Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hodgepodge Wednesday




1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)
Oh, my YES, I send Christmas cards.  I make an event out of it. ~smile~ It is something that I enjoy every year and can only hope that the 160 folks receiving them this year will enjoy receiving them as much as I've enjoyed preparing them to send.  I do not display cards, that's just not something that I've ever done.  I keep them in a neat little stack on our TV cabinet. 

2. When do kids become adults? 
Well, I think ideally they should be well on their way when they graduate from high school and if not then,  certainly by the time they graduate from college or the age of a college graduate.  But, as we know, some kids never become adults.  I believe that we as parents should do all in our power to raise our children into adults contributing to the betterment of society. There is certainly no certain age where this magically happens. ~shucks~

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

No, it doesn't, it stays the same 24/7, 365 days a year.  I can only hope that it has had and will continue to have positive benefits. ~chuckle~

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?
 I love Jalapeno Peppers and put sliced ones on any and everything. Yum! Yum!

5. Gloves or mittens?


Fingerless gloves are my pick! Saves all the hassle of pulling them on and off if you need to get money out of your billfold, text someone, call someone, the list goes on and on.

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?
Oh, my, I've been in all kinds of long lines. We've been to Disney at some of the busiest times of the year and waiting in lines wrapped half way around the place.  I've waiting in long lines to get concert tickets, but I'm sure one of the lines at Disney qualifies as the longest.  

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?
Our daughter and Grandson will be flying in Christmas Day and will be here for one solid week.  We are so excited about spending that time with them.  Dodge City is just too far away!!!  

8. Insert your own random thought here.

You may remember that I shared with you a couple of months ago that our daughter would be having another baby in May.  Well, it was just not meant to be.  When she went for her regularly scheduled appointment last Wed. the Dr. could not detect a heartbeat after  several attempts.  The baby had died.   She suspected nothing, so this was a huge shock and it has made all of our hearts very sad. I would appreciate your prayers for her.

Happy Wednesday! 

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Miscellany Monday

Miscellany Monday @
lowercase letters



It's Monday and we all know what that means.............we get to be random and link up with Carissa.  Here goes..............



The "Flitter" Cake.......

I made the above cake Saturday morning to take to my Step Mom's for a family dinner.  Yep, can you believe it?  It was a Butter Pecan Cake and it was the first time I had used this particular recipe.  The recipe said to spray the pan with Pam and that is exactly what I did.  I ALWAYS  spray my pans with Baker's Choice when I bake cakes because it has the flour and oil mixed.  Apparently I should have done that this time and just maybe this cake would have popped right out just like all my other ones.  Oh, well, it was delicious and I took it right on and we ate it.  My Grandpa use to call this type of cake a "flitter" cake.  An apt description I'd say!


It starts like this.......


Yes, this is what Christmas decorating starts with.  I have to pull it all out of the attic (thank goodness I have a walk out attic) and then get it ready to carry down the stairs and begin the process.  And, of course, each year a few new things are added and a few older things are cast aside.  Pictures of the "afterwards" will follow soon.  Oh, did you notice my labels on each plastic box?  My friends tease me about me and my label maker.  I LOVE my label maker and if you hang around me very long, I'm liable to make a label and put it on you. ~chuckle~


The Hug.......


My brother and his wife, from Virginia, were in this past weekend and my step Mom had us over for dinner Saturday evening.  The guys brought my Dad over to join us.  When it was time for him to return to the nursing facility he told my Hubby and brother to hold him up and then he told Sybil to come to him.  He said, "I haven't had a REAL hug since June 9th and I want one."  So, while we watched, tears in our eyes and cameras in our hands, they had a REAL hug. It was a priceless moment for sure!!



Remembering..........


Saturday evening after dinner my brother pulled out his guitar and began playing.  He has been playing the guitar about 42 years and he is quite accomplished.  A very soothing type guitarist.  "Back in the day" he and I would often sing for various functions in our community and church.  We began recalling a few of those and even managed to sing a few of them.  Can I just say that it brought back some very fond memories for me. It was songs like, "Leaving on a Jet Plane," "House of the Rising Son," and "Puff the Magic Dragon."  Oh, me, I've really dated myself now! ~wink~



Geaux Tigers......





LSU Tigers - 41
Arkansas Razorbacks - 17
'Nuff said...........

