Wednesday's Hodgepodge

 Yes, it's Wednesday again and yes, Joyce has come up with some questions once again. Some require a whole lot of thought and some not so much.  She always does a good time in the line up and we so appreciative of her week in and week out faithfulness.

1. Speaking of April 15th...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?
Well, in case any of you have forgotten, we are in the midst of building a house..........but I will say that for the most part, it has been a most pleasant experience.  And, a lot of that has to do with the fact that we are not up against a time table. If we were, then I don't think I would be saying that.  In the past 6 weeks we worked with our decorator on the window coverings.  We will have Plantation Shutters all across the front and neutral shades across the back.  There are a total of 27 windows to cover so it was indeed a 'taxing' decision.  We might not would have put any covering over some of the back windows but they get the intense afternoon sun and we just about had to put up something that would prevent the sun  from beating in on the floor and furnishings.  There are so, so many choices today but we are more than pleased with our selection and now if we can just get to a point where they can be hung. That will happen just days before move in day and that's still a ways away.   
 
2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?
My last taxi ride was when we were in Las Vegas last Oct.  We had some really good rides on that trip but I can tell you that I've been on some that scared the daylites out of me.  I had to tell a driver in NYC one time that if he was going to continue driving as he was that he could let me out IMMEDIATELY.  And, I was not joking!  And, while he was obviously not happy with me, he did slow down. ~I was paying him, he wasn't paying me~

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?
I can easily drink anywhere from 70 - 80 ounces of water a day and not even think about it.  This time last year I likely never drank 4-8 ounces of water a day.  It has just become a part of my day now and I miss it if I don't have it.  And, the bathroom part has gotten a bit better. ~smile~

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?
We are big on chicken at this house.  Hubby can grill some great chicken and I have several good recipes that I do with boneless chicken breasts.  Oh, I do love a chicken salad sandwich as long as you don't put apples or grapes in it.  I've never understood why folks feel the need to put one or both of those ingredients in an, otherwise, perfectly good chicken salad.  ~just my opinion~ It's like those same folks put raisins in broccoli salad. ~I know, I'm weird~

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?
Oh, I had so many favorites, Lassie, My Three Sons, The Donna Reed Show, Green Acres, Gilligan's Island and on and on the list goes.  But, I think Flipper would be my most favorite.  I loved Flipper, who was a dolphin, and I use to tell my Dad and Mom that one day I was going to have a dolphin in a pool in my backyard.

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?
Hum.......art is being creative isn't it? So, my last piece was a gift basket I put together and wrapped last week to be used as a door prize.  I had a gift wrapping business called, "It's A Wrap" a few years ago and I wrapped all types of items and had so much fun being creative and finding new and different ways to do boxes, baskets and you name it.  Now, I just do it for fun.

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?
It is always, always available and unless you are very disciplined, it can be a major "time sucker."  It has never stood in the way of me doing the tasks at hand, but I am quite sure that I am often on the internet when I could be doing far more worth while things.  
~too much of a good thing can be bad~

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I thought you might enjoy seeing my beautiful African Violets.  I have been growing them for about 17 years and they are my "pets."  My paternal Grandmother would grow them in coffee cans in her kitchen window and when she died I decided to start growing them in  memory of her.  I do quite well with them and am even a member of The African Violet Society. ~aren't you impressed~ I'm hoping to find just the perfect spot for them in our new home.

HELLO Monday........

Another Monday and more HELLO's to greet this new week!  

 HELLO ladies event...we all know that no one knows how to host an affair better than Southern women.  And, that was proven once again at our annual Ladies Spring Event this past Thursday evening.  It is hosted by the Women's Ministry of our church and is always such a fun night of food, fellowship and inspiration.  It represents a whole lot of work on the part of many people but hard work pays big dividends when the event is deemed a success and this certainly was.

~~~~~~

HELLO beautiful farmhouse.....this is the beautiful home of some of our dear friends.  It is without a doubt the most gorgeous setting for a home that I have ever seen.  This land had been in their family for many years and they had always dreamed of one day building on it.  So, when they retired that is exactly what they did.  If you had seen the area before, you would not believe the transformation that took place in less than 2 years.  It was solid woods, no electrical lines and no road.  Now, when you wind down the road you might think you are going to end up at the "dropping off" spot and then you feast your eyes on this gorgeous home with the beautiful lake behind it and  you wonder if they rent out rooms so that you can stay for a while.  

