. Yes, at my age. It is something I have wanted all my life, and he is going to accommodate my dream. I love miniatures.

 Here are my answers to Wendall's questions.

1. Do you like lemon-aid? Any special flavors? I'm not a big fan. I sort of like raspberry lemonade. I guess what I don't like is that it isn't sweet enough. Now if you had asked about tea that would have been another story entirely. Love tea. Hot or cold. And sweet.
2. I'm trying not to use paper goods for this party. How many place settings of silverware(eating utensils) could you come up with? I wish I could borrow some!!!!!!!! I just bought a new 8 place setting set, and still have the old one. Also, I have lots of old silver and silver plate that I have collected over the years. I make wind chimes with the old things. So. Let's see...16 forks in each set, 16 spoons in each set. That would be 32 people. I must have at least 100 other pieces of old silver. But, of course that is giving each person only one eating utensil.
3. Have you ever been to a party in a barn? Once. The people there were the most unsociable people I have ever had the displeasure to meet. The were broken into their little clicks, and weren't letting any newcomers in. My husband and I tried when we first arrived to join several conversations, but were ignored. If not for our son we would have left long before we did. That was our initiation to 4-H. I have to say my opinion of that particular organization only went downhill from there. But, that is a story for another day.
4. Do you wear nail polish? In the summer I wear outlandish colors on my toes. I also wear a toe ring. On my fingers I wear a muted shade when I go somewhere special. 
5. Please finish this sentence. I wish I could___go to Maine for the summer. I've never been, but it is on my list._____.

Everyday Rurality Chat #143

QUESTIONS

1. Do you have a vegetable garden this year? Have you in previous years? I do have a vegetable garden. Last year was the first year in many years (ever) that I gardened. I used children's swimming pools as my gardens. These are pictures from last year. Our Spring planting time was so late this year that it is with a prayer and a dream for the gardens this year.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is your computer sitting on right now? Desk, dining room table, lap... I  have a big comfy chair. Overstuffed is what it is called. It has huge arms which have flat tops. Perfect for setting a computer.
3. Do you go shorter with your hair in the summer? If my hair were any shorter there wouldn't be any. Which is something I have been considering. My hair is getting thinner and thinner, with more patches of skin showing through. I have been contemplating cutting it all  off.
4. Are you an early top bed person, or a night owl? I go in the bedroom about 8, climb into bed, an read til about 10 or so. I like to get up early and hear the woods waking up.
5. Tell me something funny. I'll tell you something funny too. :) A couple of weeks ago I told my neighbor that we had had a bear walk through the yard. She laughed and said I could keep it my yard. I laughed and told that no I was going to send him down to her. She let me know yesterday that he had in fact made a nighttime visit. She told me again to keep him at my house, I laughed and said now that he was there he was going to have to stay. This is a discussion we have every year. She trumped me this year though by having a cougar come to visit. I think I'll take my bear back.                                   (was this funny)

Everyday Ruralty May 7, 2014

 

QUESTIONS

1. Do you like beans? (the dried bean variety) What do you like them in? Dried beans are a staple in my house. I don't usually use them dried though, I usually buy the dried kind already canned. As in chili beans. However, I do make lots of lentil soup and navy bean soup from dried beans.
2. Does your house have enough storage?  Storage? What is that? I have 1 clothes closet. But, I do have a nice size closet for food related things. 
3. Do you have any childhood memories of a store? I have a couple actually. One is of a bar. When I was little my uncle would come over on Saturday mornings and take me uptown with him to the local 3.2 beer joint. I remember sitting on the bar, drinking grape pop, eating Three Muskateer bars,and playing the bowling machine. I treasure that memory of my uncle.  The other of a store was our local Ben Franklin. We would go there for our penny candy that was actually a penny. Sometimes 2 for a penny. We got bubble gum cigars, minty cigarettes, licorice whips, gum. Oh just all kinds of things. This might have contributed to my sweet tooth.
4. Do you ever shop at a farmers market? I love the farmer's market! I go as often as I can. I always stop at road side stands too. Nothing could possible fresher than right from the garden.
5. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?Are you wise? :) :) :) No I do not have my wisdom teeth. I had 3 removed in my 20s and was told that  it was most likely  the forth would not come in. In my 40s I went to the dentist with a tooth ache. It was a an abscessed wisdom tooth! It was pulled then.

I found a new blog this morning.

 http://meetmeatmikes.com/2014/02/taking-stock-005/

 Pip has an exercise That sounds like fun. Plus, I thought it might help me to post.

I have been having a difficult time posting. I have a ton of ideas of what to write about, but keep putting it off. ! So here goes:

