Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. Are you currently operating at 100% capacity? If not, what % are you? What’s keeping you there?

I was just saying to Jack that I am still working on regaining my strength after last years infection. I think I am probably back to 75-80%. I work and work at things, but just can seem to gain the strength I lost.

2.  Have you done your taxes? Planned/booked a summer holiday? Thought about or started your ‘spring cleaning’? Besides what’s listed here, tell us one task that needs doing before spring rolls around.

Jack does the taxes and he can’t start until we get all of our documents. I have a trip planned in April, but so far that is it. One thing that needs doing before Spring rolls around? I need to spend one hour each day working on the little things in each room in the house. Then by the time Spring arrives I will be where I want to be.

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

Probably Whole Belly Clams. I simply love them. Deep fried with a nice seasoned breading.

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.

I think “growing by leaps and bounds”! My two grandchildren are growing like weeds! And it is so fun to watch!

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

1. Amazing sunsets. And a few awesome sunrises.
2. The Supermoon.
3. Finishing my daughter’s Afghan.
4. Starting my best friend’s afghan.
5. A trip to visit my Sister!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This weekend we will celebrate Quinn’s second birthday. His actual birthday is March 7th, but we will celebrate on Saturday. I cannot believe that time has flown by and my little grandson is two! It seems in so many ways, as if he has always been with us.

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

Recently I had to have a heart to heart, when someone I love very much was being pushed down by all the sadness in life. I can’t go into details, but I tried to remind them that life is full of the happiness that you make.

2. Champagne, chocolates, flowers…what’s your Valentine pleasure? Any special plans for the day?

Yes, I love them all. But this year, I think Valentine’s Day may be a quiet one. Jack is sick with a cold and neither one of us feels much like celebrating.

3. Are you a hopeless romantic or do you fall more in the category of practical and pragmatic? What’s a gesture you find romantic?

Oh goodness, I am a hopeless romantic, married to someone who is not. Flowers for no reason, a funny loving card make me feel loved.

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

Oh no. I am always asking questions and have been since I was a little girl.  I always want to understand why things happen (sometimes there is no “why”). At 59, the questions continue, but I am better at accepting that many times there is no rhyme or reason.

5. Your favorite power ballad?

“And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make”

From the Beatles song, “The End”. One of my favorites.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Olympic coverage. How is yours? We found a great way to see the events. We watch on Amazon Prime, and can see all the events in their entirety. Of course it is not in real time, but rather in playback, but that is okay. Every athlete has earned the right to be there and it’s nice to see them all. We have found that the NBC coverage to be horrid this year. So we simply watch Amazon. (We have Direct TV and since we subscribe to NBC and NBC Sports we are eligible to watch all the sports on Prime, by linking our account.)

1. Speaking of endings….at your wit’s end, at loose ends, a dead end, burn the candle at both ends, all’s well that end’s well, or no end in sight…which ‘end’ phrase might best be applied to your life lately? Explain.  

All’s well that ends well! After pretty much being sick for October and January with the flu (yes, twice, two different strains) I am happy to report a return to health! So, all’s well that ends well.

2. What was a must have accessory when you were growing up? Did you own one? If so tell us what you remember about it.

For me the biggest “accessory” in my life was my bike. I pedaled all over Falmouth growing up, and my bike was my way to get around until I bought my first car. From a very young age (back in the day when you let your kids out after breakfast and they didn’t come home until dinner), my bike helped me to see the world! Or at least my part of Falmouth!

3. Something that made you smile yesterday?

My new slip cover arrived for my old sofa. We thought we might get a new sofa, but since this sofa is Lili’s bed, we thought maybe we would wait a while. Anyway, I ordered the slip cover and now it is on the sofa and it looks great! When I looked up the last time I ordered a cover for the sofa, it was 9 years ago. That cover didn’t owe us a thing!

4. January 30th is National Croissant Day. Do you like croissants? Sweet or savory? We’re having chicken salad for lunch…would you rather have yours served on a croissant, a wrap, a bagel, bread, or a roll of some sort?

Oh I love croissants! I will have to run out and buy two and make lunch with them! I like sweet croissants best, but lets face it, any croissant is a good croissant!

