Wednesday Hodgepodge

Today is a BIG day folks!  Joyce laid aside the Wednesday Hodgepodge in Sept. of 2018 and today she has resurrected it and I am thrilled.  I've missed it and hope you will enjoy today's questions and answers.  Here goes..........

1. Howdy Hodgepodgers. It's kind of fun to be back, isn't it?  Last time we met was September, 2018. Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that's happened in your life since that date. Just one thing. We don't know how long this current isolation situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.
Well, think without a doubt our most important, happy and a huge surprise was the birth of our 5th and 3rd grandson last August 20th to our 40 year old daughter. 😆

2. Might as well get this out of the way early on...COVID-19. On a scale of 1-5 how serious are you about keeping your distance? Explain. fyi-I didn't create the scale but have seen it several places online. Also fyi-we won't only have virus related questions each week, but for this first one it feels right.

1-Not at all, living normally

2-Cautious but still going out

3-Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family

4-Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people

5-Full lockdown, no one in or out

I would fall under #3.  I go to the grocery as needed, run by Hubby's office (which is closed to the public but employee's still working) and still seeing our son and his family. 

3. Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking department before it's all said and done? What's something delicious you've cooked or eaten in your own kitchen in the past week?
Oh, my goodness, we haven't eaten at home this much in our lives I don't think.  Hubby is dieting very strictly so that has helped.  I did a wonderful chicken breast recipe in the crockpot last week and had enough for two meals.  I froze the remaining and we enjoyed it last night.  

4. What's a television show or movie you've seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you really liked?
Not sure about a movie but during this time of isolation I've been watching 
"Anne with An E" on Netflix and really enjoying it.

5. Share something funny you've seen or heard this week.
I went by Subway one evening last week to get myself a sandwich.  A young man came in behind me and while he was waiting he asked me if I thought it would be okay to give his dog some tea to drink.  I mean, what a random question.  I replied that I did not have a clue.  He then went to the cooler and pulled out a Gatorade and said, "oh, I'll just give him Gatorade with his dinner today."  He then proceeded to order the dog 3 Subway sliders.  It appeared from what the gal behind the counter said that he does this daily, so I asked him what kind of dog he had.  He said it was a Rotweiller/Pit Bull mix.  Lordy!  I was sure thankful he didn't bring the dog with him.  I just shook my head and left.

6. Insert your own random thought here

I decided yesterday that I am OVER this whole isolation thing.  Goodness!  I so want to return to normal living, going and doing as I please.  And, perhaps none of us will ever take "normal living" for granted again.  I've managed to stay busy but everything is about as clean as it can get for now and organized as it can be.  So, while I never indulge in Netflix during the day, I am now.  And, I must say, it's been a great time filler.  I've missed my visits with my Daddy and I sense that he's about tired of the situation as well.  But, we will preserve on until the "powers that be" tell us to resume normal living. 

And, Life Goes on Differently

Well, today marks one week that things have taken on a very different look for our country.  I am a very social person and to say that this isolation has been difficult is an understatement.  My life has pretty much consisted of going to the grocery store as needed and running by my husband's office. I have reactivated my Audible account and am currently listening to "Where the Crawdads Sing" and I am watching "Anne with an E" on Netflix.  I have plenty of time on my hand and these are helping to fill it. That along with cleaning and organizing.  I'm managing to stay busy.   But, we all must do our part and hopefully that will flatten the curve sooner and we can all resume our normal lives.

It didn't help matters that Hubby and I were suppose to leave on the 16th  headed to see our daughter and family in Oklahoma.  We went back and forth in our decision for a couple of days and in the end, just knew that it was NOT a good decision to go.  While we all knew this was best, it still was a big disappointment.  

This little guy is growing by leaps and bounds and we haven't seen him "in the flesh" since Christmas.  We're so anxious to get our hands on him and hopefully that will not be too much longer.

