The new blog is still a work in progress, but I am posting over there, rather than here at this point.
Please come check it out:
February 20, 2017
February 15, 2017
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Hey y'all...it's Hodgepodge time!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?
I called my maternal grandparents Pappy and Nana and my paternal grandmother, Grandma. I have no idea how those came to be their names. As for my husband and I, we are also Pappy and Nana (Nanny). Pappy or Pap-pap was going to be a given for my husband. I chose Nanny because I did not want to be called Grandma.
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?
I've never been there. There are a few things I wouldn't mind seeing, like the giant Redwoods, but it isn't high on my list.
3. What are three things you don't know how to do?
Knit, change a flat tire, and stop the accumulation of stuff on the kitchen island (sigh).
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?
My husband working less is the only thing I can think of right now. As for "celebrating" it, I guess I'd just let him know how much I like having him around those extra hours and hope it will encourage him to do it more often.
5. Thursday (February 16) is National Almond Day. Do you like almonds? Which would you prefer-an Almond Joy or a macaron? What's something you make that calls for almonds?
I don't like almonds or any nut at all. I will eat peanut butter and I've discovered I love chocolate almond milk, but just to eat them? Ick!
6. What does Saturday morning look like at your house?
Most of the time I'm the only one home and it's a chore day where I am catching up on laundry and cleaning.
7. Share with us a favorite book you've read this winter.
I don't know that there is one favorite book, but I've "discovered" Mary Kay Andrews since Christmas. I've had a few of her books sitting around for a while now, but just picked one up and started reading last month. I've read four of her books since then! I guess you'd call them contemporary romances or chick-lit, but they are more than that. They have clever, witty, amusing story lines and I've really enjoyed them. I need to get my hands on some more.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
As I mentioned last week, I've started working on a new blog. There is a LOT to do yet, but it is up, named and I've made two posts over there. Please check it out... My Cup Is Full.
Visit Joyce @ From This Side Of The Pond
for the Hodgepodge rules and to join
in or just read more posts.
February 14, 2017
The New Blog
I've been starting to work on the new blog. Please stop over and check it out. I will keep this one up and running until the new one is 100% ready to go. There isn't a lot there yet, just a couple of introductory posts. Let me know what you think about the idea and direction I'm going, please? Thanks!
My Cup is Full
My Cup is Full
February 11, 2017
The Disappearing Questions
This from Bud about this week's survey....and Bud, I really like what you said about those of us who still blog:
We found this gem on Sunday very quickly. It's from a since retired blog that ended in that 2008 or so massive deserted blogs and bloggers. Other social media kicked the shit out of us. Why write a 600 word column and get four comments when you can go Facebook and publish a pic of freakin' dog and get 50 likes and 25 comments. You knowwhat I think? (OK, I do acknowledge that most of you are thinking, "Not really Bud - we're here to do the damn questions", I think the blogosphere is better off without them. We who stayed are the artists, writers, humorists who don't care how many comments we get. We write because we are writers. Oh, wow. I do run on, no? The dead blog was called !enaj em s'taht. She got these questions from a blogger who not only stopped blogging, he deleted his blog.
Cheers to all of us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Disappearing Questions
1. Last movie you saw in a theater?
Suicide Squad. It's not the type of movie we normally see, but we wanted to see a movie that day and nothing else appealed even a little. We were pleasantly surprised by the fact that it was fairly good and very entertaining...even in 3-D.
2. What book are you reading?
Divine Evil by Nora Roberts. I've read four Mary Kay Andrews books in a row. I enjoy them, but need a break.
3. Favorite board game?
LIFE was always my favorite growing up and I still like it. I also like Sequence which is a strategy game played with cards on a board.
4. Favorite magazine?
Country Sampler
5. Favorite smells?
Babies, the beach, bread baking in the oven, the air after it rains, and fresh-picked Concord grapes.
6. Favorite sounds?
Thunderstorms, children's laughter, cat purrs, birds at dawn, and the beach (all of it...wind, waves, seagulls).
7. Worst feeling in the world?
Being cut out of the life of someone you care about very much.
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
Get the dogs outside!
9. Favorite fast food place?
Lately it's been Arby's, but Taco Bell has a couple of things I like, too. On the whole I don't really like too much fast food.
