Foto-Friday-Friends

I am excited to be part of Foto-Friday-Friends brought to us by Debra at Breathing in Grace. I love sharing my photos and this is a great place to do it.

Trilliums at the start of their season

Same trillium, but the next day.

 For-Get-Me-Nots not quite there.

 The nuthatches love the bird feeder

 The season's first Red-breasted Grossbeak

Pilleated woodpeckers looking for bugs++

WELCOME TO SPRING IN MINNESOTA

Hodgepodge

Can you believe it is that time of the week? Is it just me or do the weeks go by very quickly? But, I do enjoy Wednesdays and doing the Hodgepodge.

1. Share a favorite memory of your mother or share a favorite something from your own life as a mother. If you're a mother (or stepmom) tell us how your experience as a mom differs from your own mother's experience.

When I was little Saturday was cleaning day. My mom and I spent the morning cleaning the living and dining rooms. It was my job to dust the lower things (rungs on chairs, etc), and to dust the lower Venetian blinds. When all, and I mean all of our Saturday chores were finished mom would sit at the piano. I was beside her. She would bring out the song books. Stephen Foster and one of American favorites. She would play piano and we both would sing. It was such a fun time. Another thing we would do when I was little was to watch bowling on Saturday afternoons. My mom and I always had a special time together. Even when I became and adult.

2. In May we celebrate teachers (May 9) and nurses (May 6) both. Most every family has at least one in their midst, so tell us something (or a few things) you appreciate about the teacher or nurse on your family tree.

I do not believe there is a nurse or teacher in my family. Not as a chosen profession anyway. However, my uncle taught me teasing, my younger brother taught me how to be a protector, a nasty aunt taught me about harshness, a loving aunt taught me about a gentle spirit, and my mom taught me love.

3. Chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad...which would you go for if all three were on the menu? On bread or a bed of lettuce? If you answered bread, what kind of bread would make it the perfect sandwich?

If I have tomatoes I would have a scoop of egg and a scoop of tuna salad on lettuce. If I were out of tomatoes I would have a sandwich with a bit of both on a crusty whole grain bread.

4. Do you have a desk? Is it organized? If so, share your secret to keeping it that way. If you don't have a desk, where in your home do you take care of family paperwork and business? Where do you normally sit to blog?

I do not have a desk. On my wish list is an antique drop leaf desk. My husband's daughter takes care of most of our paperwork and business. I have a small filing thing next to my chair that I keep receipts in and  insurance information. I sit in my chair in the living room with my legs up on the ottoman with a cat or 2 on my lap.

5. When I was nine years old....

We took a train from Minneapolis to Colorado Springs. I remember it was such a great adventure. Imagine eating in the dining car while watching the world go by. We spent 2 weeks in Colorado Springs with an aunt. We did all the touristy things. From there we took another train up to Spirit Lake, Idaho. Two aunts lived there. We spent about 3 weeks with them. Then we went into Washington to a State Park. We met up with other relatives. It was my first time camping. I hated it then as I do now. From there (yes,this was a very full vacation) we drove with an uncle to his dairy farm. I think this was the highlight of the trip. We were there about a month. Then we went back...by train to Colorado and spent a couple more weeks. And finally we took a train home. It was quite an exciting summer!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

My son is coming home Sunday to help me prepare garden space for 25 raspberry plants a friend is giving me. The plot is an old garden spot, but hasn't been used in 20 years. We have our work cut out for us.

And because I wouldn't be me if I didn't share a photo...

Two pileated woodpeckers looking for bugs in an old dead tree. At least it wasn't my house. It has been in the past.

Hodgepodge Number 305

It's that time of week for some Hodgepodge fun. I am thankful to be joining in.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 305

1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Has your April been filled with showers? Do you carry an umbrella, wear a slicker, or make a run for it? Besides rain, what else has filled your April? 

Are we talking weather showers or showers in our lives? In Minnesota,  April is usually a wet month. It could be rain or snow. At this moment it is raining, but it is supposed to mix with snow later today. I have an umbrella I keep  in the car. Problem is I forget to use it. I don't mind if I get a bit wet. I am sweet, but not made of sugar.  I won't melt.

2. What's something you could you give a 30-minute presentation on at a moment's notice and with zero preparation? Lyme's Disease. My husband got it back in 1990 when most doctors didn't believe in it. I had to do my own research. In 1998 I did a research paper presentation on it for a college class. With Lyme's so prevalent here and having a husband with it I needed to know all I could learn. Periodically I still look for new information on it. Want to know about Lyme's? I can tell you.

