Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Leaping into Hodge Podge Volume #68



Welcome!
Let's see what questions Joyce has for us today.
1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

Still recovering from the illness caused by the bloomin' pears......plus, I have my granddaughter who is home with a stomach virus...taking her to the doctor this afternoon....sounds like a fun day, doesn't it?

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?
Taking the money out of savings to pay off our mortgage.

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? 
No

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?
A couple of weeks ago, we had a fire in our fire pit out on the back porch.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?
More than likely, I'd order another seafood selection from the menu...I like Lobster but it is quite expensive......When we lived in Pennsylvania, one of our favorite local restaurants had Lobster Pot on their menu. It was Longoustino. We thought it was wonderful.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose? My first thought was Lost but not the way it was at the end......Recently, I watched all the episodes of Brothers and Sisters on Netflix. I would have liked for it to keep going....

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?
My granddaughter says a Goldfish's memory only last 3 seconds....When it comes to remembering facts, I'm pretty good but then I might forget someone's name.....I make a lot of lists so that I don't forget items I want to take with me on a trip or ones I want to pick up at the store...

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Looking at the weather forecast, I'd say March is coming in like a Lion. They're predicting thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight...it is windy out but not too bad....

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A Simple Woman's Daybook

From Mama Bear's Journal...
FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Outside my window...partly sunny,  70 °F,  (21 °C) with thunder storms predicted for this afternoon....which is the forecast for much of this week it seems with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40-50s.....tornado season is upon us once again....the Bradford Pears are blooming which means my allergies and asthma are reacting...my symptoms have improved but my overall feeling is not well....Smokey sleeping in the sun on his window seat...



I am thinking...being ill makes one weak even when one does not spend the time in bed....Honey Bear says it is because the body is using all its energy to fight off the illness.

I am thankful...that I do not have to get up in the morning and go to a job.....Honey Bear was up at 3:30a.m. this morning because he couldn't rest but still went to work...he'd been off for 4 days so hopefully he'll feel better but I'm not sure he needed to go in...he has never been one to call in sick though.

In the kitchen...its clean and that is about all that can be said for it....the Poinsettia is still thriving with its red leaves....and a few of my flowers from Celebration Day are still fresh after a week.

I am wearing...not pajamas for a change...I've dressed in a pink and crimson velour pant suit...comfy

I am creating...blocks from the SKOW quilt....actually, I've only done the prep work for the next row...traced the stitchery

I am going...nowhere until Thursday and hoping to feel well enough then to go to the Christian Women's Connection luncheon

I am wondering...if I'll feel like going on retreat with my club members on Monday of next week...I'm waffling about it...we're supposed to have a couple of workshops while we're there and I need to be there

I am reading...Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs...it is our March book club pick....I finished "Into the Wilderness" which was over 800 pages and found out there are two sequels...

I am hoping...March starts off calmly...

I am looking forward to...feeling myself again

Around the house...laundry is being done....

A favorite quote for today... A word spoken in due season, how good it is! —Proverbs 15:23 

One of my favorite things...a clean house

A few plans for the rest of the week :CWC luncheon on Thursday (a fashion show).....Book Club on Friday in a nearby town

From my photo album....


just one of many photos from our little
get-away at the Opryland Hotel....
We had a wonderful time...

Credit to  Peggy  at The Simple Woman,
she is the host for this weekly Meme

Monday, February 27, 2012

Meet Me on Monday

1. What was the first live concert you ever attended?
I really can't remember...my family attended Gospel music concerts on a regular basis......the last one I attended was a Lee Greenwood concert with my daughter.
2. What colors look best on you?
Jewel tones....I am a Winter......royal blue, red and fuschia all are equal but I prefer red
3. What is one thing about you that most people wouldn't know?
I have no sense of smell....even those closest to me sometimes forget.
4. Who would you call to be bailed out of jail?
Well, I hope I never have to find out but of course, I'd call my Honey Bear first.
5. What do you think is the greatest invention of your lifetime and why?
Central air conditioning.....at least it is the one I appreciate most in my daily life....I grew up without even heat in every room. When I was a child we had a coal burning stove in the living room and the kitchen was often warm because of cooking 3 meals a day on the electric range but the rest of the house was unheated....In the humid, southern summer, we had small fans to cool the house but they only moved warm air around...naturally we spent a lot of time outdoors in the shade.