Thursday, November 24, 2011

With a Grateful Heart.............



For these I am thankful.........

A husband that has stuck by me for 40+ years

My Keurig coffee pot, just nothing like a freshly brewed cup of coffee

The precious memories of my Mother

Serving a God that doesn't allow me to stay in the "pits of despair"

My Dad's mental capability

The smiles and giggles of my Grandchildren

My children and their spouses

Eternal life through Christ

The nursing staff and aides that care for my Dad day in and day out without complaint

My baby brother that has stood by my side, even though he is 700+ miles away,  since our Dad's illness

My Step-Mother

Having way more than I could have ever imagined

Friends that call or drop a card in the mail at just the time I need it most

My computer, Ipad and Blackberry that keep me connected

The devotional book, "Jesus Calling" - it speaks to my heart every morning

My Chiropractor that keeps my back "in whack"

Friends that truly care

The recent peace that the Lord has given me

Our memory foam mattress - sleeps like a dream

Etsy

My blogging buddies - you are the BEST!

Having something to look forward to

My hair stylist

Peace and quiet

Knowing God's knows best even when I may not
understand it at the time

The forgiveness of my sin

And, a bazillion other things

Thanksgiving Blessings to you this day! 
 


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving Hodgepodge




1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts?
Why, why, why would anyone put anything except cornbread in dressing????  When I lived in Virginia a lot of the folks loved Oyster Dressing and now that I'm in the deep South there are folks that like Sausage Dressing. I've never heard of Chestnut Dressing, but for me, there is nothing but Cornbread Dressing!!!!
2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? 
Hummmm, not sure

3. When were you last inside an airport?
The first week of Oct. when Hubby and I went to Las Vegas. I'm soooo glad that I won't be headed to an airport today. Looks like it may be a stressful day to be flying. Ugh!

4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner?
Got to have sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecan topping. Yuck! to marshmellow topping. ~smile~

5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?
Several of the Christmas songs bring about emotions for me, but "I'll be Home for Christmas" is one of the toughest.  There were so, so many Christmases that I was unable to be with my family .  It was so wonderful when my parents moved here in 2000 and we had 8 wonderful Christmases together before my Mom passed away.

6. 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 am a real skeptic when it comes to this but Hubby will not and can not pass by anyone or any organization asking for a handout.  His feeling is that if it is not a legitimate need, that's not his fault or for him to worry about , but he feels it is his place to give in case it is a legitimate need.

7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. 
I never lived near my Grandparents and at times they would come to see us either at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  I so well remember the anticipation of their arrival any time they would come. My Daddy's Mom was such a character and when she came the fun began.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Last week a sweet lady offered my Daddy the use of her Jazzy.  She had it in storage from an accident she had had some years earlier.  Hubby and I went out and picked it up, took it to my Dad and we are so hopeful that it is going to be a source of enjoyment for him by giving him an opportunity to get out of his room.  It is operated by a joystick and it appears that he isn't going to have any difficulty operating it.   We wish so much that he could transfer himself on to it, but he can't, so he will rely on his aides to do that for him. I'll take a picture of him on it soon. 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Thankful Miscellany Monday

Miscellany Monday @
lowercase letters



Yep, it's Monday again! I can't believe a whole week has gone by since my last MM entry.  WOW, time is just a flying by..........and Carissa is always here. 



A dropping off spot.......

Can I just tell you that I love our local thrift store. I love it for two reasons: one, it is run by our local Teen Challenge Ministry.  TCM takes girls, boys, men and women who are suffering from drug addiction and helps to turn their lives around through Christ and when they reach a certain level in their recovery, they work at the Thrift Store.  Secondly, it is so, so easy to go by there and drop off "stuff."  The back of my vehicle is full right now and it will be one of the first stops of my day today. Love it!


Too much to bear..........


I read an excerpt from the book "Kisses from Katie" on one of my blogging buddies site the other evening.  It was about how folks are always saying that "the Lord will not put more on us than we can bear."  The author of this book said that indeed He does put more on us than we can bear because it is often not until then that we realize our total dependence upon Him.  WOW! how true is that.  And, can I just tell you that this book will bless your socks off as you read about a 22 year old girl that is completely "sold out" to God.  Go here to see her blog.  


