Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge..........here we go......

1. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking?
Give me quiet and soft instrumental music playing and I can do some serious thinking and pondering.  It is very special when I have this opportunity.
 
2. Are you a risk taker? What's one big risk you've taken?
Well, I never have been much of a risk taker at all.  I'm sure I have probably taken some but none come to mind.  Guess everyday that I get in my vehicle and go somewhere I'm taking a risk. ~wink~

3. Some of the most common phobias according to the National Institute for Mental Health are-fear of spiders (arachnaphobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), heights (acrophobia), fear of spaces from which escape is difficult (agoraphobia), fear of thunder and lightening (astrophobia), fear of dogs (cynophobia), injections (trypanophobia), social situations, flying (pteromerhanophobia) and fear of germs and dirt (mysophobia). True phobias affect only about 10% of adults, but of those listed which would you rate as your greatest fear?
Oh, without a doubt, snakes!!!  I had an awful experience with a snake that landed me in the ER in a state of shock and I've never quite recovered from it.  That was 40+ years ago but some things you just never get over.  And, no the snake did not bite me, just literally almost scared me too death.  It's a l-o-n-g story!!!

4. Are you settled or do you feel the need to move somewhere new?
Funny you would ask..........Hubby and I have been settled in this house for 33 years this July.  But, "if the Lord's willing and the creek's don't rise," we will be beginning construction on a new house June 2nd.  That's another l-o-n-g story and I'll be sharing more with you in the weeks ahead.  ~exciting times~

5. What is something you find annoying when dining in a restaurant?
Someone talking on their cell phone and never giving a thought to everyone else in the restaurant.  And, so many talk loud enough to be totally obnoxious!!!  I think we have all become WAY too attached to our cell phones and need to just "give it up" at certain times and I'm thinking when we are in a restaurant qualifies for "one of those times."

6. Daffodil yellow, sunset orange, spring green, or sky blue...your favorite color this time of year?
Oh, I like them all, but think that spring green just makes me very happy.  It is such a big sign that spring has arrived.  I've especially enjoyed it this year after the long winter we experienced.

7. If you were going to take a holiday all by yourself, where would you go?
Oh, my goodness, a holiday all by myself.  Hummm, that doesn't sound like much fun to me.  Thinking that I'd just stay home because I do love home!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
Okay, don't you  just love my new blog design???  I mean, really, I think it is awesome!  I have to give a huge "shout out" to my wonderful designer, Karen Valentine. Karen has been my blog designer since shortly after I began blogging 5 years ago.  And, she has never disappointed me.  AND, she allows you to actually talk to her about your blog design.  So, so many designers have you fill out a form and do not really give you the option of having a "real" conversation with them.  Well, ladies, this gal just cannot operate like that.  I cannot fill out a form and convey to someone what I am wanting.  So, if you are wanting a new blog design, click on the above link and you will not regret it!  I promise!
 

HELLO Monday!

It's time for Hello Monday!

It is a most gorgeous Monday here in NE Louisiana and we've had beautiful weather the past 4-5 days.  We are enjoying the kind of weather that I wish we could have year around.  Well, I might get tired of it after a while, so guess it's just as well that we have the 4 full seasons here.  It definitely keeps life interesting.  Now, back to Hello Monday................

Hello Garden Party...........

Last Tuesday our Garden Club had our last meeting of the year and we wore (well, some of us did) our hats and enjoyed a brunch and visiting and the installation of new officers for the new year.  And, "yours truly" has agreed to serve as Vice President.  It's a fun group and I do enjoy learning new things about gardening, flowers, table scapes and the many other programs we have throughout the year.  

Hello Little Dancing Princess........

Our precious Hanna Beth had her first dance recital this past Friday night and she made us all so proud we almost "popped a button."  Her Mom was not sure what she might do when the curtain went up and there were 2500 folks staring her in the face.  But, it didn't even phase her.  She performed royally and appeared to be enjoying every minute of it.  She takes from the same woman that her Mon took from.  So, that makes it even more special.