Thanks to Heather for hosting each week and giving us good questions to ponder....


note: Honey Bear and Mama Bear are both suffering from colds, coughs and sore throat...so I've not been doing much computer time....you understand, I know.....instead, I'm reading a book that has over 800 pages so it is taking a bit of time.....unlike some people, taking medication for a cold doesn't make me sleepy, instead it keeps me awake...and my Asthma doesn't allow deep breathing with all the congestion, therefore I am very tired.
I hope all is well with you....

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wednesday Hodge Podge

Proud to Answer the Wednesday Hodge
Podge Vol. #67




1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?
Webster Dictionary describes Proud as:: feeling or showing pride: as
a : having or displaying excessive self-esteemb : much pleased : exultantc : having proper self-respect
2
a : marked by stateliness : magnificentb : giving reason for pride : glorious <the proudest moment in her life>
3
: vigorousspirited <a proud steed>
4
chiefly British : raised above a surrounding area
Like Joyce, I'm proud of my children (not because they're mine but because of the people they have become....that would be 2b....I'm not a person with great self-esteem.....but I do have self respect.

Free Online Dictionary describes humble as: Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful. 2. Showing deferential or submissive respect.....In that case, I'd say that it is my Christianity that makes me humble...

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?
with reference to Honey Bear, it is the table beside his favorite chair and his desk....mine would be the tables in my craft room...

3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?
Yes, the last one I visited would be Lake Eufaula State Park in Alabama......I don't have a favorite.....I prefer one with trees, walking trails and other natural attractions to man made ones.

4. How would you define honor?
worthy of respect

5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?
I prefer Angel's Food because it is lighter....although chocolate is always nice especially if prepared with creamy frosting between layers.

6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?
We drove to Nashville on Monday and back home yesterday.....it is a 1.5-2 hour trip so not a long road trip. We drove straight through on our way there but coming back we took a side trip to Arrington Winery.....If it is a short trip, it is usually taken in one zoom but on longer trips we try to stop at least every 2 hours even if it is just to stretch our legs....and we prefer the scenic way to interstates...its fun to see the towns and local color along the way.....crackers, cheese, and fruit are our mainstays.

7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story here. Your thoughts?
I would think that the packed lunch was healthier than the school lunch....it contained 3 food groups whereas the chicken nuggets could roughly be said to have 2, plus it would have additives that the home packed one didn't. I think the inspector overstepped his bounds in taking the lunch away and insisting the child eat the school lunch.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I just saw the week's weather forecast: 74 for the high tomorrow...Spring is definitely coming early this year...

Hodge Podge is brought to you by Joyce.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Meet Me on Monday




1. What is your favorite kind of soup?
I prefer chowders or creamy soups to the broth type....I guess my favorite is Lobster Bisque.
2. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
War Horse
3. What is your least favorite TV program?
We go days without turning on the TV.... America's Funniest Videos4. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
The Golden Years......I don't know why but that was the first thing that popped into my head.
5. What 3 places that are on your bucket list to visit?
I don't have a bucket list......I've always wanted to travel up the east coast.....and if I were to take a cruise, it would be an Alaskan one....Right now, if I could travel anywhere, it would be to Texas to see my son and his family.

There you have it, folks. Please stop by and support Heather as she hosts MMOM.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sunday Morning Coming Down


"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us
rejoice and be glad in it". Psalm 118:24

Once again, it is raining...

Honey Bear was home the past two days and
was able to get the first of the garden planted.
It is really amazing to see how the
signs of Spring are showing all around
us and it is only February.

We are going on a road trip tomorrow to
Nashville. We will be spending the
night at the Opryland Hotel to 
celebrate our anniversary which was
February 10th.
I'm sure you're aware that this hotel
is like a Botanical garden under glass,
with waterfalls and many varieties
of plants and flowers. It
is a wonderful place to spend a winter day.

What signs of Spring have you seen?
Have a blessed day!
Mama Bear



Friday, February 17, 2012

Funny Friday

Welcome to Funny Friday

Wil here.
On Valentine's Day
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I had a Teddy Bear's
Valentine Tea Party
and invited all my best friends.