5. Sum up your January in fifteen words or less.

Bitterly cold, icy weather, turning to more moderate temperatures at the end.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

The three amigo cousins are going off again! I just made reservations for Mel, Janet and I to go stay in Falmouth for a weekend in April. It’s a great time for us to go, reminisce, and spend some quality time together, just us three!!! I can hardly wait!!!

Janet, Melodie and Me!

1. January 24th is National Compliment Day. Is it easy or not so easy for you to accept a compliment? Share a recent compliment you’ve given or received.

Not easy at all, although I am trying to learn how to graciously accept a compliment. Jack complimented my Prime Rib. See how impersonal that is? Those compliments I can take. Personal ones are more difficult.

2. Ten little things you are loving right now.

• Grandchildren (always).
• dachshunds
• Lili
• Jack
• The Incredible Dr. Pol
• The Pioneer Woman
• Tissues with lotion
• Chamomile Tea with honey
• Long-underwear
• my pillow

 

3. Would people describe you as a positive person? Do you see yourself that way? I read here  a list/description of eight things positive people do differently-

Positive people find something to look forward to every day, they celebrate the small stuff, they’re kind, they stay busy, accept responsibility for their actions, forgive themselves, know when to move on, and resist comparisons

Which action on the list would you say you do regularly? Which action could you add to your life to give you a more positive outlook? If you’re a positive person, what’s something you do regularly that’s not on the list?

I have been trying very hard to become a positive person. Not easy for someone who is a half empty glass kinda gal. For the last year, I try to find at least one thing in each day that is wonderful! Even if it is Kleenex with lotion tissues!

4. Homemade chicken soup, beef stew, or a bowl of chili…what’s your pleasure on a cold winter’s day?

Chicken Soup. In fact, I think I should make some today!

5. The best part of my day is….

The first cup of coffee each morning, my first cup of tea in the afternoon and a delicious piece of fruit. Today it was a Maridol Papaya with a squeeze of lime!

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

The last few weeks our weather has been, um, challenging. Very cold temperatures with snow, then we had a warm up with ice and now heavy rain. I’m not sure why this winter is getting me down so much, but it really is. Perhaps it is my lingering cold. I will be so happy when January and February are finished and we get into March and April, where the temperatures tend to moderate.

1. ‘Hurry less, worry less’…what’s your strategy for making that happen this holiday season? How’s it going so far?

Both Hurry Less and Worry Less. I started by starting my Christmas shopping back in August. By the end of November,  I was nearly done. And today I have just two gifts left to get! Now by doing this, I worried less and that felt great! I think I will do this every year!

2. Do you have a list of to-dos that need accomplishing in order to prepare your home and/or property for the winter season? What are some of the jobs on your list? Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone to accomplish these tasks?

Leaves needed to be raked and dropped apples needed to be picked up in order to keep the mice from taking up residence in our yard and eating our trees. Currently it is snowing like crazy, and we expect to get 5-9 inches. If it snows like this all day, then I’m thinking closer to nine inches. The snow plow is all set t go and we have plenty of gas for it. All we need now is a delivery of oil by Friday!

3. According to dietitians surveyed, the most popular health foods for 2018 will be -turmeric, sprouted foods (bean sprouts, breads with sprouted grains, etc), veggies in place of grains, dairy free milk, and pulses (lentils, chickpeas, etc).  What’s the first thought that ran through your head when you read this list? Of the foods listed which one might you add to your regular diet? Also, can milk really be dairy free? Is it still milk?

Ugh! Seriously. On that list, about the only thing I really love are brussell sprouts.  The rest just, well sound unappealing!

4. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet. According to the Pantone site ‘Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking pointing us to the future.’ What say you? Do you like the color purple? Did you see the movie or read the book-ha!?  Is purple a color you wear often? Describe for us one purple item in your home without using the word purple.  If you were in charge of such things what color would you select for 2018?

Now Ultra Violet is not warm in any way. Purple, lavender, although cousins to Ultra Violet, are a lot more warm. I tend to wear  lavender more than any of the purple colors. Did not read the book, but saw the movie. No purple items. Light Rose would be the color!

