Hodgepodging the Day

1. Three things on your spring bucket list? If you don't have an actual list that's fine, pretend you do.
I don't have a bucket list. I do however, have a TO Do list. Remember months ago I mentioned I was going to start doing the Fly Lady system of housecleaning? With illness, and what not I have not started. Until today. So a good thorough house cleaning is happening. I am also going to enlarge my "patio". It is simply a matter of purchasing another large outdoor rug. I am going to enlarge the fairy garden this year. I love all of the tiny little things, and I have out grown the one I have had the last few years. And, finally...this doesn't really happen in spring, but early summer I am going with my son to see James Taylor. That is happening in June. I am also going to purchase a 3 wheel tricycle so I can go out riding. My balance is so poor a 2-wheeler is not a viable option.
2. Where do you find rest? What restores your soul? When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?
Unfortunately, I only find rest/relaxation when I am away from home. Things here are so very stressful that I am always on edge, waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. So to rest and regroup I go to my best friends house in Minneapolis or to my cousins who lives about 3 hours west from me. To restore my soul I read Scripture. I like daily devotionals also. I have them for morning and at bedtime. I always feel replenished with God's words. The last time I got away was in February. I went to visit  my cousin for 3 days. We always have such a good time.
3. April is National Celery Month. Who knew? Do you like celery? What's your favorite dish made with celery? On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first-carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes? 

Cream of celery soup is one of my favorites. Not just for cooking but, I like it as a soup. I add celery to just about everything I cook. Especially hot dishes ( I'm from Minnesota and here they are hot dishes...not casseroles), and soups. Even egg dishes benefit from celery. 

I would reach for the cucumbers first. I eat a lot of them all year long. Plain, with mayo and onions, with sour cream,  and on crackers. Anyway I can.
4. I read here eight things to do before 8 am to make your day less hectic-Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists-one what you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind), and after the brain dump make your to-list for the day

How many of these are you currently doing? Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine?
I do them all. Except for the brain dump. My schedule looks like this...wake up, get dressed, do hygiene , feed/water litties,  read devotional/Scriptures for the day, while coffee is making empty dishwasher. After first cup of coffee figure out what's for dinner (I need at least one before I can think clearly), put a load of laundry in, have second cup of coffee while checking email. I drink water all day long after the 2 cups of coffee that's just a given. I usually drink about 60 ounces a day. 

I might have to try brain dumping. I have been promoting, but have never tried it myself. I think putting on a bit of make up would help me. I think this because I know for me I feel better when I know/think I look good. I am energized.

5. Describe the view from your window.

Are you sure you want to read this? We got 10 inches of snow over the weekend. So, out my window is brilliant sunshine bouncing of the pure white of the snow. Snow blindness comes to mind. The driveway is still pure in it's whiteness. We haven't been plowed out yet. Nothing has disrupted the pristine snow . There may be a few animal tracks, but that isn't really disrupting.
Update: The snow is gone. Replaced with MUD.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

When I first mentioned Fly Lady those many months ago I said I would update as I went along. I am planning on doing that. The updates will be once a week on Friday. If you care to check in and see what, if any progress I have made. I will be brutally honest.

And this just wouldn't be me if I didn't include a photo or 2.

 The ice is out. Mostly. At least from the river. However, most of the Minnesota lakes are still ice covered. I love how there is just this little clump of snow on the rock.

Between photographing the river and our wildlife I think this guy here is my favorite. He's hard to come by. I always feel privileged when I am able to get a shot at him.

 Here is our newest little girl. Remember I brought her home in November? We named her LuLu. She is a scamp. Into everything. I think in this photo she is telling me that this was her mail, not mine. When I brought her home she was 3 months old. In this photo she is 8 months old. Still growing, and I think she is going to be a BIG girl.