Wednesday Hodge Podge

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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? We have just had a  very  shower=y  weekend..  receiving 5 inches of rain..and everything is   extremely green and   growing.. and  drenched..  But  the pollen is  extreme this spring as well.  so my allergies a re completely haywire...  having a sinus  cat/scan next week!!

2. What's something you could you give a 30-minute presentation on at a moment's notice and with zero preparation?

I used to be asked often, not so much anymore..  but   the process of our foreign adoption  and  what to expect....  today, it would probably be   the power of the Holy Spirit  available within us  but so  seldom  called upon.

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

This  just popped into my mind  and it  will probably sound terrible...  but  I vividly remember the first time I ever  tasted  a  Frito  with french onion dip.  We were at  an adult party  where my parents  were playing canasta  and I was in the parlor watching TV.  The hostess  brought me  a small dish of chips and dip and  I couldn't believe my taste buds.. it was undoubtedly the coolest thing I'd ever tasted.  My mom  was  an awesome cook,  but  we never  had snacks like that at home.  I remember   trying so hard  to   not eat  too much of  it..  just a  very few.  but I struggled with desiring to gobble the  entire  lot of it!!! 

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

HAHAHAHA!  So embarrassing..  At Christmas  while teaching 4th grade  we  did  a  creative,  dramatic  program on  The Nutcracker  to present to our parents and  as I had lived in Germany  for a year prior to  beginning my teaching  a national there had taught me to sing O Tannenbaum in  German.. so  I taught it to my students and  during one of our programs  I asked the parents  to song along with us in English,  as well.  I thought for sure I could sing it in  English!   But alas,  it wasn't to be  and  well thankfully the audience just  laughed with me   because no one knew  it!!!  Who knew???  No one!  HAHAAHAH

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've been to Epcot and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in Boston.  I didn't  feel anything  except  joy to be seeing  it...  I never  feel touristy  even  when we went to Ireland.

I think I would add Williamsburg, Va to the list.... not only  very historical   but  such a  beautiful place and  such marvelous shopping.

6. Your signature clothing item?

I do like to  purchase  clothing form Kohl's   good quality and  great price.  But I am not a clothing horse.  Just  want things that  fit well, and  look respectable. I would  define  my style as  classic,  2 piece.   Fru-fru   styles..... and  latex.... I   detest.

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

I love rail travel.  the  slower pace,   the   peace of the quiet car... watching    the country  go by out the window.. maybe striking up  delightful conversation with  other  travelers..  so it takes 12 hours  to  take Amtrak to  Boston from here..  the same  as driving....  but  it is  so nice to arrive  rested and relaxed.

8. My random thought...

As I type this  a White House press conference is on  in the other room and I must say  those  reporter questions drive me  bananas. 

Why not  ask their questions  to the stonewalls  that are keeping  anything  from getting done in Congress.  I personally think  the President is doing a fair job... I  think much better than   our  previous 8 years, and there  are  reasons out of his control why  he didn't  get all he wanted to get done in his first 100 days.  I mean the whole world is  spinning out of control and reporters are so nit picky on    things  to  rub in the president's face. I long for  the day  when  our  government leaders  care abut  the  nation and  stop  whining over their  personal goals.

New Year Hodgepodge

New Year Hodgepodge

Happy New Year! 

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1. Share one favorite moment/memory from your Christmas holiday.

 Time spent with our  daughter and her family.. our son in law and the two girls...

 Our oldest granddaughter  who  at 3 is a  prima ballerina!

And being  there  when our youngest  was baptized/dedicated to the Lord.  What a blessing they are to us!

2. What was the best thing you ate over the holidays? Was it homemade or store bought? If it was homemade did you make it?

Our daughter's   Christmas morning breakfast...  her first to tackle on her own in her own home....  delicious  quiche,  brandied fruit... and since it was  church day  we had  store bought  apple cider doughnuts instead of the traditional orange cranberry scones!

