Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hopping back on the Hodgepodge today.

1. What do/did you call your grandparents? If it's something unusual tell us the story behind the name. If you're a grandparent what do your grands call you? Who chose your moniker?

On my Mom's side of the family, it was Granny and Grandad. On my Dad's side, it was Grandma and Grandpa. My Great-Grandmother was Grandma Sanders.

I am called Nonnie and DH is called Grandpa by Kate and Jack and Papa by Brady and Noah. Sometimes that can be confusing. He started out as Papa, but Kate began calling him Grandpa at an early age and it has stuck with her and Jack. I was Nana to Brady and Noah until Kate came along, and then I had to switch off as Amy's mother had always been called Nana by her older grandchildren. Totally confusing!! So I searched out names for Grandmothers and liked Nonnie because it was Italian, and it rhymed with Connie. (I am seeing a pattern here that Kate rules!)

2. Ever taken a road trip along the California Coast? If so what was the highlight of your trek? If not, any desire to do so? If you were to take a trip along the California Coast what's one attraction you'd have on your must-see list?

The road trip along the California Coast is something I have wanted to do for years and still hope we can do someday. Seeing the redwood trees and the drive along the Pacific coast would be beautiful. It would be interesting to see the Hearst Castle and I would love to stay in a bed and breakfast by the ocean. Carmel by the Sea! Sounds so lovely.

3. What are three things you don't know how to do?

Only three??? I don't sew or craft, but I really would like to like to. And I play the piano a bit, but I don't know how to just sit down and really play the way a piano should be played. Wish I had stuck with my lessons.

4. Tom Peters is quoted as saying, 'Celebrate what you want to see more of.' If that's true what will you celebrate and more importantly, how will you celebrate?

Last Saturday we had our quarterly children's workshop at church. One of the fifth grade boys was recognized and honored (celebrated) for all He has accomplished in our Grace Kids Scholars program. In addition to a long list of active undertakings he had accomplished, it was truly amazing to hear he had memorized over 200 Bible verses and to listen to him recite chapter 12 of the Book of Romans. I celebrate that and would love to see more of our children learning at an early age not only to memorize and read scripture, but to LOVE God's Word. I think we celebrate that at our church by honoring these kids for what they've done. I think my celebration over that is in my heart.

5. Thursday (February 16) is National Almond Day. Do you like almonds?

I do like almonds.

Which would you prefer-an Almond Joy or a macaroon?

I want somebody to make Mounds with Almonds. Or change Almond Joys to be covered in dark chocolate.

What's something you make that calls for almonds? My trail mix has almonds, walnuts, pecans, raisins and dark chocolate chips. And sometimes we have slivered almonds in green beans.

6. What does Saturday morning look like at your house?

If the kids are here, it's laid back and I'm making pancakes, then we play indoors or go to the park. If it's just us, I make breakfast and then I read and DH naps.

7. Share with us a favorite book you've read this winter.

Oh my! I have only read one book through to completion. Just bits and pieces of several other books. I read Coming Home by Rosamund Pilcher. It was good and held my attention to the end, but I wouldn't call it a favorite.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My random thought is to say thank you to Joyce for the Hodgepodge. The past two weeks my mind has been consumed with all kinds of things and trying to blog just wasn't doing it for me. The Hodgepodge is a way to get back in there and visit everybody.

My Funny Valentine



We saw this sign in Jefferson, Texas one year and both found it pretty amusing and true to our life, as I'm sure it is to many others.

The conversations about Valentine's Day have to do with chocolates, flowers, and so forth. And yes, I love chocolate and flowers and cards, but early on I saw that store bought cards, and the other items were not DH's "forte." He would rather surprise me by doing things for me or giving gifts that are more practical, more functional. It literally "hit home" with me with the first birthday gift from him: an automatic garage door opener. What? Although I admit his way of giving caught me a little off guard at first, I have come to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind most of the gifts and the joy it brings him to surprise me with those gifts of love. And he puts a lot of time and effort into the cards he makes for different occasions. (So be careful, little lips, what you say around him, because the mere hint of some wishful thinking may result in receiving something you may wish you had thought through a little more carefully.)

Dear Heart's love has forgiven me a multitude of sins (and I have forgiven him more, he would tell you.) ;-)  

His responses to my really big boo-boos?? "You can do no wrong in my book."  (So why does it bother him so much that I leave the light or TV on in a room?)

We have had a lot of fun and adventures in our 31 years together. 

Definitely "one of a kind."

Wisdom from Kate at four years old about Grandpa:

Me: What are we going to do with that silly Grandpa?

Kate: "I think we are just going to have to keep him

until he starts to stop being silly."

The kids did the best they could with the materials I had here on Saturday!

We had fun making the valentines anyway.

My sister is loving her colored pencils and

coloring books and sent this to me.

We are always, always - no matter what we feel or think - recipients of God's love and goodness. Everyone, whether they acknowledge it or not, is a recipient of God's love.

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Today is the first day of February!! Another year is beginning to spread its wings and take flight! It's also time for another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce. 