10. Future child’s name?
Oh, honey...that boat sailed a long time ago.
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?
Give a lot of it to the charities of my choice, pay off all our debt, and buy/build our dream house. Oh, and I'd probably have to buy a Mustang, too. The rest would go in the bank or be invested for our retirement and the kids and grandkids in the future.
12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Only if the Poodle eats before bed.
13. Storms – cool or scary?
It depends. Mostly cool, but there's always that one storm that crosses the line.
14. Favorite drink?
Diet Coke, water, and wine.
15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?
Probably still do the same things I do now....read and spend too much time on Facebook. I'd just do more of it.
16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Up to a point. I don't like the really long ones.
17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
I really like some of the bright hues of blue and purple out there, but I'm waiting for my hair to go completely gray/white....and according to my husband, for him to die because he is not in favor of it. So, I guess we'll go with what I got done today...a simulation of my original dark brown but with blonde and red highlights.
18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?
Cambridge Springs, PA...Latrobe, PA...Indiana, PA...Orlando, FL
19. Favorite sports to watch?
Football, figure skating, and gymnastics.
20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?
Nobody sent this to me. I subjected myself to it.
21. What’s under your bed?
My Fluidity Bar (exercise thingy) and I'm not sure what else except probably dust bunnies and maybe some of the missing socks (I think the Poodle drags them under there now and then).
22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
That means that I'd have to go through life again. No, not interested in that. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy and I enjoy my life, but when it's over I'm ready to be with God.
23. Morning person, or night owl?
I have to get up at the butt-crack of dawn for work but I'm a night owl by nature. I usually flip it around during the summers when I am off for 3 months.
24. Over easy, or sunny side up?
Around these parts we like 'em "dippy."
25. Favorite place to relax?
Right here at home. Usually I'm in the recliner or at the kitchen island or in my library/craft room.
26. Favorite pie?
Strawberry-rhubarb.
27. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate
28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?
Usually all of them. I might miss a few if they don't post until late, but I try to check later in the day, too.
We found this gem on Sunday very quickly. It's from a since retired blog that ended in that 2008 or so massive deserted blogs and bloggers. Other social media kicked the shit out of us. Why write a 600 word column and get four comments when you can go Facebook and publish a pic of freakin' dog and get 50 likes and 25 comments. You knowwhat I think? (OK, I do acknowledge that most of you are thinking, "Not really Bud - we're here to do the damn questions", I think the blogosphere is better off without them. We who stayed are the artists, writers, humorists who don't care how many comments we get. We write because we are writers. Oh, wow. I do run on, no? The dead blog was called !enaj em s'taht. She got these questions from a blogger who not only stopped blogging, he deleted his blog.
Cheers to all of us thieves!
Sunday Stealing: The Disappearing Questions
1. Last movie you saw in a theater?
Suicide Squad. It's not the type of movie we normally see, but we wanted to see a movie that day and nothing else appealed even a little. We were pleasantly surprised by the fact that it was fairly good and very entertaining...even in 3-D.
2. What book are you reading?
Divine Evil by Nora Roberts. I've read four Mary Kay Andrews books in a row. I enjoy them, but need a break.
3. Favorite board game?
LIFE was always my favorite growing up and I still like it. I also like Sequence which is a strategy game played with cards on a board.
4. Favorite magazine?
Country Sampler
5. Favorite smells?
Babies, the beach, bread baking in the oven, the air after it rains, and fresh-picked Concord grapes.
6. Favorite sounds?
Thunderstorms, children's laughter, cat purrs, birds at dawn, and the beach (all of it...wind, waves, seagulls).
7. Worst feeling in the world?
Being cut out of the life of someone you care about very much.
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
Get the dogs outside!
9. Favorite fast food place?
Lately it's been Arby's, but Taco Bell has a couple of things I like, too. On the whole I don't really like too much fast food.
10. Future child’s name?
Oh, honey...that boat sailed a long time ago.
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?
Give a lot of it to the charities of my choice, pay off all our debt, and buy/build our dream house. Oh, and I'd probably have to buy a Mustang, too. The rest would go in the bank or be invested for our retirement and the kids and grandkids in the future.
12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Only if the Poodle eats before bed.