~~~~~~

HELLO house progress.... the big progress this past week was finishing the stucco on the front porch.  They had to wait for the front door replacement and then they got busy and finished it up and it looks so pretty. The crew put up the pegboard in Tommy's shop, lots and lots of pegboard. The painters continue painting and I'm wondering if they will ever finish. ~smile~  They have yet to paint a wall, but are still working on trim and cabinets.  I should have pictures of wall colors in the next couple of weeks as I'm sure you are anxious to see. ~laugh~  The contractor is hopeful that the weather will be such that they can lay the forms for the driveway this week.  But, it looks as though rain is in the forecast for just about everyday.  We shall see.

~~~~~~

HELLO enrichment and renewal......... our church was host to Steve and Debbie Wilson this past weekend.  They are the founders of Marriage Matters Now and they lead Marriage Enrichment Conferences.  I could write an entire post on the richness of this conference and the blessing it was and will be in the days ahead in my life.  And, the conference is centered around married couples but was really aimed more at our individual walk with the Lord.  The one truth that spoke to me more than any other was, our relationships are a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus Christ, be that our spouse, our family, or our friends. This wasn't a new truth for me, it was just a much needed reminder!  It was such a time of renewal for me and I know it would be for you if you are ever given the opportunity to attend one of their conferences.  You can read about them here.

Lea's Daybook - Friday, April 10th

It's a Daybook sort of Friday and it's always fun to link up with Peggy to share
bits and pieces of my day.
 

Today, Friday, April 10, 2015

Outside my window...the sun has not shown its face just yet and is probably trying to decide if it is or not.  Rain is lingering on the horizon and some of us are hoping and praying that it heads out California way.  We've had our share and more.

I am thinking...of everything I possibly can to make our eventual move as easy as possible.  But, I'm afraid that no matter how hard I try, it is going to be an overwhelming task.  I've decided that if folks moved about every 10 years instead of every 34 years that it would be a far cry easier.~surely it would~  I'm trying very hard to tell myself that it will just take time to get the boxes unpacked and everything into it's proper place.  I am being very deliberate in the way I am marking the boxes so that I will know exactly what is inside of them.

I am thankful...for a husband that is very detail oriented.  He has missed hardly a "trick" in the building of our new house.  As he said not too many weeks ago, he would likely be a whole lot better off if he didn't know so much about construction and the right way to do things.  But, it has paid off in big ways and there's really no way to do things except the RIGHT way.

I am wearing...some jean capris and a grey dolman top and flip flops.  It's so nice to be out of sweaters, cuddle duds, coats and the like.

I am creating...a list of things to be taken care of before we move.  Things like calling the moving company to find out exactly how that is handled, changing addresses on a bazillion things, and the list goes on and on.

I am going...Hubby and I are attending a Marriage Enrichment conference at our church this evening and tomorrow morning.  It has been in the works for months and months but still has a very few couples attending.  A highly regarded couple is leading it and I'm sure it will be a blessing to all those of us that do attend but it's a shame that a whole lot more aren't participating.  They may think it's a sign that their marriage is in trouble if they attend but that is far from the truth.  If one's marriage is in trouble then they likely need counseling, not a conference.  There's not a marriage that I know of that could not use some enriching.

I am hoping...that my Dad is going to gain some bit of vision improvement from his cataract surgery he had 10 days ago.  He hasn't gained any yet, but the Dr. said with his other eye issues and extreme dry eyes, that complete healing will take longer.  I will take him back the first week of May for a vision test and the Dr. is hopeful that there will be some kind of improvement.  Daddy is really taking it in stride and that's a big plus.

I am learning....and relearning that the grapevine is not a reliable source of information, never has been and never will be.  If it doesn't come straight from the "horses mouth" then we probably should be very cautious about how much we believe, even if it's spoken as the truth. 

In my kitchen...I've almost worn out our new George Foreman grill making hot sandwiches.  That's the main reason I got it and we have not been disappointed in the least.  My favorite is cheese, bacon and turkey on wheat bread.

  I could live off of hot sandwiches but Hubby can reach his limit a bit quicker. ~smile~

A favorite quote for today...

I love this quote and try to remember it when the going gets tough or the day just doesn't go the way I intended. Like the song I use to sing when I was a little girl, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, where, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay!!!

A peek into one of my days...

