The Wednesday Medley

It's Wednesday and Terri is graciously providing us with questions each week and I, for one, am so appreciative of her.  Now on to the questions for this week.........

1.  On November 28th, 1995, President Bill Clinton ended the 55 MPH nationwide speed limit that began in 1974 as an energy saving measure during the Mid-East oil embargo.  If you are old enough to remember this (I sure am) did it make you happy?  Do you have a heavy foot when driving or does 55 MPH sound good to you?

I well remember this.  I do not have a heavy foot but 55mph is a bit slow if you are on a divided highway or interstate.  I drive about 65 on the highway and rarely over 68.  I'm not real comfortable at a higher speed.

2.  You are home alone on a rainy/snowy Sunday afternoon.  What Christmas movie will you watch?

Any Hallmark Christmas movie.  I watch them each morning while I'm on the elliptical and it makes the time just fly by and they all leave me feeling good.

3.  What is something you have tried that you will never try again?

Many, many years ago I took a bite of licorice and spit it halfway across the room.  I had never tasted anything so horrible in my life and I have not and will not ever try it again.  It is just plain GROSS!!!!

4.  Today is National French Toast Day!!  Will you have some?  Do you like French Toast?

I will not be having any today but I do like it.  I can't really remember the last time I had actual French Toast but I do make a delicious French Toast casserole and I had some of that last week.

5.  The Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center will be lighted today, as will the one at the White House in Washington, D.C.  Do you have your tree up and is it lighted?  Have you ever been in New York City or Washington, D.C. to see the trees all lit up during the holidays?

This is a picture of our tree last year.  Our tree will go up tomorrow.  I have the other Christmas touches done.  I have been to both Washington D.C. and NYC, but not during the Christmas season.  Perhaps I need to add that to my "bucket list." ~grin~

6.  Tell us something random about this week of yours.

I'm not sure how random this is but I'm finishing up wrapping my gifts.  I have been wrapping them as they come in but do have a couple that I did not stop and wrap when they arrived.  I say arrived because 90% of my shopping has been done online.  It is the easiest shopping in the world.  Some folks like to "see and feel" before they buy but not me.  Generally my daughter and DIL just send me links to the things for the Grans and "boom," just like that it's DONE!  

The Latest.......

Here it is, the last week of November and it really does seem that we were just at this same time last year.  I know it sounds trite, but time really does seem to be flying by.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving here at the Culp house.  I had done a lot of advance preparation and it made all the difference.  We ate at noon and I managed to have all the food ready to serve and everything was hot out of the oven.  I love it when things come together like that.  
We enjoyed having one of Hubby's sisters and her husband with us and our son and his family.  

My Dad joined us for the meal and enjoyed some time with these sweet girlies.  He never stays too long and is pretty much ready to get back to his little quiet apartment shortly after we eat.  He's been a little out of sorts  the past few days and told me yesterday afternoon that he is ready to go on to his heavenly home.  With his blindness his quality of life is so very limited and it makes me very sad.  He has managed to keep a good attitude but he's growing weary and I really do understand that.  I cannot imagine only being able to see vague images.  Of course, he knows that only the Lord controls his time on this earth.  I just pray that when his time comes it will be without fanfare and he'll go very peacefully and quickly.
 Now, back to the latest.............

Last weekend Brandon and Windy took the girls to ride The Polar Express in Palestine, Texas.  Of course, they had a great time and made a whole lot of memories.

Clancy spent the first part of last week with his paternal Grandparents.  His Pops took him deer hunting one morning and he landed this nice buck.  Needless to say, he was one excited little boy.

Hannah Beth has been taking horse riding lessons the past couple of months.  This was a gift from her Dad and Mom for her 9th birthday.  She has always, always, loved horses and while she doesn't have a horse, she is really enjoying these lessons.  She looks so little sitting on that BIG horse.

All the Grans got to see Santa this weekend.  The girls got to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the boys were at Lowe's when they ran into Santa.  I think he's one of the best Santa's I've ever seen and Coleman was so smitten by him.  Now, Clancy, not so much, but he played along for his little brother. ~good boy~  

This week I'll be putting out "touches" of Christmas and the "tree fairy" will come and decorate our tree on Thursday.  So, stay tuned and I'll give you a "peek" in the coming days.

Saturday Nine

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, how can that be?  I do hope you and yours had a wonderful time. We had a great time with family and I'll be sharing about our Thanksgiving on Monday.  Meanwhile, I'll get right on to answering today's questions.

Saturday 9: Black Magic Woman (1970)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune: Hear it here. 

