The Wednesday Hodgepodge

I keep thinking I'm going to be a "regular" here on the Hodgepodge, but it seems I'm more the "hit or miss" participant.  But, I sure do enjoy it when I do join in because Joyce always asks such interesting questions.  One would think she might run out of questions but she just keeps coming up with new ones. Now, lets check out the ones for this edition.

1. What do you think has remained the same about you your whole life? How has your perception of yourself changed over time? 

I don't think I've ever met a stranger. I've always made friends very easily and it has served me well, especially in my growing up years.  We moved 7 times between my 1st grade and senior year.  I never thought too much about it, just jumped in, made new friends and went right on.

Another thing that has remained the same is my LOUD laugh.  If I'm laughing, you will likely hear me before you see me. I'd rather laugh than eat when I'm hungry.  And, I've found that laughter is contagious.  Certainly not a bad thing!

2. What was the first thing you learned how to cook? Do you prefer to cook or bake? 

I started cooking at a fairly young age but cannot remember the first thing I learned to cook.  I do know that I learned early on how to prepare a pot roast and veggies for our Sunday lunch.  There were no crockpots, so I put it in an appropriate pan for the oven and covered it tightly with foil.  It would cook the entire time we were at church and be ready for our lunch when we got home.

I MUCH prefer to bake!  The main thing I bake is cookies.  I LOVE baking cookies and have bazillions of different recipes of assorted cookies.  I probably have 400+ in the freezer right now (more on this in my random thought).

3. What are some of your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate. 

Make the most of everyday.

Don't fret over things that I have no control over.

Count my blessings and name them one by one.

Live a life that points others to Christ, there truly is no greater priority.

Sure do wish I could say that I'm doing a great job at these but afraid I can't say that.  I am trying and recognize very quickly when I fail.  

4. How much time do you spend on your hair each day or, put another way, what's your hair care routine? I am NOT bragging but I have really good hair.  It's thick and coarse and is not oily, just normal. I wash my hair twice weekly, blow it dry, section it off in small sections and flat iron it.  I'm so thankful for the flat iron, otherwise, I'd walk around looking like a bush was growing out of my head.  It's not curly, just has an abundance of body. I will sometimes touch it up with a flat iron between washings but most days I can just run my fingers through it and go.

Do you get it cut regularly or just whenever the mood strikes? I get it cut and colored every 4 weeks without fail.

Do you go to the same stylist every time? I have had several stylist over the years but I stay with the same stylist for a long time. I definitely do NOT hop around.

Do you tell your stylist everything? Not hardly but we do have very good conversation. I've known her for most of her life so we never lack for something to discuss or talk about.

 Any other beauty treatments you indulge in throughout the year? If getting my nails done counts as a beauty treatment, then yes. I have them done about every 2 1/2 weeks and the same gal has been doing them for over 20 years.

5. What is the most awe-inspiring place you've visited? 

While in Israel, we were taken to a spot overlooking Bethlehem. We were not allowed to actually go into the city, but just viewing it at dusky dark was very awe inspiring for sure. I'll cherish the memory forever.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Folks, next Monday, July 1st, this man (Hubby) will celebrate his 50th anniversary as an agent with State Farm Insurance.  Good grief, that's a LONG time! Hard to believe that he opened his office without one policy in the books and built it to what it is today.  It's called a lot of hard work and being blessed with tremendous employees over the years to help him accomplish his goals and dreams.  Of course, the changes that he has seen in insurance over these 50 years could fill a book.  Some good, some, not so good but he survived them all and has enjoyed the benefits of building a successful insurance agency.

His staff and us will host an Open House to celebrate this big occasion on Monday. And, you remember those cookies I mentioned earlier?  Well, they will be served at the Open House. 

Congratulations on a job WELL DONE!

June Prime Purchases

And, here we are, almost half way through 2024. What???? How can it be???  So, perhaps you are already thinking about Christmas presents.  If so, there may be something here that "fits the bill."  Thanks to Tanya for this monthly link up.

QUICK  DRY  HAIR  BRUSH

My hair dresser uses this type of brush when drying my hair.  I watch how quickly she dries it and how well it styles.  I finally ask her on my last visit what the name was and I went straight to Amazon and there it was.  They come 2 to a package and it is a game changer.

AMAZON

ULTRASONIC  JEWELRY  CLEANER

I've been wanting one of these jewelry cleaners for some time and finally ordered one. It works like a charm and your jewels will shine brightly after going through a cycle.

AMAZON

SPACE  SAVING  HANGERS   FOR  CLOSETS

I have a moderate size closet, or at least I think it's moderate.  Some might think it is big.  I do have the pull down rods  which double the hanging  space.  But, I need more hanging room and these are the greatest tools to give more hanging space.  I've never seen anything like them but happened across them while looking for something else.  They are definitely not inexpensive but, for me, they are worth the cost.   If you are looking to increase the hanging space in your closet, you need these.

AMAZON

PASHMINA  SCARVE  OR  SHAWL

I love these as shawls.  I carry one with me every Sunday, no matter the month or the temperature.  It can get so cool in our worship center and I am always prepared with  one of these.  I did not have a white one but I do now.  They are so affordable and are such an attractive wrap and provide just the right amount of warmth.  And, it comes in about 20 colors.

AMAZON

NECK  FAN

I have seen these around folks necks at the ball park in recent years and this year I decided I needed/wanted one.  Well, they are the "cats meow" as some would say. It has 3 speeds and when on the highest speed, it really feels good.  And, it's rechargeable and would be great for working in the yard, walking and any other time you need cooling.

AMAZON

ELECTRIC  WAX  BURNER

This is a most attractive wax burner and I loved that it came in an antique bronze. I am amazed at how well melted wax fills a room with such a nice fragrance.  And, there are a bazillion different melts of all fragrances.  And, when this is not in use, it's an attractive lamp light.

AMAZON

ELECTRIC  WARMING  TRAY  PAD

I have two ovens but there are still rare occasions  that I could use an additional means to keep an item warm.  This is the neatest warming  pad I've ever seen.  It rolls up so it is very easy to store and it is a very nice size.  I can't believe  I haven't had this long before now.

AMAZON

PICKLEBALL  PADDLES  AND  NET

Pickleball has swept the country in recent years and continues to gain in popularity.  Our son and granddaughters love it and play any chance they can.  Our circle drive is a perfect place to play.

And, this portable nets fits across the driveway perfectly.  It comes with a very nice bag but we found that it is really too small and too hard to use.  So, I ordered a larger one.  It is portable but does take a few minutes to set up but, well worth it, if you are going to play a while and it can be left up if rain isn't in the forecast.  

THERMAL  LABEL  MAKER

I'm not going to lie, I love a label maker!  I can find more uses for it.  I use it often in labeling my cookie containers.  I have another Niimbot label maker but this one makes much bigger labels and has the ability to add graphics to the labels as well.  It operates from an app on your smart phone.  I find it a "handy dandy" item to have on hand.

AMAZON

And, that's it for this go around.  Have a great new week !