Wordless Wednesday..sort of.

I have been absent from the blogging world for a few years. I recently realized that I missed being an active participant. I thought doing  Wordless Wednesday  and other Meme's was a good way to get started back to it.

This is Ozzy. She is a feral rescue. She turned 16 this past June. I was outside looking in at her.

This fawn and it's twin were daily visitors to my yard a few weeks ago. Once they ate all the blackberries and my rose bush they have not returned.

It has been a very long time since I have participated in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I am hoping to remedy that. I have found that I miss writing, and the best way to start again is to join in on the fun.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 282 Posted: 26 Sep 2016 09:01 PM PDT Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the roundup.  See you there! 1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-  Nope I have never been to the desert. I doubt I would like it. I don't like the heat at all. Yes, I know it is a dry heat, but hot is hot. Several years ago I was in California visiting an aunt, and the daytime temperatures reached 116 degrees. She refused to turn the a/c on. That felt like the desert to me. Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see? I would chose Grand Junction, CO mainly because I love Colorado. I have never been to Grand Junction, but it is Colorado so the mountains must be nearby.  2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year?  I love miniatures and dollhouses. I have been planning a dollhouse for the last few years All of a sudden this year I realized I didn't have room enough for one in the size I was looking at. Now I am searching for one in a smaller scale. 3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.   The word I have the hardest time with is definitely. I almost always spell it incorrectly, and have to use Spell Check to fix it, like I just did. It is the placement of the e that throws me off.   I can't think of the word right now, but the words ending with er and or require me to think which way is the correct spelling. 4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain.  Not a dry in the house. I imagine that in my state of Minnesota there wasn't a dry eye when we were told that Jacob Wetterling's body had been found and that the man responsible had led the police to where he was. We all kept our porch lights on for almost 30 years as a sign of support for the family. We waited with baited breath every time there was something new reported. For me realistically I knew he had left us many years ago, but the hope never fully left. I cried off and on for days when he was found. The strength and courage and grace Patty Wetterling showed us all is in itself enough to make me cry. I don't know if we are finished crying yet. 5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?   I haven't used a dry cleaners in probably 25 years. I try not to purchase anything that has to be dry cleaned. Sometimes I goof and accidentally  end up with something that needs dry cleaning, but I wash it by hand then. 6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place?  The first thing that comes to mind is Long Island tea. But, experience has shown me only 1 and no more! Then there is Chicago style deep dish pizza.  Oh and don't forget Swiss chocolate. 7. Do you need solitude?  Oh my yes! I purposely get up very early each morning to have my quiet time while my husband is still in bed. I have my quiet time with the Lord in the morning, and afterwards feel I can handle my day, My husband is in the early stages of dementia, and I am his sole caregiver. I take every chance I can to be alone. 8.  Insert your own random thought here. Yesterday morning I checked my local weather forecast. It said rain (of course) and that the temperature was 55 degrees with a wind chill of 46 degrees. It is way too soon for me to read a wind chill number. With that I will share a summertime photo.  The guy/girl was in my overgrown garden patch with it's twin. Which was fine until I realized they ate my rose bush right down to the ground. The flamingo's name is Walter. He is 5 feet tall. He is the official greeter when driving into my yard. He was given to me by my best friend.

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.