End of January 2018 Hodgepodge

. Speaking of endings....at your wit's end, at loose ends, a dead end, burn the candle at both ends, all's well that end's well, or no end in sight...which 'end' phrase might best be applied to your life lately? Explain.  

Most of the time I would have to say at my wit's end and no end in sight. I have previously mentioned my husband's mental health issues. They are progressivly getting worse which put me at my wit's end. To the point I have a GO bag packed. No end in sight means only that this progression will continue to increase until...I am not sure what will happen.

2. What was a must have accessory when you were growing up? Did you own one? If so tell us what you remember about it.

An accessory as a teenager in the late 60's and 70's it would have to be an over the shoulder carpet bag. A great big huge bag to hold all manner of things. Necessities. Blue eye shadow, white lipstick, and black eyeliner just to mention a few.  A fringed suede jacket, yes I had one of those. Another accessory later in the 70's would be a pukka shell necklace, and yes I did have one. Oh, and wait I also had a mood ring! Remember those? They changed colors according to your moods? Really? I suppose I must have believed it at the time. I still have my original one.

3. Something that made you smile yesterday?

I smiled almost all the way through the weekend. I was in Minneapolis at my BF  R's house. I love her grandchildren as if they were my own. To them I am "Grandma Trudy". It makes me smile to hear them say that. Yesterday, as I was giving hugs and kisses good-bye little L said to me, "Bye Grandma Trudy I will miss you." Also, when I got home I smiled. I was barely in the door, but was talking with my husband when little LuLu came running from somewhere in the house talking to me. She grabbed hold of my leg, climbed up to my arms, and purred so contentedly. I think she missed me.

4. January 30th is National Croissant Day. Do you like croissants? Sweet or savory? We're having chicken salad for lunch...would you rather have yours served on a croissant, a wrap, a bagel, bread, or a roll of some sort?

I do like a croissant. But, not as a bread for a sandwich. I like and almond or chocolate with morning coffee. Or a hot croissant slathered with butter with dinner. I'm a purist.

I'm not a fan of chicken salad as a sandwich. I do like chicken salad as a salad.
5. Sum up your January in fifteen words or less.

January has had sub-zero temps beginning, middle, and end...with lots of cold sunshine.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Over the next few weeks I am going to be embarking on a new adventure. I am sure some of you, maybe most of you, have heard of Fly Lady. I am going to be or going to try to implement her system of cleaning and clutter control into my house. The clutter in my house is taking over. I can't do anything about my husband's hoarding, but I can corral in my clutter. Sometimes I am  so overwhelmed with all that needs to be done that I don 't know where to start...so I don't. Each Friday I am going to try and post on my blog any progress I have made or not. I hope to include before and after photos. I'd love it if you could follow along with me. Just come to the blog to see and read highlights from the week.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. January 24th is National Compliment Day. Is it easy or not so easy for you to accept a compliment? Share a recent compliment you've given or received.

When I was young (too many years ago to count) I didn't like getting a compliment. I'm not sure why, because I have always had confidence in myself. As I became older aged I have gotten better at it and now enjoy it. If it is a sincere compliment.

With Christmas barely over I have to say the compliment that comes to mind is about this:

And, even though my family has questioned my sanity they loved the tree. And me in my flamingo dress, socks, shoes, and glasses.
And now I feel terrible. I can not remember the last time I gave someone a compliment. That's just awful. It must mean I don't do it often. I will remedy that this weekend.

2. Ten little things you are loving right now.

1)  The end of our sub-zero temps

2.)  Packing for a weekend trip to the city

3.)  Making plans for a trip to Arizona

4.)  The book I am reading. America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray is very good. I am not sure how much is fact or fiction, but I am thoroughly enjoying.

5.)  The new kitten. LuLu. She makes me laugh with her kitten antics. Her favorite thing to do is to run through the house. Through the porch, living room, kitchen, and down the hall. The she comes racing back. She skids through the kitchen on the tile; sometimes skidding into an appliance. Her new thing is to wrap her arms around my ankle and hanging on while I walk.

7.)  The progress I am making on the blanket I am making. It will be just like this one, but different colors.

8.)  Going to the city this weekend. I know, I know I have already listed it, but that was packing. This is going.

9.)  Making a shopping list for while I am in city. Can you tell I LOVE going to the city?

