Leapin' Lizards Hodgepodge

1. Are you currently operating at 100% capacity?

I think it depends on the day of the week and what needs to be done. Monday was 100% capacity and great accomplishments. Tuesday, we will see.

If not, what % are you? All in all, I think I may be on average operating at 90%. What's keeping you there? Ouch. Fear? Laziness?

2. Have you done your taxes? Taxes are ready for the tax man next week.

Planned/booked a summer holiday? No.

Thought about or started your 'spring cleaning'? I continue to think on it.

Besides what's listed here, tell us one task that needs doing before spring rolls around. Getting the carpets cleaned. One of my goals this year was to have new carpet installed upstairs. Thinking of all the work involved with that causes me to continue my procrastination. 

3. What's a favorite food from your part of the country?

Although Tex-Mex, barbecue and chicken fried steak are probably at the top of the list of favorites, for me, it would be chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy with green beans on the side and some fluffy biscuits. Although I must say, my other favorite food would be pinto beans with cornbread, fried potatoes and fresh tomatoes! Yummy! I really enjoy food!

4. This isn't a leap year, but let's run with it anyway...look before you leap, a leap of faith, grow by leaps and bounds, leap to conclusions, leap at the opportunity...which phrase might best be applied to your life currently (or recently)? Explain.

Oh dear, I have to say look before you leap, a leap of faith, and leap at the opportunity have fit me recently. For months I have been pondering and praying about making decisions to replace one or both cars. As it came about, when we took our car in for service, I asked to look at new cars and, before you know it, we bought one!

photo credit

Now for me that was a leap of faith because the decision had been left to me. In the past, DH always made those decisions (with a little of my input). And finally, because of the way the deal was presented to me, it was seen as an opportunity I probably shouldn't pass up. I did consult with a couple of other people, however, now ... I find myself hoping I did the right thing.

5. As the month draws to a close list five fun and/or fabulous things (large or small) you noticed or experienced in February.

That fabulous moon at the beginning of February

An Eastern Bluebird on our back patio

Seeing the movie Wonder

And also The Greatest Showman

Receiving my blog books for last year and looking through them

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hearing the good report on DH's CT scan was probably the most fabulous thing that I experienced in February. 

It was wonderful seeing all the tributes in the news regarding Billy Graham and seeing him honored by so many different people and their special memories of him and his legacy. I loved Billy Graham because he kept the main thing the main thing. In 2002, I was so excited that he would be coming to Dallas and I entered into the training to be a counselor at the crusade. However, it turned out that our daughter and her fiancé set that weekend for their wedding so I didn't get to be a part of the crusade.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Baby Love (1964)

1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their elaborate hairstyles, make up and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?

It must have been for a wedding. Oh my, that's been a while.

2) "The girls," as they were known to the engineers and executives at Motown Records, were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. They began singing together when they were high school classmates. Are you still in touch with any friends from your high school days?

Yes, two friends in particular by long distance and many others, thanks to Facebook and class reunions.

3) Mary Wilson was born in Mississippi and her family moved a great deal before settling in Detroit, where she fatefully met Florence and Diana. Were you uprooted often when you were a child?

My family moved as I was entering third grade, which was very exciting to me. Not so much when we moved just as I had entered seventh grade. I was pretty upset about it. 

Or did you spend your school years in the same neighborhood?

My family stayed there until after I was married.

4) The Supremes began as a quartet called the Primettes. In addition to Mary, Flo and Diana, there was Betty McGlown. In 1960, Betty left the group to get married and was replaced by Barbara Martin. In 1962, Barbara left the group to have a baby. They quit trying to replace the fourth voice, soldiered on as a trio, and made pop history. Have you ever found yourself in a position similar to Betty's or Barbara's, where you had to make a difficult decision and choose between your personal life and your career? No. 

5) Thinking of babies and "baby love," is anyone in your life expecting a baby in 2018?

No, darn it! But our nephew and his wife had a new addition to the family just last month. So that counts for 2018.

Londyn joined this happy little family less than a month ago.

But I cannot leave out this precious one who arrived in October, 2017.

