Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Laboring Through The Hodge Podge


1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? 
Blogging and Journaling, I've found it more difficult to keep up with it, although I still want to.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
satisfying

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
Christmas Program Chair.........it was the most stressful thing I ever did

4. How do you measure contentment?
Being at peace whatever the circumstance.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?
I like the gherkins especially with chicken or barbecue and I will eat whole baby dills for the saltiness but I'm not one who eats them often and I don't care for them on Hamburgers......I always used the relish in chicken, tuna, and potato salad.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?
I like to have health/dental care nearby as well as shopping/restaurants, etc. Nature areas are important, too. 

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?
Summer isn't my favorite season and except for the fresh veggies, I'm ready to be finished with heat and mosquitoes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
We've had a mild summer here but Fall is almost here and it is my favorite season.......College Football starts Saturday, Yea!
Thank you, Joyce for continuing with the Hodge.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

A Simple Woman's Daybook


FOR TODAY....Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 8:35 am

Outside my window...It is 71 degrees F, 20 C, and sunny.....Squirrels are scampering, there's a Red Bellied Woodpecker and a Blue Jay on the feeder........the red honey suckle, the Mandevilla and the Butterfly Bush are all blooming........the Hummingbird feeder is about empty (the little guys have really been feeding a lot lately).......grass is green........Its a beautiful morning!

I am thinking...Life is good today.....

I am thankful...the AC is working: had the repair guy here yesterday to add more refrigerant, seems we have a leak, he'll be back bright and early tomorrow morning to check out the inside unit, it may have to be replaced......I'm thankful we have money for repairs like this...........and for fresh produce from the garden.......

From the kitchen...Stuffed Peppers, Okra, Peas, Tomatoes, and Cornbread for dinner

I am wearing...Pink and white pajamas......I've brushed my teeth and creamed my face in prep for dressing for the day but wanted to get a post done before I finish

I am creating...nothing much recently

I am going...to a workshop later today

One year ago today...or August 21, the weather was about the same....we were going to have roast beef with veggies for dinner....I was working on a cross stitch project and reading 11/23/63.....we were getting Okra and Strawberries from the garden...had just planted lettuce and Spinach......I was looking forward to Fall, Football and vacation.....my son wasn't deployed

I am wondering...if I could have my coffee on the porch without the mosquitoes biting me......I hate having to put on repellent every time I go outside

These days I'm reading...Summer House by Nancy Thayer

I am praying...for those on my prayer list....my children and grandchildren.....Honey Bear and my friends

I remember when...we had a Fox Hunter's Convention in Penitentary Hollow on Labor Day with music, games, food and fun

I am looking forward to...the start of college football this Saturday

A verse for today..Luke 10: But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Are you a Martha or a Mary?

Discovering that....Time is getting away from me and I need to finish dressing before I continue

I am hearing...the ceiling fan

Around the house...all is quiet...bed is made...floor vacuumed...Smokey is asleep in his bed

A favorite quote for today.....How do you spell love? asked Piglet. You don't spell it, said Pooh, you feel it!...

One of my favorite things...Happiness and Peace

A few plans for the rest of the week: workshop this morning.....then nothing planned outside the home this week

From the garden......Okra, Peas, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes.....and eggs (Pauline began to lay eggs last week)

From my photo file....


Monday, August 26, 2013

Monday Quiz About Me


1. Yesterday (August 25th) was Kiss and Make Up Day... when was the last time you had to kiss and make up?
Honey Bear and I haven't had a major blow out in a very long time....we argued recently and since any dissension unsettles me, I asked if we were alright and he said certainly.....
2. Are you doing anything special for Labour Day weekend?
Thinking about grilling and maybe having our Daughter and her children over but nothing is really planned yet.........Honey Bear will work on the Monday so it will be just another day.
3. If you could go back to school, what would you major in?
I went to Nursing school and got my LPN license........If I was younger and more motivated, I might go back and get my RN.......One thing I really would like to do is take art lessons but I don't know if I'll do that or not.
4. How much rain did you have this summer?

We have had around 50 inches since the beginning of 2013......While the average is around 58 for the entire year, we could end up with rainfall in the 70's for this year. We haven't measured it here, at our house on a regular basis but in early July, it rained 7 inches in one day. A good bit of this 50+  has fallen during the summer months. We certainly haven't had a dry summer as is usually the case....they are predicting a bad year for cotton but our garden, for the most part, has loved the rain.