13. Storms – cool or scary?
It depends. Mostly cool, but there's always that one storm that crosses the line.
14. Favorite drink?
Diet Coke, water, and wine.
15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?
Probably still do the same things I do now....read and spend too much time on Facebook. I'd just do more of it.
16. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Up to a point. I don't like the really long ones.
17. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
I really like some of the bright hues of blue and purple out there, but I'm waiting for my hair to go completely gray/white....and according to my husband, for him to die because he is not in favor of it. So, I guess we'll go with what I got done today...a simulation of my original dark brown but with blonde and red highlights.
18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?
Cambridge Springs, PA...Latrobe, PA...Indiana, PA...Orlando, FL
19. Favorite sports to watch?
Football, figure skating, and gymnastics.
20. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?
Nobody sent this to me. I subjected myself to it.
21. What’s under your bed?
My Fluidity Bar (exercise thingy) and I'm not sure what else except probably dust bunnies and maybe some of the missing socks (I think the Poodle drags them under there now and then).
22. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
That means that I'd have to go through life again. No, not interested in that. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy and I enjoy my life, but when it's over I'm ready to be with God.
23. Morning person, or night owl?
I have to get up at the butt-crack of dawn for work but I'm a night owl by nature. I usually flip it around during the summers when I am off for 3 months.
24. Over easy, or sunny side up?
Around these parts we like 'em "dippy."
25. Favorite place to relax?
Right here at home. Usually I'm in the recliner or at the kitchen island or in my library/craft room.
26. Favorite pie?
Strawberry-rhubarb.
27. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate
28. Of all the people who play, how many of the posts do you usually read?
Usually all of them. I might miss a few if they don't post until late, but I try to check later in the day, too.
Love Yourself
Saturday 9: Love Yourself (2015)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
* A disclaimer from Stacy: I currently have bronchitis and last night in desperation I took some cough syrup with codeine leftover from my husband's own case of bronchitis. I slept, but codeine and I don't really get along and it doesn't seem to be fully out of my system this morning so if there are any funky answers or incoherent rambling, that's why.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
* A disclaimer from Stacy: I currently have bronchitis and last night in desperation I took some cough syrup with codeine leftover from my husband's own case of bronchitis. I slept, but codeine and I don't really get along and it doesn't seem to be fully out of my system this morning so if there are any funky answers or incoherent rambling, that's why.
1) In this song, Justin sings that he doesn't like to admit he's wrong. When did you most recently cop to a mistake?
I don't know what it was, but it was probably today. I freely admit that I make mistakes daily...well, at least minor ones, that is. I try not to make big ones on a daily basis. Not that it always works out.
2) He also complains that his girl doesn't like his friends. Who is someone that you've met recently and liked?
2) He also complains that his girl doesn't like his friends. Who is someone that you've met recently and liked?
A woman my daughter used to work with. She is my age and when she and my daughter worked together, my daughter was having a very rough time with some of her co-workers, but this woman showed her kindness. I was always thankful for that, but now that I've met her I found her to be very nice....someone I could be friends with if we ever saw each other, which we don't.
3) Justin first performed this song live on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Who is your favorite talk show host?
3) Justin first performed this song live on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Who is your favorite talk show host?
I don't watch any talk show with regularity, but when I do, I like to watch Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz.
4) Young Mr. Bieber recently had his credit card rejected ... at a Subway Sandwich Shop. Think about your last trip to a fast food restaurant. Did you pay with cash or plastic or your phone?
Plastic. It was rainy and miserable so I just zipped through the drive-thru at Arby's on the way home.
Even though we're featuring a lack-of-love song, this is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.
5) In Victorian England, it was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine. Have you ever received an anonymous card from a secret admirer?
Not in recent memory, if ever.
6) Retailers report that approximately 3% of pet owners buy Valentines for their furry friends. Have you ever purchased a gift for a pet on a special occasion?
They get a few presents at Christmas. For other holidays, maybe just a special treat.
7) It was once believed that if a maiden ate a heavy meal before bed on February 13, her dreams that night would reveal the identity of the man she would eventually marry. Do you find that eating too close to bedtime disrupts your sleep?
It depends on what I eat. If I give in to something overly processed I'll be in for a wild night of weird, weird, WEIRD dreams.