 
6) With twelve #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, The Supremes remain America's most commercially successfully recording group, and this song (along with "Stop! In the Name of Love") is one of the most popular karaoke songs. If we handed you the mic this morning and absolutely insisted you perform, what song would you choose (any song, any genre)?

One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus

7) Original group member Florence Ballard left the group in 1967. She died of cardiac arrest in 1976 at the age of 32. Since February is National Heart Month, it seems appropriate to ask: Is anyone in your life battling heart disease?

My husband has the past few years, but thanks to God and our good cardiologist and heart surgeons, he is doing well. So thankful. 

8) Florence Ballard's brother, Hank, wrote Chubby Checker's famous dance song, "The Twist." When did you last dance?

Officially, at the wedding where I dressed up! Lol! Unofficially, at home.

9) Random question: Close your eyes and visualize the most beautiful place you've ever been. Now describe it to us.

Gee, this is a tough question. We have seen many beautiful places. The lush green forests of Hawaii, with cascading waterfalls, the beauty and the majesty of the mountains. Whether it be the Swiss alps, French alps, Rocky Mountains, Grand Tetons and Glacier National Park, trees thick with snow glistening on their branches or dark green in summer or fiery fall colors, with clear pristine lakes are some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. The quiet stillness in those places is beautiful to me. I don't have enough words. 

America, the Beautiful

for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.

for purple mountain's majesty above the fruited plain! 

I think America is the most beautiful place.

Although 20 years ago today, we were enjoying our second visit to the Land of Israel!! And I think it is also one of the most beautiful places in the world. So much beauty around the world.

At the top of Mt. Arbel

(Please forgive me ... I may have overused the word beautiful!!! Haha!!)

A Sweet Heart to Heart Hodgepodge

1. When's the last time you had a heart to heart talk with someone? A change of heart? Experienced figurative "heart failure?"

I've had some good talks recently with friends, but our daughter-in-law called me up for lunch and we had a really good heart to heart, although it was mostly her sharing her heart. It was wonderful.

2. Champagne, chocolates, flowers...what's your Valentine pleasure?

If I could eat chocolates the way I used to, I would request a box of dark chocolates filled with orange cream, coconut, almond, vanilla, etc. A bouquet of flowers would be nice with it.

Any special plans for the day?

We are going out for breakfast. I am skipping BSF tomorrow and just enjoying a restful day with my DH until tomorrow night. Our church is having a special guest for Valentine's Day - Montell Jordan and his wife will be there speaking on Marriage Masterpeace - This is How We Do It! I will not get to hear him, as I will be in with all the preschoolers while their parents enjoy Valentine's message on marriage.

3. Are you a hopeless romantic or do you fall more in the category of practical and pragmatic?

Probably practical. What's a gesture you find romantic? I love it that my husband has been so affectionate and loving over the years. It hasn't waned. To have his touch and hear him tell me often how he loves and appreciates me and other words of affirmation are very romantic to me.

4. Do you ask a lot of questions in life or are you pretty content with what you already know?

I am not afraid to ask questions because I like to learn. I may be a person who seeks out information. But it's always about what I'm interested in or if something comes up in conversation that I don't understand, I will ask or I will look for the answers.

5. Your favorite power ballad?

One of many: You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Out with the old ... in with the new!

Bye, bye, old car!

You've been a good one.

Hello, Blue!

What is it about trading in a car that feels like you're losing an old friend? Every time we get a new car, I feel a sadness in letting the old one go. Originally, I was totally against buying the Volt, but came to appreciate it so much over the years that I knew I wanted another one. I feel a little flashy now driving a bright blue car.

My Funny Valentine

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: My Funny Valentine (1991)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.


1) In this song, Ms. Kitt sings that her lover is her favorite work of art. Tell us about a piece of artwork you can see from where you're sitting now. (Yes, that crayon drawing created by your 5-year-old nephew counts.)

This is an 8 x 10 print I received from an online Bible study that I do from time to time called SheReadsTruth.com. This is one of my favorite scriptures, so I framed it and set it directly across from where my favorite chair is.

2) She asks him to not change his hair. When will you next find yourself in the stylist's chair?

Sometime in the next two weeks.

3) Ms. Kitt always wanted to be a performer and attended the New York School of Performing Arts (aka the "Fame" school). Think back to your high school self. In what ways would you be surprised by how your life turned out?