True words.....


I saw this on Pinterest this week and I LOVED it.  If there's one thing I have found out since my Dad's illness in June, life does not stop for anything, it just goes right on. There have been so many days that I have wished that life would stop, let me gather myself and then go on.  But, I have no doubt that the Lord knew exactly what He was doing when he made it this way.  Otherwise we would become so over taken by our circumstances that we could not even exist. He really did think of everything!


A big buffet..........


that's what Hubby, our son, DIL, the Princess and I will be enjoying on Thanksgiving.  Okay, I confess, I am NOT cooking!  Should I be ashamed?  Well, I hope not! ~smile~ We will go to our Country Club that will serve up some of the best "vittles" you ever did put your "chompers" on.  I can already taste it.  And, all I have to do is "show up." 


  
 
 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Weekend Edition #3






I am sitting in my recliner after a very productive day.  I had planned for today to be productive but, lately, my plans do not always work out.  What did my day consist of.........

Doing 3 loads of laundry

Changing the linens on our bed

Making 2 recipes of my "famous" fudge

Going with Hubby to pick up a Jazzy (motorized wheelchair
that someone is letting my Daddy borrow)

Going to visit my Daddy for a while

Pulling out my Christmas decorations and getting them
ready so that I can decorate next weekend

Had a 45 minute phone visit with my BFF in
Orlando, Florida

Getting a package ready to mail to two very 
special people

Doing some work on Quickbooks

Pulling some chili out of the freezer and making
"gourmet chili dogs" for our dinner this evening

Finishing up addressing our Christmas cards

Probably doesn't sound like a very fun day to many of you, but it was a great day to me.  I had a list and I was able to get everything marked off it and now I'm recovering here in my recliner. 







Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hodgepodge Wednesday




1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? Any song by the Beach Boys or The Righteous Brothers reminds me of my high school years and I truly had no idea how good life was at that time.  I was too concerned about growing up and getting on to the next phase of life. 
~chuckle~

2. What's something you've given up on? getting a college degree.  There is no doubt that I could still get a degree, but at this point in my life, I just do not see the sense in it.  It was much more important to me when I was younger and I  also wanted to get my Licensed Practical Nursing Degree but that hasn't happened either.  

3. What's something you'll never give up on? 
    Hummmmmm..................... 







4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be? Fudge.  I have already made 35# for holiday giving and I can make it blindfolded.  I'm pretty sure that I could be called a "pro" at "fudge making." 






5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music?  Christmas shopping - DONE! Not wrapped or packaged, but bought.  Decorating - haven't even started and won't until the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Christmas music - yes, been listening to it about a week. 

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding? My parents were married at their pastors home  and their mothers were the only other people present.

7. I can't believe I continue to fret and stew over situations that I have absolutely no control over.  I guess I must think that it really does help.  I need to use that energy on situations that I do have control over and leave the rest to the good Lord who does have control over all things.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I have been on a mission to find a suitable lift chair for my Dad the past few weeks.  I have had 3 delivered to him, the last one delivered yesterday afternoon.  They've either been too big, not comfortable or something else.  It seems that the one I had delivered yesterday may actually be the "charm."  Daddy isn't totally convinced it is going to work, but he has said that it is the best one so far, so that is encouraging.  The one feature that he has liked about all three is that he can recline when he wants to without calling for assistance.  It gives him a small avenue of independence and that is important in his condition. Added note:  I have learned more about lift chairs than I ever cared to know. ~smile~

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Miscellany Monday

Miscellany Monday @
lowercase letters


I'm especially glad to be back in touch with all my "blogging buddies."  Just in case you are wondering, I miss you all when I'm away.  It's amazing how close one can feel to someone that they haven't even met in person.  Okay, now on to lovely Carrisa's Miscellany Monday......


Special friends.........

On our way to Branson we stopped in Springdale, Arkansas to see our dear friends.  Hubby went to high school with both of them and I met them about 10 - 12 years ago and can I just say, "they don't come any finer."  They are such gracious and giving folks and we had an absolutely delightful time the few hours we were able to spend with them.  The local shops were having their Holiday Open Houses last Sunday and we stopped by one shop and enjoyed the festivities. We are blessed by their friendship!

A red Mustang......


