Friday Foto Friends

Friday Foto Friends!

I am sharing a few pictures from our trip to Branson, Missouri this past few days. It was a nice trip, but we are both happy, happy to be back home again. Branson is a beautiful place, but I wish it were closer.

A nice gentleman took our pic.

Our first night there was Monday and we went to the Top of the Rock at the Big Cedar Lodge for dinner in the Osage Restaurant. Oh my goodness, the dinner was delicious, as was the view. It was very cool this week, so we did eat inside, but the host seated us at a table by the window.

This is an amazing resort and, if we ever go back to Branson, Big Cedar Lodge will be our destination for sure. When we booked this trip back in the fall last year, we were going to have to stay somewhere that would accommodate our Trudy. Over the past few months, it was necessary to postpone the trip several times due to DH's health and then when we were finally able to go, Trudy was no longer a consideration. Oh well, the place where we stayed was nice enough for two nights and so I am not complaining at all.

On the porch at the condo where we stayed.

And the sunrise next morning.

Early Tuesday morning, we returned to the Top of the Rock to take the golf cart tour through the nature trail. It was fun and so many beautiful things to see.

In the golf cart.

As I mentioned, it was very cool there. Since I'm the one who had the forethought to bring both a hoodie AND a raincoat, DH got to wear my raincoat for warmth! (He also forgot to take a belt so he constantly had to use both hands to keep his pants from falling down.)

Flowers along the way.

Not Born to be Wild Hodgepodge

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

1. What color is prominent in your home? Mostly earth tones, ecru, sage, light brown. 

Are you glad about that or wishing you could cover it up or remove it?

I would like to repaint and put down new carpet because it's time, but overall, I am comfortable with the colors. Our house is homey. 

2. What's something you'll NEVER do again? 

Travel outside North America. We've traveled to most every place I wanted to see except for Ireland and Scotland. I still would like to go there, however, because of my DH's health issues, I don't see long distance air travel in our future.

3. Tell us a couple of ways you fit the stereotypes associated with your gender, and a couple of ways you don't.

Hmmmm. I enjoy being a woman and have never wished I had been a guy. I always wanted to be married and have a family. I didn't plan on a career, but when children didn't happen, I ended up working out of necessity both for income and the need to be occupied for 45 years of my life. I am particular about my looks, but not overly concerned to the point of being obsessive. I like to be well groomed, but don't indulge in regular mani-pedis or days at the spa. I like to participate in sports, but am not a fan of spectator sports, such as football. I do like to watch a good baseball game. I like to cook and bake. I like new clothes, but I don't like to shop. I don't like silly romance books or movies, but I sure do love a great love story. 

4. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. 

Have you ever owned a motorcycle? Yes. Three. 

Ever ridden a motorcycle? Yes, many times. 

If the opportunity presented itself would you hop on a motorcycle and go for a ride? No. 

I have many stories about motorcycles, took the motorcycle course twice, passing both times. I went on a weekend charity ride with my DH from Dallas to Jefferson, Texas. We have had three different motorcycles, including a Harley with a side car, which my DH thought I would enjoy riding in. LOL! I'm glad our motorcycle riding days are over and wish I could convince him to sell the one we have.

5. If someone wanted to understand you, what should they read, watch, and listen to?

This is an interesting question and I will enjoy reading the answers of others. Not sure if I am to share the type books I read, what shows I watch or the music I listen to. I read good books, fiction and non, I like biographies, I like to watch good shows that have depth and are decent, and I love to listen to wise people who speak encouraging, uplifting and truthful words. I love books like the Mitford series and Francine Rivers Redeeming Love. Last year we watched a movie called Greater, the true and incredible story of a former Arkansas Razorback football player. Listening to praise and worship music, gospel, bluegrass, or 50's and 60's music lifts my spirits. 

I think I might have to say that since Jesus is the center of my life and most important to me, I would say read the Bible, beginning with the Gospel of John, watch The Case for Christ, and listen to someone like Billy Graham to hear the gospel so that Jesus can be center of your life, too.  You'll find the Bible is filled with stories of imperfect people of who failed many times, but were forgiven, find out how to be born again, and live your life in relationship with Him. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

We are in Branson, Missouri right now taking a very short little vacation. I am never able to post photos from my iPad. Wish I could because it sure is pretty here. We are going to go see the Sight and Sound production of Moses this afternoon. 

