Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's Wednesday and that means "time for Hodgepodge."  I have no idea where Joyce comes up with these questions week in and week out but I'm so glad she does because it saves my brain from having to work overload on blog fodder.  Here we go........
 

 1.  Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake?  Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers? 
 Oh, sometime last summer Hubby killed a Copperhead on the road in front of our house.  As far as I'm concerned a dead snake is the only good snake regardless of what type they are.  I am scared too death of them.  I have a great snake story but I will save it for another time. 

2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck.  Do you believe in luck? 
 Webster's defines luck as:
Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.
So, yes, I would have to say that I do believe in luck and I've had my share of both bad and good, so I guess it has all equaled out in my life, thus far.  But, I've heard some say, "if I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  Poor folks! ~sad~
 

3. sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?  Which of the three have you done most recently? 

Well, at this stage in my life I'm going to go with the safest of the three and that would be building a snowman.  I try to avoid any activities that I possibly can that could cause injury.  There's enough that I cannot avoid but those that I can, I will.  I have done none of the above  in years and years.
 

4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew."  Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?  
 Okay, I'm not going to sit here and think on this too long, I'm just going to jump in and answer it ~ right or wrong~ here I go.
My years have definitely taught me much and it's one of the better things about getting older.  We have (hopefully) learned a lot and grown wiser and it definitely takes years to do that.  It has played out in my life, time and time again and one of the biggest things is that "life is what it is" and very often there is not anything we can do except to accept situations that come our way and pray for the good Lord's guidance to see us through.~hope that made sense~

5. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? 

I bought some delicious cupcakes about 3 weeks ago to have when we had some company and I indulged in a Carrot Cupcake.  Cupcakes are on every corner it seems, quick stops, bakeries, cupcake shops, I think we might could say that they are "the be all, do all." And, they are pretty much available in more flavors than ice cream.  ~smile~
 

6. What's something you can't say no to? 
Hummmmmm..........my two Grans.  If it is not life threatening to them, then I pretty much think they should have it or be able to do it.  Isn't that part of the fun of grandparenting? ~chuckle~
 

7.  Are you a doodler?  
 Oh, no, not in any shape, form or fashion.  Now, I'm assuming you are talking about doodling as in a form of wasting time, not scribbling on a tablet. ~wink~ But, I'm sure the definitions of doodling vary greatly.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
You all know how there are few, if any, fabric tags in any clothing items anymore.  They have all been replaced with latex tagging that is somehow pressed directly on to the fabric.  Well, last summer Hubby bought some new briefs with latex tagging and he  came up with this terrible rash on his lower back, right at the place where the latex tag was on the briefs.  It took well over a week for him to figure out that it could possibly be the latex causing the rash.  By this time he had about a 4inch square of raw skin that was itching him crazy.  He ended up at the Dermatologist and it took almost two weeks of treatment to get it cleared up, and in the meantime he just started wearing his briefs wrong side out. (smart man wouldn't you say) And, he was still wearing his older t-shirts with the regular cloth tags.  Well, fast forward to this past week.  Hubby bought new t-shirts and briefs (is this getting too personal) and after about the second day of wearing them he started an awful itch up around his neck.  Yep! right where the latex tag is on his undershirt. He was more than a little frustrated and decided it was time to search the internet for a remedy. (whatever did we do before the internet????)  Well, there it was, various ways to remove the latex tags from your clothes without damaging them.  He decided to try the one that suggested using Wintergreen Oil.  He went to the pharmacy and bought some and came home and had all the latex tags removed within a few minutes.  So, my friends, if you have "issues" with your latex tags, try this.  It will save you a whole lot of scratching and discomfort for sure!  You can thank me later for this valuable information. ~big grin~

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

 

Miscellany Monday

It's Monday gals, the first Monday of February! Yep, the days are just flying right on by........joining up with sweet Carissa on Monday's gets every week off to a great start!

Not just any hot chocolate.........

