Wednesday Hodgepodge

First, let me say a big thank you to all of you who missed my not posting on Monday.  You know sometimes life just gets in the way and that's what happened.  I have been very consumed with caring for my Daddy and just could not get the "creative juices" to flow for a post on Monday.  But, you made me feel so good by telling me that you missed my posting. Awe.....you know how to make a gal feel special.

Now, let me get on with the Hodgepodge and Joyce's great weekly questions. 

 1. When did you last sing happy birthday to someone? When were you last sung to? Does that embarrass you or do you enjoy being the center of attention on your special day?
Around mid July a dear friend celebrated her 65th birthday and her children had a surprise party for her.  As she walked in we all joined in singing to her surprised face. 
 I think our daughter sang to me via the phone on my birthday, July 29th.  No, it does not embarrass me at all, it is the only day of the year that it is "all about me" and I try to enjoy it.

2.  Name a famous or 'infamous' person (living or deceased) who shares your birth day and month. Is that someone you'd like to meet in person if it were possible?
Martina McBride shares my birthday (July 29th) and I would love to meet her in person or at least attend one of her concerts.  She is definitely one of my very favorite country artist and she's such a "cutie pie."

3. Someone hands you a box tied up in a lovely bow...what are you hoping to find inside?
Oh, my goodness, I have no idea but you know real or faux bling is always a fun gift. ~big smile~

4. What can you guarantee about yourself?
If you ask me to do something, or take care of something and I tell you that I will, you will not need to wonder or worry about my doing it.  I take care of things and when someone tells me they will do something, I expect the same from them.  But, unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way.  Some folks require staying on top of and if that's the case, I'd just as soon do it myself.  End.of.discussion!

5. Talking art and beautiful cities here...'The Last Supper' in the Santa Maria della Grazie Abbey in Milan Italy or 'The Mona Lisa' in The Louvre, Paris...which would you most like to see up close and in person?  Why?

Definitely The Last Supper because of its relation to our lives as Christians.


6. Your favorite dessert?
Hummmm.....I would have to say Bread Pudding but whoever thought that they needed to add raisens to it should have thought again.  I get so tired of picking them out, but it's so worth it because of the yummy taste.  Add some rum sauce and it's doubly yummy.  Cheesecake is running a close 2nd.

7. This coming weekend marks the official start of autumn (in the Northern hemisphere)...what is something you do to get ready for fall? What is one thing you're looking forward to on your fall calendar? Spring or fall-which do you prefer?

I always enjoy changing out the inside and outside decor for each season.  My "good fairy" came this past Monday and helped me with the front door and porch (picture above).  I was super pleased and definitely think that it "screams" fall.  
Our fall calendar doesn't have anything big on it as of yet, but Hubby will enjoy the start of hunting season and I will just enjoy the cooler temps and the cooking of soups and stews. 
I can't say that I like Fall or Spring any better than the other.  They are both my favorites when they roll around.  I'm thinking I might just enjoy skipping Summer and Winter and extend Fall and Summer. ~dream on~

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Daddy update:  As most of you know my Dad has been dealing with extreme back pain for 3 weeks and last week we finally found out that he had a compression fracture in his spine.  His Dr. referred us to a Pain Management Clinic and fortunately we were able to see one of the Drs. yesterday.  After a very long and tiring wait we finally saw the Dr. and he is almost certain that Dad is a candidate for the Kyphoplasty (cementing the joint back together).  He can only be certain after an MRI is done and that will be done tomorrow.  We are hopeful that he can have it done around Oct. 1st.  Of course, nothing is simple, he has to have chest x-rays and blood work done beforehand and just getting it all scheduled and done is challenging.  But, right now, we are  hopeful that he is indeed a candidate and your prayers for that would be much appreciated.
Hubby and I are leaving this morning headed for Dallas and then on to Dodge City on Friday.  I'm so grateful for wonderful sitters that will be staying with my Dad a part of every day that I am away.  These two ladies are absolutely "god sends."  They have been with me since Daddy first got sick in June,2011 and I do not know what I would do without them.  They worked regularly for over a year and now are on a "as needed" basis.  It makes my leaving a whole lot easier for sure. And, the folks at the assisted living facility where he resides are very good to him. So, he's in good hands.
I plan to enjoy the next few days and especially when we get to see our little Clancy man and celebrate his 5th birthday this weekend.  This CiCi needs a big hug from her little Prince.
I will "see" you sometime next week! ~I'm outta here!~

Lea's Daybook - Friday, September 13th

I am growing quite fond of doing the Daybook entries and sometimes they are a real help in doing an entry when I am struggling with a topic for an entry.  I will try not to wear you out with them.  I promise to be back with "Five on Friday,,," "Friday Fragments"  or "Friday Letters" soon.
 
