A Thankful Hodgepodge

Well, miracles never cease.  I have not participated in the HP since August 24th.  What!!!! I have been a real blog slacker this year except for participation in Prime Purchases.  Perhaps 2023 will bring me renewed interest in blogging.  We shall see.  For now, I'm excited about answering Joyce's questions this week.............

1. Have you ever been on a cruise? If so where did you go and how did you like it? If not, do you have any desire to take a cruise someday?  

Hubby and I have been on two cruises.  Our first was in August 2008 to Alaska and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  We went with 4 other couples.  We did some really fun excursions and I don't think either one of us would mind going again.

Our second cruise was a St. Lawrence Seaway cruise in 2011.  Again, we really enjoyed it and when we disembarked in Boston, we stayed 2-3 days touring around.  This cruise was with a much smaller cruise line, Holland America and our first was with Celebrity.  We much preferred the smaller ship because that meant fewer people and  more enjoyable in our estimation.

2. Tell us about your Thanksgiving plans...are you hosting? cooking? eating out? turkey or some other main? is it stuffing or dressing in your house? homemade cranberries or cranberries in a can? are pies on the dessert menu? what kind? what are your 'must have' sides? Tell us one thing you're especially grateful for this year.

We will be eating at our country club.  They will have any and everything that one could possibly want on the buffet and it is generally very good.  We show up, enjoy and leave the clean up and left overs to them.  They will be serving dressing and so would I if I were doing the meal and it would be cranberry sauce.  I will be making two desserts today to have, our family favorite, Almond Pound Cake and a Pumpkin Crunch.  

And, hands down, what I am most thankful for this year is this younger brother of mine.   Joel has enjoyed  perfect health all 57 of his years.  This year found him facing two very serious health conditions.  He faced a Melanoma surgery on his Achilles Tendon and then immediately afterwards he faced having to have his Aortic Valve replaced.  There is so much to both of these but, I'll spare all the details and just say, God led him every step of the way down to the best of doctors and complete recovery.  It was such a huge shock to all of us and I spent some very anxious days with much concern. He and his wife will arrive around noon today and it will be our first time seeing him since the heart surgery in August.  I've got a really big hug waiting on him. 

3. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

 I can't remember the last time someone approached me asking for money but I have certainly passed a lot of folks on on street corners or outside a business.  I have a big giving heart when there is a REAL need and I generally will give, even if I am not sure if it is a genuine need.  I feel I have been abundantly blessed and it is the right thing for me to do. 

Hubby and I have dear friends that do incredible mission work all over the world and we support them year around.  Their ministry has led literally thousands of people to the Lord.  I can't think of a better return on the dollar.

4. Have you started decorating for Christmas? Is your tree up? Shopping done? Wrapped? 

I generally do not put any Christmas decor until after Thanksgiving but I did put out the front porch decor last weekend.  Our tree will go up next week and a few other touches but nothing like I use to do.

Yes, my shopping is done and everything boxed and ready to wrap.  I hope to get started on that next week.  90% of my shopping was done online, the Grans mothers send me the links to what the Grans want, I click on it, pay for it and boom, it's done.  Wayyyy to easy!

5. Create your own acrostic using the word THANKS. 

Just so you know, this stressed my poor brain. ~smile~ 

 T - trust (in God)

H - hope (in God)

A - answers (to prayer)

N - nice (what we all should be)

K - kind (what we all should be)

S - sincere (what we all should be)

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Most of you likely know that I went to Israel Nov 2nd - 12th.  I have always wanted to go to the land that Jesus walked and I can now say that I have been.  It was an all ladies trip and my "bestie" and I enjoyed being a part of the group.  There were 34 in our tour and it was a mix of ages and personalities and I'm not sure a mixed group could have as much fun as an all ladies group.  

I wasn't looking forward to the flights, and while they were very long, they were not unbearable.  I did take an air cushion for my back and the absolute best neck pillow collar on the market.  Both of these made for more comfort.

Our first 4 days were probably my favorite because they were a bit slower and calmer.  We visited many places but did not fight crowds.  The last 4 days we spent in Jerusalem and I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that everyone on earth would be there.  Oh, my goodness, it was so crowded! I suppose I thought we would be the only tourists there. ~chuckle~  

This is Darya, our awesome tour guide.  I would put Darya up against any tour guide around and she would win the award I'm quite sure.  She is a Christian Jew that knows the Bible inside out and backwards, knows Israel inside out and backwards and before becoming a tour guide she was a Pediatric Nurse.  Oh, and she speaks 3 languages.  One amazing woman!  A lot of tears were shed when we told her good-bye. 