Friday Foto Friends

Linking up with Deb at Breathing in Grace for Friday Foto Friends. Here it is Friday and my photo offerings today are from the past and hopefully some will be in my future! Since we had to pull out by the roots our humongus rose bushes, I am now trying to figure out what to plant. It is a large space out in the full sun, so it's going to have to be something hardy ... Texas heat hardy.

Wishful thinking!

Above pics from a park we visited in Brooklyn, New York

Reality!

I will plant plenty of the grasses. They are mesmerizing to watch as the wind blows them so gracefully. The wind is ALWAYS blowing here and some days it's just crazy wind that wants to knock you over. When you're driving on the freeway, you have to have a good grip!

abelia

autumn sage

Obsession Nandina

Vitex

I think the above plants, pics of which I have taken from the Internet will provide nice color, good coverage, and less trouble than anything else. That is my hope anyway!

Another windy, humid day out today.

Do You Hoard Hodgepodge?

It is time for another Hodgepodge and here we are a little more than halfway through the month of May! 

1. May 17th is National Pack Rat Day. Sidebar-should we be celebrating this? Hmmm...

Are you a pack rat? Even if you're not a full fledged pack rat, most people have one thing or another they struggle to part with. Tell us what's yours.

Sentimental objects of no value other than the means by which they came. I have a difficult time parting with silly things, such as small items received at a retreat or an example would be a dried rose on my kitchen counter. It was part of a bouquet I received. Why am I saving that, for Pete's sake? Why do I save birthday cards? Other than those kinds of things, I try to keep the clutter down. My DH, on the other hand, can't bear to let anything go.

2. What are two things you know you should know how to do, but you don't?

Fold a fitted sheet properly and parallel park. Both are a struggle and I can manage, but not to perfection.

3. Do you crave sugar?

I like to have a square of dark chocolate every day. I have jam on my whole grain toast every morning. I love to bake, so when I bake, I feel obligated to eat it. Not sure I crave it and I do discipline myself.

Do you add sugar to your coffee and/or tea? No. Do you use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes? No. When dining out is dessert a given? No. Are you someone who has slain the sugar dragon, and if so tell us how you did it.

My mother used to have to hide sweets because I couldn't resist eating all of it, so although the dragon may be lame, it may still be in me.

4. What's a trend it took a while for you to come round to, but now you can't imagine living without?

The cell phone! I saw cell phones as a trend in the 90's and couldn't believe my DH thought we needed them. Now, I can't seem to leave a room without it. I see them as a blessing/curse, but I am thankful for them for many reasons. It's more than a phone!

5. What's a song that reminds you of a specific incident in your life? Please elaborate.

A specific incident I remember is quite silly. Many years ago when I was a legal secretary, we had our cubicles in a central location in the office. Being a democratic group, we decided to take turns listening to our favorite music as we worked. One day the radio happened to be tuned to a country/western station as one of the attorneys walked through with a client on the way to his office. He later came back to tell us he hoped he never had to walk through again and hear the radio blaring out "I'm having daydreams about night things in the middle of the afternoon and every night you make my daydreams come true!" We all had a good laugh over that.

Better memories were Groovin' by the Rascals and instantly, it's a beautiful sunny, Sunday afternoon in Mohawk Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma, cruising around enjoying the day, waving to friends, stopping to visit. Loved those Sunday afternoons.
Lost in the 50's by Ronnie Millsap and I'm slow dancing with DH.

6. Insert your own random thought (s) here.

So proud of Kate, every time she gets up to bat, she has a hit! I love it. And she's ready to run to the next base.

Recipes - Waiting in the doctor's office trying to find a decent magazine to read at least sometimes results in finding a recipe that sounds worth trying. And the beauty of it is, with that "trendy" cell phone, you can take a pic of it instead of trying to find a scrap of paper to write it all down.

Now I have it. Question is, will I ever use it or will
it be lost in the pile of recipes I can't throw away?

Anne with an E - a friend mentioned she was watching this new version of Anne of Green Gables on Netflix, so, of course, I had to find it and watch. My own personal opinion is I still prefer Megan Follows as Anne, (the 1985 version of Anne), which I never tire of. If it ain't broke, I say, don't fix it.

Mother's Day Weekend

So many exciting things going on in the merry month of May. Mother's Day, my birthday, graduations, Brady in Spain, my brother and his wife on a river cruise in Europe, breaks for the summer from Bible study groups, school will end for the summer, and the list of events go on. 

We've been enjoying some beautiful days here.

Amy was excited to attend the Pink Impact ladies conference in Ft. Worth this year and since I did not, the kids stayed with us. After picking them up at their school, we stopped for a treat at the Malt Shop! Love the cheeseburgers there.