It depends on what I eat. If I give in to something overly processed I'll be in for a wild night of weird, weird, WEIRD dreams.
8) The postmaster in Verona, Italy, reports that Shakespeare's Juliet Capulet still receives love letters. Without looking it up, can you give us a quote from Romeo and Juliet?
Thus, with a kiss I die.
Thus, with a kiss I die.
9) Necco's Sweethearts -- those little candy hearts that say things like "Be Mine" -- are Valentine Day's top-selling confection. Sam never could stand eating these candies. Do you like them?
They are fun to read, but no, I don't eat them. They are awful tasting.
That's it for today's Saturday 9. Please visit Sam over at the official Saturday 9 blog to find the "rules" of play and the prompts as well as links to others who are playing along.
February 9, 2017
Thankful on a Snowy Thursday
Plenty to be thankful for this morning as I join in with Rebecca Jo @ Knit by God's Hand in counting blessings.
This week I am thankful...
* for the beautiful snow covered scene outside my window this morning.
* for my hubby who took pity on my endless coughing and cleaned off my car and cleared a spot for the puppies to do their business before he went to work.
* the school district called a 2-hour delay last night. (Still hoping for that cancellation this morning.)
* for what a good momma my daughter is turning out to be and for her sweet baby boy who is growing and healthy.
* that today is finally the day my husband is getting most of his teeth pulled and getting dentures. The poor man inherited his mother's soft teeth and he has needed this done for so long. Lack of insurance prevented it for years and then it was his reluctance to take time off work. Finally it's all come together. I am excited for how much better I think he will feel.
* that Mom and John continue to stay in good health. So many friends are dealing with parents in declining health and we have not run into anything that can't be healed from yet.
* and as always...
For all of you!
February 8, 2017
A Super Hodgepodge
1. What's the last thing you did that someone else thought was super?
Super? There have been things I've done that people have liked and appreciated, but I'd have to say the last thing someone thought was super was the baby shower I threw my daughter back in October.
Not to toot my own horn, but everything turned out so well you'd have thought it was done by a pro. Everyone gushed on and on and my daughter could not thank me enough.
Super? There have been things I've done that people have liked and appreciated, but I'd have to say the last thing someone thought was super was the baby shower I threw my daughter back in October.
Not to toot my own horn, but everything turned out so well you'd have thought it was done by a pro. Everyone gushed on and on and my daughter could not thank me enough.
2. The last thing you ate that tasted superb?
I made these ham and cheese sliders the other night from a recipe I saw on Facebook. They were just ham and cheese layered on Hawaiian rolls, but you brushed the tops of the buns with a mix of melted butter, Worchestershire sauce, poppy seeds, minced onion, salt, pepper, and brown mustard. You baked them in the oven covered for 25 minutes @ 350, then uncovered for 3-5 minutes. They were a big hit.
I made these ham and cheese sliders the other night from a recipe I saw on Facebook. They were just ham and cheese layered on Hawaiian rolls, but you brushed the tops of the buns with a mix of melted butter, Worchestershire sauce, poppy seeds, minced onion, salt, pepper, and brown mustard. You baked them in the oven covered for 25 minutes @ 350, then uncovered for 3-5 minutes. They were a big hit.
3. Supersensitive, superstitious, superwoman, superambitious, supercilious, supervisor, superficial...pick a super word from the list and tell us how it relates to your life in some way recently or currently.
Um....superambitious, I think. On top of work, home chores, remodeling the bathroom, and babysitting our youngest grandson, I am now into full-blown wedding planning. I'm also thinking of starting a new blog which will eventually replace this one (more on that in the random).
Um....superambitious, I think. On top of work, home chores, remodeling the bathroom, and babysitting our youngest grandson, I am now into full-blown wedding planning. I'm also thinking of starting a new blog which will eventually replace this one (more on that in the random).
4. Do you love easily? If you're comfortable doing so, explain why you think that is.
I believe God commands us to love one another, including our enemies, but I have to admit that I am, at times, slow to trust because of past hurts. I can forgive, but am reluctant to put my heart out there to be stomped on again. Even with family....because sometimes the deepest pain comes from them.