I am use to seeing my sweet Daddy about 5 times a week over at the assisted living facility and that came to a screeching  halt on Friday, the 13th when they went under lock down.  We all had a day's notice so I bought up all that I thought he would need for about a month.  I took it over to him on Friday, hugged him good bye and left him with a big lump in my throat. He has handled it so well.  I talk to him a couple of times each day and I went over one day and stood right outside his window and talked to him on the phone.  Bless his heart, he had to put his nose up to the window to even see my image due to his  eye sight.  I'm hoping he will keep his good attitude for the remaining time.  It's just sooooo different for us not to see each other.  I'm so thankful that, while his memory is not 100%, he definitely understands this whole Covid-19  and is staying up to date through the news.

Hubby is doing this whole isolation gig with flying colors.  He's been fishing in the pond more this past week than the entire time we have lived in this house.  The above picture was taken one evening and it depicted "peace and serenity" so well.

Bridget and her boys were on Spring Break last week so they aren't in any sort of a routine  yet. And some of her days have been rather demanding. ~big smile~ They have taken walks (thank goodness for the double stroller), played outside, done crafts and watched movies.  Anything to keep them all sane. ~chuckle~

Windy and the girls have been busy finding their "new" normal this past week.  The girls school has them all set up to continue in their studies via their Google Chromebooks.  It's quite amazing at how well their school hurriedly prepared for this.  Windy is still uncertain as to whether or not she will be returning to school at this point.  They all came over one evening this past week and went fishing for a while.  The girls had such fun and squealed with delight when they made a catch.  It was the perfect evening for some fishing fun and helped with cabin fever for sure!

And, it has rained and rained and that just makes staying in all the harder.  Hubby and I have our spring plants for all the porch and patio pots and hope to get them all done.  If it will ever quit raining.  Digging in the dirt is always good for your mental health.

Throughout this past week, Psalm 46:10 has been ringing through my mind.  It brought to mind the time, probably about 40 years ago, that a dear, dear older lady said to me, "Lea, never forget to just Be Still."  I was a young busy Mom and she will never know the positive impact those words had and still have on my life.  Right now is a very good time to take this verse to heart and use this time of quiet to draw near to HIM.

Wishing you all a wonderful new week as we all work together to flatten the curve so we can resume our "normal" lives.  

Sunday Stealing - Covid-19

I haven't linked up with Bev and the Sunday Stealing questions in a long time, but, once again, I have time on my hands and thought I'd join in today.  It's all about the Coronavirus today.  As if anyone cares to hear more about it. ~smile~




1. Has the COVID-19 affected your work environment?
Well, it has my husband's insurance office.  He has limited his clients to only entering his reception area.  He has a wall and door where clients can usually go back to talk with one of his office representatives.  Our receptionist will take  payments and any service needs or new business is being done via the phone for now.  He  did not have hardly anyone come in the last of the week .  It's certainly different and he's thankful that so much of his business can be handled via the phone.

2. How are you feeling about the Coronavirus?
My concern has definitely deepened as the days have progressed.  I am not fearful but definitely want to be wise, not only for myself but for everyone.  If we all do our part then hopefully we can flatten the curve and get back to our lives SOON!

3. Has anybody you know been tested / have you?
Yes, a young lady I know but she has not heard from her test so she has not been confirmed.

4. Do you have any friends stuck in any exotic locations?
Oh, NO! Thank goodness!

5. Have you changed any of your personal habits due to the pandemic?
Well, I wash my hands a lot anyway but I am washing them more, wiping things down with Clorox wipes and  staying close to home. ~boo hoo~

6. What is the craziest thing you've seen or heard about the outbreak?
I saw some college kids interviewed on TV while they are on Spring Break at the beach.  They were so nonchalant about the virus and just really showed their ignorance and lack of concern for themselves or anyone else.

7. Do you think our politicians are doing enough to curb the crisis?
I really do.  I look forward to the President's health task force report everyday.  Those folks are looking so weary and worn and I believe are doing a stellar job.

8. Have you stockpiled anything because of the crisis?
No, I generally keep plenty of everything that folks seem to be hoarding right now.  I did buy one extra carton of milk and one extra loaf of bread the other day but no hoarding here.

