The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It is so good to be participating in the HP this week. It seems to be a rarity for me but I always enjoy answering Joyce's questions when I can work it in to my schedule.  I wish I could be as faithful to the blogging world as Joyce but, hey, I'm here today. 

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like.

Wow! somedays I think it's just keeping things "between the ditches." Other days, it's being the best ME I can be and I'd love to say that I'm doing a great job of that, but........... And, more than ever I desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord and making a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with daily.  I think when I reached the age of 70 my priorities took on new meaning. I have way more years behind me than ahead of me (yikes!) and I want every day to count. 

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of?

 The first thing to come to mind is time with our daughter and her family in Oklahoma. But, I am so thankful that we do see them at least 4 times a year and we talk absolutely EVERY day and then, there is Facetime.  Even the little boys know how to pick up a phone or Ipad and use Facetime. Such a wonderful perk when lots of miles separate families. 

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year?

It's been many a year since we actually celebrated Halloween. When the children were young, they enjoyed dressing up and going around the neighborhood trick or treating. And, thankfully, that was absolutely safe to do 40 years ago. We also went to the Fall Festival at their school. We've never been into the scary aspect of Halloween but into the fun of Halloween.  I have two huge lighted Jack O'Lanterns on our front porch and that's about as celebrated as we'll be.  We have no particular plans this year but will have some candy should we have any trick or treaters drop by.

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? 

I usually have a small bag of seasalt caramel light and dark chocolate candies.  I enjoy a couple a day. It's my guilty pleasure. ~chuckle~

It has been several weeks ago but the last thing I used chocolate in was a batch of brownies.  I use a recipe I've had for over 40 years and they are, without a doubt, the best brownies you've ever put your "chompers" in.

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? 

Most of our weekends at this point are fairly laid back and we enjoy it that way. We do enjoy plans and generally have some plans, but just not overloaded. Now, this past weekend we were at our daughters in Oklahoma and it was indeed a packed weekend.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We were in Oklahoma last week to attend Bridget's Doctoral defense this past Friday. It was quite impressive and she did an outstanding job and at the end was deemed, Dr. Bridget Broome. It was a long 4 1/2 year journey, all while being wife, mom to 3 boys and teaching at Oklahoma State University. I found the mug shown above on Etsy and knew she had to have it.~smile~

Daddy update: Daddy is doing quite well, all things considered. He came through the Bronchitis and seems to be getting stronger. He's walking more with his walker trying to keep his legs strengthened. He is often confused but still able to have a good conversation, for which I am thankful. I still have caregivers with him and they have become like family. His 95th birthday is on Nov. 9th and my brother and his wife from Des Moines will be flying in to join in the celebration.

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

October Prime Purchases and Daddy Update

And, here we are in October! Can it be that Christmas is just around the corner.  Surely not! Perhaps I'll be of some help to you with gift ideas.  Let's get started...............

BIRD  CANVAS  PRINT

I have a large easel in my kitchen area and I keep some type of seasonal print on it.  I thought this bird had a "fallish" look and snagged it to use through fall.  There are all kinds of stretched canvas prints available on Amazon. 

AMAZON

COFFEE  CARAFE  WITH  PUMP

These pump carafes have been around forever, but, I have never owned one.  Well, I decided it was time to own one.  I think I will enjoy it when we have company as I could make 2 pots of coffee, pour them in the carafe and keep them hot for several hours.  I like that idea better than pulling out my 40 cup coffee maker.  And, this carafe has a very nice look.

AMAZON

RECHARGABLE  ELECTRIC  SALT AND PEPPER  SHAKER

Oh, my goodness, do I LOVE these! I know, I know, I just had a pair of new salt and pepper shakers on here a couple of times ago.  But, I saw a video of someone cooking and they used this type of shakers and I was SOLD! You can set the size of the salt and pepper from fine to course and it dispenses it like a champ.  And, they are very good looking.

AMAZON

DIVA  FINE  LAUNDRY  WASH - 32 oz

If you would enjoy having your towels, sheets and lingerie to have an awesome scent, then you need to order some of this.  Yes, it is very expensive, BUT.  You combine it with another less expensive fragrance free detergent.  It just takes a small amount to give off an awesome fragrance.  I use All Free and Clear and  put about a capful of this in with the amount of All I use.  If you are familiar with Tyler Candles, this detergent is made by the same company

AMAZON

LEFT  RIGHT  CENTER  GAME

 

This is a great mindless game and by mindless, you don't have to think, it's just the luck of "the throw." It's a game that you don't have to think about and can enjoy visiting all while playing.  And, if you want to really enjoy it, replace the chips with "real" money.  Talk about fun!  It would make a great stocking stuffer.

AMAZON

REUSEABLE  GROCERY  BAGS

I love these reusable grocery bags.  The shape is square and they have a formed shape.  I do not like the ones that are just fabric and do not sit up or stay open. There are several designs to choose from but I could not resist these.  I just keep them in the back of my vehicle.

AMAZON

DEVOTIONAL  BOOK  BY  PAUL  DAVID  TRIPP

I was so excited to see that Paul David Tripp had come out with his 2nd devotional book.  I have used his 1st one, New Morning Mercies, for the past 2-3 years.  His devotionals are far better than 90% of the devotional books I've seen. ~in my opinion~  His have depth, based on scripture and food for thought.  A wonderful way to start your day.

AMAZON

LIGHTWEIGHT  V NECK  SWEATER

You may remember that I posted this sweater in last month's purchases in a solid color. I have enjoyed the 3 solid colored ones so much that I ordered this gray striped one. These are lightweight, great under a jacket and I love the V-neck for wearing a necklace. 

AMAZON

UPDATE  ON  DADDY

Daddy enjoying a little time outside a couple of weeks ago.

Well, until last Thursday, Daddy had made great progress.  He hasn't complained of any pain or discomfort in over a month and was getting stronger. He can still have bouts of confusion but had made good stride.  But, on Thursday, he complained of a sore throat and by Friday he had signs of chest congestion and started running a low grade temp.  I've had the sitters give him OTC meds and Tylenol and he hasn't gotten any worse but not really any better.  So, I will be in touch with his Doctor today and seek her advise. I'm pretty sure it's bronchitis as he generally has it at least once a year.  He seems to take two steps forward and one step backwards. Hopefully he will beat whatever this is and be on the road to regaining his strength once again.