5. Favorite book read this year?

The Anniversary release of “Diana: Her True Story–in Her Own Words”. It was really interesting to read what Princess Diana actually said in her interview tapes.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

My decorating is done in the house, and here is a total shocker! I went into my office yesterday and went through three piles of filing, and guess what? Due to the fact that I can now access things on the computer, I threw out nearly the entire three piles! After that I felt so good! In fact, it felt so good, I intend to purge my file boxes! Woo-hoo! The office may actually get done!

1. What title would you give this current chapter of your life?

Then middle. I feel like I have reached the good solid middle part of my life. I know who I am, I like who I am and things have settled around me.

2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what’s the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

Leftovers. I believe in using everything you can. Never throw out food unless it has a beard!

3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

This song gives me a happy and warm feeling. Family, happiness, and love.

4. Describe the most beautiful drive you’ve ever taken.

That’s hard, because I have taken so many. However one of the most beautiful and breathtaking was the drive from Seattle, Washington, to San Diego, California on the Coastal Highway. Breathtakingly beautiful!

5. What’s something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one)

I want new family room furniture. But since that isn’t going to happen any time soon, I would like Time. Time with my daughter. Time with my grandchildren and time with my husband. Since this is a big year coming up for us, Jack will be 80, we will have been married 30 years, and I will turn 60 years old! I would love to plan something great, just not sure what it is yet.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Christmas is coming, the Goose is getting fat….Well, not exactly, but Christmas is coming and I have just a few more things to get for the holiday. I did most all of my Christmas shopping in October and November, so it’s just the last few things. What about you?

 

1.  What’s something blogging has taught you about yourself?

I think it has shown me that despite time, and distance, my love for those in my past and present is deep and true. I remember them with all my love, both the funny and the sweet and have found ways of preserving the memories.

2.  Leftovers…are you in the ‘reheat and eat’ camp or the ‘put them in the fridge until they spoil and then toss them’ camp? What’s your favorite thing to have leftover? What can you not abide as a leftover?

Oh no. I am a reheat and eat girl! Although I do admit that right now we are feeling a little turkey’d out! So for a change I made pork chops last night, but there was still leftover pearl onions on Jack’s plate.

3. ‘Me time’…your thoughts?

Yes. Everyone needs me time. A few weeks back, I got ready and told Jack I was going out. He told me to wait for a while and he would come too. I smiled and explained that I needed to get away by myself. It helps to clear the mind.

4. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Caring. Usually it’s for having me help them with watching kids, a sick person or perhaps a meal or two. But my strong suit is taking care of people.

5. If your childhood had a smell what would it be? Tell us why.

Cooking. And that involves a variety of smells. Baking bread, baking cookies, turkey dinners, or Easter Lamb. My Mom and Grandmother were both wonderful, serious, cooks and so my childhood is filled with delicious smells!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I was off to see the Retinal Surgeon today to have my eyes checked for any problems. I am happy to report that both eyes are healthy and are remaining healed. Yay!

 

1. Tradition…how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma’s, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?

I really am a traditionalist. I love to cook and I love certain things, like Chestnut Stuffing. As a child we always went to my home. I mean, the family would meet up and my Mom did the cooking. She was a pro. I have been out to restaurants a couple of times, but didn’t really like that. It lacked the personal touch. I’ve also been over seas in places that did not celebrate Thanksgiving and I felt a real loss. I think one of the strangest Thanksgivings was when we took a cruise. Oh they had most of the things you would associate with Thanksgiving, but somehow it lost something in translation.

2. Help…is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?

It’s terribly hard for me to ask for help. It has been all my life. Even during times when I really needed help. This year with the surgery and Staph infection, I finally learned how to ask for help. It’s still hard, but I have learned that at times you need to ask and then be grateful in return.

3. Abundance…what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?

Right now? Eggs and butter. That’s because tomorrow is baking and cooking day. I’m making pumpkin and mince pies and apple crisp. I’m also making Chestnut Dressing, and of course there will be roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes and of course the gravy!

4. Name…the smallest thing you’re thankful for? the biggest?

The smallest things are often the biggest things and the biggest things the smallest. I am thankful for the health and wonder of my daughter and grandchildren. I am also thankful for Jack’s return to health and I am ever so thankful that I beat the Staph infection, so I am here to enjoy life with these people. I know I didn’t actually answer the question, but I think you all understand.