I certainly remember this song and I probably knew every word of it at the time it was popular.  And, perhaps I could still sing along with it half decently now. ~smile~

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 23, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

Well, I sure did.  I cannot tell you the last time that I went shopping on Black Friday but my sister in law and II did hit 2-3 stores and scored a few items.  We didn't go with anything in mind, we just went.  We only went into one store that was really busy but it wasn't unbearable.  The other stores we went into were just like any normal business day.  So, we didn't get into any craziness on our venture.

2) On busy shopping days,  carts often litter parking lots. After loading your items into your car, are you careful to return your shopping cart to the store or the designated cart receptacle?

9 out of 10 times I do, it only takes a a minute or so and keeps them out of the way of cars parking.

3) Who on your gift list is hardest to buy for?

It would be my Daddy.  Bless his heart, he is legally blind and has little to no wants at the age of 89.  But, I like for him to have 2-3 things to open and I already have him 2 gifts, so I'm doing pretty good this year.

4) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include enjoying leftovers or watching a game?

Yes, we enjoyed leftovers last night and the guys watched some football yesterday and Hubby will continue watching football today and tomorrow.

5) Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is an annual event. It began in 1924 as a local event in New York. Today it's nationally televised. Did you watch it?

  

No, I always turn it on but did not even do that this year.  I was busy getting our meal together for noon and that's pretty much all I thought about.

6) What did you give thanks for on Thanksgiving 2018?

My salvation, my family and good health

7) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives, and forks didn't become popular until the 18th century. Think about your Thanksgiving place setting. Did you have both a salad and a dinner fork? 

 

I only set a dinner fork at our Thanksgiving table and really don't remember if I have ever sat both a dinner and salad fork.  I don't see that it's necessary.

8) Pies are a popular Thanksgiving dessert. What kind of pie did you enjoy? Or did you have ice cream? Or did you skip dessert?
I made a Pecan pie, a Pumpkin pie and a Pumpkin Spice cake and over the past few days, I've enjoyed a slice of all of them. 

  

9) This week's featured band, Santana, was named for its founder, Carlos Santana. He was born in Mexico. When at a Mexican restaurant, what do you usually order?

A veggie quesadilla.  Our local Mexican restaurant makes the best, seasoned perfectly and so delicious. ~in my opinion~

Have yourself a great weekend!!!!

Sunday Stealing

It's Sunday and I'm playing along with Bev and the Sunday stealing questions and they are some good questions this week.

1.What is your favorite animal?

I am not a big animal lover, never have been, but this fella right here, well, he stole my heart the minute I met him.  His name was Tater and he was a Goldendoodle that belonged to my brother and his family.  This past February Tater passed away and need I say, it was a sad, sad day.  If I were to ever have an animal/pet it would be a miniature Goldendoodle for sure.

2.Your dream vacation?

I have been fortunate to go on some wonderful trips over my lifetime but we've never been to Banff, Canada.  We've given serious thought but somehow we've just never gone.  I want to go and stay at the Fairmont.  It may remain a dream at this point but, there's nothing wrong with dreaming. Right?

3.Last person's house you were in?

It was a gal that's in a study club with me.  She was the hostess this month and our meeting was this past Thursday.  She has a lovely home and we had a great meeting and lunch.

4.Worst injury you've ever had?

Several years ago I was reaching in the back seat of my vehicle with my right arm.  I had my seat
belt on and didn't bother to undo it.  I stretched and hyper-extended my shoulder and paid a big, big price a couple of years later.  I ended up having to have surgery to repair a torn tendon.  A lesson learned for sure.

5.Last play you saw?

It was at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa this past April.  My nephew was the star and I cannot remember the name of it.. It was a great show and it really aggravates me that I can't remember what it was.

6. Ever go to camp?

Yes, but it has been more years than I care to admit.  I went to church camp growing up and had more fun than a barrel of monkey's.  I think camp is such a wonderful opportunity for kids.

7.Were you an honor roll student in school?

No, I was not, I was just a good ole average gal.  Thankfully, the world is made up of average folks, so I fit right in.

8.What do you want to know about the future?

Well, there are some things I would like to know but that will stay between me and the good Lord as He continues to teach me to not fret over the things to come. The future is completely in His hands and whatever may come He has always and will continue to see me through.

9.Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

No, I do wear it occasionally, but not like I use to.  And, what I wear is light and airy, not a heavy scent that knocks folks down. Jean Baptiste by Morgan Niven is my very favorite.

10.Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

Indeed!  I have annual check ups with several Doctors and I haven't finished seeing all of them yet.  I'm all about being proactive when it comes to my health.