FOR TODAY
 
Outside my window...the yard is screaming for relief from the summer heat and the leaves on the trees are anxiously awaiting the day they can begin to fall. Surely it won't be long.........

I am thinking...that care giving or over seeing the care of a loved one is one of life's toughest jobs.  I began my career in care giving in 1984 and there has been little to any reprieve since that time.  It began with my Grandparents, then it was my precious MIL who suffered from Alzheimer's and now it is my Dad.  I have spent more hours in the ER than the law allows and I have shed more tears than two eyes could possibly shed over these years. But, I am so glad that I could be and still am an advocate for them and you can bet that I am a good one and no one had better mess with one of my loved ones when it comes to their care.  I'll be on them with both feet! I'm doing my best to set an excellent example for my two children so that they will know "first hand" how to be mine and their Daddy's advocate! ~smile~

I am thankful...that my Dad is showing a little improvement with his back issues.  We found out this week that he actually has a small compression fracture in the upper part of his spine and that is why he has been in so, so much pain.  It is just going to take time for this to heal and what we really wanted was a "quick fix."  I just want to take his pain away, and bring him comfort.

In the kitchen... things have been rather quiet ~smile~

I am wearing...at this moment I have on my walking clothes which is a logo t-shirt and white knit capris and my wonderful Shape-Ups (best walking shoes on planet earth). I'll get dressed for the day in a little while.

I am creating... hopefully a lot of wonderful memories

I am going... to see my "little man" next weekend and celebrate his 5th birthday with him. ~Hubby is going too~   As always, where have the years gone?

I am wondering... why as we grow older we generally face some difficult health issues and life just becomes really tough. I do not dwell on this but I cannot help but sometimes wonder what situation Hubby and I may find ourselves in one day. But, we are promised HE will never leave us or forsake us and I cling to that.
  
I am listening to... a sermon series by Dr. David Uth, pastor of FB Church of Orlando, on The Family.  I listen to it via Podcasts while I walk on the treadmill each morning.  It's amazing to me that we are never too old to learn a new Biblical truth and Dr. Uth does an amazing job of presenting God's Word with such clarity.

I am hoping...  folks know that today, Friday, the 13th, truly is "just another day." 

I am looking forward to... some time away next weekend.  These past days with my Dad and his back issues have just about "done me in."

I am learning... that one can only do so much and sometimes it's just time that will take care of the issue(s). 
~such as with my Dad's back~

Around the house...things are looking very "fallish" and now if the weather would just get with the program, all would be good.

I am pondering...what I'm going to do next Thursday while Hubby is in his meeting at The Gaylord in Dallas.  I'm really thinking that a visit to the spa might be in order. Humm.....sounds mighty relaxing!
 
A favorite quote for today...
A.W. Tozier is one of the finest Christian author's that has ever walked the face of this earth and I love this quote by him:
The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian. 

One of my favorite things...is our Bunco group. We play the 2nd Thursday evening of each month and that was last evening.  We have a nice meal and then play Bunco.  It's a night of nothing but pure fun and that's often exactly what is needed. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...well, don't really have any and sometimes that is a good thing. ~grin~ 

A peek into my day... I'll be at Wal-Mart shortly to get things on my list, then to check on Dad and you guessed it, more ironing has piled up. Sounds like a most exciting day doesn't it?

A picture to share.......

Isn't this just gorgeous?  Can you tell that I am anxiously awaiting cooler temps and the turning of the leaves.  I just know it's right around the corner. ~hope,hope~

Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's Wednesday and that means "questions from Joyce."  Not sure how she does it because she's a busy, busy lady, but we're sure glad that she keeps showing up for us.
  1. What's the best thing about growing older?
You become so much wiser and finally realize what really matters.
~well, at least sometimes~

2. When did you first feel like a grown up?
I think it would be the day I became a Mother at the age of 24.  When the nurse laid our son in my arms for the first time I have never felt such a sense of responsibility in my life.  But, might I add, I had always been mature beyond my years.  I had a lot of responsibility as a young girl growing up and I always felt more grown up than most any of my friends.