It will take me months to process all that we saw, did and learned. I have no doubt that I will carry memories of this trip the rest of my life.  I am thankful for the opportunity.

PRIME PURCHASES - OCTOBER

                                                             

Okay, it's November and, for the first time in as long as I can remember, I am not finished with my Christmas shopping, in fact, I've hardly started.  But, this Israel trip that I am leaving on tomorrow has consumed the time that I would normally be using to get Christmas ordered.  But, when I return I'll get on it.  And, it will all be okay!

For now, you may see something in my Prime purchases this month that will assist you with your Christmas shopping.  Let's go check them out..............

ORGANIC  BAMBOO  BABY  TOWEL AND  WASHCLOTH  SET

I needed a baby gift and this has been my "go to" gift for the past few years.  This is the softest and best made towel and washcloth set.  It's made out of bamboo and  and comes in 4 suitable colors for babies. If you need a baby gift, I highly recommend this.

AMAZON

3/4  SLEEVE  SWEATSHIRT

This is the cutest casual top, a 3/4 sleeve sweatshirt type top.  It is a midweight and looks really nice and washes well.  I did size up and it fits perfectly.  There are other colors to choose from as well.  I wear mine with a pair of black joggers and it looks real cute.  It may well be in my suitcase when I leave tomorrow. ~chuckle~

AMAZON

DIGITAL  WEIGHT  SCALES

Our scales bit the dust a few weeks ago and I replaced them with these.  Our last ones were pretty much just like these.  They are easy to use, thin and gives you your exact weight in a digital readout.

AMAZON

STERLING  SILVER  HOOP  EARRINGS

Ladies, these are so good looking!  And, as far as I'm concerned they are the perfect size.  These are definitely going with me to Israel as earrings may well be my main piece of jewelry while I am there. They would make a great Christmas gift too!

AMAZON

LARGE  TRAVEL  MAKEUP  BAG

I needed to replace some of my tolietry bags and packing for my Israel trip made me do just that.  I ordered two of these, in two different designs.  I have one for makeup, one for hair items, one for face cleansing and one for bathing items.  Yep! I need individual bags for each of those.  Anyway, if you are in the market for a new makeup/tolietry bag, these are really nice and the perfect size.  Again, might be a great Christmas gift for someone on your list. 

AMAZON

STEEL  INSULATED  WATER  BOTTLE  WITH  STRAW

I needed an insulated water bottle for my trip to Israel.  There are soooo many to choose from!  I wanted a smaller size with a built in straw.  This one seemed to fit the bill for me and comes in an array of colors.  I got one that matches my cute backpack. ~laugh~  They also have several sizes, mine is a 24 ounce.

AMAZON

ROLL  OF  PRODUCE  PLASTIC  BAGS

Yes, you are seeing this correctly, this is a roll of produce bags. I love bags of all kinds!  I use these for kitchen scraps before I put them in the garbage and I use them to keep some of our produce in the refrigerator.  Lots of uses, I promise you.

AMAZON

FAKE  COLLARS

I've had one of these in white for a while but decided I wanted some other colors.  These add such a nice touch to a sweater or sweatshirt, just takes it up a notch.  So many choices in colors or design.

AMAZON

ANARACK  CARGO  VEST

This is such a cute cargo vest and I thought it might go to Israel with me, but decided against it. But, I will enjoy it when I return.  It is a lighter weight fabric and not like the heavy canvas many are made out of.  It comes in about 12 different colors as well and really is a nice touch to an outfit.

AMAZON

ZICAM  COLD  REMEDY

I will begin using these tomorrow and will use them the 10 days of my trip. I have never used the swabs but I have used the tablets.  But, these are so easy to use and if they might help me fight off a cold or other cooties, then I'm all about it.  Between the folks on the airplanes and all the folks we'll come in contact everyday, I thought this was a great idea.

AMAZON

And, that's a wrap for this month.  

Now, I would so appreciate your prayers for our safety and wellness on this trip.  I have had some anxiety these last days over being sooooo far away from all those I love.  But, the Lord has given me peace and I pray I will get out of this trip all that HE has for me.  I  can hardly believe that I'm really going to "the land of our Lord and Savior." 

I will do my best, once I recover, to do a blog post on my trip. ~smile~

                                                                     

September Prime Purchases

And, here we are on the 4th of October. I love the fall of the year but it sure did get here quick. Time marches on for sure!  And, here's another "issue" of Prime Purchases..........

