Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm on a roll, two straight weeks participating in the Hodgepodge.  Yea! Me! Joyce provides the questions and we provide our answers.

1.What was the best (or one of the best) summers of your life? Tell us why. 

Well, this really is a tough one as I have the fondest of memories of soooo many summers.  But, when I was 10 years old, our family scraped and saved to take a trip to Washington DC in 1962.  My precious Momma was a very talented seamstress and made all 4 of us 2 sets of matching shirts.  I so wish I had a picture of us.  We looked so cute and I just remember what a fun, fun trip it was.  And, it was done on a shoestring for sure. A sweet, sweet memory.

2. When you have a trip coming up do you make a list and check it twice to ensure you don't forget anything? I don't know that I have ever made a list but I do start packing early and throwing things in and I don't think I've ever forgotten anything.  

 Or are you a 'throw whatever you can think of into the suitcase at the last minute' kind of packer? Oh, heaven's NO, I'm not a "last minute" kind of gal in any regard. ~chuckle~

 When returning from a trip do you unpack immediately or leave the suitcase right where it lands? Indeed, immediately or as soon after immediately as possible.

3. What's your favorite food or beverage made with lemons? Is that a flavor you enjoy? 

I enjoy Lemon Icebox Pie, it's not at the top of my list but it's definitely something I enjoy.

4. When was the last time you had to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking I mean? 

I'm pretty sure I've had to do this on more than one occasion recently, but, I cannot remember.  So, forgive me.  I'm sure when I read everyone else's answers that I will think of several.

5. Did you like school growing up? Why or why not? 

My friends, was I not the cutest little first grader with my Shirley Temple curls? Yes, I loved school and thankfully I adapted to change easily.  I say that because I attended 7 different schools in my 12 years of school.  We even moved the second semester of my Junior year and I adjusted just fine, jumped in and made new friends easily.  I was and always have been a very social person and, I must admit, I saw school as more of a social affair  than  an educational affair. ~grin~

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This past Saturday morning I was measuring out all the ingredients to make Banana Nut Bread when my phone rang.  I saw that it was Dad's facility, and that always gives me cause for concern.  He had taken a pretty bad fall and he was in a lot of pain with his shoulder.  I dropped everything and took off (I'm about 8 minutes away) and knew, after seeing him, that he had to be taken to the ER.  I felt like he had probably broken his shoulder.  Thankfully the ER was not busy and we got him right in. And after both x-rays and CAT scan it revealed he had fractured his scapula (shoulder blade) and 3 ribs on his right side.  Bless his precious heart, just not what he needed at almost 95 years of age.  It was obvious that I was going to have to line up sitters for his waking hours of the day.  He is pretty much helpless and needs assistance with everything.  He is quite uncomfortable and is taking some mild meds for pain and they seem to take the edge off.  I was able to secure 5 sitters to work various schedules to cover 7:00AM - 8:00PM daily for now. They are working to keep him moving to prevent him from getting peumonia and to keep him mobile.  Home Health will start tomorrow and physical therapy should begin soon. It grieves my heart to see him like this but I know the Lord is with Him and holding him extra tight during this time and He is supplying me with the extra strength that I need.  Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.  

A very comforting scripture...............

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Well, look at me, I'm participating in the Hodgepodge two weeks in a row. Joyce does such a good job week in and week out with the questions and it's always fun to answer them and then read everyone's answers.

1. What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular basis) that feels like it should be an Olympic event? 

We have a lovely fountain in the side of our front yard.  We had our landscaper build a specific spot for the fountain and it is indeed lovely.  BUT, guess what? That fountain requires regular cleaning and filling.  I think we thought if we kept the fountain chemicals in it that they would take care of the cleaning.  Not so. About every month it needs to be completely emptied and scrubbed and refilled.  That is generally my job and while I love the results, I dislike the process.  I'm not sure I should compare it to an Olympic event but, in the heat of summer, it is not for the faint of heart.

2. What's in the trunk of your car right now? 

I drive an SUV, so I have cargo space rather than a trunk.  I LOVE my cargo space and it always has a small fold up rolling cart and not much of anything else stays in it all the time.  I use the cart to carry items to my Daddy because I generally have way more than I can carry in my arms.  