Hello Clancy.........

   Oh, I can't believe that this time next week this little man and his Dad and Mom will only be 3 1/2 hours up the road from us.  Yep! this is moving week for them.  They will actually depart Dodge City on Thursday.  And, while they were a long ways from family while living there, they are certainly leaving behind some wonderful friends and they have truly enjoyed their time there.  They are not sure exactly when they will get moved into a house but are hopeful it won't be too many days.  Our SIL's parents only live a couple of hours from Mt. Pleasant so they will be staying with them until they get into their house.

Hello End of School.... 

These two girlies, my daughter and DIL, will be winding up another school year this week.  And, they are both ready. ~smle~  My daughter has been teaching 5th grade the past 3 years but will be teaching 4th grade this next year in their new location.  My DIL is a Special Ed. teacher at a Middle School.  They are both very dedicated to their positions and even if I do so say, they are "tops" in their field!  I'm wishing them both a fun filled summer which they so deserve!

And, a happy new week to you!!!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

Another Wednesday, how can that be?  And, the middle of May! And, Joyce just keeps on thinking up questions for us week in and week out.  She must always be thinking of questions and perhaps has them stashed away to use each week.  However she does it, we appreciate it and always enjoy sharing in the Hodgepodge.

1. It's still May, right? When were you last in the middle of something that might be described as mayhem?
Well, it was organized mayhem, but Monday I was responsible for taking the Princess to dance recital practice at the civic center where it will take place this Friday evening.  I have never, ever in my life seen so many girls from 4-10 years old under one roof in my life.  And, for every girl there was a Momma, Grandmother or person in charge.  Thankfully the head of this dance school has been doing this for 40+ years and has it down to a "fine art."  As long as we followed her instructions things went smoothly.  But, as we know, there are ALWAYS those that do not know what following instructions is all about. ~need I say more~

2. When did you last feel dismayed?
I have felt dismayed many, many times in the past 5 years and the majority of it was regarding my Dad and the over seeing of his care.  But, praise the Lord, he is doing so, so much better the past couple of months and it has been such a sense of relief for me.  I'm reminded of the words to the song, "Be not dismayed what er befall, God will take care of you."  And, I am living proof that HE does.

3. What's a food combination you like, but other people may find strange?
Well, neither my Hubby or I could think of one for me.  I'm very picky about food and don't do strange combinations.  I don't like my food touching each other on my plate and a whole lot of folks think that is very strange. ~laugh~
 
4. "It is never too late to be what you might have been." Do you think that's true? Why or why not? I do think that that is true.  We are hearing more and more about folks doing great and mighty things in their "older age."  I think I've accomplished some pretty great things in my life but I'm not at all sure that HE is through with me.  I hope to avail myself to whatever opportunities come my way until my dying day. 

5. US News and World Report listed the best historic destinations in the US as follows-Washington D.C, Philadelphia PA, Williamsburg VA, Charleston SC, Boston MA, Richmnd VA, Savannah, GA, Santa Fe NM, Yellowstone, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, New Orleans LA, and Charlottesville VA.

Of those listed how many have you seen in person? Which two sites on the list would you most like to see in person?
I have seen 10 of them and I'm quite proud that 3 of them are in the home of my birth, Virginia.  Of the ones I have not seen I would like to go to Yellowstone and San Antonio.

6. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. If you had to participate in a single fitness activity for the next half hour, which activity would you choose?
Walking for sure!  I walk 5 mornings a week on a treadmill and since the release of the IPad and Netflix, I enjoy it more than ever! ~big smile~

7. What did you like best about the city, town, or neighborhood where you grew up?
Oh, I lived so many different places that I will just answer about the place I have called "home" the past 40 years.......pretty much everyone knows everyone, folks willing to lend a hand at any time and we all stick together through thick and thin. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I seem to spend so much time at funerals lately.  We have two to attend today, yes two! One is of a lady that was so precious to me. She reached out to me after our first child was born and always stood ready to keep him for me.  She and her husband went to church with us.  She was a vibrant, fun loving, God praising woman.  She was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer last August and passed away this past Sunday at the young age of 71.  Her imprint is forever etched upon my heart.