Our #1 son has been an old car enthusiast since he was just a little fella.  He always wanted to find one that was worth restoring and he did just that about 10 years ago.  I don't have access to any of the "before" pictures but you can see by the above picture what a beauty it is.  He enjoys participating in car shows and ever so often, he has driven it in parades.  I can just see our little Princess riding in it one day with her Daddy.

God's handiwork......


Yes, I am God's handiwork too, but I'm really talking about the absolutely gorgeous colors of the trees on the mountains behind me.  This picture was taken as we were going through Northern Arkansas on our way to Missouri.  I don't think we could have timed it any better to see the fall colors at their finest.


Cute, cute, shoes........


Can I just tell you that when I saw our little Princess in these shoes the other day, I almost had a fit!  I think they are just the cutest I've ever seen and she has them in silver too.  I can't believe how stylish the shoes for the little ones has gotten.  Whatever happened to the white hightops the kids use to wear? ~smile~

   30th anniversary......

 
  We went to see the Oak Ridge Boys in concert this past week and little did we know that it is the 30th anniversary of the song, Elvira.  Oh, my goodness, I can sing that song in my sleep. They still put on a good show. They could look a little more professional, but I'm beginning to think that the sloppier someone looks, the better it is today.  ~~just sayin'~~ 

A happy week to you....

 
 

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Happy Birthday and Branson Bound


This coming Wednesday my sweet Daddy will celebrate his 82nd birthday.  What a year his 81st year has been and I'm sure he is thinking a lot about it.  He has still not shown any improvement in his legs and feet and we have all resigned ourselves to the probability that he never will.  His pain often varies from day to day and the Drs. continue to have to adjust the pain meds often to keep his pain under control.  I think his outlook is as good as anyone could expect it to be given his situation.  For those of you that are reading this and have known Daddy for many years, I would love for you to send him a card for his birthday.  He would enjoy hearing from you.  Send it to him at : 1905 Cooper Lake Road, Bastrop, La. 71220  

Hubby and I will be heading to Branson, Missouri tomorrow morning.  We have had this trip planned for sometime and are looking forward to some time away.  We are meeting Hubby's sister and her husband there for a few days.  In route we are going to stop by some dear friends and spend some time with them tomorrow afternoon and Monday morning.  It should be a beautiful drive and a time of relaxation and refreshment.

I'll have lots to tell when we return and lots of pictures to share.  Blessings to you all!



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Wednesday Hodgepodge




1. Who taught you how to cook? My Mother for the most part but I loved to spend time in the kitchen with my paternal Grandmother too.  She never used a recipe, it was just a little of this and a little of that, and the messier the kitchen the better the food, was her philosophy.  It was quite the contrast to my Mother who was the neatest cook around.  Momma was a very healthy cook long before that was the "  thing "to do"  and my Grandmother was just sure that bacon grease made anything better.  So, I'm somewhat of a blend of the two when it comes to cooking but am just like my Momma when it comes to neatness and cleanliness in my kitchen (or the entire house for that matter). 

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?  I can often read more into a situation than I should but I'm not sure that's the same thing as thinking too much and I have not been told that I do.  Some folks have said I was too much of a perfectionist but I think they really mean that I'm overly organized and I'm not sure that's the same as a perfectionist.  Haven't been told I was too sensitive and I don't think that I am.  I would have never survived growing up as a "preacher's daughter" being too sensitive. ~ smile~

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.
How sad, but I do not remember having either.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in? 
The Christian religion 

5. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?


Hands down, it's pansies!  We  have just planted  ours and they are flourishing and beautiful already.  They are the heartiest plants and last from Oct. through March or April. They just can't be beat!

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?  We do not have an abundance of kids in our neighborhood and I would not have a clue about the ones that we do have.  I guess I should do something about that.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?  
I'm not a " die hard"  fan, but am a fan.  I especially like craisins in salads and cole slaw.  Adds a nice taste and good color.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

  
Our princess came over Monday evening and greeted the Trick or Treaters with us.  She wore her costume that was the absolute cutest tutu you have ever seen.  If you think it's cute from the back, you should  have seen it from the front (her Mom ordered it off of Etsy).  And, if you look real closely you can see that she wore her cute matching rain boots with it.  It was a fun evening!


For more Hodgepodge, click here and read more fun answers.