You know I love telling you about life here in South and how we make "events" out of every happening.  Well, last Thursday I was invited by this precious lady (shown with me in the picture above), affectionately known as "Ms. Virginia," to have a cup of hot chocolate.  Can I just tell you it was not "just" a cup of hot chocolate.  It was like something out of "Downton Abbey" complete with silver pot, beautifully appointed table, strawberries with lemon curd, and freshly made cinnamon toast.  Dark chocolate sticks were stirred into the hot milk until we had our milk as "chocolately" as we wanted it.  There were 8 of us gathered around this lovely table and can I just say, "it was an affair to remember."  Her daughter was in from San Antonio and she's every bit as gracious a Southern Belle as her Mom. I have told Ms. Virginia numerous times that I want to be just like her when I grow up.  She is one of the Godliest, fun loving, Southern ladies I know.  And, can you believe that she will be celebrating her 80th "something" birthday this June. 


57 years of hunting........

All of the deer you see in the photo above are just a few of the trophies killed by my Hubby over the past 57 years.  These are  the ones that have been permanently mounted and now hang in his office.  Hunting season has just closed for another year and it was another enjoyable year of hunting for him.  Hubby started hunting with his Dad, Uncle and cousins when he was around 8 years old.  He took to it like a "duck to water."  If they gave degrees in hunting, he would definitely have his Doctorate.  He is highly regarded as a hunter and tells me that the preparation for the season and being up close to nature is as much fun as the actual "kill."  One of the most important aspects of hunting is having patience and this man has a boatload of it. (otherwise he probably couldn't have stayed married to me for 40+ years) ~chuckle~

I am so glad that he has a hobby such as this and in recent years, he has taken steps to be even more careful and safe and it's just another reason that I call him a "very wise man." I'm thinking he would be a good candidate for his very own hunting show. Perhaps that can be his "second career." ~smile~

The deal of the day........

  Saturday Hubby and I were out and about and I had him stop by a cute little shoe boutique about 22 miles from here.  It's appropriately named "Avenue of Shoes."  It is locally owned by the sweetest people and I love going in there.  I have had my eye on this pair of black riding boots ever since they got them in last Sept.  They had a very proud price tag on them of $265.00. ~ouch~  I had gotten an email earlier last week telling me that they had just taken their final markdown and most all shoes and boots were 75% off.  Well, "heavens to Betsy" I had to go by and see if they just happened to still have those boots.  And, yep, they sure did.  They had one pair left and you guessed it, it was my size.  Now, was that meant to be or what?  I snatched those babies up so quick it would make your head swim .  A $265.00 pair of boots for ONLY $66.25.  I think so!  And, I spotted this brown pair and decided that I "needed" (sometimes our needs and wants get confused) them as well.  They were reguarly $225 and I got those for 56.75.  I left there a very happy gal and could hardly wait to tell Hubby how much money I had saved.  Of course, his reply is always the same, "how can you be saving money when you're spending it."  ~he's funny that way~ He was really impressed when he saw that both pair had Gortex lining.  He likes knowing that my feet will be both dry and warm and of course, cute! ~wink~


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

  

Friday's Letters

 

Time for a little letter writing with Ashley this Friday, the very first day of February.

Dear Apple, thank you so much for the storm warning setting on the IPhone and Ipad.  It nearly scares me too death when it goes off, but I might not otherwise know that weather conditions are less than desirable without you. This past Tuesday night was a reminder of how much I like that feature.

Dear Ziploc, I may have already written you, but that's okay.  You definitely deserve two letters, you are that awesome!  I cannot imagine life without you.  I find a new use for you everyday.  And, you come in any and every size imaginable, how wonderful is that!

Dear Vera Bradley,  how on earth do you keep on coming up with new fabrics?  I love to go in your stores.  It's like fabric overload and I love it.  Just when I think you cannot possibly come out with anything I would like better, you do.  And, your products tempt me beyond words.  But, I love that I'm on your email list and you email me about great sales and I can often get a "real deal" on your items.  Yea!

Dear Etsy, you are amazing!  You are my "go to" place for sure.  If I need a gift, a label of any sort, a scarf, jewelry, you name it, it's on your site and I've never, ever been disappointed in anything I have ever ordered.  Way to go!

Dear Daddy, it makes my heart so happy to hear the words "I'm doing great" come out of your mouth.  You've had a tough time the past few weeks and I'm so glad that you are beginning to see light at the end of this dark tunnel you have been in.  I thank the Lord!

Dear Son and DIL, I am so thankful that I can keep the Princess for you when she is under the weather.  It makes it possible for you both to go to work and it gives me precious time with her.  I'd say that's a "win win" situation for both of us.