9. What do you think you will miss the most if you are subject to a lock in?
Oh, without a doubt, socializing!!!  

10. What is the weirdest rumor you've heard about the virus?
Drinking bleach will cure you.  I saw that on the internet and thought, well, guess that true because it would kill you and you would definitely be cured. ~so stupid~ 

11. Do you have a favorite meme about the virus?

Street socializing




12. Has the virus made you grateful for anything?
Indeed, for many things but knowing that I serve a God that has me in the palm of His hand and He will see me through is the Number 1 thing.

13. Have any of your plans been upset by the outbreak?
Yes, we were suppose to be at our daughter's in Oklahoma this past week.  But, knew that was not a wise decision and sadly decided to stay at home.  And, several other meetings and events that I would have taken part in have been cancelled.

14. Are you planning do to anything different because of the COVID-19 outbreak?
Well, my days have been sooooo different with this outbreak.  I am generally out and about a whole lot and that has come to a screeching halt.  We did not attend church last Sunday nor today and likely won't for a few more weeks to come.  But, thankfully, our pastor is streaming his messages live and we are worshiping that way. Yes, yes, life is sooooo different!

15. What do you hope to see in six months time?
We're all back to normal, a vaccine has been successfully created for this virus and our nations economy is on the road UP!

 16. Has the Coronavirus upset your mental health in any way?

Humm....... I don't think so, just trying to deal with it responsibly and hoping it's over SOON!!!

Blessings abundant!!!

Saturday 9

Well, it has been a few months since I participated in the Saturday 9.  But, hey, I have plenty of time on my hand right now and I need to have something to do, so here I am.

Complete Symphonies (2019)

This week we're classing up the joint with a well-received box-set by the Danish Chamber Orchestra. You can listen to the orchestra here.

1) Beethoven is one of classical music's best known composers. Do you often listen to classical music? Well, not sure it would be called classical but I listen to Easy Listening all the time.  It's just the best, not so noisey and very soothing and calming.  And, I love many of Beethoven's pieces! 

2) Though a musical genius, Beethoven never learned to multiply or divide. When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, do you do it in your head? Or do you rely on the calculator in your phone or on your computer?
I only use a calculator for big numbers, I am very good and fast with the less complex problems in my head.  But, I am amazed at many of the younger generation that can't add 2+2 in their head. ~chuckle~

3) Beethoven bathed often, which was considered "quirky" for a man of his time. (Understandable, since you had the heat the water, haul it to the tub, and then empty the tub bucket by bucket when you were done.) Do you bathe in the morning or in the evening?
I shower every morning and generally get the water as hot as I can stand it.  It is soooo envigorating!!!  And, so thankful that I can get hot water just by merely turning a knob.

4) Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for this 5-disc set. He began his musical career young, when he sang in the children's choir of Budapest's National Opera House. Have you ever sung in a choir or chorus?
Oh, many!  I was a part of a youth choir when I was a teen that was composed of teens throughout the area where we lived.  I have the fondest  memories of being a part of this.  I have been in church choirs for many years.  I am not currently in a church choir thanks to Acid Reflux that has pretty much ruined my voice.  Ugh!!!!
 
5) Mr. Fischer was awarded the Gold Medal of Arts from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Tell us about a prize or award you have received. (Yes, that ribbon you earned for penmanship in second grade counts.)
I won a couple of awards in piano competitions when I was in Jr. High school and I was crowned Miss Science Club when I was a Sophmore in high school.  Goodness, talk about "digging up bones."


6) The Danish Chamber Orchestra is beloved in Demark. When, in 2014, the Danish Broadcasting Company announced it would no longer fund the Orchestra, citizens began a crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1,000,000 to keep the music playing. Have you ever contributed to a crowdfunding platform, like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or FundRazr?
I have not.  There has never been a cause that I felt passionate enough about to contribute to on those entities up to this point.