Making :  Crocheting a market bag
Cooking :  Stuffed Pepper soup for dinner
Drinking :  My morning coffee
Reading:  "One Thousand Porches", by Julie Dewey. It is a wonderful book about the ravages of tuberculous. It is a novel, but reads almost like nonfiction.
Wanting:  Spring!
Looking:  For a missing seed catalog. I put it somewhere easy to find. Do you have those places?
Playing: With the cats
Deciding:  Trying to decide what should be my plan for the day. Movie watching and crochet or doing laundry.
Wishing:  To turn the heat up. It seems cold in the house this morning.
Enjoying: Looking at the Christmas village. There is so much snow I can't get to the shed to get the boxes for the pieces so I have left it up.
Waiting: For Spring!
Liking: The new lotion I bought at Big Lots. It is from St. Ives. Creamy, non greasy, and unscented. It really soaks in to relieve the dry skin on my arms. I keep it next to my chair so I can put it on several times a day.
Wondering: How they can be predicting 4 inches of snow today when the sun is shining to prettily.
Loving: My husband and son.
Pondering: Getting another kitty. More is better right?
Considering:  When it will warm up
Watching:  The birds flitting around the feeders
Hoping: To go to the city next month. My son's 30th birthday is the 30th of March. I want to go down to spend sometime with him, and visit with friends. I will stay about 4 or 5 days.
Marveling:  That my house might look better if a bull dozer came in and knocked everything down. I have a mess to clean up.
Needing:  More sleep
Smelling: Freshly made coffee
Wearing: Sweat pants, a fleece shirt, warm socks, and slippers
Following:  Trying to follow the life that God has set before me.
Noticing:  How after one day of exercise I hurt a whole lot.
Knowing:  That today the exercise won't be as easy to do.
Thinking:   Kitty might join me here.
Feeling:  Feeling her jump onto my lap
Admiring:  I admire my 90 year old aunt. She continually amazes me. She is like the battery rabbit and just keeps on going. A bit slower yes, but going anyhow.
Sorting:  Clothes. Keep, Thrift, Trash. Following the 3 second rule.
Buying: A new camera! Yea!
Getting:  Impatient for warmer weather
Bookmarking:  The camera web site
Disliking:  The evil in the world
Opening:  My mind to new ideas, emotions, and feelings.
Giggling:  With BF. She was trying to tell me something and was laughing so hard she couldn't get the words out. I started to laugh too. Here we are on long distance laughing so hard we cried.
Feeling:  Cold and tired.
Snacking:  On Cheetoes. Oh my! What a guilty pleasure.
Coveting:  I try very hard not to do this.
Wishing:  I had a cigarette. I quit March 7, 2013 after being diagnosed with COPD. Forty-four years of smoking caught up with me.
Helping:  Myself to a breakfast bar
Hearing:  The Oakridge Boys sing "The Old Country Church" on Spotify

This was fun, and thought provoking. I might just do it again.

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good? 

This may sound really strange, but I will explain. After my mom's funeral in 1991 we were all at loose ends. Didn't want to go home with shadows of her everywhere. Her favorite thing had been bowling, so we all went bowling for the afternoon. 

I do like to bowl. I belonged on a league once. They asked me to dropout because I was so bad it messed with the handicaps. That should tell you if I am any good or not.

2.   Should sports stars be role models? 

If they should be they aren't doing a very good job of it. But, no I don't think they should be. I think parents, teachers, their minister, soldiers, people along the lines of real life should be roll models. There is nothing about a sports star's life that is real. I mean really some of those salaries...com'on! Whether you like our President or not how can it be that someone in sports makes 100 times more than the president?

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

Not in cookies that's for sure. I like oatmeal just about any other way. A little brown sugar, some raisins, and a dab of milk. Love them then.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

There  are two must reads for 2014. But a whole long list of possibles.

 I want to read the Bible cover to cover. I have never been able to accomplish this, and truly do want to

The other book is Nelson Mendella's autobiography.

. 5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

"You better be healthier than you are right now, because I know it is within your reach to achieve the level of health you want."

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

"The Wizard of Oz", "The Sound of Music", "The King and I", and anything with Patrick Swayze.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

Clothing styles from the "disco" rage. They made me cringe. And,  body suits. They were the most uncomfortable things to wear. I mean the snaps were in just the wrong place. Right?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We are back in the deep freeze here in Minnesota. -20 this morning. Plus, as an added bonus we had snow last night. I am supposed to take my husband to the doctor this morning, but I am thinking we won't be making the drive. It is 45 miles one way on country roads. So instead I think we will stay home, be warm and cozy, and watch movies. Did I hear Patrick Swayze mentioned?

Wednesday HodgePodge

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English.  Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen).  Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2014-

selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankrupt and Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add? I think it has to be twerk or twerking. I am not even sure what they mean. I have an idea that it has to do with tweeting and I just don't get that at all.

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?

I absolutely will get all of my yarn stash organized and cataloged. I have so much and I don't know what fibers or colors or how much of anything I have. I want to get clear bins and label each one as to what is inside, and then make a master list on the computer. I will print the list and carry it in my purse so when I am out and about I will know if I need the yarn or not.

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What's your favorite soup?

We had soup for dinner tonight. Homemade lentil soup. We have soup at least once a week in the winter. It provides us with nourishment and keeps us warm. We very rarely have soup out of can. But, I do like to cook with  cream soup. My favorite soup is French onion soup or a close second would be chicken corn chowder.

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job...which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.

Snowed in was Minnesota in the month of December. Now we are frozen in. The high today was 2 above, yesterday it was -10. My low overnight was -27 and -35 windchill. It will be 20 above by Saturday and will feel balmy.

5. What's the funniest movie you've ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?

It was a hard decision, but I think it is "Second Hand Lion." I laugh so hard that I cry.  The least favorite is "Napoleon Dynamite." I didn't even watch the entire thing.

6.  In general, would you say you're clumsy?

I can not walk and chew gum. I can trip over my own feet while standing still. Yes, I am very clumsy. I have sprained my ankles so many times just by walking and having my foot do something weird.

7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935.  Are you an Elvis fan?  What's your favorite Elvis tune? If that's too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least?  Click here for a list of his songs.

I like Elvis. Not so much his movies, but I do like to hear his songs on the radio. My favorite would be "Only Fools Rush In." My least favorite is "The Ghetto", but only because it makes me cry. I once wrote a short story about the day he died.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I got the blogger bug, and was going to post everyday, but then the weather here took over all of my plans. When dealing with frozen water pipes there isn't much time for anything else. We have been lucky and didn't have any burst pipes.