The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means Joyce provides the questions and we provide the answers. I'm not sure how she manages she come up with such great questions week in and week out. 

1. Something you've done recently that required you giving 110% ?

I had to scratch my head a bit on this one but would have to say when I scrubbed our front and back porches about 2 weeks ago.  It was hotter than hot but I was   DETERMINED I was going to do it.  I generally do it about 3 times a year.  I actually take a bucket of water, an old mop and after removing everything off of them, go to work.  I feel so good when I'm finished, so it's well worth my time and effort.  And, thank goodness, neither the front or back porch are all that big, so I can usually do it fairly quickly.  It's always worth the 110% I give to get it done.

2. What task-sport-chore-hobby-activity have you participated in or completed, that if judged, would land you a perfect 10? 

One of my most enjoyable hobbies is cookie baking.  If I had a dollar for every cookie I have baked over the years, I'd definitely be a millionaire.  I've just about perfected the size, the doneness and most definitely the packaging.  I've never entered any in a contest and likely never will but I feel pretty sure that most of my recipients would rate them a 10.  I'm really not bragging, just stating a fact. ~big chuckle~ I can't think of another thing where I might be rated a 10. 

3. What are ten of your favorite things right now? 

1 - The cooler weather we're having

2 - The anticipation of some trips in the next couple of months

3 - My precious family - ALWAYS

4 - My God who is soooo faithful

5 - Thoughts of soups, stews and gumbo

6 - The fellowship of dear friends

7 - Our good health, I do not take that for granted

8 - A couple of clubs I'm in are starting back up this month

9 - Elijah Bible study by Priscilla Shirer starts at our church next week

10 - Continuing to feel a purpose each and every day

4. Nine times out of ten I am up by 5:30 and asleep by 10:30 and generally have specific routines for each day.

5. Where were you when the world stopped turning, twenty years ago this week?

 

I was in Virginia with my Dad and Mom visiting relatives on my Mom's side.  We were at my Mom's sister's house sitting around the breakfast table having the best time eating breakfast and visiting.  My phone rang and it was Bridget.  She asked me if we had the TV on and I said no.  She then told me what had happened.  That ended our breakfast and we all gathered around the TV and pretty much stayed there the rest of the coming days.  I was fortunate that my flight home was only delayed by 2 days.  My parents were going elsewhere.  It was an unforgettable time for sure.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have been doing a little "fluffing" on our back porch.  We have large windows in our living area that look out to the porch so it's almost like another room.  I found the cute bird container (top left) and thought it would be the perfect addition to our firepit table.  Then I found the metal decorative pieces (top right) at Tuesday Morning. I put the asparagus ferns in the bottom of them and am real pleased with how they look.  And, I replaced all my Kimberly Queen ferns with asparagus ferns (bottom left) and am much more pleased with their look.  And, I love the bird and pelican (bottom right) that sit by the door.  I enjoy admiring the porch from the inside as much as from the outside.  It's a cozy and calm place, especially in the mornings.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Prime Purchases

Oh, my goodness, it's already September folks!  I can't believe it is almost time to start thinking about Christmas.  It seems we just celebrated Christmas a couple of months ago.  Well, maybe I can help you with some of your Christmas shopping as you browse this Prime Purchase post.

BATH  TOWELS

I wanted/needed some new linens for our Master Bath.  I did not want to chase all over the place trying to find some so, of course, I went straight to Amazon.  AND, I found exactly what I wanted.  They come in sets, 2 bath towels, 2 wash cloths and 2 hand towels.  They are ultra soft and I will say that it took about 4-5 washings before they dried like I want a towel to dry.  But, after a few washings, they are perfect.  I replaced Ralph Lauren towels with these and, in my humble opinion, these are soooo much better and cost less than half as much.  They come in 6 colors, so if you need/want some new towels, give these a try.

AMAZON

PAPER  COCKTAIL  NAPKINS

I'm pretty sure you can get any color, pattern or graphic you could possibly want in a paper cocktail napkin off of Amazon.  Of course, I love birds so these were one of my choices.