11.Where is your best friend?

I have no idea.

12.Do you have a tan?

No! it's been so long since I had anything except a "tan out of bottle" that I can't even remember.

13.What are you listening to right now?

The LSU/Rice game on TV.  Hubby is watching it and of course, I'm sitting here answering these questions and listening to it.

14.Do you collect anything?

No, I really don't anymore.  But, I sure have in the past and still have a couple of the collections but sold the others.   I decided several years ago that I needed to quit collecting as they just become more stuff that someone will have to deal with one of these days.

15.Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

I mean really, do you think I'd put it out here for all to read? I don't think so.

16.Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

It was about 6 years ago for speeding.  I do not speed as in really speeding but I think I was going 55 in a 45.  The ticket was expensive too, hurt my feelings really bad! ~grin~

17.What does your last text message say?

18.Do you like hot sauce?

YES! I love hot sauce on most anything.  You almost can't get any food too hot for me.

19.Do you need to do laundry?

No, I do not.  I did 4 loads today (Saturday) and my baskets are empty. ~love it~

20.What is your heritage?

Deep Christian roots.  My Dad was a minister and our families lives revolved around the church and its activities. As a result, I accept Christ as my Savior when I was 7 years old.  I treasure the richness of my heritage. something money cannot buy!

Saturday 9

It's Saturday and that means 9 questions to answer. I always enjoy this meme and hope you enjoy it as well. 

Saturday 9: Sentimental Journey (1945)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
I'm very familiar with today's tune and have always loved listening to Doris Day sing it.

1) Doris sings that she has her bag packed. Tell us about your luggage. Is your bag easy to spot on the luggage carousel?




Indeed it is!  I purposely bought red so that I could spot it a mile away.  And, it has worked.  There is always a few more red pieces but not near about as many as black.  I've had mine for about 10 years and use it only for flying.  I use a less tough luggage for car travel. 

2) The release of this song coincided with VE Day, and so it meant a great deal to troops returning home from Europe. What song has sentimental value for you? Why?


I absolutely love God Bless America by Lee Greenwood.  It sends chills over me as he sings about the men who died for my freedom. 

3) As a young girl, Doris was passionate about dance. Concentrating in the studio and performing on stage helped distract her from heartache and embarrassment over her parents' divorce. When you want to escape from what's troubling you, what do you do?
First I begin praying and asking for wisdom and  that I will have the where with all to lay it down.  And, I stay busy.  As they say, "an idle mind is the devil's workshop." 

4) Her dancing days came to an end when, at age 15, she was in a car accident and damaged her leg. During her recovery, she discovered how much she enjoyed singing with the radio, and was delighted to find others enjoyed hearing her. Tell us about a time you unexpectedly found happiness or success.
Well, my greatest success would have to be my son and daughter.  No, they are no perfect but it makes me happy as I watch them live their lives today, especially as a parent.  It wasn't an unexpected happiness but nonetheless, the first thing that came to my mind.  I can't think of an unexpected happiness or success other than them.  Perhaps when I read others answers something else will come to mind.
  
5) She moved from singer to actress in the late 1940s and was a major movie star for 25 years. She was paired with the most popular leading men of her time -- everyone from Clark Gable to Frank Sinatra to Rock Hudson. If you could share a kiss with any actor or actress, who would you choose?

Harrison Ford. This is a picture of him when he was very young and of course, as with all of us, he is much older now but, he's still one of my favorites. 

6) 1968 was a terrible year for Doris. First, she suddenly became a widow. Then she discovered that her late husband and his business partner had squandered her money and she had to file for bankruptcy. Oh, wait! There's more! She also found that, in his role as her manager, her late husband had, without her knowledge, committed her to a weekly TV series. Do you have a 1968? What year you can point to and say, "Wow, I'm glad that's over"?
The first one to come to my mind would be 2010.  In 2010 my Dad was diagnosed with Guillian Barre Syndrome.  He was a sick, sick man and was in a hospital 2 hours away from where we live and I pretty much lived in a hotel that entire summer while he was hospitalized.  We did not think he would live and I had just lost my Mom in 2008 and I  wasn't sure I was going to survive. But, he did survive and made an amazing recovery for his age and I survived as well.  It was a year to remember for sure!

7) After retiring from show business, she became an advocate for animal welfare. She has said we should be more sensitive to the loneliness, sadness and guilt people feel when they lose a pet. Think of a time you were grieving. What words or gestures helped you through? Conversely, what's something no one should ever say to someone who is hurting?
My Mom died very suddenly from a major stroke and a precious older lady said to me, "Lea, you will never get over losing your Mom, but you will get through it."  I cannot tell you how many times I have pondered those words.  They were so, so true!