10.) The Puff Cheetoes I am eating.
3. Would people describe you as a positive person? Do you see yourself that way? I read here  a list/description of eight things positive people do differently-

I have been accused of being a Pollyanna. Sometimes of wearing rose colored glasses, and of having my head in the sand. I can find something positive out of any situation.

Positive people find something to look forward to every day, they celebrate the small stuff, they're kind, they stay busy, accept responsibility for their actions, forgive themselves, know when to move on, and resist comparisons

Which action on the list would you say you do regularly? Which action could you add to your life to give you a more positive outlook? If you're a positive person, what's something you do regularly that's not on the list?

I look forward to the start of my day. A new day is filled with so many possibilities. I am excited to see what the day may bring. I also stay busy. Even if I'm only watching TV. I am crocheting, or coloring or editing photos. Anything to stay busy. I CAN NOT sit and just do nothing.

What's not on the list and should be is pray. I pray all day everyday. Maybe it is more like having conversations with the Lord. I am sure that it is part of being positive.
4. Homemade chicken soup, beef stew, or a bowl of chili...what's your pleasure on a cold winter's day?

If I could have my mom's chicken soup I have that. She made the best ever! I would need a peanut butter sandwich to go with it. 

However, since her soup is an impossibility I'll have chili with cornbread. I make a great chili. Of course it is my mom's recipe. 

5. The best part of my day is....
My bedroom faces east. I love waking up, looking out the window, and seeing the beautiful sunrise. Yes, I get up that early. As I said in question 3 I look forward to the start of my day. And, what better way than seeing some of God's creation first thing. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am inserting an opinion here so please don't take offense if your opinion is different than mine. No opinion is wrong, because it is just an opinion and we are each entitled to one.

Those overpaid children in Washington DC make me crazy. Instead of getting down to the business they are being paid to do they resort to name calling and he said/she said games. Then promises are made that probably will never be fulfilled. Right now I am taking about both sides.  I'll save my real opinions about the person ( I can not call him a man, because  man does not act the way he does) in the White House for another day. And, what he intends to do to those children, now adults from other countries.

Hitting the Hpdgepodge

1. What keeps you blogging?

When I had my first blog I started it just for the joy of writing. I wrote about lots of different topics. Some very personal. I joined several groups like this one where we shared something once a week. Then I had some difficulties and was away from blogging for over a year. It is surprising what a difference a year can make. My blog was no longer available. Most of the groups I had joined I could no longer find. Instead of getting an email from a blog I followed they came in a group bundle. I have to say most of these changes I didn't like, and many still don't. However, that doesn't answer the question. Talk about off topic! I keep coming back, because I need to write. I haven't done any individual posts since coming back, but for 2018 that is my goal. To write at least one post a month that isn't one connected to a group.

I don't know why this question is set on being in the middle. I can't seem to fix it either.

2. Some people like to travel in the winter months. Do you enjoy the beach in winter? According to Southern Living the best U.S. beach towns to visit this winter are-

St Simons Island (Georgia), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Seaside (Florida), Bay St. Louis (Mississippi), Cape San Blas (Florida), South Padre Island (Texas), Folly Beach (South Carolina), Chincoteague (Virginia), Duck Key (Florida), Nags Head (North Carolina), and Fairhope (Alabama)

Have you been to any of the towns listed (in any season)? Which on the list appeals to you most this winter? 

I have never been to any of those places. I really have no desire to travel to any of them. I don't know anyone in the South. I am not a fan of beaches. I only have to look at sand and water to get a sunburn. I'm sorry, but none appeal to me. 
My time living in North Carolina has caused me to never want to go south again. You guys have bugs bigger than my car!

I realize that there probably aren't any so called beaches in Arizona, but I am hoping to go there in March. That's winter travel right? I have to make arrangements for my husband, but I am at this point optimistic about going. 

3. What's a song you're embarrassed to know all the lyrics to? Are you really embarrassed or do just think you should be?
Mostly I can only sing along while hearing a song. I can sing parts of many songs without hearing it, but not a completely. However, having said all of that I can sing most of "Daydream Believer" by The Monkees.  I think I am a bit of both, embarrassed and not. Embarrassed to admit I actually loved The Monkees. And not, because I don't care who knows. LOL

4. When you were a kid what's something you thought would be fantastic as an adult, but now that you're an adult you realize it's not all that fantastic?
It has to be doing what I want, when I want, and how I want. None of it is true. There is always someone (an employer) wanting me do those things differently than I do.  If it's not a boss it is a spouse or friend or child or society at large. I'm a rebel at heart and do not like constraints. 