Dear Comment Moderation, just so you know, I. DO. NOT. like you!  But, I suppose you serve a purpose for those bloggers that use you and apparently like you. ~smile~

Dear Downton Abbey, I think I could so enjoy your aristocractic way of life. I love, love your fashions and your decor.  Not so sure I could ever get use to having a maid by my side all day, every day, but all the rest, I could definitely "get into."  

Dear Winter, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but I am ready for Spring.  A little winter goes a long ways with me and we've had enough. ~just wishing~

Dear New Orleans, I sure do hope you are prepared for this weekend.  With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras both going on in your grand town, you'd better "have all hands on deck."  I'm so glad that I live in the other end of this great state. ~grin~

Dear American Idol, really? I'm convinced that some of these folks that try out are paid.  They surely, surely cannot be for real.  And, by the way, I'm not happy at all with your selection of judges this year and I may loose interest all together.  The jury is still out on that.

Dear Readers, thanks for stopping by and I leave you with this thought.....

Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's the 5th Wednesday in 2013, and Joyce just keeps those questions coming every Wednesday.  Thanks Joyce, we salute you!

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

Well, this wasn't the last event (I don't think ~smile~) that I attended that was super, but as soon as I read this question this was what came to my mind immediately.  39 years ago this March 7th, I attended my very first Elvis Concert.  I was a mere 22 years old and I was sillier than a goose about this concert.  A friend and I went together and we even went by the hotel where he was staying and tried our darnest to get a peek of him coming out of his room.  My heart raced all day just thinking about the concert that evening.  The concert was all I expected and more.  What an entertainer!  I made an Elvis Scrapbook after the event and still have it to this day.  It is full of all things Elvis and I can just see my kids scratching their heads when I am gone wondering why on earth Momma had an Elvis Scrapbook.  It's the stuff that life is made up of and at the age of 22 that was a super event in my life.  And, the $12 for the ticket was a real issue for me and Hubby. ~what a fun memory~
 
2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?

Since shortly after PBS started the series Downton Abbey I began hearing rave reviews about the show.  I kept thinking I would start watching it but just never did.  Well, the chatter continued on and it got the best of me.  It's all over FB, Twitter and the general conversation of many and I decided that I had to jump on board this past week.  Of course, I knew it would be best if I watched Season I and II but decided that I just did not want to take the time for that.  So, I downloaded the PBS app on my IPad and I've watched the first 3 episodes of this season, Season III.  I'm sure I've missed a lot of the history but I feel like I'm caught up and I'm already a huge fan.  Can I just say that I absolutely love, the fashions, the accents, the landscape, the furnishings and all the family drama.  Hats off to the producer of such a great hit! Added note - since writing this entry a few hours ago I have downloaded Hulu to my Ipad and now I have started watching Season I.  I decided I had to go back and see the history behind this family and I figure it will help me to understand some of the happenings that are going on now.  Stay tuned~~~~

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   
Well, I've never had one and think I could live the rest of my life without them.  I don't know for sure, but if they are like regular chicken wings, then they would not be worth the effort to pick the meat off.  But, seems that someone told me that they are not like regular chicken wings, but I'll just stick with Chicken Tenders and I will take the hot seasoning.  I guess I just showed my ignorance about chicken wings. ~shame on me~

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  

I haven't really followed the story, but you would have to live under a rock not to know about it.  It's been "all the talk."  I just find it hard to believe that he would deny the truth for so long and then up and decide to "fess up."  I cannot help but feel sorry for him and there's no doubt he got so "caught up" that he was not thinking properly.  This will likely be a huge thorn in his flesh for the rest of his life.  Seems that people forgive but they never forget.

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked?  

It would not be one question, it would be any "leading" question.  I cannot stand it when someone ask me about something they have no business asking me about and they do it in a "leading" question sort of way.  Some folks are so good at this, but I wouldn't know how to if I had to.  I've never been good at being "sneaky." ~smile~

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?  

I have two brothers.  I am the oldest, one brother is 3 years younger and the other is 12 1/2  years younger.  We were not competitive with each other in the least.  My brother that is 3 years younger and me are not all that competitive anyway, but, my youngest brother is another story.  He is very competitive and has competed in some pretty tough sports/fitness events over the years.

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play? 

