A "Pooh" Kind of Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge time! And, it's all about Pooh and his friends today............

1. On January 18th we commemorate A.A. Milne's birthday. Milne is the author of the beloved classic Winnie the Pooh. In many ways Pooh represents innocence and simplicity. His optimism reminds us to appreciate the little things. What are three little things you're appreciating in mid-January? 

Getting office files cleaned out for new year

Looking forward to twinkle lights coming on each evening in our living area. Really!

The start of a new Bible Study next week on prayer.

Yes, it truly is the little things............

2. Piglet teaches us even the smallest of individuals can achieve big things with the proper amount of determination. How do your current responsibilities make you feel? 

Most of the time I have a good handle on them. And, I might add that, at this stage in my life, my responsibilities are certainly not what they once were.  And, for that, I am thankful.  I do oversee the care of my 94 year old Dad who lives in an assisted living facility nearby.  There have been times when that responsibility has been heavy, but, for the most part, it goes smoothly.  I've been overseeing his care for 13 years so I've gotten really good at it. 

3. Tigger is known for his enthusiasm and energy, his boundless joy and love of life. What's something you're interested in learning more about in this new year? 

I can't think of anything big, but am always interested in learning or hearing about a new cleaning hack, organizational hack or cooking hack.  Anything that makes life easier without compromise, I'm all about it.  

4. Eeyore, while a melancholy character, teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. How do you stay motivated and persevere in difficult circumstances?

I've always been very determined (just ask Hubby) and when things get difficult I've just learned to "bow up and get it."  I look at it as what choice do I have but to meet it head on.  As to what motivates me, I'm not sure, I think it is just my nature.

5. What's the last thing you ate that was made with honey? 

I made a recipe of Patio Beans during Christmas and it calls for a tad of honey.  Honey is not something that I use much but I always have it on hand, just in case.  

6. Insert your own random thought here.

In case you haven't heard, we here in NE Louisiana were hit with a winter storm this past Sunday.  So, we were  basically  housebound two days and looks like we may "break free" by this afternoon.  Goodness, it is NOT a favorite feeling for me but I've made good use of the time.  I've baked cookies and more cookies, I've done more cleaning out and organizing and prepared for our new Bible Study starting a week from today.  AND, the beautiful amaryllis shown above has been such a bright spot while stuck inside.  I don't know who came out with the waxed amaryllis but they were a genius for sure.  There is absolutely no work involved, just sit it out and watch it "do its thing."  I gave several of these as gifts and got this one for myself.  It was very, very slow coming out and I was a bit concerned that I might have gotten a dud.  I got it on Dec. 1st and assumed it might be in full bloom by the 25th.  Well, it wasn't but, oh, my goodness, it is in full array this week and it's one of the prettiest I've ever had or ever seen. And, it still has 3 more blooms almost ready to open.  I placed it inside this greenery candle ring and think it was a lovely addition to its beauty. It's been such a bright spot during these cloudy wintery days.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wow! I am on a roll, three blog posts in three days. Yea, me! It's always fun to participate in the Hodgepodge, not only answering the questions but reading everyone else's answers. Thanks Joyce for your faithfulness to host the HP.  Now, off to answer this week's questions.

1. What's a change you'd like or need to make this year? 

I would like and need to spend more time in The Word. In fact, I have laid aside any devotional book this year and am only reading the Bible.  I am in the book of Hebrews right now and will move on to another book once I finish Hebrews and continue on with other books throughout the year. 

2. Break the ice, on thin ice, ice skating, tip of the iceberg, ice cold...which icy idiom applies to your life right now? Explain. 

Here in NE Louisiana we are preparing for a severe cold snap the beginning of next week.  Now, mind you, it was 44 and WINDY today and we were freezing too death.  The extended forecast for the first 3 days of next week are in the teens.  So, ice cold, is my icy idiom. Need I mention that we are not use to this type of weather.

3. What's a project you've been putting off? Will you get to it this month? This year?

I am so project oriented that I don't generally put them off, I just jump in with both feet.  Most of my projects have to do with organizing and cleaning out.  I've been busy with such projects since Christmas and next on my agenda is our pantry.  It's not in bad condition but I do need to do a little straightening up and throwing out.

4. Of the fruits that grow well in winter which ones have you tried? Which is your favorite? 

pomegranates, clementines, persimmons, passion fruit, pears, grapefruit, lemons, pomelos, kumquats

I don't like admitting it, but I am just NOT a fan of fruit. I will eat seedless grapes, apples, and blueberries and that's about it.  None of the ones listed above.  Shame on me!