5. Share a quote you hope will inspire you in 2018.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Yesterday morning I woke with a feeling of doom. I was having a pity party and no one but me was invited. I opened my email Verse of the Day, and this was the verse.  As usual He knew what I needed to hear. I immediately felt better. All is not lost. I am not in this alone. I think 2018 is going to bring significant changes to my life.  HUGE changes that I am not quite ready for, and some that are long overdue. This quote will help me through.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

What a difference a month makes. This little girl has been here a bit over a month. She has managed to steal out hearts. She  brightens our days. 

Pushing through January Hodgepodge

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Hodgpoedge Questions-Volume 336

I missed the first Hodgepodge of the new year. I don't know where my brain was. How did that happen? Did I suddenly leave the planet? But, I am here now.

1. January is National Mentoring Month. Have you ever had a mentor? Been a mentor? How would you rate the experience?

When I first found our Lord I did have a mentor, and still do. I mean I knew God, but having Him reach into my soul the way He did I needed some help to wade through all of my emotions. I needed to know what to learn first.  I didn't know what it meant to have the Lord in my life. Strange to look back on it, and asking how did I not know this? My best friend was/is my mentor. I don't know if she even realizes this . She also has kept me accountable. She was/is a very good mentor. One fascinating thing is that now I can answer most of my own questions and even some of hers! I have a difficult time memorizing Scripture. However, I can say and,  do say , "I know it's in there, these aren't the exact words but this is the message." 
I have never really been a mentor. I did try to be with my niece, but her mom got a wild hair and ended it. Shortly after that everyone lost contact with my niece. I have often thought about becoming a mentor in the school. At this time in my life I just don't think it would work out.

2. What current trend makes no sense to you?

I don't know if it can really be called a trend, but as I see it people are becoming much more self involved. Resulting in rudeness, a feeling of superiority, a get out of my way mentality. I don't understand it. I don't like it. It is so much easier to be pleasant, courteous, and helpful. If everyone could be those things just think how much happier the world would be.
3. I saw a cartoon on facebook highlighting a few 'weird' things that make you happy as an adult. The list included-writing with a nice pen, having plans cancelled, freshly cleaned sheets, eating the corner brownie, cleaning the dryer lint screen, and sipping coffee in that brief time before anyone else wakes up. (Credit for the cartoon goes here) Of the 'weird' things listed which one makes you happiest? What is one more 'weird' thing you'd add to the list?
I really like pens. I mean REALLY. I buy new pens all the time. It's like shopping for a purse. I have a lot of purses. My husband grumbles about the quantity that I have. I tell him I am looking for the PERFECT purse, and when I find it I will never need to buy another purse in my life. HAH! I kind am the same way with of pens. I am looking for a pen that will allow me to write for longer than 5 minutes before my hand get tired, and my penmanship goes totally wild and unreadable. I use the new on exclusively until the next new one is purchased. 
Freshly cleaned sheets and cleaning the lint screen are right up there too.

My feet are always cold and often hurt. Even in the summer. I must say my weird thing would be putting on warm socks fresh from the dryer before I do anything else with that load. It feels so good!
4. What's the last good thing you ate?

I'm eating it right now. Peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips. I made them yesterday. Not a traditionally nutritious breakfast but very tasty.
5. Describe life in your 20's in one sentence.
Tough to do in one sentence. But here it is:

Life in my 20's was a higgly piggly mess.
6. Insert your own random thought here.

A very dear friend died over the weekend. He had had a bad heart for years, and just before Christmas it went into failure. I will miss him more than I thought I would. He was a large man in life and in spirit. He was a gentle giant. He was a charmer. He was a man who quietly gave of himself to others.

I will miss him.

I just deleted some of what I had written. There is so much I want to say about him. I think I will have to do a separate post just for him.

That is something I want to do in 2018. To write posts that are personal to me. I will still enjoy the Hodgepodge, but I want to put more of me out there.