I'll be busy, busy the next few days. We have family company coming in later today and we'll be having fun with them.  So, I'll see you on Monday!

HELLO Monday...............

It's a new week and a busy one for me.  Company coming, Drs. appointments, meetings and such. But, all that means is that I'm still going strong and I'm so thankful!  So, here's to another 

"Hello Monday" with Lisa Lenard.

 

Hello Mother's Day memories..........

  Yes, hard to believe, but yesterday is now but a memory.  Mother's Day has never been the same for me since my Mom passed away 5 1/2 years ago.  In fact, it is still a day that I am very "teary eyed."  I don't know if it will always be or if more time will change my feelings.  We had a quite day yesterday and enjoyed sharing lunch with some dear friends who were also "childless."  My son and daughter sent me the beautiful bouquet of flowers pictured above.  I am hard to buy for and they know they can never go wrong with flowers.  And, my "adopted" Asian family sent me the beautiful card pictured above with a gift certificate for a Deluxe Spa Pedicure.  Yes, that's my "love language" for sure.  They are so precious and I'm so glad that I have the privilege of being their American Mom.

Thankful for these two that call me their "real" MOM! When I was pregnant with our firstborn I so desired to have a son.  I was the oldest in my family and had two younger brothers.  I had friends that had older brothers and I was always wishing that I had had an older brother.  So, I decided a long time ago that I wanted my firstborn to be a boy.  Of course, the Drs. would predict by the heartbeat but that was about it and my Dr. did predict I was having a boy.  And, he was right!!! And, I also remember looking at my husband after giving birth to him and saying, "you better be glad you got a boy because I'm never going through this again."  ~famous last words!~  But, within a couple of years I was more than ready to have another.  And, of course, I wanted a girl so bad I could taste it.  And, once again the Dr. predicted by her heartbeat that I was likely going to have a girl, and I did.  It was then that I decided that we had successfully had one of each sex, so there was nothing left to try for.  Plus, we had a cat and dog too. ~big chuckle~   Hubby agreed and since then we've added two more girls and two more boys to the mix and 3 more dogs, 2 horses and  no cats. ~big smile~ But, being a Mom has been a  wonderful adventure for sure and being a CiCi is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.  

Hello Springtime plants..........

Hubby and I have been busy getting our patio area decked out for Spring and Summer.  We were a bit later getting it done this year but with the extremely cold and long winter we had, I think our timing was pretty good this year.  Now, if these plants could just water themselves, all would be well.  I'm sort of half way committed to the watering but thankfully, Hubby is 100% committed to their watering.  ~smile~

Hello end of school.........

    Tomorrow will mark the end of Mother's Day Out for Hanna Beth.  She started in the program last Sept. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Hubby and I have had the privilege of taking her and picking her up on those days.  It has been such a great experience for our little Princess.  It was her first time to be in a classroom environment and she adapted wonderfully.  She took a little gift to Ms. Alex and Ms. Jennifer last Thursday to thank them for being such special teachers this year.  Now, our little Princess will be off to PreSchool this coming school year.  And, before we turn around twice, she'll be preparing for Jr. High. ~be still my heart~

Hello patriotism.........

  I spent this past Saturday morning changing out our front door decor to patriotic.  Since Memorial Day, 4 of July, Flag Day and Labor Day are all upcoming, I'll just leave it up until I change it out for fall.  Plus, I love the Patriotic look any time of the year.  Reminds me of how blessed we are to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, America!

300th Friday Fragments

It is Mrs. 4444's 300th Friday Fragments entry.  Wow! that's a whole bunch of fragments!  So, I'm going to add to them with a few more..........

 Redneck fishing......