3. Chocolate cake with white icing or white cake with chocolate icing?
Well, I don't really like chocolate cake or icing, but if given a choice, I'd take the white cake and chocolate icing. There's more cake than icing and I'd just scrape the icing off and eat the cake. 
 ~it works~

4. What's the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
It was probably about 4-5 years ago.......I had a terrible cold and cough. It was the dead of winter and I was in the pharmacy area of Wal-Mart looking at the various cold remedies.  I was coughing and literally sounded as though death might be a good option.  A precious, elderly black lady heard me coughing, came over and ask me if she could pray for me.  She placed her winkled hand on mine and prayed the most precious prayer of healing over me.  Needless to say, I was completely speechless but managed to thank her for her kindness and gave her a hug.  I had never seen the woman before and have never seen her since.  I have thought about that experience many times since.  I doubt things like that happen in Wal-Mart very often, in fact, I doubt they happen anywhere.

5.  What's something you learned from your grandparents?
I had the biggest contrast in Grandparents.  My Mom's Dad had died when she was a child, so I never knew him and her Mom was a quiet, very straight-laced woman.  I loved her dearly but she was not what you would call a "fun" Grandmother.  On the other hand, my Dad's parents were quite colorful, especially his Mom.  I absolutely enjoyed every minute I was with her.  The world stopped when we were with her, it was all fun and games.  She was an absolutely horrible housekeeper because you only cleaned house if there wasn't something better to do. ~ugh~ They were of meager means but my Grandmother would rather give  than eat when she was hungry and I, too, take the biggest joy in giving and credit her with a lot of why I have that desire. FYI - I oversaw the care of my paternal Grandparents the last 7 years of my Grandfather's life and the last 14 of my Grandmother's life.  They moved here and went into a nursing home.  I could absolutely write a "best seller" on what those 14 years entailed. 

My paternal grandparents in their room at one of our local nursing facilities. This pic was taken in the early 90's.

6. Wednesday marks a sad day in the history of planet earth-9/11...what's something you do (or can do) to bring peace to your little corner of the world?
Give out a whole lot of love and go to all lengths to get along with my fellow man.

7.  Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song containing the word peace.  
"Peace begins with a smile." Mother Theresa

  8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 Folks, it's Alligator Season in the Bayou State!  And, these two were caught in the pond of some of our friends.  Yep, that's right!  Thank goodness their house is quite a ways from the pond.  Do you not agree that these are some ugly creatures???  But, their hides will sure make some gorgeous shoes and pretty purses. Don't you think? ~big grin~

Miscellany Monday

Just as I was about to begin this post the song "Monday, Monday" came popping into my mind.  All you younger folks reading this will likely have no idea about that song, but it was made popular by the Momma's and the Poppa's in the early 70's.  And, I bet I could still sing every word of it........guess I've really dated myself now. ~smile~  Now, on to my miscellaneous thoughts.........

My little man.........

Well, Clancy's Corgi has given birth, yet again.  I do believe this is Sissy's 4th litter. ~poor thing~  Clancy gets so excited and has become quite an expert at handling them.  They are only about a day old in this picture and he's got all of them in his lap.  Between Sissy and Shug (his horse) he's one happy little boy.  And, this CiCi is also happy because she gets to see him in about 2 weeks and we'll be celebrating his 5th birthday.  Can we just say, he is definitely all boy!!!

Fall is in the air..........

Well, it really isn't in the air, it's still just as hot as can be.  But, I did begin decorating for fall this weekend.  I love the coppery/golden colored pumpkins I found for the dining room and nothing screams fall to me like sunflowers.  All I have left to do is the front door and porch and my good fairy is coming a week from today to assist me with that.  Now, if the weather will just jump on board, all will be good.

What is this......

