Wednesday, May 2, 2018

MAY...we hodgepodge for a bit?


When April steps aside for May, like diamonds all the raindrops glisten;
fresh violets open every day; to some new bird each hour we listen."
~Lucy Larcom

Happy May, y'all!

One more month and we will be halfway into 2018 already.
How can this be possible?
The weather here is just utter perfection...and look here, I got my veggies planted!
I read where planting marigolds among them helps keep the bugs out.
We shall see!

 
I'll keep you posted if they live... or if they die. 😉
 
"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May." 
~Edwin Way Teale
 
So Saturday morning while I was getting my hands dirty,
Jim was out thrifting...one of his (mine too) favorite things to do,
and he came home with some great vintage finds...


...a great old rocker for $20, this adorable enamelware tea kettle for $4
and a mismatched set of old...and I do mean OLD salt and pepper shakers for 10 cents each.
The shakers are the same pattern, but are from two different sets.
They were absolutely filthy with what must have been years worth of yuck
and the lids were so corroded that I had to soak them off in hot water.




Look what beauties they turned out to be.
After a bit of research, I found that they were made in 1897 by Heisey.
I had no idea what Heisey glass was until I googled it.
~
"The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, 
the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; 
there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer."
~Lady Gregory



Purple salvia, African daisies and snapdragons.


Okay...so now on to the Hodgepodge...

...where Joyce asks the questions on her blog and we answer them on ours.
~
1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Is there a flower you associate with a particular memory? Explain.

Well, I have several, actually. but after reading this question, my mind immediately went to snapdragons. I have always loved them because they remind me of my sweet mom and I even wrote a post about them a while back. Every time I see snapdragons, I think about the time when I was a little bitty girl and she showed me how to make them "talk". I think you know what I mean. And naturally, you can find some growing in my planter boxes year after year.



2. Last time you helped someone? Tell us how.

Pretty much on a daily basis, I am in the position of helping someone...whether it might be assisting a patient with appointments, getting in and out of the door, directing lost folks to the proper building, and many times it's just greeting them with a smile and helping to make their visits to physical therapy a positive and sometime actually fun experience. Of course there are many other times that I, along with Jim, help people in other ways but this is what came to me today.

3. It's National Salsa Month (the food, not the dance) so tell us, do you like salsa? Hot, medium, or mild? Homemade, store bought, or from your favorite restaurant only?

I like my salsa a little on the spicy side......I think I hear a song coming on...I'd say medium+ and not too heavy on the cilantro. I have tasted some awesome homemade salsa and then I've had some that practically gag me. I personally have never made any of my own. Our favorite local Mexican restaurant has very good salsa...and we sometimes even judge the restaurant by their salsa. Jim is pretty much a straight forward salsa kinda guy but I like some of the fruity varieties as well. This is one brand I have tried and it's excellent.
4. When I was twelve years old...

...I looked like Miss Piggy. Lord have mercy.



5. It's the first of May so let's run with it-first things first, don't know the first thing about it, first dibs on something, first impression, first rate, first cousin, first string, first come first served, at first light-which phrase can best be applied to something in your life currently or even recently?

It would have to be first light. It would apply to my life every day just about as long as I can remember...let alone recently or currently! I am up before first light and ready to start my day. I keep waiting for the day when my body allows me to sleep in somewhat. But you know what? I'm really okay with it because I love getting an early start to my day even if I don't have any real plans so it's all good.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
I saw this on Facebook the other day and realized I was just like Snoopy.  😏


Until next time, Hodgepodgers...

31 comments:

  1. Hi, I enjoyed seeing the pictures of flowers you showed and I hope your plants grow.
    About the only thing I can keep alive, so far, is an aloe plant and a spider plant.

    The salt & pepper shakers sure cleaned up well.
    At first look I didn't think all that grime would come off.
    I remember using glass salt and pepper shakers when I was young.
    Nowadays I think most people use plastic. I do prefer the glass.
    That's a cute tea kettle, also.

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  2. I really enjoy getting an early start to my day as well. There's something about the quiet of early morning that just sets the right tone for the day. Medium salsa is to me what extra hot is to everyone else. I take mine super mild. :) Have a lovely day!

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  3. Loved everything about this post and your photos are superb, as usual!! Nothing wrecks a good salsa like too much cilantro.

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  4. Spring has sprung in your corner! How exciting that you have your vegetables planted! I'll bet you can't wait for those fresh summer goodies. That is good eatin'!