AMAZON

REVLON  COLORSTAY  LIPSTICK

I have tried 4-5 of the long lasting lipsticks and Colorstay by Revlon is my favorite.  You will need a clear gloss to go over it once it dries and I posted that last month.  Colorstay comes in great colors (this is color 025) and is very affordable.

AMAZON

KITCHEN  TEA  TOWEL

These are the cutest tea towels and make such a great little "happie" for someone.  There are lots of designs to choose from but I thought this one was just too cute and so true. 

AMAZON

HEAVY  DUTY  OVEN  LINERS

I have been using these oven liners for years and years.  I just replaced the ones I had in my oven and it's so nice to just take it out and throw it away.  The old ones were not in awful shape but, they've been in my ovens for 5 years and it was time for some new ones.  They do such a great job of protecting the bottom of your oven from spills, drips and crumbs.  If you do not have these in your oven(s), you should.~chuckle~

AMAZON

NEOPRENE  SLEEVES

If you have been around here long, then you know that I love nutritional shakes and have them for lunch 3-4 times a week.  They come in a 24 oz. plastic cup and these fit over them perfectly and make them easier to hold and keep them cold, cold.

AMAZON

LUCKY  BRAND  SILVER  LINK  BRACELET

This bracelet popped up while I was looking at something else and I couldn't resist it.  It is so pretty and I love the wide width.  Lucky Brand makes some good looking and nicely made fashion jewelry.

AMAZON

LIPPED  TV  TRAYS

  

My sweet Daddy has a TV tray on one side of his recliner.  Well, he is constantly knocking stuff off of it or things slip off while he's searching for something else.  With only 20% eyesight he needs all the assistance I can come up with.  So, a couple of weeks ago I decided I would check and see if there was a TV tray with a lip.  Eureka!  look no further, these popped right up!  They are exactly what he needed and they have worked perfectly.  The lip is about 1/2 inch and things do not easily fall off nor can he push anything off while he's reaching for something else.  If you or someone you know need a lipped TV try, look no further.

AMAZON

MEAT  CHOPPER

This is a dandy kitchen utensil.  After I brown hamburger meat I use this is chop it up.  It's also great to use to break up canned chicken and tuna.   A genius idea for sure!

AMAZON

NATURALIZER  SLIP  ON  SNEAKER

It can be difficult to find bronze dress or casual shoes, so when I saw these, I snagged them.  They are a great casual, comfortable shoe.  I love the wedge!  NOTE: it runs a tad small so you may want to order 1/2 size up.

AMAZON

OUTDOOR  CANDLE  LANTERN

I love flickering light and especially outdoors at night.  This weatherproof lantern is so attractive and is battery operated with a timer.  I hung this one from a shepherd's hook outside our living area windows.  It is so pretty and I plan to get a couple more to place around.  The candle comes inside the lantern and is securely mounted. The lantern is made of some type of very nice plastic that holds up to the weather.  This one only comes in a bronze finish and that is what I wanted.  

AMAZON

EXPANDABLE  WATER  HOSE 

I do not know who the brilliant person was that came up with these jewels but, expandable hoses are "all that and a bag of chips."  We have owned several since they came out but none have been as hardy and well made as this one.  These are so easily managed and I keep this one in a big clay flower pot on the back porch.  It stays hooked up and ready for use.  No lugging those heavy hoses and fighting to roll them back up for me.  

AMAZON

And, there you have it, my "finds" for August.  Now, go have yourself a "terrific Tuesday!"

A September Kinda Hodgepodge

And, believe it or not, this is the 432nd edition of Hodgepodge!  That comes to 2160 questions that our dear Joyce has thought up for us.  Hats off to Joyce for sticking with it all these years.  We love and appreciate you.