My days start between 5:15-5:30 and it's straight to the coffee pot I go.  Then it's off to my blue chair for my quiet time, then a shower and making up this face of mine.  I'm usually on the treadmill around 6:45 and then getting ready for the day ahead.  I generally run errands in the morning and the afternoons are filled with simply being at home, visiting my Dad or whatever my heart desires.

One of my favorite things...is hearing the sweet cooing sounds of our little Andi Kate.  She will be 2 months old on Saturday and is so precious and becoming more and more aware of her surroundings each day.

From the board room...

This is from my Fashion Pinterest board.  I am seeing so much of the soft aqua color right now and I love it. This is by Free People and "only" $220.  And, it's a one size fits all which to me means, "one size fits none."  I cannot stand that and especially for that price.  My goodness, I'll have to keep looking.  But, it's still so, so pretty.

Post Script....

If you are into doing creative labels (of every shape, size and description) , invitations, bulletins, brochures and such, then, if you haven't already, you need to visit Avery.com.  The  sky is the limit and you can create an online account and keep all your projects right there.  AND, it's all FREE!!!

 A picture worth sharing........

 Our little cowboy was at his other Grandparents last weekend.  They have a cattle ranch in Oklahoma and Clancy got his first taste of "working the cows."  It agreed with him perfectly and he is now an official "cowhand."  How and when did he get so big?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce is Super Woman for sure!  She's participating in the A-Z Blog Challenge this month and still found time to come up with questions for us today. 

1. Besides left over Easter goodies, what's something currently kept in a basket at your house?
I love baskets, nice tightly woven baskets.  I currently have two with toys for the Grans and one on the kitchen cabinet with our variety of chips. 2. 'The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.' ~Michelangelo Buonarroti )
So which one are you...the one who aims too high, or the one who aims too low? Have you ever seen The Sistine Chapel? Did you know Michelangelo's surname prior to answering this question?
Well, as I look back over my life I think I probably aimed too low and if I had my life to live over, I'd definitely aim higher.  But, I don't sit around in regret but I am going to aim high for the remainder of my life. ~ big smile~

3. April 7th is National Beer Day. Hmmm...wonder how that's celebrated? Do you like beer? Have a favorite? If you're not a beer drinker do you have any recipes you enjoy cooking that call for beer?

I have tasted beer one time and that was many, many years ago and I thought it was the most awful taste I had ever put in my mouth. So, my beer drinking ended with a few sips.  I use wine  in recipes but have never had a recipe that called for beer.

4. When did you last travel somewhere new? Tell us where? How'd it go?
Three years ago right now Hubby and I went to Charleston, S.C. for the first time.  It was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed everything about it.  I would love to go back sometime and take in some of the things we didn't have time to do the first time.

5. The value of  _______is greatly overrated.
There are soooooo many things overrated that it's hard for me to just name one.  But, one thing would be fine jewelry.  Now, I have some fine jewelry and I love it but there is so much gorgeous fashion jewelry today that it can rival the "real stuff."  But, diamonds ~the real ones~ will likely always be a girls best friend. ~smile~

6. What's a pet peeve of yours when it comes to restaurant dining?
Talking on your cell phone.  If you MUST talk on it then do the rest of us a favor by stepping outside.  Sometimes I think we forget that we lived for a very long time without them.  I know that the younger generation never remembers "life before cell phones" and that is sort of sad.

7. It's Poetry Month...share a favorite poem, either the title, a few lines you find meaningful, or the whole kit and caboodle.
I think I was in the 8th grade when I had to memorize The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.  My two favorite lines, perhaps not then, but now, are,
 I took the one less traveled by,
 And that has made all the difference

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
 I had several comments regarding last week's  question of "when was the last time you got up at the crack of dawn?"  I said when we had a very early morning flight but I also said that I am up between 5:00-5:30 everyday.  Some questioned if the sun was already up that early.  So, to clarify that, NO I am up most every day before the sun is up~the crack of dawn~ but I don't even realize it because I've done it for years and years. 

Happy Mid-week!!!

HELLO Monday

The first Monday of April, really, can it be?  A few HELLO's for this morning........

HELLO sweet Easter memories........we celebrated Easter with our son and his family on Saturday afternoon.  Hanna Beth hunted eggs, I gave her and baby sister some Easter "happies" and we had an early dinner.  It was topped off with a slice of Applesauce Pound Cake.  Then we went to church with them yesterday before they headed to their other family's to celebrate with them.  It was a fun time and next year our little Andi Kate will be old enjoy to join in.
 ~~~~~~