Hubby and a friend had heard about a "hot" fishing hole and decided they would go and check it out this past Monday.  The problem is that you cannot drive to this small body of water.  Once you park it is about a 1 1/2 to 2 mile walk.  So, Hubby thought long and hard about how they would go about getting all their fishing paraphernalia  back to the body of water without them having to carry it.  He remembered that we had a jogging stroller that belonged to our daughter and then he went about getting it all lined out to carry their "stuff."  This picture was taken with Hubby's phone but I truly wanted to tag along to witness this whole adventure.  They were like two little boys going to the candy store.  But, bottom line, they only caught 2-3 fish but they had a boatload of fun.
 ~that's all that matters~

 The Boutique on Wheels....

Okay, perhaps you have seen a "rolling boutique" before, but until this past Wednesday, I had not.  What a novel idea!  I mean how much better can it get when shopping is delivered right to your doorstep.  Almost like internet shopping. ~smile~ One of the gals at Hubby's office made a connection with the gal that owns the Fleurty Ginger Boutique and arranged for her to make a stop by the office. Of course, we had a good time snatching and grabbing and giving our opinions and finally making a purchase or two.  The owner is so, so personable and nice and it was just a delightful experience.  And, you can click on the link above and shop online with her as well.  I'm telling you, it's a "win win" situation and I think she is on to something for sure! 

  Mom-isms....
Since this is Mother's Day weekend my mind has reflected back to my own Mother this week and how I miss her and wish that we had had a few more years together.  But, as in all things, life goes on and that's just the way the Lord intended it.  In my thinking these past few days I've thought alot about some of the things my Mom said to me as I was growing up.  I'm betting that many of you can relate to them as well.  Did your Mom ever say to you?
Don't go out with a wet head, you'll catch cold.
A little birdy told me.
Don't sit too close to the TV, it'll ruin your eyes.
I don't care what everyone else is doing. I care what you are doing.
I hope someday you'll have a daughter just like you.
I'm doing this for your own good.
Say that again and I'll wash your mouth out with soap.
The world does not revolve around you.
You'll understand when you get older.
Don't ask why. The answer is NO.
If I want your opinion, I'll ask for it.
I'm going to give you until the count of three.
Clean your plate, think of the starving children in Africa.
Your Daddy is going to hear about this when he gets home.
And, last but not least..........No matter what, I'll always love you.
And, the list could go on and on with Mom-isms and all the memories they evoke from years gone by. 

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made Mothers."

Wishing all Moms a wonderful weekend and a happy Mother's Day! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Another week of questions by Joyce and she threw a couple of curve balls this week and I was "hard pressed" on a couple of answers.  But, it's always good brain exercise. ~wink~

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother.

Taken in the Spring of 1953 - Momma and me

In looking back and thinking about my Mom I appreciate so much about her.  One was her ability to keep the "home fires burning" when Dad was out and about the business of the church and it's members.  She never once complained about being "the pastor's wife" but rather she always said she felt honored that the Lord had called her to that position.  Man, I think that speaks volumes! Our home was always neat and orderly with little to no choas.  She wanted it to be a little bit of heaven on earth and as far as I was concerned, it was.

2.  A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?
I cannot stand to "cop out" on a question but I simply cannot think of the last time.  But, my husband is brilliant when it comes to this.  He can come up with more ideas of ways to make something work or fix something in the most unconventional way, but it works.
 
3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.
I have thought a lot about this one from time to time. My Mom had a little boy when I was 3 years and a few weeks old.  I remember being so excited when I was told that he had been born that I went running up and down the street in front of our house singing, "I've got a baby brother, I've got a baby brother."  And, funny thing is that I have no other recollection until the 1st grade.  Guess getting a baby brother made quite the impression as this little 3 year old girl.

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?
It was about a month ago when I had a major clothes cleaning out.  I took the biggest "mother lode" of clothes to the local consignment shop.  I had a happy closet afterwards.
 