1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?

I think January 1 was a good day, but I don’t see it as the “best” day. It was the beginning of a new year and it began with great encouragement and hope that this will be a good year, that I will continue to wait and see what God has for me and my DH, and I will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord as I abide in Him. January has been a good month all in all and I was glad when the presidential transition was finally complete.

2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?

I take it you are meaning that literally, so I will say sounds of birds outside, children playing in the park behind our house, DH’s TV. When I’m in the car, the sounds are of music playing praise and worship or teaching on the radio. At home, for the most part, it is quiet and peaceful.

3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?

I don’t gossip, but I do make mental judgments and I am working on that.

4. What is sacred to you?

My time in the morning with the Lord and my Bible. It is most precious to me and as I go to sleep, I am already looking forward to the next morning. When I arise, first thing I get a cup of coffee and settle down to read, pray and work on my Bible study. When we travel, or when company is here, that is something that I miss greatly and must purposefully carve out that time.

5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?

I grew up despising the stuff preferring Cheerios or Frosted Flakes … anything but oatmeal. But one year at a retreat, that was the only option for breakfast. Because it was served with butter, brown sugar and raisins, I gave it a try and discovered that it wasn’t bad. We now have oatmeal a couple of times a week doctored up with those things, along with walnuts. Irish oatmeal is terrific … when I cook it! I don’t care for restaurant oatmeal at all.

6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?

Sometimes melancholy, sometimes songs about the end of the day such as Deep Purple or Now the Day is Over; mentally reviewing things that were accomplished or just saying goodbye to another day that has slipped away. Each day I am thankful that I had it and could enjoy it.

7. Something you're looking forward to next month?

I really can’t think of anything spectacular, so I guess I will be surprised. We will be going out of town for a special birthday party celebration for our son-in-law's mother which should be fun; DH will most likely be having surgery so I am looking forward to getting past that and having him be well.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m still trying recipes for bread. Tonight, I am working on whole wheat rolls and they are not rising. The last batch in another recipe rose beautifully, so I don’t get it. The yeast is fresh. I wonder if I didn’t knead it enough. And now they have finished baking and we sampled them with dinner, I will be moving on to the next recipe!

I also confess I watched several – not all – of the Mary Tyler Moore Show episodes aired last week. She was always one of my favorites from the old Dick Van Dyke show and I so enjoyed her show in the 70’s. But it was disappointing to me that they didn’t run the earlier shows with Rhoda Morgenstern and Cloris Leachman when Mary first moved to Minneapolis. I thought those were the better shows.

Trump, Trudy and Triumph

Beware! This first paragraph is a rant!

Whatever your political beliefs, I think most of us have to agree that insanity is trying to rule in our nation at this time. And I am not referring to the President! I am referring to people who have gone crazy with hatred over their disappointment, bitterness, outrage and outright meanness over the fact that their candidate lost the election. Enough has been said. Enough of all the threats and mean comments. It is so unfair. This morning ... very early this morning around 2 a.m. I lay awake thinking about this man that everybody is hating on. (I will say that he was not my first choice either.) But he campaigned with his own money working tirelessly with what I believe to be a sincere desire to Make America Great Again! I really think he means it! He is taking no salary, he is trying to make good on his promises, his wife and son are not there with him to support him, he is trying to surround himself with good people ... and because he is not playing the political games, he is being bitterly opposed and hated with vile public speeches and posts. He's only been in office ten days. Ten Days!!! Good grief! We gave our last president eight, long years to do something and watched as he and his wife proclaimed all kinds of negative things about America putting us on shaky ground in race relations by causing more division. In times of trouble, he went off to vacation or play golf!

People please, can't we just give Trump a chance? Of course, I realize the people who read this are giving him a chance. The people who need to hear won't listen. So it all comes down to another rant by another person who has no platform. So I did what I could today. I called my congressman and expressed my views and that I support our president.

On another note, my little Trudy is still with us. DH cannot part with her.

And my friend, Liz, who suffered a stroke at the young age of 22, and has been paralyzed for the last 11 years is now working with a personal trainer who specializes in helping disabled people. She has so much hope and determination, my prayer is to see that young woman get out of that chair and be able to walk.

Liz, you are amazing!

Never give up!

Every little success is a triumph!

Pink Saturday and Hearts

Linking today with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for another Pink Saturday

It will only be a couple of more months before we begin to

see these beauties again.

A spectacular sunset from the other evening!!

Our son called yesterday to invite us to dinner with them last night. What a wonderful surprise. We usually meet up with them and eat out for dinner. It was a fabulous meal he had prepared: ginormous steaks, asparagus and sweet potatoes, all cooked on the grill to perfection, along with a delicious salad that Amy prepared. I asked if I could bring anything and he said no, but I took it upon myself to use that new KitchenAid mixer and whip up Mama's Pound Cake by Paul Deen. That cake is easy and so very good. They all agreed and I only came home with a couple of pieces.

We got to meet the newest addition to their family, Heidi, their new German Shepherd puppy! What a fun, fun dog. Why didn't I take a pic of her? She was the sweetest and the kids are loving her.