I do not think that anyone should say, "I know just how you feel."  No one, no one, knows how you feel.  They may have gone through the same loss or same experience but we all handle things differently and no one really knows how we feel.  We might say, "I can imagine how you feel as I've faced a similar loss or experience."  We all mean well when we say such but to a hurting person it is not comforting.

8) Doris' only child was her son, record producer Terry Melcher. Terry had a successful, years-long collaboration with The Beach Boys. Do you have a favorite Beach Boys song?


Just one?  I loved the Beach Boys!  To name a few, Good Vibrations, In My Room, California Girls, God Only Knows and Wouldn't It Be Nice.

9) Random question: What's one thing you've never done, but have always wanted to try?

This is not a big deal but I have never done Yoga and have always thought I'd try it.  I haven't yet and guess if I'm going to, I probably should get on it.  I've heard such good things about it.  Perhaps I'll put that on my list for 2019. 

Wednesday Medley

1.  With the holidays coming, what is your most essential appliance to help you prepare for the celebrations?

It would be my oven(s). I think everything, except the gravy and the congealed salad) that I am preparing for our Thanksgiving has to be baked/cooked in the oven.  Thank goodness I have two ovens and I really do not know how I survived almost 35 years of only having one oven.

2.  What is your favorite (clean) word?

It's two words, Have Mercy.  I don't know that I've ever thought about it being my favorite, but I say it all the time.  So, that indicates that it must be my favorite I suppose.  There are just so many things to "have mercy" over today. 

3.  Are you a good judge of character?
I've gotten much better as I've gotten older.  In my younger years I was often easily fooled and then so shocked when I found out otherwise. I tend to want to give benefit of the doubt and that's okay up to a point but you can't let folks pull the wool over your eyes. 

4. What is the last thing you took a picture of? Can you share it with us?

I was going to post this on FB as my first "touch" of Christmas but I didn't.  I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and saw these gorgeous Christmas cactus and decided I wanted to get a couple.  I'm hoping they will be very happy in this window and "show their stuff."

5. Tomorrow, November 15, is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.  How do you intend to celebrate?

Humm............I do not have anything to clean out as I am a fanatic about a "clean" refrigerator.  No joke, leftovers are cleaned out as soon as they are no longer safe to eat and items that have outlived their "safe date" are thrown out quickly.  But, I suppose I can give it a quick look over just to make sure it's clean and orderly tomorrow.

6. Tell us something random about your week!

Coleman has been working on being potty trained for the past couple of months.  He was 3 on August 31st and his nursery school workers introduced him to the potty shortly after school started.  He got the "tee-tee" part figured out about 2 weeks ago but has shown no interest in the "poo-poo" part.  That is until yesterday.  He decided yesterday afternoon that he wanted to give it a try on the potty and he was so excited afterwards.  He called his Poppa and me to share his achievement.  I guess that might have been TMI but it's a big deal in our family.  This little guy is our last one to grow out of diapers. He's a big boy now.

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

Lately.........

And, here's what's been going on lately.............

I have replaced some of my fall decor with more of a Thanksgiving look.  I love these tall candlesticks and the lovely fall candle rings sitting atop.  These will serve as our Thanksgiving table scape. The candlesticks are plenty tall enough to remain in place during the meal.

I love turkey's and the one on top is one I've had a few years and the one on bottom is a new one.  I tried to talk myself out of buying him but he was just so pretty and he's really BIG.  He makes quite a statement sitting on the end of our bar.

Okay, I really stepped out of "my box" with this.  I rarely post any pictures of myself modeling/styling clothes.  It's sort of out of my comfort zone.  But, I just had to show you my camouflage jeggings.  I was shopping with my daughter when I saw these, tried them on and Bridget really liked them on me so I bought them.  For a gal that's a more classic style gal, this look was definitely out of "my box."  Andrea and Lisa, I know I should have had these pics taken outside but it was a rainy day and I ran to my husband's office and had one of the staff snap these real quick. ~just sayin'~ I'll try to do better next time. ~smile~

This past Friday was my Dad's 89th birthday. My brother and I hosted a party for him at the facility where he lives.  Several folks that have known him over the years dropped by to join in the celebration as well.  As you can see, he was really enjoying all the attention from the women.~chuckle~

My youngest brother and his wife came in from Iowa to help with the celebration and to spend the weekend with us.  Daddy had such a wonderful time and he will be recovering the remainder of the week from all the excitement of his birthday and the weekend. 

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