The table was set with white lace and
a red cloth...
There were red velvet cupcakes with
cream cheese frosting decorated
with candy hearts that said I love you...
Heart shaped sugar cookies with pink sprinkles...
And of course hot tea with
cream and sugar...
My house buddies:
James, 

 Lil Bear, 

and Rosie

came, too...
But the special guests were:
Prudence


Wilbur

Misty and Tiffany

And Sebastian

We all had the beary best of times...
Thank you all for coming to my Valentine Tea Party...
Wil

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wednesday Hodge Podge

A Presidential Wednesday Hodge Podge
Volume #66



1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?
Having toured the homes of two of these Presidents, I think I would have to say, Jefferson would be an interesting person to meet. Although, I believe he died deeply in debt, he was an inventor and a botanist. I think he would have had much to teach us today.

2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?
When I lived in Memphis, it was J. Alexander's.....there isn't one in Huntsville.....I don't think I have a favorite now......Outback is not far away and easy to get to and we eat there occasionally.....

3. I spied this question on the Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to steal borrow it-

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?
It was good.

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?
I like oranges best.....Honey Bear drinks grapefruit juice every morning....I think if I had to choose between the juice or the fruit of grapefruit, I'd pick the fruit which I would peel and eat like an orange.

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?
Sometime in the last year, at least.....I'm sure there are several that need cleaning/clearing.

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?
I once had dinner in a hotel restaurant in Houston while Dixie Carter and Hal Holbrook sat at a nearby table. 
I think I would enjoy sharing a table with some of my favorite authors.....maybe Elizabeth George, Nora Roberts, and David Baldacci

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?
2......I avoid it whenever possible.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Do you have a housekeeping schedule? Prior to Honey Bear's retirement in October, I had a cleaning service come in every other week to clean....In between, I vacuumed and did whatever else was needed but didn't have a certain task to do on a certain day......Now, I find that I cannot seem to get into a routine with the cleaning.....I would like to clean the entire house in one day and then not have to do it again for a week or so but I'm just not able to do that anymore as I did when I was younger....I've looked online for ideas but so far, haven't found a schedule that works for me.....I would be interested in hearing from my readers on this.

Thanks go to Joyce for hosting and
coming up with the theme and 
questions each week.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Simple Woman's Daybook

From Mama Bear's Journal....
FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day....
Outside my window... 41 °F,  (5 °C) cloudy and wet.....

I am thinking...I need to go get my granddaughter who is home sick....she has tonsillitis

I am thankful...for all the Valentine's Days I have spent with my Honey Bear

In the kitchen...Its his off day and we just enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, bacon and biscuits, toast for me, orange juice and coffee............there are cupcakes to frost for the tea party

I am wearing...still in my pjs but changing soon

I am creating...goodies for the Wil's tea party............and I must do the prep for the next blocks of My Favorite Things quilt.....

I am going...to bring my granddaughter over here..........to deliver cupcakes to my grandson later today...

I am wondering...why I haven't been in a creative mood

I am reading...Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

I am hoping...the Princess feels like going to school tomorrow

I am looking forward to...Celebration Day on Saturday (when clubs are awarded for their hard work last year)..........our visit to the Opryland Hotel next week.

Around the house...there's always plenty to do

I am pondering...how much this holiday has been commercialized....did you happen to see google's little cartoon on their page.....it emphasises that love isn't materialistic....its in the simple things.... 

A favorite quote for today...   “Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”  Robert A. Heinlein 

One of my favorite things...dark chocolate

A few plans for the rest of the week: hair appointment tomorrow, lunch with friend, Celebration Day Saturday



Pay a visit to Peggy if you'd like to participate
or if you'd like to read other daybooks.