3. What was one of the most beautiful things you saw over the holidays?

I absolutely  love this  photo  daughter sent  us of   Birdie.. with the purple boa..  at her dress up party at dance class last week.. 

Love to see her with her best friend...  at  3 1/2 years old..  I think this is rather  amazing!!

4. What does fresh start mean to you?

Beginning again with a clean slate...  no baggage  from the past to drag  one down...  just fresh opportunities to    begin  anew   with the  hope and desire to  put one's best foot forward to affect positive  change  in their life and  environs.including others..

5. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very positive and 1 being not so great) how would you rate 2016 in terms of personal achievement and well being? Explain.

I would have to say 7  as  I  do beleive 7 is the perfect number.. not that I was perfect,  but  in 2016  I believe that I learned to       trust God more  in most things but I still have a ways  to improve...  I have  much hope for 2017.

6. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen or, if you're like me, to find out what in the world the word or phrase even means or the context in which it's used. There were quite a few on this year's list I'd never heard before.

Here's the 2017 list of banished words-

You, Sir-focus-Bete Noire-Town Hall Meeting-Post Truth-guesstimate-831-historic-manicured-echo chamber-on fleek-bigly-ghost-Dadbod-listicle-get your dander up-selfie drone-frankenfruit-disruption

Which word on the list would you most like to see banished in 2017? What word or phrase would you add to the list?

I agree with  our hostess, I have no idea  about  most of these terms  and I ahve no idea why  "you" should be banished...  I would think instead  that  "I "or "Me" should be  for,  to me,  we are a very self centered people  and  could stand to  consider  "you" much more than we do.

What overused word would I pick if I were in charge?

"global warming"' for I just  do not believe  that it exists.. I believe  it has been more than proven that the earth goes through cycles and   man does not  have the  power to affect such a thing... it is more a political  thing and is used to  fix and set agendas and create division. 

7. Large or small, light or deep, share with us one goal you have for the new year.

Gosh, Joyce and I are definitely on the same wave length.. I have  started my chronological read through of the Bible and pray I can see it through this time.  And I was just speaking with hubs about how  we must  take our videos, especially our  ones of when we adopted our  dearest daughter  from  Korea in the mid 80's  to  be digitized.. We do have a friend who does this and   no time

like the present!!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubs and I had  a very different Christmas  this year...  found ourselves sick with the flu over most of the  time...  so glad we celebrated with the kids in November..Sadly, we took down the tree today  after  a season  of  sickness (3 weeks) where  he and I were the only ones to actually  see  it..  I wonder if all the work was worth it..  we  hardly even turned the lights on it..  and our house  was  mostly unlit  except for  Christmas weekend...I had planned 2 dinner parties  that had to be  cancelled because  sickness didnt only attack our family..so  now that I am finally on the mend...  I am planning a mid January   time to  celebrate the new year  with  my previous guest lists... and for me  as I love to plan...  it  gives me a fresh perspective on  the season  and  how to  make the most of  winter's charm.

Wednesday HodgePodge

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1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list? 

Since we have already celebrated with our immediate family.. actually in November...I have been doing a bit of last minute  decorating.. at first I didn't think I'd do too much but as  time  nears  I just seem to desire to  deck 'em halls!! I have  two dinner parties planned with folks who  don't have much going on...  and I  want our time together to be special... I have the menu planned and the  larder stocked...  just  thinking about how to make it merry!

Finished the small tree in the parlor   and  brought  in the  poinsettia!

Decorated the hutch 

with my new carollers and  English tea pot!!

Worked in the sunroom..

finished the tree there...

 Used my  snow blue  mercury glass  with  some  snowy scenes!

 This way when I change the table to snow themes  Im all set...

2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter? 

I love the  slow  season of winter...  time to  actually curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee  and relax by a  warm fire, dream, and  heal if healing is necessary... someitmes my spirit needs a recharge for sure!!!

3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not. 