DUAL  VOLTAGE  HAIR  DRYER

As most of you know, I will be going to Israel next month.  I've been busy making sure I have everything I need for the trip.  AND, I have to have a dual voltage hair dryer.  I have an awesome hair dryer but it is not dual voltage, so I got this one.  It has good recommendations and I'm sure it will work just fine for the few times that I have to use it while I'm there.  So, if you are going to have a need for a dual voltage hair dryer, this might be a good one to get.  I can't imagine that I will ever need it again but perhaps I'll know someone that could use it and can pass it along to them.

AMAZON

BELEGA  NO  SHOW  SOCKS

Another item I've had to purchase is a good sock to wear with my tennis shoes that will be my shoe of choice while I am there.  I am NOT a tennis shoe wearer BUT, on this type of trip, comfortable shoes are an absolute must.  These socks were recommended by the place where I bought my Brooks tennis shoes and I do find them very comfortable and they fit without any lumps or bumps.  I have a few of the medium weight and a few of the lightweight.  They are terribly expensive as far as I'm concerned and I tried some inexpensive ones from Wal-Mart and they just did not work.  They slipped down into the shoe and were very aggravating.  These are great and come in all kinds of colors but all of mine are this color.  I'm into as neutral as I can find.  I've been breaking in my tennis shoes the past couple of months wearing them around the house and while I do the elliptical each morning.  If you are in need of a really good sock, these might be just what you need.

AMAZON

LIGHTWEIGHT  SWEATER  TUNIC

Not sure if this will go with me to Israel or not, but it is a cute, lightweight tunic sweater.  It looks great with black leggings and there are several other colors/patterns in it and it's very affordable.

AMAZON

DENTAL  FLOSS  PICK  DISPENSER

I have never been a fan of regular dental floss that you wrap around your fingers to use.  I have been using these type "floss pickers" for a long time and just reach in the ziptop bag and get one.  Well, someone came up with this neat dispenser.  It is the neatest gadget and one push of the button on top and one of the flossers is dispensed out of the bottom.  My daughter in law shared this with me because she knows I'm a lover of all things neat.

AMAZON

CHUNKY  CUBIC ZIRCONIA  HOOP EARRINGS

I love hoop earrings and these are so pretty.  They may look dressy and I suppose they could be but they make a great throw on earring for everyday wear.  I got the clear rhinestone and the black.  They are about the size of a quarter.  Earrings are like lipstick to me, I wear them everyday of my life.

AMAZON 

ROLLERLASH  MASCARA  SET

And, more for travel.  My dear friend and my Israel traveling partner, gave me some of this for my birthday in July.  I love it and had to order more and it comes with the cute little travel size that will go in my carry on.  If you are looking to try a new mascara, give this a try.

AMAZON

NESPRESSO  VERTURO  NEXT   COFFEE  AND ESPRESSO  MACHINE

Okay, coffee lovers!!!!  I am becoming quite the "coffee snob."  I was visiting a friend a few weeks ago and she served me a cup of coffee made by this machine and, oh, my goodness!!!!  She told me it made the best coffee she had ever had in her life.  AND, I was pretty smitten myself, so smitten that I decided I needed it to complete my coffee bar.  I had never heard of it but all I can say is that it makes a rich, smooth, and creamy coffee.  All I add is Stevia and I'm in coffee heaven.  I am using the medium roast pods  but they make all sorts of flavors and strengths and even a decaf.  It is only 5 1/2" wide so it takes up such a little space and slid right in beside my Cuinsart coffee machine.  The makers are real proud of this machine and they are more than proud of their pods.  But, I bit the bullet and get plum excited each time I make a cup and drink it.  I mean, it's the little things folks! ~chuckle~

AMAZON

DOUBLE  WALL  INSULATED  GLASS  CUPS  - 12 OZ.

I do not drink my coffee out of anything except insulated mugs.  I've never had any glass insulated mugs but I do now and I use them with my Nespresso machine and  they make it just a little more special and keep it hotter longer.  These come in various sizes too.

AMAZON

LOUNGEWEAR  SET

I like to have a couple of outfits like this in the fall and winter for those times when I'm going to be around the house.  A great Sunday afternoon, and end of day outfit.  It is the softest and the fit is great.  It could easily be worn out and about too. It comes in several colors/patterns.

AMAZON

Well, that's it for this edition.  Maybe you saw something that you can't live without. ~chuckle~ Until next time, abundant blessings!

August Primes Purchases

And, here we are in September. And, here are my August Prime Purchases. 

DIGITAL  KITCHEN  TIMER

My trusty kitchen timer that I had probably had 15 years finally bit the dust and I had to get a new one.  I LOVE timers and use them for absolutely everything!  I use the one on my Apple Watch all the time but if I'm baking cookies or something else, I like to have what I guess is now called, an "old fashioned timer."  This one is small but LOUD.  If you are in the market for a timer, I highly recommend this "bad boy."