Visit Heather and Wayne for more answers and to play along.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Thankful Thursday



Today I'm thankful for......
......temperatures in the 70s with low humidity
...cloudy skies
.......gasoline for my car
........milk for my coffee
.......fresh Okra, cut up and ready to fry
...good books to read
......blooms on the Butterfly Bush and the Mandevilla
.....Hummingbirds and Butterflies
.....baby birds
.....mine and Honey Bear's health
.....time to spend with some of my grandchildren
......safety for my son
......the love and companionship of Honey Bear
......a sweet daughter
.....friends
What are you thankful for today........

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Zig Zagging Through the Hodge Podge


1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
I recently did some decoupage for the first time

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
All I Have to Do is Dream and Bird Dog by the Everly Brothers......I remember hearing them on the radio in the kitchen when I was 8 years old or so.

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should everygroup/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate? 
I think that some groups should still be gender exclusive

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
Cinnamon        I like Cinnamon rolls and Cinnamon toast


5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  

Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 
The pattern doesn't really appeal to me

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
I guess I'd have to say Football as a spectator......I can remember my Daddy and other men watching the games on Thanksgiving but I didn't really start being interested until high school and set out to learn all the lingo and order of the game after I married so I could watch and enjoy with Honey Bear.....we mostly just watch SEC games or college games and I know rules are different at the Professional level......my brother played in high school and his being 8 years younger than me and my getting married so young, we traveled to many of his games even though we lived almost 100 miles away at the time.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
I don't really get irritated quickly about anything
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
School starts Monday and so I've been trying to spend some time with the two "grands" here this week. Yesterday, the Princess and I went to the movies and tomorrow Wonder Boy and I are going out for lunch......I had a hair appointment today and lunch with my friend, Rene.........so I've not had a lot of time to blog........
The humidity is low and this afternoon it was only 81 degrees so it felt like Spring outside......the low tonight is supposed to be 59....this is very unusual as August is our hottest month as a rule.....I'm happy about it because it means a lower utility bill and also it is pleasant to sit outside........
We finally got around to having fried green tomatoes for dinner tonight....they were yummy.

Thanks, Joyce for hosting Hodge Podge each week. It is always a surprise to see what questions you come up with.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Meet Me on Monday






1. What is your favorite 'G Rated' activity that you like to share with your SO or BFF?
We have lunch after our appointments at the hair salon and sit and talk until the restaurant closes at 2:00 (BFF)

2. Do you buy summer clothes at the end of season clearance sales?
Sometimes if the price is right and I need to replenish what I already have......I wear tops with 3/4 sleeves all year so anytime I find them on sale, I try to buy them. I bought one for $8 at Khol's last week.

3. August 13th is national left-handers day.  How many left handed people do you know?
My Honey Bear, one of my grandchildren, my nephew, my sister-in-law....and some that aren't with us any longer.....no one in my family but several on my husband's side.

4. When you go swimming do you: a) jump into the pool; b) gently move into the pool; or c) dive in?

Since I can't swim, this question is moot....but when I get into a pool in the shallow end, I gently move in and then hold my breath to duck myself in order to adjust quickly to the temperature. I can float on a 'noodle' and I will go in up to my chest.

Thank, Heather for your questions each week and for hosting.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Green Day & Saturday Scribbles



Anybody know what this plant is....it has come up voluntarily
and is very invasive.....I think it is pretty, though.

Sorry I didn't post the last couple of days and haven't been
by to visit most of you....I'm going to try and
catch up with you this weekend....
We've had a heat wave the last
few days as far as heat index goes
We had Happy Hour on the deck with two fans going and
of course the citronella torches to keep
the mosquitoes at bay.
I discovered a new baby fish in the pond
and the Hummingbirds are very active....fun to 
watch them battling over the feeder and
the dominant one perched on a limb of the Maple
Tree guarding the food.....
Hope you have a great weekend...I'm
feeling better and plan to attend worship tomorrow.
Blessings,
Mama Bear

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY...Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Outside my window...It was raining yesterday morning and I wasn't much in the mood to blog.........the sun is shining right now and I see red blooms on the Mandevilla, purple blooms on the Butterfly Bush and Fuchsia blooms on my neighbor's Crepe Myrtle........Mama and Papa Blue Jay are feeding at least three offspring...there's a Cardinal and a Purple Finch on the feeder and a Squirrel and a Dove on the ground underneath......It's 76 degrees

I am thinking...how nice it has been to spend the last few days at home.....last week, I had outside commitments every day except one

I am thankful...for Honey Bear and his job......our health........enough money to ease our retirement.......for family and friends...........answered prayers

From the kitchen...there are still leftovers in the fridge and a peach cobbler......Wednesday night is our night to dine out...............dishwasher needs unloading and reloading

I am wearing...Mickey Mouse pajamas

I am creating...............finished this bag
 pockets
 lining
I've been decoupaging a recipe board and working on a Christmas ornament.....I made a Father's Day card

I am going...to stay home today until time for dinner

One year ago today...leaves on our Maple Tree were beginning to change color, I think because it had been such a dry summer..........we were getting Butter Beans, Squash, and Okra from the garden........I was working on the Front Porch Swing cross stitch and binding my Sampler quilt...........I was reading Broken Chords and These is My Words................wondering why car insurance had gone up (this year it is Homeowners)...............my son was home with his family (not deployed)......I was looking forward to a day with Daughter and Granddaughter.......