A trip to the park is mandatory. 

Jack did the monkey bars twice!

First time he has made it all the way across.

Found some good books in the little library.

Enjoying his new book!

This boy loves to read.

Wildflowers picked just for me.

R and R with Grandpa and taking turns reading the new books.

After flight cancellations and other bumps, Brady's soccer team finally made it to Spain. Looks as though they are having a fabulous time!

Brady on the right end

The left back of the Spanish soccer team got to pose with our Brady!! How exciting!! LOL!

Below is the note Brady left for his mother before the trip.

Meanwhile, back at home, Noah had friends with him for the weekend. I think Sara might deserve a Mom award of some kind. Her husband and Brady were out of the country, she kept the neighbors' kids all weekend, and she ran the Purple Cloud race!

They ran a 2.75 Purple Cloud race with Sara. Noah and Sara did the whole thing. The two buddies quit halfway.

Noah is center in the purple cloud.

I celebrate sweet memories of my Mom. The baby in the collage is my niece, Robyn, who was the first of three grandchildren for my parents. Robyn was 5 or 6 when my mother passed away. The woman between my mother and me is my Granny. She passed about seven days after my mother.

These pretty tulips, along with candy, came by way of Fed Ex Special Delivery yesterday! What a surprise that was. Thank you, Jason, Amy, Kate and Jack. I love you! And thank you, Sara, Barrett, Brady and Jack for the spa package.

And thanks to God for the blessings in my life that have been and continue to be abundant! Mother's Day can be a difficult day to remember for many who have not enjoyed the love of a mother, who've lost their moms, whose children died too young, those who've been disappointed as moms, and who've never had the joy of being one. The latter was my dilemma and some years it was difficult and I wrote about it here not for the purpose of complaining or self-pity, but simply to express the feelings I have experienced in the past and the gratitude I have to God for His goodness.

Friday Foto Friends

Friday Foto Friends!

That little silver body to the left

is Trudy looking for rabbits.

What once was, is no more. So sad.

Now big empty spaces to fill in.

What to do, what to do.

All of our knockout roses which were such faithful bloomers for the past few years had to go due to the distressing disease known as witch's claws! It was quite ugly what the disease was doing and there was no cure for it.  I will miss them.

"Well, I've never been to Spain, but I kinda like the music!"* Our grandson Brady will be in Spain in about six hours now with his soccer team! What an exciting adventure for these 10 year old boys. I'm sure they will have many tales to tell when they return. Brady is back row, second on the left.

Last night I re-heated the chicken tetrazzini a friend had made for us when DH was just home from hospital. I wanted some good bread to go with it and found this recipe for focaccia bread which promised easy and delicious! Wow! Was it ever! Easy, pretty, and the best I've ever had.

recipe

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

• PREP 1hr 20mins
• COOK 20mins
• TOTAL 1hr 40mins

Our focaccia recipe is very simple to make – no fancy equipment is needed at all. The secret to the best focaccia is a great tasting olive oil. Since there is quite a bit used, the bread really takes on the flavor. You don’t need to spend lots of money, just use an olive oil you love. For the herbs, we love a combination of thyme and rosemary, but you could use whatever herbs you love – fresh or dried. Or, omit the garlic and herbs all together and use plain olive oil instead.
A note on pan size: In this recipe we call for a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. If you do not have this, you can use a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking dish with taller sides.

Makes approximately 8 servings

You Will Need

1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup (235 ml) warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 teaspoon honey
2 1/2 cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

• Make Dough

In a cold medium skillet, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and the black pepper. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes or until aromatic, but before the garlic browns. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Stir a few times then let sit for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of the flour and a 1/4 cup of the infused garlic-olive oil mixture. Stir 3 to 4 times until the flour has moistened. Let sit for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Once the dough comes together, transfer to a floured board and knead the dough 10 to 15 times until smooth. Transfer to a large oiled bowl, cover with a warm, damp towel and let rise for 1 hour. (It’s best to let the dough rise in a warmer area of your kitchen).

After 1 hour, heat oven to 450 degrees F. Use two tablespoons of the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture to oil a 9-inch by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet. (See above if you do not have this pan size).Transfer the dough to the baking sheet then press it down into the pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough then drizzle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the garlic-olive oil mixture. Let the dough rise for 20 minutes until it puffs slightly. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool baked focaccia bread on a wire rack.

*Three Dog Night