Heidi lookalike from the Internet!

Beautiful dog.

No sooner had we walked in the door than Jack had to show me the 100 piece puzzle he and Daddy had put together. He was so proud, so I took a picture. Speaking of proud, we are so proud of all four grandchildren - straight A's for the older ones and all E's for Jack, who also received purple and blue for being kind and helpful. The qualities of good manners, kindness, helpfulness, and love are the qualities in them that we are especially proud of.

On a more somber note, last night when we arrived home, our dog Trudy was out on the floor unable to get up. She is still unable to stand and we have been discussing all morning whether it is time. It is so obvious and heartbreaking to know that our sweet little Trudy, who is 17 years old (and maybe older - she was a rescue) may need to be put down in the next few days. We know in our heads, but our hearts have not come to that agreement yet. And I can see that Trudy's spirit is willing as she wags that little tail, but truly her body has lost its strength.

So we will hold her and love on her for the next couple of days and then we will say good-bye.

Friday Foto Friends

Friday Foto Friends!

I haven't really taken any pictures this past week. How I wish I could have gotten a shot last night as I took Trudy out to the back yard. As I watched her, an owl flew down and swooped over her, then rose up as if to go to our roof! It scared me thinking the owl had its eye on Trudy, so I began shouting at the thing. Lol!!! That isn't the first time that has happened ... first time was a hawk swooping down over her. I gave thanks to the Lord for protecting my helpless little dog and ran out to swoop her up myself.

This pic did come up in my Facebook memories yesterday, along with this little tidbit which Sara had shared with me when he was three.

Noah: I want to be Peter

Mom Sara: Who's Peter?

Noah: He's in Snow White

Mom: Is he the prince?

Noah: No, he's the riff-raff!!! 

:-)

What a cutie he was ... still is.

This has been a busy week with appointments, errands, things to do around the house, and just trying to stay on top of things. I'm having lunch today with two old friends. We meet three times a year - on each other's birthdays. Today we celebrate Nancy. She is really my oldest friend here in Texas ... we worked together for 18 years. She is a beautiful lady and always has been. When I first knew her, she was 36 and now, oh my, she just turned 78.

This is a pic from last year when she was a mere 77!

Doesn't she look great!

Wishing everyone a happy Friday and good weekend. It will be Spring soon. Next week we will learn whether that little old groundhog will come out or not. It doesn't seem to matter around here because we have yet to really see winter. There was a touch of frost this morning, but that's about it.

As for me, one of my words for this year is "wait." I'm learning.

I just spent 35 minutes on hold and went from #23 in queue to

actually speaking with a real person after hearing the same recording over and over.

I have also waited one week for a phone call which has not yet come.

I am patient.

An Island Hodgepodge

Can it really be Wednesday again and getting close to the end of January? Here are the Hodgepodge questions from Joyce and now I'm remembering this time last year we were lying on the beach in the Caribbean soaking up the sun and relaxing on the sand. Where does the time go? 

1. The cure for anything is salt water-tears, sweat, or the sea." (Isak Dinesan) Would you agree? Of the three, which has 'cured' you most recently? 

Tears are good, the beach would be wonderful if I lived near one, so sweat has to work for me. If I get busy when I'm down, I feel much better. It helps get my mind off the trouble and I accomplish something at the same time. Win-win! But still ...

2. What's something you can't eat without salt? I guess any recipe that calls for salt. 

Do you normally salt your food a lot, a little, or not at all? I don't salt my food at the table. 

3. Sands of time, bury your head in the sand, built on sand, or draw a line in the sand...which sandy phrase could best be applied to something in your life right now? 

Some days I wish I could bury my head in the sand and not see and listen to what's going on in the world. So thankful that my little world is peaceful and I don't have to bury my head. 

4. A favorite book, movie, or song with an island setting or theme?

Sittin' on the dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. And, oh my goodness, this song just came to mind. I wonder if anybody out there remembers this song!

In the Middle of An Island 

5. Yesterday-did you run your day or did it run you? How so? 

I pretty much ran my day, although a doctor's appointment was in control for a few hours, but it was worth it. 

6. You're on an island holiday. Will I most likely find you parked in a beach chair, shopping in town, on the back of a jet ski, or snorkeling off the back of a catamaran? 

A few years ago, I would have been on the jet ski or snorkeling. These days, sitting on the beach chair or lounging on a blanket on the sand soaking up the sun is wonderful. 

7. What do you think we humans most take for granted?

Each other. Everything. And clean drinking water. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The marches for women over the weekend were troubling and hateful, to say the least.

It makes me very sad to think what our grandchildren will face in the future. 

I'm still experimenting with my new Kitchen Aid mixer and tonight made Yogi's Tasty Buns. Drum roll! This was by far the easiest dough I have worked with in my attempts and the rolls were good. Next time I will make them smaller.

Recipe

According to this list, I am on the right course in learning about caregiving.

I hope this is readable.

Signing off for now with these thoughts from the Apostle Paul.