Wednesday's Superhero Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and here's the Hodgepodge...........Thanks so much Joyce!

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain.  
Well, pretty much ever since this whole pandemic started.  I usually have household help but have not had any since this started.  Even with her help I still do household tasks everyday.  So, without her help, I have done it ALL, every week.  I developed myself a plan as to how I would tackle all of it, worked my plan and I've accomplished it each week.  I've sure felt like Superwoman! ~grin~  My superpower is that I definitely know how to develop and work a plan and I'm highly organized.  So, now you know. ~laugh~ And, never forget, that can be a disadvantage as well. 

2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? 

Not at all, really know nothing about any of them.  

3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures? 

I had just seen our dear dentist friend just before this all broke loose, so I'm good in the dental department.  I have had to reschedule my annual dermatology appointment and my annual ophthalmology appointment.  They aren't even rescheduling until our state opens back up and then they will call us and reschedule.  I hope it will be sooner than later.

4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'? Tell us why. 

My energy.  I feel like I am still pretty energetic for almost 68 years of age.  I have always tried to take care of myself, eat right and do a moderate amount of exercise. And, I feel like it has paid off for me as I've aged.  Now, there are times that I am bending and stooping and I'm not quite as quick to get up and down as I once was and that's when I feel 'not so youthful.' ~no joke~

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'

These are the type of masks that I see on folks regularly.  I happened to have had a whole box of the ones pictured above when this pandemic hit.  And, I wear them when I go to the grocery store with my nitrate gloves.  Well, I've seen quite a few folks  just riding around town in their car with their masks on.  I've seen it several times and I find it so amusing.  The other thing  I see a lot is folks with their mask pulled down under their nose.  I'm like, why are you even wearing it.  Bless 'em!  And, of course, there are now some of the cutest masks and since I figure I will need them later, I've order myself some "cute" ones.  I mean, if I have to wear them, they might as well be cute. ~smile~

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Okay ladies, feel my pain here!  Our governor has extended our isolation until May 15th.  Most of us felt as though we would be "set free" this Friday, May 1st.  Talk about disappointed!  I was just sure that I would be getting this hair of mine coiffed within days.  And, what adds insult to injury is that I was due to have my hair trimmed and colored on March 16th which was 5 weeks since my last visit.  I normally go every 4 weeks but for some reason I couldn't go my regular week.  So, on May 15th, when our salons can open on a limited basis, it will have been 12 weeks since I have seen my stylist.  So, I'm thinking I may resort to one of these cute bandana caps ( pictured above)  in the meantime.  I saw them on Facebook and thought they might be my salvation.  But, on a positive note, I will have lots of options with what type style I want and I am seriously considering not coloring my hair.  I've not seen this much of my roots (auburn with what looks like about 50% gray)  in 25 years and I'm not sure it is all bad.  I will definitely not color it until I can see more of what it would look like a la natural.  I mean if I wake up one day and decide I don't like it then I'll just call my stylist and go get it colored.  I'll keep you posted as I go along but from here until the 15th, it is what it is, like it or not.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

So glad that Joyce has these questions for us as I've not been able to come up with any blog fodder in a few days.  So, at least this means I'll have a post on Wednesdays.  Thanks Joyce!

1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?
Well, not sure I resolved to do anything this year.  Now, does that make me a slacker?  Oh, I hope not.  I always hope to be a better person, let the little things slide, enjoy the big things and not get the two mixed up.  And, to never forget the good Lord knows exactly where I am, and what I'm going through.  I just simply need to trust HIM.

2. Where do you go to find quietude?
My house provides me with the perfect amount of quiet that I often need.  I'm not a person that has to have noise of any kind. Sometimes it is just awesome to have the peace and calm of quiet.  And, we have such a beautiful backyard with the pond and it's all visible from the windows across the back of our house.  That view enhances the quiet.

3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?
1 - Lemonade
2 - Lite Ice Cream (that was sneaky wasn't it)
3 - Lettuce
4 - Lifesavers
5 - Lasagne

4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.
Well, I'm going with the song, 'I Will Survive.'  I have to sing this to myself pretty much everyday at this point.  The first couple of weeks, not so much, but the fun has worn off and I've cleaned and cleaned, organized and organized and cooked and cooked.  And, I am missing my "peeps" something terrible.  I'm such a social being and phone visits, Facetiming and texts are just not the same.  But, I WILL SURVIVE!!!!


5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.



I thought this was most appropriate for this time we're in.  I'm quite sure that all of us, no matter how much we have disliked this time, can say that we have learned so much.  And, much of what we have learned has and will make us stronger.  


6. Insert your own random thought here.

Clancy went on his first turkey hunt this past weekend and scored really BIG!  His Dad prepared the meat and his Mom fried some of it for their dinner that same night.  He is still enjoying the memory and can hardly wait to go again.
This is the longest we have ever gone without seeing our daughter and her family and we're chomping at the bits to remedy that.  Our March trip had to be cancelled due to "the virus."  We're hopeful they will get to come here the very first of June. And, it's also the longest I've gone without visiting my Dad in 20 years.  He has handled the isolation really well and I'm so thankful.  But, I personally think with certain restrictions that they should be able to have at least immediate family visits.  But, no one asked me but they should have. ~chuckle~

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday, need I say more........