3. Summer foods vs. fall foods...which do you prefer? 

Hands down, fall foods.  When fall arrives, my cooking turns to soups, chili and gumbo. I'm not much of a summer time cook but when fall and winter arrive, I'm all in.  I guess I'm more of a one pot cook. ~smile~

Would you rather-watermelon or caramel apple? Well, I'm not really a fan of either but, if forced, I'll take a few bites of watermelon.

iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? I've just recently tried iced coffee and I am a fan, much to my surprise. I got the low calorie kind but it still had more calories than I want in a drink.

 potato salad or sweet potato casserole? Yummy to both of these, I really can't pick one over the other.

 barbecued ribs or roast turkey? Believe it or not, I've never eaten ribs (they are too messy) in my life so guess I'll have to go with roast turkey.

 ice cream sandwich or apple pie? I'm a huge fan of pie, so I'll go with apple pie for sure.

 corn on the cob or candy corn? Corn on the cob hands down!!! I do not even like thinking about candy corn, yuck!

4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Have you visited any lighthouses? Do you have a favorite? Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs? 

I "think" we may have seen a lighthouse when we visited the Charleston or Savannah area but I have never been attracted to lighthouses.  My parents always searched them out but I guess their interest never rubbed off on me. 

5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight...of the 'light' idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately? Explain. 

Hummm.........I'm scratching my head over this one, so I'm going with "out like a light."  That would not just be lately but most every night.  When my head hits the pillow, I am out.  Sometimes I do wake up in the early morning hours and seem to struggle going back to sleep, but that's not often.  I have always been blessed with really good sleep.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is Coleman's first year to be able to show sheep.  He was in his first show the last weekend of July and he won. Yea. Coleman!  Of course, he has been watching his older brother show for years and years and Clancy definitely was a great example for Coleman.  Now, Case can hardly wait until he's old enough but he's a few years away.  

Quick update on Daddy and his dentures...........Bless his sweet heart, adjusting to dentures is not going all that well for him.  He needs to use an adhesive to keep them from slipping and that is most difficult for him due to his very limited eyesight.  It's very frustrating for him to try and put the adhesive on, so he tries to not use it and it works fairly well until meal time.  The other issue is he simply forgets to put them in.  In the 4 months that he was without teeth and going through the process of getting dentures, he learned to eat fairly well without teeth.  I told him if he could see how handsome he looks in them (above picture) that would be a big motivation for him.  But, at 94, it's not looking like the dentures will be a part of his daily life. 

AND, I LEAVE YOU WITH THIS.................

August Prime Purchases

AND, here we are in August, 2024!  And, here are my Prime Purchases for the month.

MASON  JAR  SALT  AND  PEPPER  SHAKERS

I love this type salt and pepper shakers for my stove and I love that they are in a holder even better.  The salt and pepper flow freely from these and that is what I want when  I am cooking. 

AMAZON

SELF  SEALING  COOKIE  BAGS

As you know, I love baking cookies and am always looking for neat and cute ways to package them.  I think these little bags will work great and will also keep them extra fresh.  Of course, I'll put a label on each bag identifying the cookie inside. Some cookies look a lot alike

AMAZON

BIRD  PLANTER

Folks, I love all things birds! These are the cutest little fellas and I'm going to enjoy using them from time to time. I ordered 3 of them and took them to my local floral designer and she did arrangements of greenery and berries in them and they are too cute and the perfect size. I can hardly wait to have an occasion to do a table scape with them. 

AMAZON

TABLE  RUNNER

And, more birds..........this is a short length table runner and only 13" wide.  I may use this when I use the bird arrangements I just mentioned above.  These are so affordable and look really nice and come in a few designs.

AMAZON

CANDLE CUPS AND CANDLE STICKS

AMAZON

AMAZON

These are the prettiest candle cups and a bit larger than most.  They are real pretty with a lighted votive inside.  And, they look real nice sitting on these candle holders.  

SLING  PUCK  TABLE  GAME

If you are looking for a fun game then order this.  I had never heard of it until a couple of weeks ago and we were at small group gathering where we played it.  Oh, my, it is a quick game for sure and only 2 can play at a time but lots of fun.  I'll have the gran girls this week and I can't wait to see what they think.

AMAZON

LIGHTWEIGHT  V-NECK  SWEATER

These are the nicest lightweight sweaters and I'm wearing mine right now in the heat of summer.  I am generally just in and out of air condition and not out in the heat for long periods of time.  So, it works out very well for me and they come in so many colors and I love that they are V-neck.  When the weather cools, I'll just throw on a jacket.

AMAZON

SILICONE  FRUIT  AND  VEGGIE  KEEPERS

These are so neat and will keep your left over tomatoes, onions, etc fresh until you need them again.  The silicone wraps tightly around the veggie or fruit as you snap the top and bottom together.  Keeps them from drying out.