I am a kid at Christmas..  I confess there is a  mood or  a  ideal of Christmas  I am always trying to emulate during this season...  a compilation of the wonderful Christmases of old... Sometimes I can...  other times I  can  come to  the  day and feel  an odd emptiness. Truly I believe it has more to do with  not trying as hard and  making sure  I have time to  contemplate around the tree  with  music, singing , and  loving..

4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016? 

God is in control and trust Him for every outcome!!!

5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? 

We  already had our shrimp last week at the  banquet at our church...I am very  choosy about my  shrimp.. it must be Gulf wild caught or I want nothing to do with it  so it is difficult to  buy it  at a restaurant unless Im in Boston and I know it was  north atAtalntic wild caught.  I love it boiled  and  to peel my own  with  sauce.

6. What sound lulls you to sleep? 

the sea, the wind...  a babbling brook..rain,  anything God  provides in His nature!

7. What one word best describes your 2016? 

fulfilled

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wednesday Hodge Podge

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1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate. I have always been  much more task oriented  but  in the past few eyars I am noticing  I am steppoing out more and more  to the limelight.... I am thinking about  especially  my  service to the Lord...to tell the truth, I  believe I can  owe a bit of  my  renewed confidence to  writing  spiritual  posts pn my blog... It really has  put utterance to my  faith...

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. 

Im glad to know this... we have our Christmas banquet at church and pearls  will look lovely with my  ensemble.  I dont usually wear them..  like I used to, but  I do love them!

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?  I can eat one,  my Hubby loves them fried and when we go to  Massachusetts our daughter makes sure  to take us  where they are sublime...  I really dot like the  texture...  but I  am a scallop  gal and  New England  clam chowder....  YUM!!!

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?

Well,  I confess I had to look up the possible nominations and the  group that stood out for me  who  be someone doing a significant  work  in the sciences..  so I chose:

CRISPR Scientists

With new DNA-editing technology, researchers have opened a door that could lead to the ability to eliminate mutations responsible for certain incurable diseases, according to Time.

I would never in a million years  chose a rock star or other type celebrity..

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 do like this shade... it is very restful and not too cool of a shade. A bit warmer than what I call a true greenery... and I believe it would go with so many other colors... I do not plan to do any painting... but I would consider this color if I were.

6. Today I've had too much_waiting at the doctor's office... poor hubs had a  basal cell  cancer removed from his neck  but  shock of shocks   he came out with a 4 inch  incision....  He is now lying down  I do believe from the shock!.

7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Lo, how a rose e'er blooming

From tender stem hath sprung,

Of Jesse's lineage coming,

As men of old have sung.

It came a flow'ret bright

Amid the cold of winter

When half-spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,

This Rose that I have in mind.

And with Mary we behold it,

The Virgin Mother so sweet and so kind.

To show God's love aright,

She bore to men a Savior

When half-spent was the night.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My heart!!!!!

Wednesday Hodge Podge

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1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list? 

What a great list of fun things to do.. I hope I get to do many of them.. We are going on a road trip and my best friend will be with me...it would be wonderful to pick fresh strawberries but that all depends on many factors..my favorite thing would be to host a garden party and I plan to host a virtual one.. but  time may not allow me to  plan an actual one!!! I will  treat myself to a lovely bouquet  just as soon as possible.. That is exactly what I need!   But  to be honest the  morning run and all day hike just isn't me.. maybe a few laps around the  walking  track...I can only think of one  coffee shop here in town that I haven't already  enjoyed but perhaps we will discover one on our road trip! That sounds really fun! I am taking a couple of new books with me on the trip so that one should be easy..I  will  probably visit a new city  and  I will  look for an ice cream shoppe.. but  the swing holds no interest for me...

I would definitely add... hold my baby grand daughter on the list!

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Read the Bible  and  spend time  before the Lord in prayer!

3.June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?

I used to  like chocolate, but lately  my favorite  is  vanilla caramel gelato.

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Watch Out: Known for leg pulling

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?

I have to go along with  our host's  I love pinterest, but haven't been there  this week!

6.Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why?