I started playing tennis in 1983 and played for about 15 years.  I enjoyed every minute of playing and while I was never a great player, I was a good player.  Our daughter began playing when she was in Jr. High school and began playing competitively on the state level. This was a huge commitment for her and for me and at that time, my tennis game went by the wayside.  I intended on getting back with it, but that didn't happen.  Many folks had quit playing in the meantime and there just wasn't much interest from anyone, so I laid my racket down and haven't picked it up since. ~boo on me~

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Do you ever see something on Pinterest that just looks so delicious that you have to make it right away?  Well, I did that yesterday.  I saw these Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Dreams and decided that I would make them.  They are made with Grans biscuits, cinnamon sugar and cream cheese and are simple, simple.  You can find this recipe and many others here.  They smelled so good as they were baking but when I bite  into one, I was so disappointed.  They were good, just not nearly as good as I had "dreamed" they would be.  But, they do look good and I guess that's worth something. ~chuckle~

Miscellany Monday

The last Monday of January! How can that be?  2013 is going by at breakneck speed.  We'd better hang on for sure because we'll be talking about Christmas before we know it.  Meanwhile, we'll enjoy today and getting miscellaneous with Carissa.

First line of defense.........

Some of you may remember that I got my concealed weapon license about a year and a half ago.  Now, have I carried a concealed weapon since that time.  Nope! sure haven't, but I like knowing that I could if I wanted to.  But, Hubby brought me this Defense Spray a couple of weeks ago and it is in my purse and I will sure use it if I need to.  It is a great defense when you just need to stop someone (not bearing arms) and not kill them. (heaven forbid)  The face is the target and mainly the eyes.  It will stop someone so you can either run, get help or both.  I'm thinking that all women need to carry this with them at all times.  It's so easy to just hold in the palm of your hand while walking to your car on a parking lot and have your finger on the trigger ready to go.  Can I just say that I'm much more comfortable with this than my gun. ~smile~

A sick Princess.......

All she wanted to do was lay in her beanbag, so pitiful!

Our little Princess was feeling puny on Friday, so I kept her so that her Dad and Mom could go to work.  As the day progressed she felt worse and I called her parents and they decided it would be best to take her to the Dr. since it was Friday afternoon.  Well, good thing they did, our sweetheart has Type B flu.  She has felt rotten but is getting better and I'm just hoping that the rest of us don't get it.  I have had the flu shot, so guess this will be a good test to see if it works. ~smile~

An RV, a boat, a gun or a knife......

What better to do on a dreary, cold winter day than attend an RV, Gun and Boat Show?  And, that's exactly what Hubby and I did this past Saturday, along with a bazillion other folks.  There were "toys for men" of all ages! ~chuckle~  On one of the aisles I noticed a large gathering of folks grabbing tee shirts and getting them autographed by this guy.  I decided I had to know what was going on, so I weaseled my way through the crowd and asked someone nearby about all the excitement.  They said that this was Stephanie and Kris (pictured above)  from "Sons of Guns."  Well, I had no idea what she was talking about.  I soon found out that it was a hit TV show on the Discovery Channel and Stephanie and Kris were the "love birds" on the show.  Good grief, I must do a better job of keeping current on these things.~NOT~  Anyway, decided that our #1 son would probably love to have one of the tee shirts, so bought one and Kris and Stephanie signed it for me.  They were very amused that I had not ever heard of them and probably thought "what a sweet lil ole lady." ~sigh~

 

Threading..........

Okay ladies, if you have never heard of "threading" you need to.  I would definitely call it an art because the gals that do this, are highly skilled in my estimation.  I guess you could say it is the new "waxing."  I have had my eyebrows waxed for years but the gal that has done my for a long time has quit and I haven't found anyone else nearby to do them.  I noticed this shop in our mall call Threading and I saw that ladies were getting their eyebrows shaped up.  Well, on Saturday I decided that I needed to go and actually check it out for myself.  It had been way too long since my brows had been waxed and they were looking most shabby.  As you can tell from the above photos, it is all done with a spool of regular sewing thread and a twisting motion.  It was amazing and pretty much painless.  I will definitely be returning soon for another "threading."  FYI, it was $12 for both brows.

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

       

The Simple Woman's Daybook

It's been over 2 months since I have done a Daybook and decided  that it was time. It's always a fun and enjoyable post for me and hope you enjoy it as well..........