AMAZON

And, there you have it for this month.

An Olympic Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means The Hodgepodge. Joyce asks the questions and we provide the answers. Easy enough and so enjoyable to read everyone's answers.  Here ya go!

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose? 

I may watch the opening ceremonies as they are generally most impressive but probably will only catch it in bits and pieces.

If I could watch one event in person it would be gymnastics.  I've always enjoyed gymnastics but since our 9 year old granddaughter (pictured above)  is quite the gymnast, it's gone to a new level for me.  I will add that it is nerve wracking for me to watch and especially when Andi Kate is competing. 

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

There was a time that I would have enjoyed going to Paris but I never give it any thought anymore and figure I'll live just as long if I never go. ~smile~

I love the French language and our oldest granddaughter will be taking French this year and she is beyond excited.  We, her family, tried talking her into taking Spanish as we felt it would serve her better.  But, there was no changing her mind and who knows, it just might serve her well.  And, perhaps she will want to take her CiCi to Paris and she can do all the communicating. 

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

Hands down, the Eclair!  I was reminded this past weekend of how much I like them.  We were at a gathering and the hostess served Eclair Cake.  OMG! it was sooooo good! 

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have 10 cousins located in Arkansas, Alabama and Virginia.  Regretfully, I have never lived near any of them and have not seen any of them in a while.  No, I will not see any of them today.  In spite of the distance, I do feel a closeness to them.

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

I NEVER go to Walmart on the weekend unless it is absolutely necessary.  But, a couple of weeks ago I had to go in the early afternoon of a Saturday and I promise "everyone and his cousin" was there.  I generally say, "everyone and his brother." ~chuckle~ Drives me bonkers and it's why I avoid afternoons and weekends at Walmart.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Just wanted to report back on a couple of items I have mentioned in my random thought the past month............

I started a subscription to Gardencup to see if we might like them.  And, yes, they were very, very good salads and it is amazing how much is crammed into these containers.  But, the least amount you can order is 6 salads and the least often is every 2 weeks.  That just doesn't work for us.  We do love a good salad but we would need to eat 6 in a week as they are only good for 5 days once they arrive.  So, that subscription was cancelled.

Then I made my very first and only purchase, thus far, from Shein.  If you remember, this dress was $10.87. Unbelievable! It arrived in less than 2 weeks and I could not believe how cute it is and appears to be well made to me.  I have no idea how on earth they can sell it for $10.87 but...............I've not ordered anything else and may not. That remains to be decided.  

In closing I, like many of you, have a very heavy heart for the "state of affairs" of our country. I pray for a miracle of peace and unity to sweep through and hearts to turn to God before our November election.

Happy everything!!!!!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

And, it's Wednesday and that means Joyce has the questions and we have the answers. She's been doing this link up a few years and we are so grateful. 

1. Do you feel older or younger than your age? Elaborate. 

photo taken 3 weeks ago, our youngest gran, Case

Well, I've never been 71 before so not exactly sure what I should feel like.  But, I think I feel mighty good and am still blessed with a lot of "get up and go."  So, I'm going to say I feel younger.  As we know, we all age differently and some folks are "old" at 60 and some are still young at "80."  I'm shooting for being young at 80. ~chuckle~

2. What's one thing you should toss right now, but just can't? 

Perhaps this is odd, but I cannot think of ONE thing that I need to toss but can't.  I stay in a state of "cleaning out and getting rid of." I make multiple trips to the thrift store every month.  Of course, the older I get, the easier it is to toss or better, give to someone that could find a good use for it. Now, when the time comes that I need to have a HUGE tossing, I imagine some things will pull at my heart strings but, I won't labor over it, I'll move on.  It's just what I do. I will not dwell on it.

3. Have you visited many of the 63 National Parks in the US of A? You'll find a list here. Do you have a favorite? What National Park that you haven't seen do you most want to see? 

Hubby and I have done a whole lot of traveling in our 53 years of marriage but those travels have only covered  Hot Springs, The Great Smoky Mts. National Park and the Grand Canyon. I seriously doubt that we will embark upon anymore big trips but those closer to home. So, guess we've seen all the national parks we will be seeing. Who knows?

4. How often do you get take out? What's your favorite? 

It is a rarity for us to get take out, in fact, I can't even remember the last time we did such.