I am definitely not summer,  although when I had my colors done I was told   that  I am summer..  I  detest  hot, humid weather. I  would say autumn....  I am a very expectant  kind of  person.. I look forward to  autumn so much...  the  changing colors, the slower pace,  the   crisp cool air.. the season we like to travel and especially  go to the beach.... it is a mellow time   for sitting by a fire and enjoying a glass of wine and a good book  or just  curling up in a sweater and  enjoy the front porch minus  the mosquitoes! 

7."You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

We don't travel that much  and it is easy to get in a rut  always  living one day much like another  that we do  lose perspective  of life, time, events  etc... I was reminded of our trip to Ireland last year...  I  am reminded about  it every time I see  an  English landscape ..   slow pace,, the  simplicity of the remote areas I love so much. The  Hub bub of the  cities and the varying delights  to be had around each  new corner.. no different yet so much the same as what we  experience.  On our road trip  it  will be much the same as we will travel to a different quadrant of the country  and  it  broadens our  thinking in the new  personalities we will encounter.. Travel is a great  experience and one not to be missed...  Now to convince hubby!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so looking forward to some unspoken joys in the coming days!!!

HodgePodge Wednesday

1. How should success be measured? Using that as your standard, who is the most successful person you know? (or one of the most successful?)

I have  several  friends and family members  who by the world's standard would be considered very successful..  CEOs  making  loads of money, travelling the world, offices in foreign cities,  and living the 'good' life. But that is not my standard for successful living.

I have learned over the years of my life  and as a Christian that success isnt measured by  the things of this world,  but  it is  spiritually discerned. I am reminded of   Matthew 16:26  that says " For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? "

I  think this because  so many of these  well  to do "successful' people  put their  faith on the back burner of their lives  saying  " Religion is for those who can't of their own initiative.. But I don't need it. I dont have time for it..  maybe,  sometime, but not now!" So  my standard of successful living is in everything you do,  do to the best of your ability  giving  God ,the Creator  who gave you  everything  that enables you to do anything,  the glory  and  live your life as the salt and the light of the world that others might see Christ in you! Temper everything with love and mercy, forebearing with one another and seeking to  think more highly of others than yourself. 

2. Have you ever been to a hot air balloon launch/fest/party? Ever taken a ride in a hot air balloon? Is that on your bucket list? According to Frommers the ten best hot air balloon adventures in the world are-

Loire Valley (France), the Serengeti (Tanzania), Napa Valley (California), Lake Champlain (Vermont), Cappadoicia (Turkey), Istria (Croatia), Gstaad (Switzerland), Varra Valley (Australia), Muelle (Costa Rica), and Albuquerque (New Mexico)

Which one on the list would you most like to experience? 

I have been to  a few  hot air ballon fests..  here in our community...  I was completely mezmerized  but the beauty and  excitement of them.. The last one we went to  was over 25 years ago.. Our  daughter  was about 2 years old. I remember  the fun of chasing the balloons in our car  and  being there when the balloons were coming down all over   hubby's old neighborhood where he grew up.. How  amazing it was to see  them come down in folk's back yards..This  photo was taken a t the airport during the show....  I have no idea where  the  ones are that actually show the balloons...   But I love this photo of Hubs!!!

I would definitely love to attend  a show in 

 Gstaad,Switzerland.. how  amazingly  gorgeous would that be..

online images

3. May 25th is National Brown-Bag It Day. Did you/will you pack a lunch today? When did you last pack a lunch for someone and what are your go-to ingredients for a brown bag lunch? 

I packed many a bag  for my lunch as a teacher...  my go to  items were  peanut butter  ritz crackers,  celery sticks  with  cream cheese,   and  usually a ham sandwich.

We  pack brown bags  as  for our travel days when we go to seeour daughter ... a 12 hour drive.. We pack apples, or bananas,  Nabs, and peanuts, usually,  with bottles of water!

4. What's one of your favorite dance scenes from a movie or television show?

Mostly anything with Gene Kelly  but this one in particular!