7) The Orchestra's "home" is the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen. Where were you when you last heard music played live?
That would be church.  Our traditional service has a pianist and a keyboardist and the contemporary service has a praise band.


8) In 2019, when this boxed set was released, China became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon. Are you fascinated by stories about space?
Not in the least!  

9) Random question: Tell us about your week. These are extraordinary times, and it might feel good to share.

To say it has been VERY different would be an understatement!  I'll be blogging about it shortly, so stay tuned.

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

“I told myself that I was going to live the rest of my life as if it were Saturday.”
― Chip Gaines

In Case You Are Interested

I love sharing hints/ideas with others.  I have learned so much through others sharing their ideas and hints with me.  So, today, I'm going to share a few ideas and hints with you.  Perhaps one of them will "speak" to you.

I have been taking pictures since I was very young.  I've always loved photography and it is so amazing to see what it has evolved into today.  I'm so glad I'm living in the digital age and no longer have to fool with film and throwing tons and tons of bad pictures away.  I always put my pictures in photo albums and I probably had 30+ of them until about 12 years ago.  I had so many albums and I knew that there had to be a better way to store those photos than in albums and in a much more concise way.  I had seen archival boxes and found a website that specialized in all sizes of them.  I ordered some and went to work.  I worked on our dining table as I had to have a place that I could leave my work and go back to it for as long as it took me to finish.  I ordered the boxes for 4X6 pics even though a lot of mine were the smaller 5X5's from the 60's and 70's.  The boxes came with file cards and I separated my pictures by years and put each year behind one of the file cards.  As I went through the albums removing the pics, I discarded a lot of pictures and filed the rest under the appropriate year.  It was a laborious job but I was so proud when I was finished and I consolidated about 30+ photo albums into about 6 archival boxes.  They take up so much less space and I put a label on each box with the years of pictures that it holds.  It is so easy to put my hand on a picture I might want as long as I know the year.  The younger generation will likely never know what photo albums are and I haven't developed pictures, except for some for my picture frames sitting around, in about 15 years.  I started using Shutterfly to make photo books about 12 years ago.  They are so neat and I enjoy creating them.  I work on them as the year goes along and they are fresh on my mind.  I can't imagine creating them at the end of the year and having to recall all the places, events, etc. 

Amazon has lots of the archival photo boxes, so if you are interested in doing this, go check them out.  I also ordered a couple of the largest boxes for pictures that I had on the wall of the children over the years.  I took them out of their frames and have stored the pictures in the box. And, of course, who knows what will happen to all these pictures when I leave this world.  But, at least they will be nicely organized when our kids chunk them. ~chuckle~

You may get a big laugh out of this but I just had to share it for fear that there may be some of you that do not know this neat hint.  It was probably about 10 years ago that a friend showed me where she kept her roll of garbage bags.  At the bottom of her trash cans!  No more having to get them out of the cabinet or drawer, they are always right there when you take the filled garbage bag out.  I mean, I came home and immediately began doing the same thing.  I not only do it in my kitchen cans but in every trash can in our house.  Whose not in for a time saving hint like this?  

Okay ladies, listen up!  I'm pretty sure that most of you have jewelry boxes, a jewelry chest or some kind of jewelry organizer for you jewelry.  Well, thought I'd show you how I have kept mine for the past several years.  I came up with this way because I got tired of getting my jewelry together for traveling.  I knew there had to be a better way.  I went to a craft store (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc) and bought up 3 sizes of the bead bags.  I would use the larger bead bag for the necklace, the medium size for the matching bracelet and the smallest one for the matching earrings.  After placing the bracelet and earring in their bags, I then put them in the bag with the necklace.  And, wala! everything is together.  Then when I travel, I just grab the bags of jewelry I need, place them in a travel bag and I'm good to go. And, all jewelry sets are ALWAYS together and since I wear jewelry everyday, this makes my life soooo much easier.   If I do not have a set, I still put all of my jewelry in these bags.  And, if I have a necklace that is too big for the largest bead bad, then I use a sandwich ziploc bag.  I had two drawers, in the chest in my closet, built with dividers and I put my jewelry in them by color, or metal.  I told you, I LOVE BEING ORGANIZED! ~big laugh~ 

And, I leave you with this, my 3-tiered tray all decked out for Easter.  It has absolutely nothing to do with organization but it is an idea of how you might enjoy decorating your tiered tray, if you have one.