3. Share with us a favorite food memory from childhood.

Gosh, there are so many! I got one. We were having a holiday dinner. Twenty or so relatives sitting at the table. Some of us were fun loving jokesters. Others were much more serious. My mom's dining room table with all the leaves was 10 feet long. On one side very close to the end was a cousin. He yelled to my mom, "Aunt Marge throw me a bun." And she did! She was at the head of the table on the opposite end as him. Surprised us all. But, mostly the more serious relatives. Ever after that we knew not to ask my mom to throw us anything.

4. What's a song you thought you knew the lyrics to, but later discovered you were wrong? 

The first one I can think of is Kenny Rogers' "Lucille" , I thought he was singing 400 children (which made no sense) when actually he was singing 4 hungry children. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izdBKarvi_o

5. According to one travel website, the most overrated tourist attractions in America are-

Niagara Falls (NY), Hollywood Walk of Fame (California), Times Square (NYC), Epcot (FL), Seattle Space Needle (WA), and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (Boston). How many of these have you seen in person? Did you feel like a tourist? Did you care? Tell us about a place (not on the list) you've visited that might be considered a tourist trap, but you love it anyway.

I have never been to any of the places listed.

Fisherman's Warf in San Francisco. As we walked along the streets you knew the shops and what not were set up for tourists. Tchotchke everywhere. I truly did love it. S.F. was and still is on my list of places to visit. I could not see everything I wanted to in 1 trip. I did get to Haight-Ashbury. That was a must. It is not a tourist trap I didn't think. There are a few  people who haven't moved on since the 60's and others who are new, but have adapted that kind of lifestyle. It was peaceful. So far my favorite place in the world. And for sure the tenderloin is not a tourist trap. That is a sad and lonely and desperate area of S.F.

6. Your signature clothing item?

Birkenstocks. I wear them all year. They make shoes so my feet won't get snow covered. Sandals in winter just don't work. I have 2 pair for winter. And, 11 different styles and colors for summer. It is much more fun to dress in the summer.

7. What's an experience you've had you think everyone should experience at least once? Why? 

Everyone should, and needs to experience God's saving grace. I remember the first time I felt it. It was my cousin's funeral.  I didn't know how I would get through life without him. The bun catching cousin from above. I was heartbroken and was feeling all alone. In church I suddenly felt such warmth, such peace, so much love, and knew God had wrapped his arms around me. He has been with me ever since.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

For Christmas this year my son gave me a ticket to see Neal Diamond in concert. One for me, one for him. He is my date that night. On May 23 I am going to the city, and on the 24th there is Neal. I am so excited. My son said I was giddy. Maybe I am. The only music I listen to right now are his songs so I can re-learn them all. That I might be able to sing with the rest of the audience. It is still a few weeks away, but I am already trying to decide what to wear. Part of the giddiness is because of my son. Neal isn't his kind of music, but he knows how much I like it. He is making a special night for his mom. He even got reserved parking. This is him giving me the look of I can't believe you are my mom. I am always doing or saying something to get this look from him. And I really and truly enjoy doing it.

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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

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.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 290

1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate.
I guess I would say task oriented. I see a job that needs to be done and I would just as soon do it than to wait for someone else to do it. Also, I when I was working I really disliked being put on any committee. And in school? Please don't ask me to be part of group project.  I don't have the patience for it.

2. December 15 is National Wear Your Pearls Day...do you own/wear pearls? If you're a man answering the question, does your sweetheart own or wear pearls? Everyone share a 'pearl of wisdom' with us here today.
I do have pearls. They were my mom's. She had a couple of strings. A double stand and a single. They need to be repaired. Probably re-strung. She also had earrings.  I would wear them if they could be worn. Now that I am thinking of it I should take them in. A pearl of  wisdom...Hate no one, Like some, Love all. 
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 E

3. Speaking of pearls...oysters? Are you a fan or not a fan? If you answered yes, tell us your favorite way to eat oysters? If you said no, be honest-have you ever tried one or does just the idea of eating an oyster make you gag a little?
NO, NO, NO to oysters! When in chef school we were required to taste all manner of strange things. I can't figure out why people would like/love something that only slithers down your throat. EWW!

4. Time Magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump Person of the Year. Let's take presidents and presidential candidates out of the mix for a minute. If a political figure had not been chosen who would you name Man or Woman of the Year for 2016?
The people of the year seem to be always celebrities of one sort or another. How about the average person? The person who made blankets for the homeless, and it became a phenomenal success. One that  has groups throughout the country making blankets. Or the person/teacher who saves the children from a gun wielding crazy person? Or the mom or dad who works 3 jobs to provide a home for their family? These are the people who need and deserve the accolades.

5. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 has been announced, and it's a vibrant green aptly named-greenery. Your thoughts? Is this a color currently in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade for the new year? Click here to see the color.
I love this shade of green. I will wear it. It is a shade that would go with just about every color imaginable. 

6. Today I've had too much________________________.
Noise. It is only 9:30 AM and already I am already on NOISE OVERLOAD. I woke up to the phone ringing. Then the cats were yelling and screaming and swearing at me for their breakfast. I dropped a pan on the floor. The phone rang (again). I started the dishwasher.  My husband turned on the TV...loudly. All this before even 1 cup of coffee. I would like some peaceful Christmas music. When my husband gets out of bed early my illusion of a quiet morning is gone. Don't get me wrong I love him, but I prefer the first couple of hours of my day quiet, no talking, no TV, just soothing music and my thoughts.

7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.
O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'til he appeared and the soul felt
Its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and
Glorous morn.

image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif

Fall on your knees o hear the
Angels voices.
O night divine o night when christ as born
O night divine o night divine
O night divine.
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/christmas-carols/o-holy-night-lyrics/#3MlOzPrfsMp2Kb7w.99

And this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFPHIK9ann8
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I am ready for Christmas next week, but am lacking the Christmas spirit. I went through the motions. Because it is expected. For whatever reason I am especially missing my mom right now. She loved Christmas. She gave her all. I miss the planning and the preparing and the laughter, and the closeness we shared. I am also missing my Aunt Rose ( I called her Auntie Rose). She left us to go home to the Lord the day after  Christmas 2 years this 26th of  December. She was my friend, aunt, mother, grandmother all in one loveable person. Other than my own mom she loved me unconditionally. 

Ainty Rose

Aitny Rose and myself Christmas day 2014

My mom. Her last Christmas with us. 

So as not to end on a sad note a photo of my latest rug. It is about 52 inches X 27 inches.

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Friday Foto Friends #57

Joining in with the fun today at Breathing in Grace for Friday Foto #57.

I am going to share a variety of photos. Just because.

The Christmas Village. I painted all of the houses and businesses. It sits on top of the entertainment center. We put a board across the 2 stereo speakers to make a second level. Then across the top of the front windows we put another board. The cords are usually tucked up underneath covered by mounds of snow.

Christmas 2014 my family commented on how ugly the tree was that year. Last year I decided to get even. It started as a joke, but I ended up really liking my result. I went the colors from the movie "Frozen".  Yes, that it a flamingo. Flamingos are appropriate all the time. The green sleigh is an old piece of McCoy that was my mom's.

I am going away for Christmas this year. I didn't put a tree up, but did use the ornaments to create this. I will have a manger up, but not until Christmas is much closer.

I always always have my camera with me no matter where I go. This is why. These are either Trumpeter Swans or Snow Geese. I am not sure which. They were in a field on my home last Friday.

I hope it was Ok to post so many photos. I just wanted to share them all. I hope you enjoyed them.

Hodgepodge 12/6/2016

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 289

I am going to try and  do The Hodgepodge this week. I did last week, but must have messed up my entry. It's always a surprise to me when I do something on the computer and it actually works correctly.

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?

When my son was growing up I was for sure a Clark. He and I decorated everything we could hang something from. Every window had some sort of lights. I have made a Christmas village. I painted all of the buildings. It covered an area along one wall 10 feet and then another area about 6 feet. Up high, and 2 levels. Now days my decorating has been cut back dramatically. I put up a tree, and a couple of other things and call it finished. It was getting too difficult to do without help.

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas! 

I have a few different nativities. Most are packed away and I can't get them out. However, I do have one that I will be putting out this year. My favorite one is the one from my childhood. It is very dear to me.

3.  Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?

No, my neighbors are not social. Not with us. There are only 4 of us that live on the road. They all lead different lifestyles than we do. I do miss having chatty neighbors. Neighbors you could go to for help. Neighbors to have fun with and to cherish.

4.  As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?

I guess it would be true. I try to get from one day to the next with very little thought to the future. 

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?

Monday is just a day that follows Sunday. When I was working I probably dreaded Mondays, but not so much now.

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?

I don't have any plants in my house. What I didn't kill the cats would eat. If I were to have one of these I would have a Christmas Cactus. I think every house in my family has

at one time or another had one.

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.

Tiny Tim, "God Bless us everyone one." From Scrooge. For me Patrick Stewart was the best Scrooge followed by George C.Scott.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am going to share some photos of the village and of other Christmas things.