I believe God commands us to love one another, including our enemies, but I have to admit that I am, at times, slow to trust because of past hurts. I can forgive, but am reluctant to put my heart out there to be stomped on again. Even with family....because sometimes the deepest pain comes from them.
5. Valentine's Day lands on a Tuesday this year. Will you mark the day in some way? If you're celebrating with a dinner out somewhere will it be on Tuesday or will you celebrate over the weekend?
I kind doubt we will do anything this year. Hubby is having nearly all of his teeth removed tomorrow and getting a full upper plate and partial lower plate. He will be eating nothing but liquid/soft foods for a couple of weeks.
I kind doubt we will do anything this year. Hubby is having nearly all of his teeth removed tomorrow and getting a full upper plate and partial lower plate. He will be eating nothing but liquid/soft foods for a couple of weeks.
6. What's something you are loving right now?
Books by Mary Kay Andrews. I've had several sitting around for a few years now (picked up at the library's used book sale), but had never read them. I finally started on one a couple of weeks ago and I'm now more than halfway through the 4th one!
Books by Mary Kay Andrews. I've had several sitting around for a few years now (picked up at the library's used book sale), but had never read them. I finally started on one a couple of weeks ago and I'm now more than halfway through the 4th one!
7 Write a three word (or less) phrase you'd like to see on a Valentine candy heart.
You go relax. (As in, relax...I'll take care of it.)
You go relax. (As in, relax...I'll take care of it.)
8. Insert your own random thought here.
It's no secret that I've been struggling with my blog the last few years. At one time I kind of wrote a mommy blog, another time it was a youth leader's blog, then simply a Christian blog. At one point, to my shame, it was once even a very dark blog where I vented all my frustrations with concerning our fractured relationship with our son and his new wife. The earlier ones had their followers, but the dark one was my most popular one ever. Kind of sad, isn't it?
Anyway, I've just been floundering around not really finding my niche or my groove, but after having been at this since 2001, I just can't let it go. I've been less than thrilled with posting nothing but memes, however. They're fun and I enjoy them, but I think they sometimes get to be a crutch and real writing falls by the wayside.
I've written longer (and I think good) posts on many Christian subjects in the past and that's what I kept wanting to do...big meaty articles. Unfortunately, the inspiration was rarely there....a sign (that I chose to ignore) saying that was just not my calling. I was getting more and more discouraged and closer and closer to finally shutting down the blog for good.
Then yesterday, BAM! Inspiration struck like a bolt of lightening. Instead of waiting for some unspecified Christian article to form in my head...I thought "Write about what you know." It's as simple as that. Once it is up and running, the new blog will be about me, specifically me living my life abundantly. I'm going to focus on sharing about and photographing the things I enjoy....family, food, books, gardening, flea markets, auctions, garage sales, and wound through out will be my faith in God. It's going to be quite different from anything else I've done and I'm very excited. I hope you all will come visit when it's ready.
It's no secret that I've been struggling with my blog the last few years. At one time I kind of wrote a mommy blog, another time it was a youth leader's blog, then simply a Christian blog. At one point, to my shame, it was once even a very dark blog where I vented all my frustrations with concerning our fractured relationship with our son and his new wife. The earlier ones had their followers, but the dark one was my most popular one ever. Kind of sad, isn't it?
Anyway, I've just been floundering around not really finding my niche or my groove, but after having been at this since 2001, I just can't let it go. I've been less than thrilled with posting nothing but memes, however. They're fun and I enjoy them, but I think they sometimes get to be a crutch and real writing falls by the wayside.
I've written longer (and I think good) posts on many Christian subjects in the past and that's what I kept wanting to do...big meaty articles. Unfortunately, the inspiration was rarely there....a sign (that I chose to ignore) saying that was just not my calling. I was getting more and more discouraged and closer and closer to finally shutting down the blog for good.
Then yesterday, BAM! Inspiration struck like a bolt of lightening. Instead of waiting for some unspecified Christian article to form in my head...I thought "Write about what you know." It's as simple as that. Once it is up and running, the new blog will be about me, specifically me living my life abundantly. I'm going to focus on sharing about and photographing the things I enjoy....family, food, books, gardening, flea markets, auctions, garage sales, and wound through out will be my faith in God. It's going to be quite different from anything else I've done and I'm very excited. I hope you all will come visit when it's ready.
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