    I'm afraid I can relate to Snoopy too. We had such a string of busyness with something "extra" on the calendar for days on end, that when I finally had a regular day, I could hardly do a thing. I stayed in my nightgown until nearly lunchtime. (Don't tell.)

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  5. I adore those shakers, the enamel pot and chair. What fun finds! Your snapdragons are so pretty and I love that they remind you of your Mom. I have always been an early riser and yes, sometimes I go to bed before the sun sets! lol

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  6. Your veggies look so pretty all planted in pots, surrounded with marigolds. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! Jim sure found some treasures while thrifting, Debby. Wouldn't the kettle be pretty with some plants, if you're not using it inside? I can relate to Snoopy, too. I used to get right to projects, but nowadays it takes more to get motivated! Hope you have a wonderful week!

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  7. Hmmm...me, too, which is how I happen to be reading your post (and procrastinating).

    Didn’t know about the snapdragon kaffeeklatsch. ☺️

    Miss Piggy?! Oh dear! The things we tell ourselves, Debby. Stop it.

    Enjoy these beautiful May days...

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  8. You made me laugh so hard when I read 'I looked like Miss Piggy. Lord have mercy.' I hadn't even scrolled down to see your photo (and you don't look like Miss Piggy). Anyway, when I was a youngin' I had buck teeth. Now ya can shout 'Lord have mercy!'

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  9. Good morning dear Debby! I enjoyed reading your hodgepodge and seeing some lovely Spring signs around you. Never knew that snapdragons talk. :) That's great that you have an opportunity to help others daily. Hope the rest of your week is super!

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  10. Lovely reading and also viewing of flower photos!! Miss Piggy -- NO resemblance.

    The pineapple salsa looks wonderful. I wouldn't have dreamed those salt & pepper shakers could clean up so beautifully!

    And yes, when we plant a vegetable garden (which isn't too frequently these days) we always plant marigolds at the ends of the rows. I think it helps -- at least somewhat!

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  11. Look at your flowers! I am so jealous. I've not time to do anything except a few herbs. But hoping to get a little time to at least plant me some tomatoes in buckets and maybe a few veggies. And I love Jim's thrift finds! A man after my own heart! Marty dislikes thrift stores but I can't complain. He has so much patience with me and will sit in the truck until I am through. Good questions today Debby.
    1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Is there a flower you associate with a particular memory? Explain.
    Well my granny had a green thumb and I am telling you the woman made dirt look good. She grew everything. But I cannot see a lily or an azalea without thinking of her. She loved them. I actually have some of her heirloom lilies in my yard. Makes me smile big when they bloom.

    2. Last time you helped someone? Tell us how.
    Oh mercy. With being a Church Administrative secretary I would like to think I help people daily in some way or another. And not just in the administrative part of my job/ministry. I minister so many hurting souls in so many ways. But just yesterday I went and picked up 4 large pizzas and drinks for a family that had lost a loved one. My prayer was that the food would bless but more than anything that Jesus would be seen in me.

    3. It's National Salsa Month (the food, not the dance) so tell us, do you like salsa? Hot, medium, or mild? Homemade, store bought, or from your favorite restaurant only?
    I like salsa with chips and I most often buy store bought and medium as I too like a kick of spice. Marty not a fan of salsa but will eat it if we have the kids over and they want it. I did make salsa once. Liked the store bought better.

    4. When I was twelve years old...
    Lord, I can't remember last week much less when I was 12. LOL!

    5. It's the first of May so let's run with it-first things first, don't know the first thing about it, first dibs on something, first impression, first rate, first cousin, first string, first come first served, at first light-which phrase can best be applied to something in your life currently or even recently?
    I would have to go with first impression. Just this past Saturday I made a first impression about someone and it was based on her NO smile, No laugh, NO nothing. I can't leave well enough alone and I was determined I would get in her business! LOL!Long story short....my first impression was based on outward demeanor. After getting in her business, my 2nd impression was to invite her to be a part of our ladies class at church and make her feel welcome, needed, and wanted. YEP that's my God story on this one. Lesson learned? Not all first impressions are correct.

    6. Insert your own random thought here.
    Love snoopy!

    Hugs and blessings to you dear friend.
    Cindy

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  12. The Snapdragons are so unusual, aren't they? May is my favorite month, as it's Mother's Day and my birthday month. : ) You found some nice vintage items, Debby. Yes, I like salsa, but only mild. I think you're right...if the restaurant has good salsa, that says something. Oh, that Snoopy is so cute.