5. What do you think it means to be courageous? 

To step out of one's comfort zone to accomplish something and, to me, it doesn't necessarily have to be something dangerous.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I can't believe it's been over two weeks since Christmas.  Our Christmas wasn't until the 27th and we had a chaotic good time.  ~smile~ Our Oklahoma family was here for about 5 days and a whole lot of memories were made.  Once they left neither Hubby nor I was feeling the best and within a few days we had "the crud" that everyone else had.  Mine was fairly short lived but Hubby's has hung around.  There seems to be all kinds of bugs in the air this winter.  But, we will welcome spring on March 19th, it will be here before we know it.

Abundant blessings in 2024!

Tuesday 4

Since I have been really slacking on blog posts the past 3-4 years, I've decided to try and participate in more blog memes this year.  That way the content is decided for me and most of the time these can be very enjoyable reading.  So, today I'm participating in the Tuesday 4 which happens to be all about healthy eating, likely something we may all be thinking about here at the first of a new year.  

  

1. Do you believe you eat a healthy diet and what makes it healthy?

I do believe in a healthy diet but I am not one to carry that to the "inth degree." By that, I mean, I try to always eat in moderation, and cook as low fat as possible.  We definitely do not get the daily recommended about of fruits and veggies and we do indulge in what might be considered "unhealthy" snacks occasionally.  Guess that may sound unhealthy but I feel that finding a good balance is what is important and I feel I have done that.  I have always kept my weight under control and have been blessed with a great genetic makeup when it comes to blood pressure and cholesterol.  I often think that our genetics play a bigger part of our health that our diet. ~just my thoughts~

2. What sort of drinks do you have with meals or between meals. Does it include enough water?

I usually have lightly sweetened decaf tea with my dinner, a half of a Diet DP with my lunch and my day starts with a good ole cup of coffee.  I drink a nutritional tea (minus the boost) every morning. It has all sorts of good ingredients and it's mixed with 12 - 14 ounces of water.  Then in the afternoon I start drinking water and, other than dinner, water is my drink of choice.  Is it enough water, maybe not.

3. Do you enjoy snacks throughout the day and what kind do you enjoy?

I do not do much snacking throughout the day, maybe a piece of chocolate after lunch and perhaps a cookie if I've just made some. ~chuckle~  I do like a night time snack and that might be a scoop of ice cream or some peanuts or popcorn. 

4. How do you make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet? 

Definitely not in the food we eat and I'm pretty sure most folks don't.  That's why Balance of Nature dominates the TV ads as they promise to  give us all the fruits and veggies we need daily.  We do NOT taker B of N and if you do, that's great. We do take Centrum Silver, along with a few other supplements and that seems to work for us.  

My very wise Momma always said, "we should eat to live, not live to eat."

A good truth to live by for all of us.

January Prime Purchases

Welcome to 2024! Goodness, hard to believe another year has dawned! We are still in "recovery mode" here from our family Christmas.  I've been knee deep in laundry and cleaning but today should get me "back on track."  I have black eyed peas on the stove, ham ready to go in the oven and cabbage ready to cook.  But, for now, here's my first Prime Purchases of 2024.

DISPOSABLE  FOUNTAIN  PEN

Perhaps I've been living under a rock or perhaps these are a relatively new item.  I have no clue but I can tell you that I have always loved fountain pens and had no idea that they now come disposable.  What!  I haven't had a fountain pen in more years than I can remember but when these arrived I got plum excited.  They write just like a "real" fountain pen and I especially love to address cards with them.  It's the little things folks, never forget that. ~chuckle~

AMAZON

ACRYLIC  SLANT  BOWL

I am becoming a big fan of acrylic.  This is a medium size bowl and perfect for a fruit salad, which is what I bought it for.  I especially like acrylic because it is very lightweight and I love the slant of this bowl.  Very good looking.

AMAZON

10 OZ. GLASS  BOWLS

There are times when I need a small clear bowl that I can use with any set of dishes.  These fit the bill.  They are perfect for fruit salad,  scooped desserts and ice cream.  And, these are so pretty and very affordable.  I really do not like to buy anything in the dish category at this point in my life but sometimes I can't help myself.  ~smile~

AMAZON

ALUMINUM  CUPS

And, did you know about these?  I sure didn't until mid Dec and I saw someone post them on Facebook.  I had to check them out.  They can be put in the freezer to keep your cold drinks colder longer.  They come with slip on sleeves that makes them easier to hold.  AND, they can be put in the dishwasher and you can order lids for them and the grandkids love them and so do I.

