Wednesday, September 22, 2021

A Fallish Hodgepodge



It's another Wednesday and another Hodgepodge and it's all about fall today.  Just the word "fall" gets me excited.  It's a hard choice for me between fall and spring being my favorite times of the year.  I'm sitting on "ready" for fall this year for sure.

1. It's fall y'all! Officially that is and in the northern hemisphere only, so if you're visiting from down under happy spring! Does it feel like fall where you live? Does it look like fall aka are the leaves beginning to change? What is your favorite fall color? Scent? Flavor? 


It hasn't felt much like fall at all but if the forecast is correct, tomorrow should bring some fall temps with fall "feels."  A few leaves have began to fall but thankfully there will be NO leaves in our yard.  We have a treeless yard except for the cedar trees by the bank of the pond.  We had enough leaves at our old house to last us the rest of our lives. The leaves have started slightly turning their colors but nothing significant.  My favorite scent would be cinnamon and my favorite flavor pumpkin.  

2. What's something you're not? 


UNORGANIZED!!!! 
I came by my bent towards organization from both my Dad and Mom.  They were both highly organized and structured and I truly have never known any other way.  I thrive in an organized environment and struggle with unorganization.  I am pretty much in control of the organization within our home and I have always run our household by these two mottos: "everything has a place and everything in it's place" and "don't put it down, put it up."  It's really simple as far as I'm concerned.
Now, organization goes further than just within the walls of our own homes.  Businesses, meetings, organizations, facilities and the such all need organization.  But, I'll leave it at that.............

3. Share a favorite quote related to fall and tell us why it's a favorite. 


I love this quote because I truly do feel so invigorated and a bit like a "fresh start" when fall unveils itself.  I'm waiting with baited breath right now.

4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite fall meal? 


Oh, I do love fall food and for us that means, soups, stews, chili's, and gumbo with a side of cornbread.  We eat more than our fair share of this type food beginning in fall and continuing through winter.  I enjoy this type of cooking far more than any other cooking.  What's not to like about a "one pot meal?"

5. Share a favorite photo you took last fall? 


We always go to our daughter's in Oklahoma every October while she and the boys are on Fall Break.  This was taken last year while we were there.  Now, these 3 are sooo much bigger and Clancy will be 13 years old next week. What????  We look forward to seeing them very soon.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 


If you have been hanging around here very long then you know that I LOVE to bake cookies.  And, I just baked what may be the most delicious cookie ever.  It's the Almond Joy Cookie. I am giving you the recipe just in case you want to try your hand with them.

Almond Joy Cookies
Inspired by the favorite almond, coconut, and chocolate candy bar, these loaded Almond Joy Cookies are sure to steal the show on any holiday cookie platter or cookie swap they show up at.  
Active:
15 mins
Total:
4 hrs 15 mins
Yield:
Makes 3 dozen (serving size: 2 cookies)
Almond Joy Cookies

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and beat just until blended. Add vanilla, and beat until blended.

  • Stir together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, and beat on low speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips, coconut, and almonds until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate dough 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a 1 1/4-inch cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop cookie dough 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet on a wire rack 5 minutes; transfer cookies to wire rack, and cool completely, about 30 minutes.

I made these Monday and Hubby and a couple of our neighbors said they were the BEST cookie they had ever eaten.  So, next time you need cookies, give them a try!

 NOTE: I was able to find toasted almonds, they were not sliced, but rather whole.  But, I chopped them and they worked great.


Wednesday, September 8, 2021

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!


Tuesday, September 7, 2021

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~




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.




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.



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.




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!



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.



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.  



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.  


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


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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.................