I am wondering...if my Daughter and her children will be home from Florida today and if they had a good time...........if I can spend at least one day with the Princess and Wonder Boy before school begins on the 19th..................if I should do a few household chores first or just go straight to the studio..........why auto and homeowners insurance as well as tags & taxes are all due this month

These days I'm reading...The Lost Wife

I am praying...for Logan.......Rene's Mother.......Gail's husband whose sister passed away............for travel mercies for Ashley and her family, also for my Daughter driving home..........for my children............for Honey Bear............

I remember when...my sister and I used to go together to register the children for school.....then shop for their supplies...........then go to the courthouse and renew our tags all in the same day.............

I am looking forward to...Fall and Football

From the garden...Tomatoes, Okra, Squash, Cucumbers....and Blackberries

A verse for today...Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Discovering that....I go to bed earlier and get up earlier in the morning than I once did

I am hearing...the garbage truck in the distance............and a lawn mower

Around the house...bed to make.............laundry to do............dishes to load and unload.........and the studio calls me to come create

Song that stays on my Mind...


A favorite quote for today...“Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.” 
― Elvis Presley

One of my favorite things...listening to music on playlist.com

A few plans for the rest of the week: tomorrow: buy car tags, shop for a few groceries: milk, bread, tomorrow night: Club meeting

From my photo file....

progress on the garden shed so far....


Frog photo from last August

Join the August Daybook Community at The Simple Woman

Wednesday Hodge Podge



1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant? 
Plan a week's menu..........I used to do this but then got lazy, I usually have one or two menu choices that I can do without planning but the rest is not planned........we do eat leftovers often.

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini?  What's your peach pleasure?
A Bellini would be great but on the more practical side, I'll say Peach Cobbler

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.
I'll have to disagree as I'm not one to do crazy or scary things.....I'm happy in my comfort zone

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.
Unloading the dishwasher (if I have to pick one)........I enjoy ironing if I'm in the mood.

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?
No
Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard
Nothing comes to mind but I have some very unusual photos from sunset in the mountains of Tennessee/North Carolina last October





6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?
The mail ap on my phone

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far. 
Time keeps on slipping, slipping into the future.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I don't know how Joyce continues to come up with such unusual questions week after week.......Thanks Joyce, I look forward to this.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Monday Quiz About You


1. Do you prefer brain games or games of chance?
brain games

2. How often do you misplace your keys?
Hardly ever. I always put them back in my purse

3. It's National Clown Week!  If you were a professional clown what would your name be?
Sam

4. What is the strangest conversation you had last week?
Didn't have any strange ones......

My question is: What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Thanks Heather for continuing to come up with questions for us to answer.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Sunday Morning Coming Down


Since Friday night, I've been experiencing sharp pains in my left, lower abdomen......It eases somewhat when I'm sitting down but comes back when I stand or walk....I think it is caused by some sort of Virus....at least I hope that is what it is.

Our niece and her family have been on vacation....while in Yellowstone, her little boy fell down on a mountain and had to be flown to Billings, Montana where he has undergone reconstructive surgery on his mouth and jaws. Although it has been upsetting for the family and painful for him, it could have been much worse.

We're enjoying a lazy day at home......I did, however, freeze a gallon and quart of Bell Pepper....
I hope all is well with you....

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Friday, August 2, 2013

Funny Friday


Good Morning Everybear....
Li'l Bear reporting as Wil is still at Camp Good Bear...
It has been a busy week here with Mama Bear and all the rest...
She finished her bag she has been working on and began a couple of new projects..
One involved painting, boy was that fun...
There have also been many lunches out with friends and work on the computer....
Papa Bear has planted something new in the garden and mowed the lawn....
Another weekend is coming up and we have no big plans...
Hope you have a great one
Li'l Bear

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for ....
          A loyal pet
          Hummingbirds
          Sunny Skies
          BLT's
          My Daughter, My Friend
          Friends
          Good Movies
          The gift of Sight
          A Peaceful Home
          The love of a Good Man
           Freedom to worship
What are you thankful for today?