5. Key…What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?

Take nothing and no one for granted. To look for the positive things in life and to be present in the here and now.

6. State your own random thought here.

I am so pleased that this year I am well enough to be back in the kitchen cooking away. I have printed up all my recipes, and have each item planned out as to preparation and cook time. Tomorrow I will also put the leaves in the table and start the process of setting that up. Oh, the excitement is building!

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Everyone!

1. What does/did Halloween look like at your house this year? Did you decorate? Pick pumpkins? Carve pumpkins? Expect trick or treaters? Wear a costume to a party or event? Make a costume? Feel glad you didn’t have to come up with a costume? Cook a Halloween themed treat? Eat all the leftover candy?

I did absolutely nothing for Halloween. Both Jack and I have had the flu, so we just let it slide. Now we can look forward to Thanksgiving!

2. What are you waiting for? Elaborate

Right this second? Well, I’m waiting for Jack to get up. He was up in the night coughing, so he is sleeping in today to catch up.

3. Do you wish you were friendlier, braver, more creative, more athletic, or something else? Explain.

Probably more athletic. I admit, I am a couch potato. I really have to kick myself in the butt to get up and exercise. And I really need to do more of that to get my strength back.

4. When it comes time to paint are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone? What was the last paint job completed at your house? What room most needs painting now? How do you feel about wallpaper?

I used to do all our painting and but since the cervical spine fusion, I cannot do it. I love wallpaper, Jack and I actually wallpapered two rooms in our old farm house years ago. It was so pretty, but at this point I like the clean fresh look of paint. The last paint job was in my bathroom, but after 17 years, the entire house needs to be painted!

5. What is one specific thing you felt gratitude for in the month of October?

Just one? I feel grateful for the time I spent with my grandchildren, daughter, sister and cousin. Time spent with people that you love, is probably the greatest gift in life.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’ve decided that the house needs de-cluttering. I was talking to Jack about it last night, and I think over the winter the two of us will work on this. How did we get all of this junk?

1. What’s surprised you most about your life or life in general? 

I think the thing that surprised me the most about life, is how incredibly fast time goes by. It seems like just the other day I was 10 years old and I felt like time was dragging on, and nothing very interesting ever happened. Now, every day, the hours fly by, and here I am, almost 59 years old, and I know in the blink of an eye, I will soon be considered a real Senior Citizen.

2.  Sweet potato fries, sweet potato casserole, a baked sweet potato, a bowl of butternut squash soup, a caramel apple or a slice of pumpkin pie…you have to order one thing on this list right now. Which one do you go for?

Pumpkin Pie. Not really in the mood for anything else.

3. What’s a famous book set in your home state? Have you read it? On a scale of 1-5 (5 is fantastic) how many stars does it rate?

“Our Town”. Our Town was first produced and published in 1938 to wide acclaim. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of life in the small village of Grover’s Corners, an allegorical representation of all life, has become a classic. It is Thornton Wilder’s most renowned and most frequently performed play. Definitely 5 stars!

4. There are 60 days until Christmas…have you started your shopping? How do you stay organized for the holidays?

I certainly have started my shopping. I decided to start looking around online, and I’m amazed at the good deals and how many items I have already purchased.

5. October 26th is National Tennessee Day. Have you ever lived or spent any time in Tennessee? Yes! Is this a state you’d like to visit one day? The top rated tourist attractions in Tennessee are-

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Gatlinburg area),Yes

Elvis’s Graceland (Memphis), Yes

Birth of the Music Biz (Memphis and Nashville), Memphis yes, Nashville, no.

Dollywood (Pigeon Forge), Surprisingly, Yes!

Tennessee’s Military Heritage (many battlefields),  No

The Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s home), No.

The Parthenon (Nashville), Oak Ridge American Museum of Science and Energy, No

Chattagnooa and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, Yes.

Downtown Knoxville, No

Lookout Mountain, Yes.

The Titanic Museum (Pigeon Forge), The Museum of Appalachia (Clinton), and The Lost Sea Adventure (Sweetwater) No

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

It will be two weeks on Saturday since the Flu came to call. I am doing better, but Jack has been very ill. He finally saw his Primary Care doctor today, and she loaded him up with medications. I just hope that both of us get over this thing soon.