I never cease to be amazed at the gadgets folks design.  I have just heard about this one.  It is called The Orb.  It is a Bluetooth headset that can also be worn as a ring.  I mean, really!!!!  But, I must admit, it does have more appeal, especially for a woman, than the clip thingy that covers over half of your ear.  But, I still question if all this is really necessary.  I'm afraid we may have become "too connected."   I wonder if the world might absolutely stop if all of us laid down our cellphones, Ipads, and computers for a week. Ouch! 

Less is more.....or is it?
Carissa, our sweet hostess for MM, and her husband have begun a journey.  And, as she stated in her entry (His way is Perfect) about this journey, it is not a journey for everyone.  But, as I read her entry, and I encourage you to go over and read it as well, I thought about how easy it is for us to become "slaves to our stuff."  And, sometimes that can even put us into bondage and affect the decisions we make.  I applaud Carissa and Kelly in their journey to "lighten their load."  There are those of us whose loads are so heavy at this point and while we know that sooner or later we're likely going to have to lighten our load of stuff, we have no idea when that time will come.  And, do we wait until we have to, or do we tackle it before we have to?  Ah, a deep subject and a very personal subject for sure.

 And, I leave you with this........

    

Lea's Daybook - Friday, September 6th

Thanks to Peggy, for hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook each month.  As she states,
sometimes we just need to focus on the simple day to day things.  And, I agree!
 
FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is sitting and the temps are cooling. A favorite time of day for me.(in case you are wondering, I did this entry last evening)

I am thinking...that I am going to start putting out some fall decor this weekend.  I've been gathering "my stuff" for the past several days.  Things like decorative gourds, copper colored pumpkins, fall leaves and such.  Oh, I can't wait!

I am thankful...for "second chances." ~we all need them~

In the kitchen...I did an eye round roast in the crock pot this week with the new McCormicks Crock Pot seasonings.  Yes siree, mighty good!  That was about the most exciting thing to happen in my kitchen this week. ~smile~ Added note - if you have never used the crock pot liner bags, you are missing "mess free" crock pot cooking.  They are the "be all, do all" for crock pots, so don't delay, go get yourself a box.

I am wearing...tiger print lounging pajama's by Soma.  Love my "comfy clothes" and always slip into them as soon as I can after dinner.

I am creating...a storehouse of memories everyday that I live and I try to make sure that I'm creating memories that are worth remembering.  ~did that make sense?~

I am going...to Dallas with Hubby on the 19th of this month. He has a business meeting to attend and we'll have some fun in the process.  It all takes place at the Gaylord Resort, so just being there is fun in and of itself.

I am wondering...what on earth we did before computers, Ipads and Smart Phones.  I love all of these gadgets but I think we all have to remember to keep a "healthy balance" in the use of them. Now, obviously a "healthy balance" doesn't mean the same thing to all of us. ~too bad~

I am reading...still reading Love Does and a few magazines and lots of blogs. Blog reading has really interfered with my regular reading.  Not sure that's all that bad either as many of the blogs I read are so uplifting and inspiring.

I am hoping...for "happy endings" in some of the family and health related issues that several I know are facing.  

I am looking forward to...well, this may sound silly but I pretty much look forward to each new day.  It's all I'm promised!

I am learning....that the best is yet to come, well......that sure sounds good! ~ big smile~

I am pondering...joining Anytime Fitness.  I have walked on the treadmill for about 30 years but sometimes I have joined a fitness club for the strength training in addition to my walking.  Anytime Fitness is located 5 minutes from our house and I may give it a whirl for one month and see how it goes.

A favorite quote for today...
"Burn candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy clothes.  Don't save them for a special occasion.  Today is special! ~so true~

One of my favorite things...is walking in my house after the floors have been freshly mopped and the rugs vaccumed. Ah! 'tis so sweet!

A few plans for the rest of the week....along with some fall decorating, I'm planning on doing a little clothes closet cleaning on Sat.  I'm sure I have a load to carry to the consignment shop.  The whole consignment deal is a "win-win" situation for both parties.

A peek into my day...I have a few errands to run,and going over to check on my sweet Dad.  He is still having issues with his back and has been in so, so much pain.

A picture worth sharing........