1. As we begin this brand new month tell us, on a scale of 1-10, where does your life fall in terms of being in 'apple pie order'? Please elaborate. (1=nowhere near it, 10=practically perfect in every way)

I would say that I'm an 8.  I thrive on a life of order and can get my "panties in a wad" when things get out of order. But, life happens and things can definitely get out of order and that's why I did not say a 10.  I feel I am a far more productive person when my life is in order and I'm definitely a "happier camper" when it is in order. 

2. An apple a day keeps the doctor away...are you doing your part? Red or green? Sweet or tart? Ever played the game Apples to Apples? Do you like apple pie? If so, ala mode or just gimme the pie? 

No, can't say that I'm doing my part because I'm not a big fan of apples.  But, if I were, I would prefer Red Delicious.  I do like apple pie and use to love my Mom's fresh baked apple pie.  I'll take mine plain.  Apple pie will always evoke a special memory of my Mom for me.  Just about 5 hours before she suffered a massive stroke she had baked a delicious apple pie, called me to come and join her and Daddy for a piece with some coffee.  Little did I realize that would be, for all practical purposes, the last time I would see my Mom.  The dreaded phone call came just 5 hours later and my life would never be quite the same.

3. Tell us about a time recently where you 'upset the apple cart' or the last time someone 'upset your apple cart'? 

I'm not sure this qualifies as the "upset the apple cart" that Joyce is referring to but it certainly upset my apple cart.  About 2 weeks ago I was mixing up one of the nutrition shakes that I so dearly love.  I generally just run to the shop and get one but I always have 2-3 dry ones here in case I either can't or don't want to go get one.  I have this Cuisinart hand blender that I decided to use rather than getting our my big Ninja blender.  Well, I put the wrong attachment on it and when I pushed the button to start mixing, it sent strawberry liquid all over my kitchen.  Good grief, I couldn't get the thing turned off quickly enough.  I'm sure I didn't run it 15 seconds but the mess it made looked like I had run it for 15 minutes.  But, thankfully I was able to get it all cleaned up, put the correct attachment on my blender and eventually got to enjoy the shake.  

4. What are three words that come to mind when you think of September? 

Fall is coming!!!

5. What are you most looking forward to this month? 

Hubby and I will be going to the Atlanta area to visit his two sisters and their husbands.  We always have such an enjoyable time and it doesn't happen near often enough but we definitely enjoy the time we do have together. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Many of you may have seen this picture on Facebook last Friday.  The assisted living facility, where my Daddy lives, had a dance for their residents last Friday afternoon.  I went over a little before it was to start and ask Daddy if he would like to go down to the common area for the dance.  He said he didn't think he wanted to go. His eyesight is such a detriment to activities such as this.  But, I told him I was going to run down and watch for a few minutes and I'd let him know how it went.  Well, he decided he would go with me.  As soon as the first song was played he had grabbed  a partner and I thought my heart would burst.  He had such a good time and sang along with every song played.  He and Ms Jimmie (pictured above) are big buddies. She is 95 and still so spry and Daddy, 91, really enjoys visiting with her.  My Daddy's world is so small due to his very limited eyesight that when he can enjoy a activity such as this it really makes me happy.  It seemed all was right with the world for those few minutes.

And, I leave you with this.................

Hodgepodge - School Edition

And, it's Wednesday and that means the Hodgepodge.  Joyce has done this over 400 times and we are so grateful for her "hanging in there" with us.  She's the best! 

1. Is school back in session where you live? Is everyone in person or does your system still offer a virtual option? Are kids wearing masks? 

Public schools started on August 17th and the private school our Gran girls attend started the 20th.  As far as I know all schools are in person but there is an option for virtual learning in some schools.  Yes, masks are mandated, much to my dismay.

2. Something you still do 'old school'? 

I/we still keep a wall calendar with all our appointments, meetings, etc. written on it.  I started keeping a wall calendar when the kids were little and it has worked so well for us that I've just never stopped even though it is just me and Hubby now.  It is so easy for either of us to look at it and see what obligations we have in a glance.  I do use my Iphone calendar for some things such as birthdays but our main calendar is our trusty wall calendar.