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 364

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?

I might not be first in line but I sure don't mind picking up the mic and taking my turn at karaoke.  We actually own a karaoke machine and have had a lot of fun with it.  The Grans love it.  Give me any song by Karen Carpenter, Joan Baez, or Anne Murry and I'll take it and run with it.  I sort of have a contralto voice much like the 3 of these artist. 

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

I go back and forth between Alexa and Pandora for most all of my music listening these days.  Yes, I play music a lot, it soothes my soul.  I guess there is a CD player in my car, I truly have no idea.  I've had my vehicle 3 years and have never even noticed.  I have Sirrus radio and that's what plays in my car.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

Oh, my goodness, cooking and thinking of something to cook.  I can promise you that I cannot remember the last time that I have cooked this much.  No joke!  Hubby and I eat out a WHOLE lot and a lot of it is because its a "social happening" and we're often with friends.  Did I mention that I CANNOT wait to be able to go out to eat again.  

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

Well, you can take your choice, crunchy peanut butter on crackers or vanilla wafers.  And, there's always canned chicken in our pantry too, and pork and beans.  

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

1-nutrition drinks

2 - The Bachelor (never have seen it nor will I ever watch it)

3 - super dark hair 

4 - going barefooted

5 - international travel

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

As many of you likely know, our area was hit hard by 2 tornados on Sunday early afternoon.  One area hit is about 13 miles from us and we know several families that received so much damage and will be recovering for months to come.  The other area was the area around the Monroe airport and included the airport.  I even had a couple of bloggers email me later to see if we were hit as they knew it was near us.  As if the Covid-19 wasn't enough to deal with, many now have the effects of a tornado to deal with.  And, it was a very different Easter.  What strange times we are living in and I'm more than ready for it to end.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

AND, it's HODGEPODGE time........grab your coffee and enjoy!

1. How will you celebrate Easter this year?
Well, right now our plans are to have Easter with our Gran girls and their Dad and Mom on Friday afternoon.  We are still seeing them occasionally and figure that "family cooties" are okay as long as we are all obeying the rules of isolation and we are.  We will enjoy dinner and I'll hide eggs (weather permitting) for the girls to find.  It will be a most casual but fun time.  As to Sunday, we'll be worshiping with our church family virtually.  I must commend our church's media team, they are doing a bang up job!  It will be a very different Easter for sure and I do not ever remember not being in church on Easter Sunday in my entire life.

2. Is it easier for you to receive grace offered or extend grace to another? Explain.
I have no trouble receiving grace and am thankful for each and every time grace is granted towards me.  And, I really do try to extend grace to others and I often say, "there but for the grace of God go I."    I love this quote........



3. Do you say grace before meals? If so do you have a standard dinnertime grace or is it more 'off the cuff' ? Do you say grace when dining out? Do you have a favorite grace? Any special memory associated with 'saying grace'?
I'm not going to lie, most the time we do, but not always and that is a shame for sure. It needs to be priority as we have soooooo much to be thankful for.  We do not have a standard grace, it is "off the cuff."  We do often say the blessing when dining out but not every time.  No favorite blessings for me, just those from the heart.  There was never a meal eaten at our house when I was growing up that the blessing was not said.  We took turns and it was a great example set for us.

4. What are some challenges you think the next generation will face? (Generation Alpha-born between 2011 and 2025)
Many are living in such a privileged society and if their situation should change, they will have MAJOR adjustments.  And, everything is so instant that should they have to wait on anything (and they will) it may be a difficult adjustment as well.  And, these could apply to many of the general population right now. 

5. Share a favorite quote or lyric featuring the word faith.



And, believing is certainly hard but knowing how it will happen is even harder, especially when we see no way.  Love this quote!

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I love to bake and find it very therapeutic!  I especially enjoy baking cookies.  I know, they are a lot of trouble compared to other baking but I have two ovens, 5 huge cookie pans and lot of parchment paper.  I made Chocolate Chip last week and made these Tea Cakes/Sugar Cookies yesterday.  I'm going to take these over to the workers at the assisted living facility where my Dad lives this afternoon.  I think next on my agenda is Oatmeal Cookies.  For me, it's a fun way to wile away the day during this time.  I've just about cleaned all I can clean and organized all I can organize. ~laugh~  And, speaking of baking.......I have a Bosch Compact Mixer that is the "be all, do all."  I "thought" I wanted a Kitchen Aid and once I tried to lift one, I knew I did not want any part of one.  Now, if you have one and love it, that's great.  But, my lightweight Bosch comes with a dough hook as well as a beating whisk and stirring whisk.  Plus it has a shield in case you are mixing something that splatters.  Yes, it's the greatest in my opinion and you can find it here. You can thank me later!

Prime Purchases

And, here it is, the 7th of April.  How is that possible?  I never want to wish time to go quickly but I wouldn't mind the month of April buzzing on by so we "might" be free to live our lives outside of isolation.  Meanwhile, let me share with you my Prime Purchases

Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaning Stone

If you have hard water or bad stains in your toilets, then let me introduce you to these.  I've been using these for years but just recently found them with the handle.  They are especially good to get under the rim where mold and mildew love to live. 