 


FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the clouds are hanging low, it's very overcast and dreary - not what I want - but what I get ~grin~

  I am thinking... that although there are many times I wonder if God really knows what He is doing by the things He allows, I know that HE does and that makes my heart rest in His peace

  I am thankful... that my Dad is having some better days

  In the kitchen... I have all the ingredients ready to make a big pot of good ole Cajun Gumbo either this afternoon or tomorrow. Can I just say, it is very good!

  I am wearing... some black jeggings, grey sweater with tee underneath - comfy clothes for this dreary day

  I am creating...plans for our trip to Savannah, Ga. the first week of April.  We've never been and I really can't believe that, but we're meeting some dear friends there and I'm so excited.

I am wondering...about a whole lotta stuff.......is there ever a time when one doesn't wonder?  And, I do believe that the older we get, the more we tend to wonder. ~smile~

I am reading... Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend - a book about when to say yes, when to say no and taking control of your life.  I highly recommend it, one of the best books of this type that I have ever read.

  I am hoping...to see the Lord work in miraculous ways this coming year in lives and in our country

I am looking forward to...our daughter and Grandson's visit in March.  She's on Spring Break and will come for a few days.

I am learning...to have a better attitude about some things that I have struggled with for quite some time.  It's such a good feeling!

Around the house...well, truthfully, not much going on here but I am thinking about Easter decor.  Easter is so very early this year that by mid-February, I'll be putting out Easter.  I love, love Easter!

I am pondering...well, actually a whole lot but Valentine's for my little Prince and Princess.  I always like to get them a little something and of course, I have to mail Clancy his, so I have to think ahead a tad.  I'm on to a thought that I think will make them happy and show them a little "CiCi and Poppa" love.  

A favorite quote for today... 

I love this and if we all did this,  the world
would be richer for it.

One of my favorite things...
is slipping into my cozy lounging PJ's after dinner and crawling up in my soft recliner, covering up with my afghan and enjoying an evening with Hubby (and he's in his recliner, see I knew what some of you were thinking ) ~wink~ 

  A few plans for the rest of the week......well, Hubby is wanting to go to the Boat and RV Show being held in a nearby city tomorrow.  I'm thinking I'll be a "good wife" and tag along, but heaven knows, we have one boat and don't need it and we sure don't need an RV.  He says it is just something to do. Hummm...........

A peek into my day...I got an early morning call from my son this morning telling me that the Princess is running fever.  So, I will get her in a little while and love on her.
 


My picture of the day.......the Bluebird of Happiness
 

  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right?
This means that during situations where love or  war is at stake, people are not bound by rules of fair play. So, NO he is not right.  To me, people should always be bound by the rules of fair, especially when it comes to love.  Heck, this is confusing and it is just the first question! ~chuckle~

  2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?

I could not tell you the last time I ate cereal.  I like cereal okay but it is certainly not among my favorite foods.  If I eat it, I prefer Quaker Oatmeal Squares.  I hear of folks that will just grab a bowl of cereal for dinner and I just do not get that at all.  If I'm going to eat it, it would have to be for breakfast.  But, to each his own!


3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.
A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details). 
All I can say, is Lord have mercy!  Has it really come to this?  I say "go get 'em" to the parents.  This doesn't just border on being ridiculous, it is RIDICULOUS!


4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?
Common courtesy, good manners, ethics, morality and honesty - I don't think it needs any explanation - it is  a sad state of affairs for the most part.


5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?
Yes, I do like my handwriting and I prefer cursive.  I've always had an attractive handwriting and I really never worked to make it that way, it just sort of came naturally. ~smile~  The last thing I signed my name to was a check ~ and that's a rarity these days with debit cards, automated payments and online bill payments.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?
  

No, I can't believe it, but I have never been to Philadelphia and yes, I would very much like to go.  Think I'll put that on my list for 2014, we've got this year pretty well lined out.

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  

Well, I didn't hear this, but I heard it through someone else and it's well worth sharing.........
A little 3 year old boy was watching his Mom breastfeed his baby sister.  While watching he asked his Mom "why do you have two, is one for cold milk and one for hot milk?"  Smart thinking I'd say.

  8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
FYI - For those of you keeping up with my Dad, he seems some better.  He still has a long ways to go, but his spirits don't seem as low as they did last week.  He is pretty much over the bronchitis and that certainly has helped to lift his spirits and we've had several days of sunshine and that also helps. Of course, when he is doing better, I am doing better.  That's just the way it is........

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