Monday, February 13, 2012

Meet Me On Monday


1. Are you planning anything for Valentine's Day?
Our anniversary is the 10 and I planned a special dinner for that night. We're going to Opryland Hotel for a night later this month. I am baking red velvet cupcakes and gifting my honey with candy. That is about all the plans I have. I am giving valentines to a few special people in my life. And of course, there's Wil's Valentine Tea Party tomorrow.
2. What song automatically popped into your head when you saw this question?
Martina McBride sings a song. I think it is called My Valentine. She had an entire CD of love songs a few years back that was sold exclusively by Hallmark. I love every song on it and it is especially meaningful this month.
3. What did you have for breakfast today?
A toaster pastry. I like the non-frosted brown sugar/cinnamon ones.
4. Where do you keep your keys?
In my purse
5. Who was your favorite teacher from when you were in school?
Mr Johnson

Heather at Acting Balanced is hosting some questions for Monday while Java is taking a break. Please go over and give her your support.
Thanks, Heather
I've missed it, too.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Funny Friday

Hello all,
Wil here.
I hope you are having a beary good 
Friday morning wherever you are...

Today is Mama's and Papa's
45th wedding anniversary...
they've been together a 
beary long time
and still love each other beary much...

Speaking of Love, February is
Heart month and Valentine's Day is
Tuesday of next week...
Mama and I want to invite all of
you Bears and Hares to
a Valentine Tea Party.
*see note below

Mama bought these Whitman hearts
filled with chocolates
for some of her "special"
loved ones...

I've got mail....
My bff Prudence sent me this
valentine card....
Thanks, Prudence, we love you....

That's all for today....
Mama says she and I are going 
shopping to prepare for a 
special celebratory dinner
and
maybe pick up some other goodies....
See you soon...
Wil






*Take
a picture of yourself in
all your tea party
finery,
with your tea cup
if you have one (because we don't have
enough for everyone) and send it 
to us by email sometime in the
next 3 days....
see you at the Party,
Mama Bear

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wednesday HodgePodge

Love is in the Hodge Podge
Volume 65
1. What is something you are loving right now?'

Sleeping later in the mornings...

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?
I've been to New York and have no burning desire to visit the other 3.

3. Are you a romantic?
Yes, most definitely....I enjoy planning a special evening with my man.....but I enjoy the simple things as well.....having happy hour outside with a fire in our firepit while sitting in a two person glider, covered in the same throw is romantic to me.

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?
Gee, the answers to this question should be interesting.......I definitely like Titanic, I think I saw it 3 times......

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.


6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?
Death by Chocolate

7. Share a favorite quote about love.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We had these verses read when we renewed our vows on our 35 anniversary.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
When you look back on your life, do you think you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? or Will you look at what you accomplished and say: It was Good.

Hop over to Joyce's side of the pond 
to participate in this weekly
meme.


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A Simple Woman's Daybook

From Mama Bear's Journal...FOR TODAY...Tuesday, February 7, 2012...

Outside my window...the sun is shinning, its  38 °F,  (3 °C) and expected to reach 58, there was a light frost on the roof tops this morning...we've been having a false Spring so the Daffodils and Hyacinths are blooming...I can see that the suet feeder is empty once again...

I am thinking...how good it felt to receive comments from you after my short post yesterday....sorry I've not been by for a visit..

I am thankful...that I have things to look forward to.....
                           to have friends like all of you, you mean much to me...
                      for sunshine, clear skies, the green of nature outside my window.....for Honey Bear.....for February (the heart month) and love........and for Prudence who sent a little valentine to Wil...


In the kitchen...freshly brewed coffee with a Blueberry Bagel

I am wearing...a Snoopy T and blue pajamas

I am creating...nothing at the moment, if you can believe it....I should be doing something though. I am missing my stitching  but I've just not been in the mood.....

I am going...to get started on some new project or some UFO soon...

I am wondering...when this grey cloud is going to lift...

I am reading...One Moment, One Morning by Susan Rayner

I am hoping...to do a little shopping this week...

I am looking forward to...our anniversary get-away...my club's retreat....

I am learning...about disaster preparedness........cleaning house on a schedule........budgeting household income to live on less.....

Around the house...there is laundry to do....and dusting.....and Smokey's litter box to clean

I am pondering...while typing up the agenda for our club meeting on Thursday

A favorite quote for today... "A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes away the years."_Rupert Brooke

One of my favorite things...spending time with my daughter (we've not been able to do this much since Christmas)

A few plans for the rest of the week: a little shopping on Thursday, maybe......Club meeting Thursday night....a special anniversary dinner on Friday night (45 years, Wow) for just the two of us

A peek into my day...
 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is Love...
1 Corinthians 13:13
Have a blessed week....

Prompts for this daybook are 
provided by Peggy