AMAZON

LEOPARD  PRINT  SHOPPING  BAGS  WITH  HANDLES

If you've been hanging around here for very long, you know that I LOVE bags.  I do not go a day that I do not use one or more.  I use them for all sorts of things, one being carry things back and forth to my Daddy.  And, the cuter the bags, the better I like them.  These are super nice as they have nice handles.  

AMAZON

FAUX  PEARL  EARRINGS  AND  NECKLACE

AMAZON

These are so nice to be faux.  I have a smaller size pearl necklace and earrings but wanted a larger size and saw these.  And, love that the earrings are pearls all the way around.  It's a good looking set that I will enjoy.  Sometimes pearls are the perfect accessory.

AMAZON

  

LONG  SLEEVE  SWEATER

Now that Christmas is behind us, it's time to think about Valentine's Day.  I love Valentine's Day and enjoy having a couple of tops to celebrate the upcoming day.  I ran across this sweater and thought it was so cute.  It is so soft, well made and comes in several color combinations.  I got the grey with the black heart.  Think it will be cute with black jeans. 

AMAZON

Abundant blessings to you and yours in 2024!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Well, look at me, 2nd week in a row to participate in the HP. Yea!  And, it's the busiest time of the year but guess I'm on a roll.  Many thanks to Joyce for staying with us all these years and coming up with fun questions week in and week out.

1. What's one fun thing on your December calendar? 

I have several fun things on my calendar but one that I'm really looking forward to is our daughter's arrival with her 3 "sidekicks" on the 26th.  Her husband will be unable to come as they have a zoo (horses, sheep and dogs and puppies due to arrive near Christmas) and someone has to care for the zoo.  Often they can hire someone to do the caring but it can get rather hard to do so during the holidays.  So, that's just the way it is and we, as Joyce would say, roll with it. 

2. Sherwin William's Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, described as 'a hint of silver lining', 'a breezy blissful blue' (see sample here). Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2024 is Blue Nova, where 'violet and blue come together in a sumptuous hue'. (see sample here) Valspar's Color of the Year for 2024 is Renew Blue, a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea -green' (see sample here). 

Seems like the design world is keen on the color blue for the new year. Do you have a lot of blue in your home decor currently? What shade? Of the three colors listed which one's your favorite? Do you need to paint? How likely is it you'd select one of these shades for your home? Which one? 

I do have a little blue in our house.  The above is one of our guest bedrooms in a soft grey blue with that color carried out in the bedding.

Our more formal dining area is a silver  grey blue that I love.  We used Sherwin William colors throughout the house.  These are the only two rooms with "blueish" colors.

Upward would be my choice of the colors listed and we do not need to paint inside, perhaps the porch columns in the future.  But, we would most definitely not use any of the new shades of 2024 for them. They will be repainted the original color, a light off white.

3. Do you struggle with 'the seasonal blues'? What are some things you do to try to beat the blues? 

I don't know that I would call it struggle but the week between Christmas and New Years can be a real downer for me.  I don't dwell on it but rather work on all the year end things, organize and clean and clean.  It keeps me busy and before I know it, it's January 2nd of a new year.

4. Blue jeans...love 'em or no? How many pair do you own? Are you married to a particular brand? 

A couple of years ago Bridget introduced me to Democracy jeans and it was a game changer.  They have the absolution technology that makes them so comfortable in the waist.  I'd have to say I LOVE them.  They have "bocoos" of styles, colors and lengths.  As to how many jeans I have. Well, let's just say, toooooo many.  Chicos has a style that I wear too but it's mainly Democracy and they're priced so, so reasonably.

5. In terms of holiday preparation (baking, shopping, wrapping, mailing, meal planning, etc) how far along are you? 1=haven't given it a second thought, 10=nothing left to do but wait. 

I'm at about an 8 or 9. Tree is up and touches of other decor around,  gifts are bought and wrapped, cards are ready to mail, meals are planned and groceries bought (unless it's an item that can't be bought this far in advance).  And, I've made my usual 30 - 35# of fudge and have begun wrapping and delivering it.  I've been making this fudge for almost 40 years and I think you might call that a tradition for sure.