    Happy May days, Debby!

    ~Sheri

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  13. You did not look like Miss Piggy! I will tell you that you are a lot cuter now. Enjoy our week, Debby.

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  14. Your plants are looking good and all set to grow. Your little story about Snapdragons reminds me of my granddaughter. She insists we plant these every years she can make them talk.

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  15. I enjoyed your beautiful flower pictures!

    I did not know that about the marigolds in the garden...hope it works!

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  16. Great Hodgepodge! Your husband did find some nice items. I like both the kettle and the salt and pepper shakers. I think it's charming somehow that they are mismatched. I wish I could get up earlier! I used to, especially in the summer when it's lighter earlier but lately I just can't get up when I want to. I think it has to do with Fibromyalgia for me. I'm gonna keep tryin' though.

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  17. You did not look like miss Piggy! hahaha but you are funny.
    Love the salt and pepper shakers, you did an awesome job restoring them.
    I'm an early riser as well.

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  18. I have heard that about marigolds and do it and so far it has worked for me.
    Good luck with your plants.

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  19. Oh, my word! You were/are adorable!!! You did NOT look like Miss Piggy! I love the finds your husband uncovered in his thrifting!! Your photos are so beautiful, as always. It just always brightens my day to come here and visit with you...I save your posts until I have time to delve in with no distractions. They are just so worth it. Sending love and hugs to you today, sweet friend, and much gratitude for your precious encouragement.

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  20. I love the salt and pepper shakers ... and the Snoopy cartoon. I will stop procrastinating tomorrow.

    God bless.

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  21. Wow, what a great haul from the thrift store, I just loved it all.

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  22. I think you must have let MY mother trim your bangs! heheheee!! And those salt and pepper shakers are the best find ever! Hugs!

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  23. Great post, Debby! I'm an early riser, too, but it has become an hour+ later over the last year or so. For the longest time, I was waking up at 4:30-5:00 every morning; but now it is 6-6:30. Those early morning hours are the best! Your hubby found some sweet deals!

    So glad you are finally getting some Spring weather! We've had a beautiful Spring, but AZ has decided it's time for Summer....we were in the 70's several days this week, but we are expecting 106 this weekend. Yep, quite a jump!

    Have a lovely weekend, Debby!
    Carol

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  24. I think I looked similar in 5th grade! Your new plantings look great and I hope you get a nice harvest! I'm always awake at 5, from years of being a nurse ... but I'm trying to go back to sleep for another hour. But if I'm not up by 6, the day doesn't seem complete. I love a good start to a day, best found by early rising IMHO. Hope you're having a nice weekend. Yes the weather has been great.

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  25. Love that teapot and the chair....oh so lovely. I can see a little bit of cross stitch on that chair. =) Your Jim has a good eye, doesn't he. Be kind to that twelve year old girl...she grew up to be a lovely lady.

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  26. Wow Debby, what beautiful pictures you have on here! I love looking at them. I love that first one of the raindrops, so pretty and such pretty color. I also saw so many pretty flower pictures and dogwood trees, I think?-- in a previous post. I am hoping your vegetables do well for you!--so far we've only got "maters" in, those did great last year. We seem to have no luck with peppers or much of anything else, so not sure what else we may try this year. I do grow lots of marigolds though! I also read to plant cilantro or parsley or some herb by tomatoes to keep the bugs away, not sure how true that is....maybe it was chives?? Anyway--love the gardening post and seeing the pictures of all the little baby plants! I also love that old tea kettle, both my Ma-Maws had ones almost identical to that one, sure wonder what happened to those. They always had one on the coal stove, hot and ready for tea or cooking or washing dishes or whatever. Great find by your hubby!! Have a great weekend!

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  27. Your flowers are so much farther a long than mine are and are so pretty. Your hubs did so well thrifting and love that tea kettle. Wow those salt and pepper shakers are old! What a find! No you didn't look like Ms. Piggy at 12!

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  28. Goodness when you wrote - One more month and we will be halfway into 2018 already.
    How can this be possible? - I must admit I thought the same. The days, weeks and months fly by, it is so important to enjoy and make the most of every single day.

    Lovely to read your post and I always enjoy seeing your photographs too.

    All the best Jan

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  29. I ran across your from Pinterest. Your simple love for the little things in life sure brought a smile to my face! Keeping being the wonderful women that God made you! God bless you!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a sweet comment.

      Delete
  30. I need that Snoopy....that so describes me. Though right now, it is so much to do, no way to do it.

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.

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