5. John F. Kennedy made famous the line, "...Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." So what can you do for your country?

Stay informed,  know  the principles  laid out by the founding fathers  and  seek to  apply them  as I vote  and  converse with others  about the election.. Too many voters  are  completeely uninformed.. But mainly, I can pray,  do spiritual  warfare, over our nation and our leaders, our military,  the  social issues and  educational policies.

6. Weekends are made for________________________.

 Family time,  investing in their home  in activity and work,  fun, and play..  spending time  with the Lord and His word!

7. On this last Wednesday of the month bid farewell to the month of May in seven words or less. 
May, thank you for the cool  rain.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Nothing comes to mind

Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. What are two or three expectations you have of yourself?
My main expectation is  to lead a life where  the  light of Christ   is readily  seen  through  love,  compassion,  and  godly choices.
Secondly, I expect to  take  good care of myself  that  I may  be  a  blessing to my family and not a hindrance.

2. In what way does your outdoor space need sprucing up this spring?
Our lawn always needs  tender care....  an older  lawn  on  this  rocky soil    seems to  have tenuous  longevity...    We battle  its care  throughout the years. We  are  sprucing up the  fence row  with new plantings..  We will be planting my new hydrangeas on the  southeast side of the  house so we can enjoy them  from   the kitchen and the  front porch..

3. According to this site (Roadtrippers), six of North America's most wondrous waterfalls are-Webster's Falls in Ontario, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina,Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, Multnomah Falls in Oregon, The Lower Yellowstone Falls, and Niagara. Have you seen any on the list? Which one on the list would you most like to visit? Prettiest waterfall not on the list that you've seen in person?

I have not seen any of the falls  listed......  Hubs and I   do plan to  see Niagara  some day soon...  as we  are  fairly close to it every time we go  to our kids...  He saw it as  child and  wants to  show me..
Locally we  have  the Cascades  which  have a  charm of their own!


 My Bible Study group went to  a  spiritual  retreat  to Moravian falls  near North Wilksboro, NC.. known for it angelic activity.. I know it was  very peaceful  if not  dramatic in  its    appearance.

 

4. Looking back, what's something you wish you'd done as a teenager?
I wish I had had more confidence.  I missed out in so many  things  because of my shyness and  lack of  self worth...especially in the  area of  being more adventurous as  a teen...  I  just didn't allow myself to participate in     teen  activities  like I should have....  

5. Ham...yes please or no thank you? If you said yes please which of the following do you like best-baked ham with all the trimmings, a ham and cheese sandwich, prosciutto with melon, a ham biscuit, a bowl of split pea and ham soup, or a slice of pizza topped with ham and pineapple?

I  love ham....  love it baked for dinner..  love  a sugar cure  ham biscuit  like the kind  one gets at  Bojangles... yum!!!   Not quite as salty as  regular cured ham...  I love ham in soups....  and  on pizza...  I am just a big ham I guess!!!

6. Are you typical of your generation? How so?

I think  so...  maybe not as  athletic  as some....  but  I am very engaging now...  I  enjoy   social functions    and  discussion  groups...   I love to lead Bible Study  groups.  I  love  singing,  and  travel,,,  and  arts and crafts  groups... I love  getting together  with  my  small set of friends( 5 ladies)  about once a month  to go  to lunch  or  together  at each others  homes...

7. April rolls in at the end of the week, and in keeping with that theme...'act the fool', 'nobody's fool', 'a fool's errand', 'could have fooled me'...which foolish idiom most recently applies to you? Explain.

I suppose  as  a retired elementary school teacher I was always on the look out for   foolish pranks  and not wanting to get caught  unawares  I  guess  I    am "Nobody's fool"   although I do enjoy  performing  a  really  good prank on  folks...    but  I  am  a  tidy prankster....nothing too 'bad'.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I am still trying to figure out where March went....  When one is sick  with a terrible  virus for 3 weeks  time flies by!!!  Apparently!!!