The above picture is of 10 packages of fudge ready to be delivered day before yesterday. It's one of the highlights of the season for me.  I love seeing just how attractive I can package  it. I know, weird! ~chuckle~ If you happen to be interested, you can find the recipe for Cotton Country  5# Fudge under my Recipe Tab at the top of my blog.  I also added a whole lot of helpful hints to the recipe.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our family Christmas will be after Christmas this year.  Every few years it happens like this.  Bridget and family, when it works, come before Christmas and go home on the 23rd so they can be home for Christmas Day.  But, this year the boys do not get out of school until the 21st and that doesn't leave them enough time to come and get home on the 23rd.  So, they will arrive on the 26th this year, we'll have our family Christmas on the 27th and then just enjoy each other until they have to head back to Oklahoma on the 30th.  It's never bothered me as to the date we have our Christmas, we make it work when we can all be together. 

December Prime Purchases

Oh, my goodness, just in case you didn't realize it, Christmas is 3 weeks from today! So, hopefully you have most of your gifts bought but if you are still in need of a few more, perhaps something in this post will assist you with that. 

Plant Covers for Freeze Protection

You may have some plants that you need/want to cover on lower than freezing nights.  I do and a friend told me about this handy covers.  I had never heard of them but they are so neat and very, very easy to use.  I have 4 gorgeous asparagus ferns in one of our back flowerbeds and I do hate to lose them.  We had a couple of below freezing nights 2-3 weeks ago and I covered them and we've not had any since so I took the covers off until we have more below freezing temps. They zip and tie on and off very easily.

AMAZON

OPEN FRONT JACKET

This is a great "grab and go" jacket.  I say jacket because if you live in extremely cold climates, it is likely not thick enough.  But, for milder climates, such as here in Louisiana, it is great. It comes in several colors, has no buttons, and is just as I say, a "grab and go" jacket.

AMAZON

VACUUM FOOD SEALER

I decided I needed a vacuum sealer for all the cookies I bake and freeze. I've always used air tight containers and they do work just fine, but I'm thinking these vacuum sealed bags will take up less room in the freezer.  This is very user friendly and just perfect for what I will be using it for.

AMAZON

CUSTOM NAME STAMP

I have not had a return address stamp in years and years.  They are so handy, even quicker and easier than a label.  They make a great gift as well.

AMAZON

SHOPPING BAG WITH WHEELS

Okay, ladies, if you need a shopping bag, then look no further.  This is such a nice bag, has 4 wheels so there's no dragging it behind you, it stays right by your side.  The handle is the perfect length and it folds up for storage.  It can be a tote as well.  I love it for vendor type shows that are very popular this time of year.  There are several colors and patterns. I took mine to a vendor show this past week and had several folks ask me about it.  

AMAZON

64 oz. ACRYLIC PITCHER

Isn't this the best looking pitcher? And, the best part is how light weight it is.  I have some gorgeous glass pitchers but let me tell you, they are HEAVY and even heavier when full. Acrylic is the way to go and you can find so many good looking items in acrylic.  I don't need anything super dressy and this holds 64oz.  I love that it is square, a different look for a pitcher for sure. 

AMAZON

VOTIVE  CANDLE  HOLDERS

I use votives quite often for tablescapes and when I saw these I had to have them.  They have a vintage look to them and I have some really good looking votive candle rings that will look great with these.  Votives always give off such a nice ambiance, be it day or night.

AMAZON

SKETCHERS  WOMEN'S  SLIPPERS

I'm pretty sure I have featured these before but since I just ordered another pair, I thought I'd share them again.  I think they are the best slippers made.  I like a full slipper and one that can be worn outside on the concrete and these fit the bill.  I wear them year around but they are really warm for winter wear.  They do come in several colors.

AMAZON

NO SHOULDER BUMP HANGERS

I cannot stand bumps on the shoulders of my sweaters or knit tops.  These hangers take care of that issue and they are not huge like some I've seen.  I like slim hangers due to the space that a thicker hanger takes.  I now have all of my sweaters on one of these hangers and now I don't have to steam the bumps off the shoulders before I wear them.

AMAZON

JOGGER  SET

If you want something cute and comfortable, then this is for you.  The fabric is very comparable to the Air Essentials by Spanx and one fourth the price. The zipper with the wide collar on the top is such a good look. And, it comes in a whole lot of colors. 

AMAZON

LADIES  TRACKSUIT

This is another great look if you like wide legs.  And, again, the fabric is very similar to Air Essentials by Spanx and very affordable. Very comfortable and sharp looking. 