It would have surprised me that I would move to another state when I married and further to see that my first husband would pass at a young age and I would remarry again to someone with two young kids. It also would have surprised me to see that I worked for 45 years since I was expecting to work only until I married and then stay home with kids. That didn't happen. Many, many other surprises in life, too numerous to mention here. My life has been a wonderful life! 

4) Ms. Kitt took over the role of Catwoman on TV's Batman. Name another Batman villain.

The Riddler, played by Frank Gorshin. (I had to look that up.)

5) Ms. Kitt enjoyed tremendous success performing in Parisian nightclubs. Have you ever been to Paris?

Yes. We visited Paris sometime around 2001.

At the Eiffel Tower

This is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for next Wednesday?

No. It will be one of the Hello Fresh selections delivered for that week.

7) The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" began in medieval times. On Valentine's Day, men would celebrate the holiday by displaying their lady love's name on their sleeves. If you were going to adopt this custom, whose name would you wear?

This fun guy!

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. What's the last greeting card you received?

I received a Thinking of You card this very day (Friday) from my sister.

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

It's a toss up between roses and peonies.

Good times with my Valentine!

Fair Weather Thursday

Well, it has been a glorious, gorgeous, splendiferous kind of day! We did have to get DH to the dentist, but I treated him to breakfast after, so he was a happy camper about that! I ran a few errands, got the car detailed, did a little studying for Bible study, and decided to bake the peanut butter cookies I promised Kate!

While waiting for the dough to chill, I went outside to get the mail and my goodness, it was so beautiful, I decided to take Annie for a walk. Oh, how she loved it! Poor thing hasn't had a real walk since before Thanksgiving.

She never gives up hoping as she sits by the front door. I guess I am her fair weather friend because I don't walk her when it's 29 outside!! Haha!!! She knows I love her.

Friday Foto Friends

Texas weather! So crazy! Tuesday night was freezing rain and Wednesday we woke up to see sparkly trees and crunchy grass! Thursday? Plenty of sunshine and no need for a coat! Yikes!

Tuesday night we took our daughter-in-law out for dinner for her birthday. Being married to a firefighter means a schedule that doesn't always permit him to be available for the holidays and birthdays. Having been married to a firefighter myself, I remember several birthdays and other times when he would be at work, but that's okay. We celebrated on other days and that is what Amy and Jason had done the night before. Still ... it's better not to have to cook on your birthday, right? So we met her and the kids for Mexican food on a very, very cold and wintry evening.

My attempts at trying to get pics of them as we left proved a little trying because Jack really, really wanted another quarter to try his hand at winning something out of this "eat your quarters" thingamajig. Actually, he wanted to climb inside the machine to get a stuffed animal because he had tried so many times and that silly hook won't cooperate!

Happy Birthday, Amy!

As we left for home, the freezing rain had already begun and on Wednesday morning I woke up to see beautiful ice on all the trees. I would rather have snow, but the ice was pretty and not enough to cause any problems on the roads.

These pics don't do justice because I had to leave for Bible study before the sun came out and made everything really sparkle! My hope is that all the new plants survive the cold temperatures and the ice. 

My Heavenly Hodgepodge

1. February can be a little bit tricky given the weather and the winter and the whatnot. I read a list (here) of things you can do to make your February brighter which included-start planning your next trip, take more baths, make your own chocolate covered strawberries, and exercise in preparation for swimsuit season. Anything on the list you might try? Which suggestion on the list appeals to you most?

Probably to start planning our next trip, although when I think about it, I get a little stressed out just trying to figure out what will work and end up doing nothing.

Tell us something not on the list that helps make your February brighter.

I would love it if we could have just one good snow!

Our big whiteout of 2010

2. Tell us about something you've seen or done recently that you'd say was 'super'?

I thought The Greatest Showman was a super good movie and I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

3. Best thing you ate in a 'bowl' last week?

Chicken and wild rice soup. It was not that great, but since it was the only thing I had in a bowl it must be the best!

4. Something you're 'cheering' for right now?

I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

5. The Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 9th in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being all in and 1 being no interest whatsoever) how interested are you in the games?

Maybe 4.

Which event do you most want to see (you'll find a list here).