Our favorite son ~and our only~ got himself this little toy about a month ago.  He has been eying this little beauty for some time and could not find anyone in our area that would get right on the deal.  So, he found this one, via the internet,  in Augusta, GA and he rented a car and drove over and purchased it.  His first vehicle, some 20+ years ago was a black Jeep and he's had a fondness for them ever since. I can't help but think he's mighty cute behind that wheel, even though he's about to be 37 years old.  We can be cute no matter the age, right?

Happy weekend my friends!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1. What's something you're never too young or too old to enjoy?
Oh, my, there's all kinds of things but one thing that comes to my mind is electronics.  I have enjoyed staying "in touch" with the computer age and am so glad that I know what I know as it seems that our society is becoming more and more a touchscreen world.  I'm afraid it's going to leave those who haven't jumped on board in a cloud of smoke. ~sort of sad~

2. Share one happy memory from your high school years.
Getting to go with my friends after a football game to the A & W for Coke and French Fries.  Yes, that was a big deal for me when I was in high school and something that I did not always get to do.  My parents were pretty much of the opinion that you come straight home after an event but, ever so often I got to go with friends and I was a happy girl when they allowed me to go.

3. A nationwide strike of fast food employees took place in the U. S. last week...they're calling for higher wages and the right to unionize? Your thoughts?
I'm all about higher wages if your work merits it and you've been at the job for a time. But, in our area many of the fast food employees do such a poor job that they are likely making exactly what they are worth.  It's so nice to occasionally come across one that is obviously doing their very best and it's those that you would love to see get a raise.

4. September is National Honey Month...what's a favorite dish you make or eat that calls for honey?
I have never used honey for anything except smearing on a biscuit once in a blue moon.  I'm sure I should use honey for other things as it is suppose to be good for you. But, as I said, I do love putting it on a biscuit and chowing down. ~yummy~

5.  If you notice someone with a tag sticking out, a button unbuttoned, a shirt on inside-out, or some leftover lunch stuck between their teeth do you say something or do you keep quiet?
If it someone I know well, then I would very discreetly tell them.  If a stranger, well, not going to tell them. ~sorry~

6. What movie always makes you cry?  Or at least makes you feel like crying?
Oh, there have been many but the one that came to my mind immediately was "Dead Man Walking."  It was a 1995 movie staring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn and is about a convicted killer in prison on death row.  It was the whole capital punishment argument tearing at my heart after seeing it. Can I just say that I cried and cried.

7.   'Mary Had a Little Lamb' was written in May of 1830, and published in Juvenile Miscellany in September of that same year.  Now for the fun part...create your own four line rhyme using that same tune.
Oh, this brings back nightmares to me.  I had to do this once or twice in English and did very poorly, so think I'll just skip right on to the next question. ~shame on me~  I bet there will be some folks who will come up with some really cute ones.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 Yesterday was Hanna Beth's first day of Mother's Day out and Clancy's first day of Pre-K 4.  Hanna Beth will go to MDO two days a week and Clancy will go to Pre-K3 two days a week.  They are growing up and are just so stinkin' cute this CiCi can hardly stand it. ~big smile~

Monday's Musings

Happy Labor Day!  I know we all say it, but time really is flying by.  It truly seems that we just had Christmas last week and now it's 9 months later.  And, I truly do think that the older we get the faster time goes. Ugh!  Not sure what we can do about that.

 Remember this little guy?  This is, Cody,  the son of my "adopted" Asian family.  He is now 2 1/2 and the cutest little guy.  And, he speaks both Vietnamese and English.  Isn't that amazing?  He has a 16 year old sister and 14 year old brother, but I can assure you that this little guy "rules the roost" at their house.

 Some other gals and myself went to a Cabi Show last week.  One of my dear friends is the Cabi rep and we went out to her house for the show and to play in this season's clothes.  We had such a fun time trying on, giving opinions, putting outfits together, laughing and just having some good ole "girl fun."  Times such as these are good for what ails you.~chuckle~

 I can't believe this little guy is about to be 5 years old. Speaking of time flying by..........His Mom took these pics of him this past Sat. while he was outside enjoying a type of popsicle in the Kansas heat.

I just bought my first Washi tape and I can't wait to try my hand with it.  If you have never heard of it, then I suggest you head over to Pinteret and check out the hundreds of fun ways to use it or just Google it and that will take you to more sites than you have time to check out.  I just wonder who in the world comes up with things like this.  Just another way to let our "creative juices flow."