AMAZON

ANTI  SLIP  SLEEVE  GARTERS

Most of you likely know about these little "jewels" but, in case you don't, you likely need them occasionally.  I use these for many of my long sleeve sweaters and tops.  I'm not a fan of long sleeves but neither do I like to roll up my sleeve on some things.  So, these help to keep the sleeve pushed up and you don't have to keep pushing it up.  And, it's easy to hide them by pulling the extra fabric over them.  I've used them for many years but must have hidden the last ones I had because I cannot find them anywhere.  So, I just ordered some more.  I'll try not to hide these from myself.  These come in several styles, I just happen to like these.  And, what a great stocking stuffer!

100% TURKISH 6 PIECE TOWEL SET

Are you or anyone on your Christmas list in need of new towels? These are 50% off and we love them.  They are just the right thickness, dry extremely well and the edges stay flat.  And, they come in a whole lot of colors.

AMAZON

Well, that's it for my Prime Purchases 2023! 

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It has been a "hot minute" since I have participated in the Hodgepodge and I so enjoy being a participant.  But, what can I say, life happens and time slips by.  I am so glad to be participating today.

1. Does anybody really know what day it is? Last week we skipped the Hodgepodge and I just assumed this week would find us in December, but nope. Still November. Do you wear a watch? Use a paper calendar or strictly electronic? What's your favorite hour of the day? Why? 

I do know what day it is but, it can get very confusing when holidays roll around.  I felt like last Thursday was a Friday and I didn't really get back on track until Monday.

I definitely wear a watch, it's the first accessory I put on after taking a shower in the morning.  I hate to admit how much I love my smart watch but I really cannot imagine not having it.  I use so many of its features everyday outside of the time, date and temp. I have just about worn out the timer on it.  It's so convenient to set it and I never let clothes sit in the dryer to long, cook something to long and the list goes on and on.

I am still very attached to my paper calendar that hangs above my key drop as I walk in from the garage.  We keep everything on that calendar and one glance and I know what my week holds.  I do use my IPhone calendar for birthdays.  I know the younger generation uses their smart phone for everything and all family members sync their phones and they all know what each is doing.  I think that's fantastic for them but I'll just stick to my old fashioned paper calendar.

My favorite hour of the day.......hummm......that's a toughie.  I love the first hour I am up a lot but I also enjoy the hour I head to my recliner in the evening.  I guess that says I enjoy the beginning and ending of my days. The beginning means a fresh start and the ending is generally a satisfaction of a day well spent.

2. Tell us something about how you celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. 

We had a very simple Thanksgiving with our son and his family.  I cooked a simple meal of grilled pork tender steaks wrapped in bacon, a potato casserole and a green bean dish. I'm not much at preparing a big Thanksgiving meal and perhaps I should be ashamed of that. I have done it very few times and it was sooooo much work and there were sooooo many leftovers. I must confess that for the past several years we have gone to our Country Club and enjoyed the biggest and best buffet this side of heaven.  This year the club is undergoing a major remodel and was not open for Thanksgiving.  Thus, we ate here. After eating, my DIL, the girls and myself played Phase 10 for a couple of hours.  It was a very enjoyable time.

3. What's a sound you hate to hear? 

The yan yan and yah yah of the news media.  Makes me crazy!

4. Where do you not mind waiting? 

As I've gotten older I've grown a bit more patient with waiting but, it's certainly not my favorite thing to do.  I don't really mind waiting in the self check out line to check out my groceries.  The line generally moves quite rapidly and I prefer to bag my own groceries because I know how I want them bagged.  That was a pretty lame answer but, it's the best I could come up with. ~smile~

5. I really wish our daughter and family lived closer than 8 1/2 hours away. They live too far for a quick weekend trip. It takes a bit of planning to make the trip.  But, it has been this way for 20+ years and it's very unlikely to change. We do make the best of the situation.  It's just tougher the older we get.  Did I really just say that? Well, it's the truth but sometimes the truth hurts. ~wink~

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Me with Daddy

My brother and his wife

My niece and her husband

If you are my friend on FB then you have likely already seen the pics from my Dad's 94th birthday on Nov. 9th.  My brother, his wife, their daughter and her husband all came in from Des Moines to join in the celebration.  Daddy told me that he did NOT want cake and ice cream but rather root beer floats.  So, that is exactly what we served and can I just tell you that it was a big hit with the residents that joined in the fun.  We did offer Coke floats for those that might not care for root beer but I think we ended up only serving 3 Coke floats.  Who knew there were so many folks that enjoy root beer.  I am certainly not one of them. It was one of the best birthday celebrations he has had in several years and it thrilled us to see him enjoy it so much.  He was worn to a frazzle afterwards and slept real good that night but it was worth it.  He says he thinks he'll make it to 100.  And, he's liable to, only the good Lord knows.