I always enjoy figure skating and couple skating. They are so graceful and beautiful to watch.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I saw a story in today's news that caught my eye. It was about a woman who won the lottery for, I think, a half billion dollars. However, in order to receive the money, she has to allow her name to be made public and therein lies the hitch. She wants to remain anonymous. Having never bought a lottery ticket, I did not know this rule. The law says she must comply or she cannot receive the money. I've read many stories about what winning so much money can do to people or what bad things have happened to the winners resulting from people asking for donations, to stealing from or swindling them and even being murdered.

What an interesting dilemma and frightening to think about.

Much better things to think on and not so random:

In our Tuesday morning Bible study, we are going through Randy Alcorn' s book, Heaven. So many questions everyone has about what it will be like. His book is filled with so much good information and all the possibilities Heaven holds. Fascinating. But still, mysteries remain.

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror,
but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.
All that I know now is partial and incomplete,
but then I will know everything completely,
just as God now knows me completely.

Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--
and the greatest of these is love."

(1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NLT)

"Dear friends, we are already God's children,
but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears.
But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is."

(1 John 3:2 (NLT)

The picture above is from the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. I never collected Precious Moments figurines, but my sister wanted me to visit the chapel with her. I so enjoyed it and especially loved this mural. Here is a link to read the stories behind this painting which is a huge mural there in the chapel. I bought the framed print and it's just a happy, happy thing to have hanging on the wall.

Weekend Recap

Last Thursday and Friday I was so sick, it was beginning to seem as though I would not be able to keep my promise to have Kate and Jack over on Saturday and Sunday. Thank the Lord for His care of me and that I was well enough by Friday evening to form a plan to keep them busy without me having to expend too much energy!!!

When we picked them up at 8:00 a.m., I gave them the option of breakfast at the Original Pancake House or to go home and me fix breakfast. "Go home, go home - your pancakes are the best!!!" So, home we went and the pancakes and bacon went pretty quickly. I think next time I will have to double the recipe! After breakfast, Jack wanted me to play Air Hockey with him. He loves to win, but I did beat him once or twice. 

Next choice I gave them was whether they would prefer a little extra cash or to go play at the Obstacle Warrior Course ( which is what I was hoping for). Hands down, the choice was a little Ninja fun, but to go play at the park first. No matter the weather, they love being outdoors and just can't seem to get enough playing in. My thought about the Ninja place was that it would be very crowded on Saturday, however, it wasn't and the young lady there told me many had cancelled birthday parties and staying away due to fear of flu. Oh dear. We played and washed our hands really good. Everybody had fun and everybody is fine. (And Mr. Jack, shrewd little guy, wanted to know if they could have the $20 , too!)

She probably jumped up and over this curved wall 15 times.

I lost count.

We came home for a bit to give Grandpa a rest before going to dinner at Chili's and then on to church. It was bring a friend weekend, so I knew it would be a lot of fun at kids' church and true, it was. However, the very best thing was that as soon as I picked up Jack, he told me he had asked Jesus into his heart. It made my heart swell, and he was so excited about it and telling me the story of hearts. He wanted me to tell his mother, so I texted her the news and we also called her so Jack could talk to her. Listening to him talk to her and then calling his Dad to tell him was a memory I will cherish. 

We had cookies and milk before bed and they played Air Hockey again.

Then early this morning, they lounged around before their Dad came to get them. So relaxed!!

When their Dad arrived, I made the check around the house to be sure they had everything they came with. 

Surprise surprise, Kate is growing up!!

She had gathered her things, packed her bag so neatly and made up her bed!

Haha! Guess who didn't!!!

Oh well, he's still just a little kid!

While Daddy drank coffee, Jack sat beside him and read the Book of Hearts he had received in Children's Church. My heart was filled with joy as I watched and listened to such a precious moment which I could not spoil by taking a picture. Paraphrasing the Apostle John's words: I have no greater joy than knowing my children walk in truth!

Since I had promised Grandpa we would go out for breakfast, we all loaded up and headed for Norma's Café before saying good-bye.

I really need to remember to take photos BEFORE we eat and not after! They were playing with wound up straw covers here.

The rest of the day was restful and easy going. Wonderful weekend!