3. One lesson you've learned in the 'school of life'? 

4. When you were in school did you pack a lunch or buy a lunch? Your favorite thing to see on the lunch menu or inside your lunchbox back in the day? 

I never remember taking my lunch to school.  I always ate the school lunch. I remember like it was yesterday the rolls that the cafeteria ladies made.  Oh, my goodness!  They always had honey available to put on them and I was always looking around to see if I had a friend that wasn't going to eat their roll.  Melt in your mouth goodness!

 

5. August is National Family Fun Month. Tell me something fun you’ve done this month. 

The Gran girls stayed with me for 9 days after their Mom started back teaching before their school started.  I've been doing this several years and I always try to plan a few special things for some of the days.  I took them to get a manicure and pedicure.  We made cake pops (not as easy as the recipe makes it sound) and went to breakfast a couple of mornings.  These girls LOVE waffles! It was a fun time.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Okay, is she not the absolute cutest, most adorable dog you have ever seen?  She is the latest member of our son's family.  She is a Cavapoo and the most precious dog.  She is so calm and will just snuggle up to you and lay down.  They still have not named her but they have some cute names in the running. I'm not a big pet person but this gal won my heart when I laid eyes on her.  

Sunday Stealing

It has been months since I've participated in Sunday Stealing but when I saw the questions for this week, I thought it would be fun to link up.

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?

Well, not in an ugly way, but my kids have made their comments if they come in or get in my car and I've got good ole Gospel music or easy listening music playing.  I just tell them that they have no appreciation for "good" music. ~chuckle~

2. Do you have pop-tarts in your house right now?

I do not.  I had some a couple of years ago when the Gran boys were coming and would be eating them. They are definitely not a regular item for us.

3. Does someone owe you over twenty dollars?

No one owes me a penny as far as I know.

4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?

Just a month or so ago I burned a small place on the top of my arm taking some cookies out of the oven.

5. What kind of booze did you last take shots of?

Yep! that would be me.

6. If you could see any musician live, front row, who would you choose?

There would be several but George Strait came to mind immediately.  What a guy! I have seen in concert many, many years ago and it was fantastic.  I did not have front row seats but that would have made it even more fantastic.  I do love his music and style! 

7. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?

No doubt about it, I'd run and get myself a nutritional shake.  They are the best 200 calories I could possible enjoy.

8. Does / did either of your parents serve in the military?

My Daddy served in the US Navy from 1948 - 1952.  Wasn't he a good looking sailor?

9. Do you like sour candy?

I do. Our Gran girls love sour gummie bears and they introduced them to me several years ago and I've been a fan ever since.  

10. What do you do to stay awake when you’re tired?

I generally don't get sleepy until I sit in my recliner in the evening and I may doze for 10 minutes or so and get past it.  But, it isn't every evening.  Generally if I'm on my laptop, crocheting or engaged in a TV show, I'm "good to go."  

11.Do you wear your shoes around the house?

I sure do!  No bare feet for this gal!  When my regular shoes come off, my house slippers go on. As a result I have VERY tender feet.

12. Is there ever a time that you enjoy cold showers?

NO!  I'm sure there are times that they could be good for you but I always take "as hot as I can stand it" showers.  And, I know, they are so drying to the skin.  I try to limit the dryness by using a thick body cream all over my body when I get out of the shower.  I can't imagine a cold shower giving anyone the great feeling that a hot shower gives. 

13. Are you good at filling silence in awkward situations?

I can generally come up with something to say to lighten the moment and get things back on track.  

14. Any TV shows you sit down weekly to watch?

When The Voice is in season I watch it every week.  I don't really have any TV shows that I watch but I do enjoy the competition of The Voice.

15. Are you one to sneak food into movie theaters?

It has a long while since I've been to a movie theater but on a few occasions I have taken in a snack or a bottle of water.

I do hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed answering these questions.  A really fun post!

Wishing you ..............