5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?
Well, I guess this may sound really tacky, but my Mom was not that great of a cook.  She used little to no seasoning and her food was rather bland.  I really didn't pay that much attention to that fact until I got married and begin eating my MIL's cooking.  She was truly a great cook and used bacon, plenty of salt and whatever else she decided upon to season with and then I realized what I had been missing. ~grin~  I have more cooking habits like my MIL than my Mom.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?
Oh, goodness, Joyce is really bringing up some old memories with this questions.  I love it!  I remember so well loving to play I Spy and Tag, You're It.  I wonder if those are ever, ever played by the kids of today.  I'm afraid the kids today will have no memories of playing anything but high tech games.  What a shame!!!

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?

Hands down, Ruth Martin, played by June Lockhart on the series, Lassie.  Well, as a little girl, I thought she was just beautiful, so kind and gentle and that whole show took me to a place that I loved. And, I also loved  June Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver.  Those were the days of some holsum TV shows.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm not sure about where you live, but where we live, the electrical company sends their tree trimming trucks and guys to "butcher up" all of our trees growing along the power lines.  The above picture is an example of what one looks like.  It is by no means all the trees they trim but there are several and they stand out like a "sore thumb."   Now, I don't know that I have a solution to the problem but it sure does seem that  more effort could be taken to even things up a bit, so as not to look like we have "one sided" trees throughout our town. ~just sayin'~ They just need a woman in charge and it might be different. ~giggle~

Happy mid-week peeps!!!

HELLO Monday!

It's a HELLO Monday kind of day and it's always a joy to join in with Lisa Lenard for our HELLO'S.

 

Hello Nicole Lee..........

 To say I love purses would be an "understatement!"  And, when I saw these by Nicole Lee they seemed to call my name!  ~wink~ And, I don't usually carry a big shoulder bag when I'm shopping due to the heaviness and my aching shoulders.  So, it just seemed the right thing to do and get a small crossover bag to carry shopping.  They both go in the car with me but the little crossover is all that goes in with me.  Any of you do this?  Anyway it works for me and I'm plum in love with these two purses.  If you care to see the "gazillion" choices that they have, you can click here and find out.  It's crazy there are so many cute, cute choices and in so many wonderful patterns and colors.  And, might I add, superb quality!

  Hello Zulily............

I also have a love affair with Zulily.  I knew about Zulily long before I began using it and buying from them.  It's hard to explain exactly what they are, outside of just saying they have the best deals on clothes, shoes, home decor, kitchen items, patio items, and even office paraphernalia.  Because of their extreme deals they usually do not allow you to return items, but I've never wanted to return anything, so it works for me.  I did receive a broken item one time and they were so nice and immediately sent out a replacement, no questions asked.  Sometimes their shipping is slow due to the fact that they may not even have the item in their stock and they will have to get it before they can send it but they always state that before you place your order.  I have never ordered anything that I had to had in a hurry anyway, so it's fine with me.  It's a great place for good deals and I've certainly found my share.  ~nothing like good deals on the internet~

Hello Wee Ball......

The Princess had her first wee ball game this past Saturday morning.  Wee ball wasn't around when our kids were little, it started with tee ball.  Well, wee ball is so cute and the coaches have to be the most patient men around.  These little ones have to be told every step to take, and not to take.  Hanna Beth was the first batter up and slugged the ball first crack out of the barrel and once she figured out she was suppose to run to first base, things were good.  Of course, I was sitting there grinning ear to ear and thoroughly enjoying watching her figure it all out.  She is so much more "in tune" this year than last year. I'm sure she'll be ready for the major leagues next year. ~big laugh~  It was such a fun way to begin a beautiful Saturday morning.

Hello Beautiful Renovated Old Home..........

Pam and Dan in front of their front door this past Christmas

 Last year a friend of mine and her husband bought an old home in a little village/town about 6 miles from us.  It is the neatest little village with gorgeous old homes and big oak trees.  It's like stepping back in time to drive through.  I love it!  They pretty much gutted the house and started completely over.  I wish so much that I had "before" pictures because you would not believe what a major transformation took place. I made a point to get over every few weeks to watch the process. I was amazed.  It is just beautiful, so warm, has that wonderful Southern charm, is so inviting and a great place for them to call "home."  I'm not sure I would have a big enough imagination to see the possibilities but they sure did.

Happy new week!!