Blessings abundant!

Random Thoughts

Some random thoughts for this Monday morning.....................

I was searching through my computer folders over the weekend and came across the one that held the journal my Dad wrote after my Mom died.  My Dad began writing his journey of grief within days of my Mom's death on Dec. 1, 2008.   As he wrote each entry he shared it with my two brothers and me via email.  He wrote for almost a year following her death and these entries are soooooo dear to my heart.  I read them often the first couple of years following her death but had not read them in a very long time when I ran across them this weekend.  I became so lost in my memories of Mom as I read Dad's entries and the tears flowed freely.  As he shared from the depths of his heart his loss, it brought back so many memories of all of our grief but especially my Dad's huge loss of the love of his life for almost 59 years.  I know it was so very theraputic for my Dad to write this journal  and it was theraputic for me as I read each entry.  Mom died suddenly 12 years ago this past December but as I reread this journal, it all seemed so fresh and as if she had just died.  Grief is such a strange thing.  I don't know that my brothers and I would have ever known the deep, deep grief our Daddy felt following Mom's death if it were not for his  journal.  What a treasure!  

~~~~~~~~~~

I'm pretty sure that this and other similar products are hard to come by right now with the threat of the Coronovirus.  I noticed while at Wal-Mart this weekend that the shelves, where these products are stocked, was completely bare.  One of the stock clerks told me that they cannot order it right now that their distributors send a limited amount when they can and most deliveries have none.  The same holds true for hand sanitizers and face masks.  A lot of folks have gone into full panic mode.  I definitely think that we all should be very wise and careful during this time but I do not think we need to panic.   And, it really aggravates me when the media tries to make something political out if it.  Hopefully this will be short lived and in the meantime may we all go about our daily lives, not fearfully, but carefully and never forgetting that HE knows exactly what is going on.  Perhaps handshakes and hugs should be on "hold" for a while. 
~~~~~~~~