Hodge Podge Wednesday

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1. Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is clickhere.

Love is....

Learning to think more highly of others than yourself

Opting to live   a more Christ-like  life

Valuing what is truly important...not material  things

Encouraging  the best  from self and others

2. Does love really conquer all? Why or why not?

I love our host's answer and I am including it here  for  others to be sure to read!!

"I'm a romantic at heart so my answer might surprise you, but I'm going to say no. I think love conquers much. I think it covers a multitude of sins, but we're human and our words and actions have consequences that love can't always undo, take back, or conquer. Many people divorce someone they love. Human love is extraordinary...remarkable...imperfect." 

I  agree  completely with her answer...Being a romantic at heart myself,.  we romantics  tend to  sometimes  have  expectations  that will never be met....  over the 44 years of marriage  hubby and I  have  enjoyed...   we must overlook the imperfections and  choose  contentment with the wonderful  features  our loved ones do  display.... and pray they are doing the same  toward  us! 

Our hostess  again;;;

"Now God's love? That's different. I believe God's love can and does conquer all. His love is always sacrificial, always patient, always kind, keeps no record of wrongs, and never ever fails. It's the example we're given to emulate, but we're human, and the words always/never/all are something we fall short of at least some of the time. "  

I cannot expound on that!

3.Tell us about a time recently, where you really put your heart into something.

Over the holidays  when I was  given a gift of  30 days with  my  grands  I put my heart into  time spent with  Birdie...doing  grandma things.... playing.. baking... crafting... reading...  loving...

4.What's your favorite fictional love story?

The first one that came to me was  Elizabeth Bennett  and  Mr. Darcy.... a love that overcame  all odds,   social standing,  personal  differences,   trials of deception and misunderstanding,   and yet, love  prevailed.

5. Do you generally wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your cards close to the vest?

Being an only child  I  was  quite the loner  for most

of my youth... very reserved and  few  confidantes. I learned to bury my feelings...  but as I  have matured  I am much more open and with those I  feel safe ( family and best friends)  I  probably tend to  allow my true feelings show  more readily...  especially  with my  hubby....

6. What food says love to you? Why?

Any food  hubby  makes for me... my morning coffee and  fruited yogurt cup  primarily. He is so faithful  and sweet about it!

7.When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

I suppose it was last summer when we finally got a major project undertaken and completely,.. the redo of our kitchen...  after 43 years it was the first major  reno  we had ever done.. a long time in coming  but life had a way in our life to  push our needs  off the table.. To actually see the fulfilment of this dream  was  an awesome thing for me!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

No time.. the rest of my day must be spent catching up on my Bible study homework.. but praise God  my cold is  abating and I am feeling much better!!!

End of Year Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Share a favorite moment/memory from the week of Christmas.....  our  love bug was  born

2. If someone wrote a book about your life based on the past year, what genre would it fall under? What would the title be?
The book would be entitled Redemption...and would be a family drama.  I would have to go back a  couple of years because my daily life  was  mainly consumed with caring for my aging parents..even though they  were necessarily  living in separate  nursing facilities.. I was  running  hither and yon caring for them.  Then dad passed on Dec 13th 2013, at age 94.    Momma  had a failure to thrive  situation and was  deeply medicated for pain. She had lost from 176 pounds to  82 pounds...  I could  barely stand to see her in her condition.  Her mind  was  able but her body  so terribly  withered....then  she somehow  fell out of the bed  late one night and broke her arm with a compound fracture that couldnt  be  set due to the  paper thin  skin she  had...those last few weeks  were   horrible  for me...  seeing her   fragile state and  bleeding    bandages..
finally  Dec 27th, 2014  the Lord  whisked her away  to heaven......  she was  92  and free at last...  but  for me   it was  like my life was  over...  I had cared for them for several years prior to the   facilities, and now I had  nothing but time for   melancholy and loss to settle in on me...   I was   in deep mourning  for  a few months...and    hubby reminded me  we had so much to look forward to...  for example, our trip to Ireland....in April....standing on the cliffs of Moher,   I  gave my final tears to Jesus, and allowed the   winds to carry my sadness away  across the sea...