AMAZON

WIRELESS  RAIN  GUAGE

Hubby enjoys keeping up with the amount of rain that falls.  He's had a rain guage for years and, like my timer, his last one measured it's last bit of rain and croaked.  So, he ordered a new one and the past couple weeks rain kept it very busy.  

AMAZON

CAR  TISSUE  

I keep both tissues and papertowels in my vehicle.  A box of tissue is so bulky and hard to find a place to put it.  These cylinder containers of tissue are not only attractive but fit perfectly in one of the cup holders of your vehicle.  I keep mine in the bottom holder on the drivers door.  And, what a great little "happie" to share with a friend.  I mean, everyone uses tissues and these are in the prettiest container. They come 4 to a package.

AMAZON

SATIN  NIGHT  SHIRT

If you have been hanging around here long then you know that I love nightshirts.  I ran across these and ordered a couple of them.  They are so yummy soft, wash up nicely and are very comfortable. If you are a nightshirt gal then you need to grab you one. 

AMAZON

RECTANGULAR  PEDESTAL  STAND

I recently had a new arrangement made for our bar area.  I felt like it needed to be a bit higher so I began looking for a rectangular pedestal.  And, Amazon did NOT disappoint!  I found exactly what I wanted and it raises the arrangement just enough.  I imagine I could have looked and looked for one of these and never found one but, once again, Amazon came through.

AMAZON

JORDAN'S  SKINNY  SYRUP

I love the Skinny Syrups!  I use them in my coffee and they are often hard to find so I just end up ordering mine off Amazon.  I use the pumps, that you have to order separately, in them as it makes using the syrup so much easier.  They are very inexpensive and last a very long time.

AMAZON

STORAGE/FREEZER  CONTAINERS

It's time for soups, stews, chili, and gumbo.  I love to make a huge pot when I make any of them and then freeze several containers.  I seem to run out of freezer containers rather quickly so I saw these and ordered them.  They are very sturdy and the lids fit very tightly. I will begin using them real soon. 

AMAZON

GLITTER  WASHI  TAPE

Our Gran girls LOVE washi tape.  They make posters and paper crafts with it.  I saw this metallic package and know they will really enjoy crafting with it.  

AMAZON

JOGGER  SWEATPANTS

If you are a LuLu Lemon fan then you might want to order these for yourself.  They are very similar to LLL, minus the $100 price tag.  The fabric is great and the fit is TTS. They call them a sweat pant but they are not the least bit heavy. They are a blend of polyester and spandex.

AMAZON

And, there you have it for this post. Perhaps you saw something that you like/need/want.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

I've been remiss in participating in the Hodgepodge recently.  Sorry, but life has just gotten in the way. But, looking forward to today's questions...........

1. August 24th is National Waffle Day...what's something you've 'waffled' on recently? 

Webster's defines waffling as failing to make up one's mind

I can't think of a thing that I have waffled on recently.  I don't generally struggle making up my mind but I'm sure there  have been times I waffled, I just can't recall it right now.

2. Do you like waffles? Make your own or 'leggo my Eggo? Any favorite toppings or add-ins? Waffles or pancakes-which do you prefer? 

I love waffles. I do have a waffle iron but it has not been used in years. I keep Eggo's in the freezer. I want nothing but butter and syrup, no other topping for me. I'll always choose waffles over pancakes but it has been ages since I have had either one.

3. Do you have any momentos from this summer (or past summers)? What do you do with them? 

Well, I haven't kept mementos from any thing in a very long time. 

But, as you know, I recently had a BIG birthday and my family gifted me with a sash and a crown.  I kept them and have them in a ziploc bag in my storage room.  I just couldn't seem to get rid of them right away.  Who knows if I will still have them in a year. ~time will tell~

4. One thing you'd like to do before summer ends? 

Hummm..........other than the heat, I feel that summer has ended because the schools have all started.  And, I can't really think of one thing I want/need to do before it ends. I can say that I am more than ready for fall to arrive!

5. Life is too short to not make everyday count!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

And, this my friends, is Professor Broome! Bridget moved into her office at Oklahoma State several days ago, butyesterday was her first day to have students.  Quite a difference for her going from elementary kids to college kids.  She is beyond excited!  I did not know that she would be called Professor before she finished her doctorate but she is.  It's on the sign outside her office.  And, in a little over two more years (Lord willing) she will be Professor, Doctor Bridget Broome.  I have not a clue how she does it, but she is a very driven gal as well as highly organized and has a hands on husband. It's the only way she can pursue such a goal at this time in her life.  She makes us very proud!