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.