Then when  we came home  hubby  had  started the process for redoing and modernizing our kitchen.....  that  project   completely consumed me for  several months...  during those months we found out  we would be grandparents again and the baby was due right around Christmas....Praise the Lord!!!  I   prayed thanksgiving to a faithful Father who  gives  great   gifts to His children...  a new life   to  redeem the loss of  my  dear parents....And would you  believe  Love Bug was  born on Dec 27th in the morning  just as my momma had  gone  that time a year  before!

3. What made you feel patriotic this year?
Well, unfortunately,  I  have been feeling  like so many   do that our nation is  in deep peril..Because we have turned our back on God and allowed such ungodly change  come upon our  people.. through  government,  society, education, entertainment,  the military,  .... when you do not allow God to enter into  the  mountains of  society,  you begin a  dangerous downward spiral.... Only God can  retrieve us and  lift us from this pit....  so  I am  most patriotic when I meet in  small prayer groups  whenever possible to pray  for  our leaders,  the decisions.. t o  use  our God given authority to  reclaim  and protect our families  our neighborhoods,  schools,   workplaces,  I pray  as I drive   all the areas  around my house.. I do major spiritual warfare  if I am so led  for  protection and  for  godliness to reign!

4. What experience from this past year would you like to do all over again?  Well, I am in the midst of it now...   staying here  with our  granddaughter  taking care of her,  playing with her.  doing crafts with her...  we have made  so many lovely  Christmas decorations  and ornaments for the tree and she is only 2, but  very  exceptional!

5. What song lyric sums up or is a reflection of your 2015?

I have learned that  when  circumstances  are looking their worst.. this song  gives hope and  faith!



Right there in the dust, he sat by the gate,
To listen to footsteps and patiently wait.
The blind man just didn't dream that this was the day
That Jesus of Nazareth would pass by his way.

CHORUS
Something good is going to happen to you
Happen to you this very day.
Something good is going to happen to you
Jesus of Nazareth is passing your way.

She stood by the well, so tired and alone,
Misfortune and heartache was all she had known,
She looked at the stranger, but who would ever think,
'Twas Jesus to offer her living water to drink.

They were only wee children so happy at play
And told to stay quiet and out of the way;
But then came the Saviour with arms open wide,
They're part of His kingdom, make room by His side.

My friend if you're listening now humbly to me
Yes this is the moment that you can be free
This very same Jesus is right here today;
Release your faith and touch Him, then believe me when I say.

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate 2015? (10=stellar) Why?
10...because  even in the   bad  and   especially in the good,   God  has prepared the way...and I am learning more and more to trust and rely on Him.

7. What part of the upcoming year are you most excited about?

I am trusting and believing  that just as many  learned  present  day   Biblical scholars  are  hearing from the Lord that  because of the  church's  growing interest in prayer  we as a nation are  turning...ever be it slowly....   but a shift back to the God  through revival is coming.....  I challenge all who read this to   join a prayer group and  help  bring  this in in 2016!

8. Insert your own random thought here. Tomorrow is the last day of 2015  yet it is the first day of my   precious daughter's  returning from the hospital with  her 2 daughter's in tow.   Our little family is  growing  and  may this new year be a great  one for families everywhere....  May that be our  daily prayer!

Happy New Year !!!

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Time to work on  my Wednesday Hodge Podge...  Let's join Joyce  this week for more  Hodge Podge fun!

1. Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.