But, guess this is a bit like carry out......I received my first shipment from Gardencup yesterday and we had one of the salads for our dinner last evening.  The jury is still out as to whether or not I will keep the subscription.  I have it set for every two weeks, 6 salads. That is the least amount you can order and the least often you can receive them.  But, I can pause it any time I want to.  The salads are good for 6 days from the day you receive them and I'm pretty sure Hubby and I will not have any trouble eating 3 salads each in 6 days.  We shall see. They have 2 sizes, regular and mini.  I ordered the regular size and there is almost enough in one for both of us. I don't know how they pack so much in one container. If I do order again I might go with the mini size.  Added note: the containers they come in are so cute and I'm trying to find some use for them.  I mean, I can't bring myself to throw them away.  Hey, guess that could be the item I might need to toss. ~big laugh~ 

5. Do you have many (or any) subscriptions? Not necessarily magazines, but thinking more along the lines of boxes or products that companies offer, and you can sign up to receive on a regular basis. Could be weekly, monthly, quarterly, even daily. Tell us about them.

Well, guess, my above answer fits this question as well.  I do not have any other subscriptions except for streaming services, Netflix, Prime, Up, Disney+ and I'm probably forgetting another one. It's crazy! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Okay ladies, have you ever ordered from Shein?  I was talking with my hair stylist yesterday while getting my hair done and she and another lady were telling me how much shopping they do on Shein.  I've heard of it but have never, ever checked it out.  My stylist just went to Hawaii and got some of the cutest dresses to take from Shein.  So, just as you have guessed, I came home, checked it out, saw the dress  (pictured above) and yes, I ordered it. I mean, it was $10.87!!!!  How on earth can anything be that inexpensive and even hold together? She said she has washed hers and they still look good.  So, we shall see, but, I figure if it's a total wash, I haven't lost much.

HAPPY  REST  OF  THE  WEEK!

July - Prime Purchases

Unbelievable, but folks, 2024 is half over.  What???  I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and Christmas decor is already out.  I'm not even close to thinking about Christmas, we haven't even celebrated the 4th of July yet.  But, perhaps my Prime Purchases will assist you with your Christmas shopping.  Thanks to Tanya for hosting this fun meme every month.

ORTHOPEDIC  FLIP  FLOPS

I wanted some summer "house" shoes and while these are not classified as "house" shoes, that is what I am using them for.  They are very comfortable and can easily be worn outside should I need to.  They come in six colors and are only $20.

AMAZON

REVITALASH  EYELASH  CONDITIONER

I have used eyelash serum for several years and it has definitely made my lashes thicker and longer.  I have never used this brand but a friend of mine swears by it, so I decided to give it a try.  And, it's less expensive than the brand I was using.  

AMAZON

LEMI  SHINE  SHOWER  CLEANER

I use Lemi Shine appliance cleaner on all my appliances and really like it.  I had never seen this shower cleaner until recently and decided it might be good also.  We have a very large walk in shower and it is a toughie to clean.  Thankfully  I've managed to keep it in tip top shape with the various cleaners I have used.  I've used this a couple of times and am pleased with the results.

AMAZON

HANDHELD RECHARGABLE  FAN

I keep a handheld fan in my makeup drawer.  I use it to dry my face after I spray my makeup setting spray.  My last one bit the dust and I replaced it with this one.  This one has about 6 settings and blows extremely hard.  It would be a great cooling fan for outdoor activities.

AMAZON

RETRACTABLE  2 STORY ESCAPE LADDER

Hubby ordered this escape ladder to set by the window in our guest suite.  It is the only upstairs area we have, and he wanted to make sure that any guests we might have will have a way to get out in case of a fire.  

AMAZON

MICROFIBER  CLEANING  CLOTH

I had a large stack of old, old cleaning rags that needed to be replaced.  I decided to give these a try and I'm impressed and they come in such happy colors. ~smile~

AMAZON

REUSABLE  TO GO COFFEE CUPS

If you know me then you know I love a good coffee mug or cup.  And, you also know that I love for them to be insulated as who wants to drink anything but HOT coffee. ~smile~ My daughter introduced me to these and I immediately ordered me some.  I love that the lids screw on tightly and that they fit in cup holders perfectly.  It's a win, win and they also make a great gift.  You can get name or initial decals to dress them up if you want to and why not, it makes them even cuter.

AMAZON

And, there you have it, this months "goodies."  It's hot, hot here in Louisiana and I'm already for fall. So thankful for air conditioning and a way to escape the heat. Have yourself a great new week and always remember to be kind, love each other and wear a smile!