Most days if you stopped by our house you would hear Alexa belting out the "old hymns" on one of my favorite stations that she offers.  I know pretty much everyone of them from memory and I often sing along.  The old hymns bring such comfort to my soul and in general make me happy.  I can have great worship just listening to them.  I am sorry that most of the children of today will never know the "wonderfulness" of these great old hymns.  I have nothing against the contemporary music that has taken over so much of our worship, but just not sure it  brings the kind of reverence to worship that the hymns bring.  And, I'm pretty sure that when my generation is gone from this earth that there will be nothing but contemporary worship with no hymns whatsoever.  
And, while I'm on the subject........it also makes me sad that most children of today will never experience an invitation at the end of worship.  There's nothing quite like seeing folks walking the aisle to accept Christ as their Savior, rededicate their life or desire church membership.  And, there's nothing quite like the hymn Just As I Am.  I could not possibly remember how many times I have sung that invitational hymn in my life.  In so many contemporary services  there is NOT a traditional invitation but rather an area where church staff will meet with those desiring to make a decision.  
It's a different era and one that I have struggles with and we all have our thoughts and opinions and it's doubtful that either of us will change our mind.  But, I will always try to be respectful of each person's way of worship and hymn/song selection as long as it always bring honor and glory to HIM.  And, I'm thankful that we have a choice of which type of worship service we attend at our church.  One is called traditional and one is contemporary. We attend the traditional worship but I really wish we had a "blended worship" service, it's my preference.  To me, it's the best of both worlds, but no one has asked my opinion yet. ~smile~  I'll hush for now as I think I've gone to rambling. ~smile~
~~~~~~~~

And, that's some of the random thoughts that have been floating around in my head lately.

Amazon Finds

Okay, it's that time again!  And, that means that another month has come and gone.  Goodness, time truly does fly by.  But, on to some of my favorite Amazon purchases. You can click on the Amazon link under each item for easy viewing/purchasing.  Doesn't get much easier than that. ~smile~

Mercury Glass Vintage  Bottle Vases

If you are like me and have difficulty with flower arranging but sometimes need to put something together for a table scape, then these are for you. These mercury glass bottle vases are about 6 inches tall and look lovely with a few flowers placed in them.  I used mine for a dinner a couple of weeks ago and placed them on a mirror and they added the perfect touch.  

AMAZON


Clarks Wedge Loafers



Ladies, if you are looking for a cute and comfortable pair of casual shoes then these are for you.  They come in several colors but I preferred this champagne color for myself.  I love that they have a little wedge and are not flat.  I do not like flat shoes.  The price is fantastic  for Clarks.

AMAZON




Electric Egg Cooker




My sister in law introduced  me to this jewel a few months back and at first I thought I didn't want or need one.  I didn't realize how easy it could be to boil eggs until I purchased this.  Hubby eats a lot of boiled eggs and I don't mind boiling them now that I've got this automatic cooker.  Place the eggs in it, put water in it, punch the button and forget about it.  Your eggs will be boiled to perfection in about 13 minutes.  It will also poach, scramble or make an omelet.  I haven't done anything but boil eggs in mine but might try the omelet sometime.  It will boil 6 eggs at a time.  

AMAZON



Lemi Shine Appliance Cleaner


I had never heard of appliance cleaner until we moved in our new house about 4 1/2 years ago and when we got all of our appliances there were instructions to clean them periodically.  I have never cleaned an appliance, except on the outside, until now.  I'm not sure what the difference is but I figure they tell you to do these things for a reason, so I've been "obeying" the rules.  I've tried a couple of cleaners but someone recommended the Lemi Shine Cleaner and I really like it and best of all, it works for the washing machine and dishwasher.  Perhaps it will prolong the life of them as appliances definitely do not last as long as they use to, even if they are cared for.  I think it's a marketing strategy, purposely make them where they don't last but a few years so we'll HAVE to buy new ones.  No more owning them 15 - 20 years.
AMAZON


Polyester Tablecloth

I had a need for a couple of rectangular table clothes and found these and am more than pleased.  They are 100% polyester, wash, dry and use.  Now, if you prefer linen or cotton that has to be painstakingly ironed then these are NOT for you.  But if you want some really good looking, easy to use, then these are definitely for you.  They come in a lot of colors and are sooooo reasonably priced.  They also come in a lot of sizes and you can find the matching napkins.

AMAZON


Pill Pouches


I started not to include these pill pouches in my post because I figure everyone reading this surely already knows about these prizes.  But, just in case there is someone out there that doesn't, this is for you.  I have been using these for years and they can generally be found at all pharmacies and discount stores.  I just threw them in my Amazon cart because I was ordering some other items.  I know, convenience is key!  I mainly use these for our vitamins when we travel or when we take them with us when we eat out.  But, if you are on regular meds and need to take them with you but don't want to take the whole bottle, these are what you need.

AMAZON



Mug Tree





I got this for the kitchen area at Tommy's office.  It is lovely and doesn't take up a lot of counter space.  We put 4 large mugs on it and it holds them very sturdy.  It comes in black, silver and bronze. And, it's only $12.95.

AMAZON



DECORATIVE EASTER TRAY



Isn't this the cutest?  This is an 18" in diameter melamine platter that I am using on an easel for some of my Easter decor.  It can certainly be used to serve on too.  It makes such a beautiful presentation.

AMAZON



PLATFORM WEDGE FLIP FLOPS



Flip flop weather is just around the corner!  I snagged these and they are so cute and were ONLY $12.95.  Talk about inexpensive!  But, I figure that no more than I'll be wearing them that they will likely last all summer.  They come in 4 different colors.  Better click over and grab yourself a pair.

AMAZON

And, there you have it, my Amazon finds for February.  Have yourself a wonderful new week and new month.