The first story that came to mind  actually occurred about 1964, when I was   14... my dad had just  become a manager  for  an Insurance  Co. and  he   decided that as  was  the previous  manner, he must  host  a company party at our home on Christmas Eve.  I wasn't a bit happy...  Momma and I had worked  hard  to get  all this party food   ready   and  because the  employees were  mainly  young  thirty somethings  we planned to have  some family and close friends in  early   and  the  company party started about  7:30 or 8.  it must have been BYOB or something.. I just remember retiring to my bed room, rading the Bible Story,  praying  and  crying because    there was a fair amount of drinking and   uproarious  celebrating going on....   something  that wasnt  at all  what Christmas Eve was supposed to be. No one got to bed that night  before  the wee hours...   and  when  we did get  up the house had the acrid  smell of tobacco and  stale    beer....  I   was not  a happy   young teen...   but  noone had time to   discuss anything because  we had plans to  be at   Bonny Lynn's  gorgeous home for   a  lovely  Christmas morning  breakfast  by 7am...    divinely set out... the food  was  delicious and  beautiful.   Unfortuantely, we couldnt    enjoy a leisurely   repast and  genteel  discourse,,  but had to get up and  run because  grandma  expected everyone for dinner  at  12 on the dot and that was  a good 2 hour drive. The whole family on mom's side  was in attendance and  all the kids were relegated to the  basement  tables  while  the  6 sisters and spouses  along  with  the patriarchs  dined in the   dining room..  the  meal was  served in several courses,  and  everything  as usual was  perfectly  prepared and  scrumptious...   but, alas,  all too soon it was   almost  3:30  and  we had to be at  Grannies  by  4...  off we flew our coat tails flying. .. to dad's mother who  had spent all day  cooking Christmas dinner  over a  wood stove...  yet her   dinner  was  sublime and  she always  had    several cakes...   all of which  everyone had to have a slice of...  I can tell you that by this time   heart burn was sitting  in on us  and    no matter how    delicious  the aroma   that  knocked us on our heels when we entered her home,   we were,  the three of us, feeling a bit  woozy...  but, of course,  we had to  pile our plates and  eat it all  or Granny  would  nag  and nag...  why we didnt  want to eat her food.  She was the  sweetest kind of granny who stood over you   with  the  food bowls  desiring nothing  more than to refill your plate.    Around 8:00  we were looking at a  2 hour  drive back home....  and I can tell you  no one was looking forward to   that long mountain  road.  I knew I was  going to be sick  and  dad  was,  not exactly hung over   from  the night before    but not feeling  top o the morning...   at all.... Momma  wa s sullen and glum....   for she too ahd worked very hard to make Christmas special and   she was feeling all of her hard work after  the long hours  on the job  had come to nothing  but  heart ache and heart burn...  No one  had experienced any Christmas  joy. It was a  crazy Christmas.. and  one we  wanted to forget,, but alas,  by the next year   it was   the one we all realized  would  be  the one we'd  tell and tell again .... mainly encouraging  one and all  not to ever get yourself in such a situation....but at least by then we could all laugh about it!

2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?

Absolutely not.....  I  found my bravada,    I suppose  it should be feminine since I am,,,  well into my thirties...  I actually  prayed for boldness because I was so timid  and  I felt it was  hindering me in my  Christian walk.  Now my husband is  always trying to temper me...  you know,  how   your spouse  will gently kick you under the  table or nudge you  when he  is afraid you may  step on a toe  or   say  something I may   regret later...  That is  probably a good thing..It's not that I am trying to be rude...  I do find  that my temperment lately is not  very politically correct...

3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?

Well,   when I had my  colors doneback in the 80's I  was  assessed as  a summer.

so  having  done my  comparison  I  feel that the  2 colors of the year  are  bit to  Springy for me....  and I absolutely  would not  have them in my house....  I  am just noticing that  even though I havent  really studied a summer color  swatch  in  eons,  my kitchen  is  very summery  in the colors I chose!  haha...  Now my best friend,  who is   Spring personified  would   love them  in every facet of her life....  and  they are lovely...  but just not for me...

4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?

Olde English, of course!

5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?

my favorite....

Cannoli!

6. When it comes to holiday decorating_more is more_

7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.

This past weekend  during all the wait times between  performances...we  do all   enjoy our time together   in worship,  but, also in fellowship!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think  I'm done   now....   have a blessed  Wednesday!