HELLO new house progress........they continued on with the tile work this week until they ran out of materials.  More was ordered and they will return next week to completely finish up the inside tile.  This is the tile in our Master Bath laid in a herringbone pattern.  I'm really liking the look and can't wait to see it completed.

The outside shutters (except for under the porch) were installed this week and they made such a difference in the outside look.  We are so pleased and really like the color.

Remember last November when our custom front door arrived and it was the wrong size.  Well, the correct one finally arrived this past Wednesday and thankfully, it arrived in good shape without any problem.  Now the front porch can be finished with stucco and the shutters installed.  It only took 7 months to get the correct front door.  Glad we've not been in any hurry. ~smile~

The ground did get dry enough this past week for the front yard to be graded and leveled.  That means we are one step closer to a driveway.  It looks like rain will be hanging around most of this week but as soon as they can they will build the forms for the driveway and we'll be in business.

It's looking more and more like home everyday.

Meet our Interior Designer, Randi Burchfield.  Can I just tell you that she has been a lifesaver and made this entire process flow together seamlessly.  I could not have hand picked someone that I would have been any more comfortable with.  Local folks, if you need an Interior Designer, I could not give Randi a high enough recommendation.

And, don't forget to...............

 

Friday Fragments............

It's been a few weeks since I participated in Friday Fragments but I have just bits and pieces to share today.  So, it worked beautifully.  Thanks to Mrs. 4444 for hosting each Friday.

Will Converse ever go out of style?  I mean, they were popular when I was coming along and that was a long, long time ago.  Now, my little Princess is wearing them and they are so stinkin' cute.  Just love the Chevron print.

It's that time of year.........and Hanna Beth and Poppa enjoyed some time in the dirt recently.  She is such a big helper and it seems impossible that she is "almost" grown.

 Our little squink eyed Clancy sitting in front of their church last Sunday morning.  A perfect picture of Spring!!!

And, all together say, "awe."  Is she not just adorable with a capital "A."  Her tutu is almost as big as she is, but what fun to play dress up with this little doll baby.  

And, I leave you with this as we celebrate our Risen Lord this Easter Sunday..........

What blessed assurance!

An April Fool's Hodgepodge

April 1st, how can that be? That means we have just ended the first quarter of 2015. Time, slow down, I'm not getting any younger. ~grin~  But, the Hodgepodge goes on in spite of the day, hope you enjoy! 

1. In honor of the date...when were you last sent on a 'fool's errand'?
Last week I was talking with our cabinet designer about where I might find some ornamental scroll work for the small island in the kitchen.  He sent me to Hobby Lobby and Michael's.  I waltzed into Hobby Lobby and they were fresh out.  Then I scurried to the other side of town to Michael's and the ones they had were too small.  I was so disappointed and felt like I had wasted an hour of my precious time.  But, I later found what I was looking for online at Home Depot. ~I should have internet shopped first ~

2. Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, The Energizer Bunny, The Easter Bunny, Rabbit (Pooh's friend), White Rabbit (of Wonderland fame), or the Trix Rabbit...which of these 'famous' rabbits can you best relate to right now?
Definitely the Energizer Bunny!  For the last several months I have been balancing a full plate of house building, overseer of my Dad's care, time with my precious Grans and just the day to day "stuff" that life requires.  I am so thankful for good health and plenty of energy at this point so I can keep up with it all.

3. When did you last find yourself scrambling to get something done? Explain.
I don't exactly remember when but it was recently when the builder told us we needed to have something picked out ASAP and we were not expecting it to be quite that soon.  So, off we scrambled and "got er' done!"

4. Last time you were up at the literal crack of dawn? Why? Last time you stayed up all night? Why?
Well, I'm up M-F at 5:15-5:30 and a lot of folks think that's the crack of dawn, but it has been a while since I really was up at the crack of dawn.  I think it was last year when we left on an early morning flight.  I cannot remember the last time I was up all night but probably when my Dad was taken seriously ill almost 4 years ago.

5. Crack a book, crack a bottle, crack a joke, crack an egg...which have you done most recently?
It would have to be a book, I do that everyday and I can't remember a joke long enough to tell it again. ~pitiful~  I don't usually crack an egg unless I'm doing some baking. 

6. What's your favorite part of a typical weekend? Tell us why that's so.
I love Saturday's.  I don't usually plan anything particular and sometimes it's just a figure it out as I go day.  Lately a lot of them have been spent packing.  And, I do love church on Sunday and the sweet fellowship with dear folks.

7. What's something I'd find on a bookshelf in your home? Other than a book I mean!
Family pictures in frames with easels and decorative items.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
I stirred up a lot of interest in last week's HP about boiling hamburger meat.  Several of you asked for me to give more details on the "how tos"............so here you go!

First, I want you to know that I had no need to boil hamburger meat but did this so that I could take pictures of the process for this post. And, I do enjoy having it "boiled and ready" in the freezer so my labor was not in vain.  
You can use any amount that you desire.  This was a one pound package but I have done up to 5# depending upon what I was going to do with it.  I love the frozen Seasoning Blend and used half of the package.  I use it in any and all dishes I am making but that is a personal preference.  I usually add some garlic too if I'm making spaghetti sauce or lasagne. I crumbled it in a pan and then cover it with water.  I use a medium to high heat and as soon as the water gets warm the meat will begin to crumble and I stir it to keep it from being in large clumps.  But, if you prefer "clumps to crumbles" then that's fine too. It will begin to brown immediately and this 1# of meat was browned and ready in 15 min. 17 sec.  I set my timer just so I could tell you exactly. It doesn't take long no matter how much you brown and you will know just by watching it.  And, as you can see from the above picture, the meat is brown.  The meat is a somewhat different texture than browned in a frying pan but I have never done my browning any other way, so it's what we are use to.  And, can I tell you that it is totally mess free!  I do pour it through a strainer and then add it to whatever dish I am making. And, the dishes I make (soup, chili, spaghetti, lasagne) are pretty much "grease free."  Hope this step by step explaination helped you.