AMAZON

Plastic T-shirt Bags

If you've been hanging around here very long, you know I love bags, all kinds of bags.  I always have a use for bags. These are some of my favorite and hold all kinds of stuff if necessary and on top of that, they are pretty.  I know, I could just save my grocery bags and use them.  But, I hate stuffing them somewhere and these come all neat and flat and I keep them in one of my storage rooms where they are easy to grab.  

AMAZON



Caracilia High Low Waffle Weave Top



Pardon the very distressed jeans in this picture and concentrate on the top.  It is really cute and I got it in a gray color.  I love the neck and it's very lightweight. It's not sloppy big either.  Perfect for the spring weather we are enjoying. 

AMAZON


Vietnamese Cinnamon



If you have never tried Vietnamese Cinnamon then you need to. I put cinnamon in my coffee everyday, along with stevia and powder creamer.  All cinnamon is NOT created equal and my nail tech told me that Vietnamese Cinnamon was the richest on the market.  So, I took her word for it and ordered myself some.  It is great! I haven't used it for anything except  my coffee but I look forward to using it in a recipe  that calls for cinnamon.  I'm betting it would make some delicious cinnamon toast.

AMAZON



Cheese Grater Vegetable Slicer






Have you ever sliced your finger or knuckle on a grater?  Well, I have and it was awful.  I have a nice stand up grater that I use to use until I got this jewel.  NO more!  This is the absolute best grater and slicer and there is no way you can slice your finger with it.  There are two different sizes of graters and a slicer attachment.  It is small and easy to store and suctions to the counter.  It comes in 3 colors but I loved the red.  It's a favorite in my kitchen and wish I had known about it a long time ago.

AMAZON


Yoga Biker Shorts



I don't do Yoga but I do love these shorts.  They are so cute with a tunic top for days that call for "casual."  And, that is most of my days right now. ~sad but true~ They come in several colors and are a very affordable price as compared to some so called, "yoga shorts."  And, I love the phone pocket, a neat feature for sure..

AMAZON



Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam


And, for me, it's time to start with the self tanners and this is one of the best I have ever used. And, believe you me that I have tried A LOT of them.  I was introduced to it last year and used it all summer long and loved the results.  I only use it on my legs so that they won't scare anyone when I wear shorts.  It's $24 a bottle but I'm still using the same one I bought last year.  It is a foam and I wasn't at all sure about that.  They recommend applying it with a Bondi Sands soft mitt.  I bought one last year and it worked like a charm but didn't need to buy another one this year.

And, there's that, perhaps you saw something you want/need.  And, I leave you with this........

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's so nice that Joyce, once again,  is coming up with fun questions for us, so, if we want to, we can have a blog post on Wednesdays.  I'm grateful for sure!

1. Has spring sprung in your part of the world? How can you tell? Did March come in like a lion where you live? Going out like a lamb or something more ferocious?
Well, yes it has.  Our grass has greened up, the cypress trees on the pond banks are looking alive and we have readied our porches and patio for spring and summer.  March came in with lots of rain and it rained yesterday and not looking too promising for today.  We are  tired of rain!

2. The last thing that caused you to spring to your feet?
The grangirls and their Dad and Mom came over and fished Saturday morning.  I walked down to talk to them and I saw something walking through the side yard towards the pond.  When I looked up and saw that it was a HUGE turtle I took off running with both girls behind me.  He got to the pond before we got to him.  I truly did not know those fellas could move so fast.

3. Do you have a spring clean to-do list? What's one chore on the list you've already managed to accomplish? What spring clean chore do you most dread?
That list has dwindled greatly since this isolation went into effect.  I have cleaned under things, behind things and everything inbetween.  I usually have a gal that helps me with the inside of the house but with this isolation, she is not working, so I'm on my own.  And, it's a lot of work!  I clean our porches more than just in the spring but it is one job that I truly dread and do not enjoy doing.  But, I'm always thrilled with the results. ~grin~

4. Tell us something you've learned about yourself or the wider world as a result of social distancing/the virus crisis.
I've learned first, that I can do this, happy about it or not, I can do it.  I've learned it's okay to watch a Netflix series in the middle of the day or listen to a book on Audible or even take a nap.  Those are things I never do because I seem to always have other things going on. But, right now, it's a nice way to fill my days

5. Something you love that's the color pink?
We have a big flower bed of pink  Fairy Roses in our back yard.  They are perfectly beautiful when in full bloom and make such a grand statement in our back yard.  They are visible from all of our windows across the back of our house. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I have been watching the "Anne With an E" series on Netflix.  I am almost to the end and I went to check to see when season 4 would be released and my heart sank when "the powers that be" are not certain there will be a season 4.  Have mercy! I and, many others, I'm betting,  want a season 4.  I have so enjoyed watching it and hate to see it end.  And, the young girl that plays Anne is one more amazing actress.  And, that's my random thought.

And, I leave you with this very timely quote........