A Hodgepodge of a Hodgepodge

Hello, to all my peeps out there!

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Well, we had more snow over the weekend leaving slushy roads and just overall yuckiness.

But there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will have 70+ temperatures!

And if you can believe the forecast, Easter weekend is looking quite promising too.

Come on Spring, show your beautiful face!

This week, someone at our house celebrated a birthday.

I'll give you a hint...

...he's brown and furry all over and he walks on all fours.

NO, SILLY...NOT JIM!
Here's a photo of him the day we got him, at only 9 weeks old...

...yes, this would be our Oscar.

And below, here is today at 9 years old...and getting a little gray around the edges!

But he still acts like a puppy. 😉

~

And speaking of 9 year olds, I must brag a bit on our Olivia.

She competed in a climbing tournament on Saturday and did quite well.

There were only 12 competitors but they were all over 11 years of age and much bigger than her.

She came in 5th...nothing to sneeze at when you're climbing a rock wall!

That's her daddy (Adam) watching intently and Uncle Josh with the video camera.

See that inverted wall?

Well, I can't even imagine how they can do that...

...sheer determination, I guess...just look at that face!

~

 So now to the Hodgepodge...

 ...where Joyce asks the questions and we answer them on our blogs.

A couple of the questions this week really gave a me run for my money!

Thanks, Joyce, for keeping us on our toes!

1. What's a word that describes your life? I think this just might be one of the hardest questions I've ever had to answer on a Hodgepodge. After much thought and going back and forth, I have finally come up with one word...optimistic. The first words that came to mind mostly had negative connotations to them but after thinking about it, none of those words really described what I'm all about. A word you wish described your life? This one is nearly as hard because there are so many things that I am NOT and we would be here all day listing my wishes. I wish I could just snap my fingers and be more Christlike...that pretty much covers it all.

2. Back in my day we_____?

...lived a simpler lifestyle, no doubt about it. I can only answer based on what I experienced growing up and I'm sure we could all answer it a bit differently, yet with many similarities. Back in my day, we were taught to respect our parents and those in authority, love our family members and above all others, love God who created us. Yes, back in my day, we were actually taught that God was the Creator and that we didn't evolve from apes. There was just an overall sense of common decency that seems to be sadly lacking today. School shootings were virtually unheard of. These days, we never know what we might hear coming out of people's mouths...the hatred and venom spewed today surely must break the heart of God because it breaks mine. Back in my day, men were men and women were women...and there was no confusion. Back in my day, the best things in life were free...yet priceless. I could go on and on, but I won't...it makes me too sad.

3. When it comes to takeout are you more likely to opt for Italian, Mexican, or Chinese food? Does a typical week at your house include takeout?

Out of these three options, I'd say it would be Italian, pizza to be precise. Normally when we eat either of these, they are in a restaurant. Occasionally we will get Mexican takeout but it is never as good as eating it in the restaurant. We will possibly get takeout once a week, depending on Jim's work schedule...I rarely get it just for me unless I get a real hankering for something specific or I am in a rush. Every now and then a little sumpin'-sumpin' from Wendy's or sometimes Arby's hits the spot even though they weren't on the list. 😋

4. Think about the people you most respect. What is it about them that earned your respect?

That they are genuine...the "real deal", if you will. Sometimes that is hard to determine when we first meet someone, especially if they seem to be a different person in different situations. People who I respect most are those who demonstrate that they are steadfast, faithful and constant. It's also important they are not afraid to admit it when they may be wrong about something and are never reluctant to apologize when they need to. In fact, that may just be when I respect them the most.

5. What's something your friends might see and say is 'so you'?

This kitchen from 'My Farmhouse Love'.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

May you all have a most blessed Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday!

Did Someone Say...Spring??

Have y'all seen a meme like this floating around out there the past few weeks?

I don't know who makes these things up but really, when you think about it,
it actually does seem like winter is doing just that!
It's Tuesday as I write this and tonight we are in for yet another batch of wintery mix.
~
I went back and looked at some of my old posts from previous Marches
and most of the photos look a whole lot more springy than it currently does around here.
The photo below was taken from a post on March 29th of last year...

...and the ones below from March 18, 2016.

So in the mean time, I'll share a few fun shots of my new little toy.

Well, would you look at that!
There's spring!



Alive and well, living inside of my little crystal ball!

 

But as you can see, it still doesn't look much like spring in my neck of the woods.
Even upside down. 😉
~ 

So while we're waiting for spring to appear,

how about let's getting on to the matter at hand...the Hodgepodge...

...where Joyce asks the questions and we answer them on our blogs.

1. On this first official day of spring tell us something (besides the weather) you're looking forward to in this season of the year.

This is weather-related but everything about spring seems to revolve around the weather, doesn't it? I am SO looking forward to seeing some color! February played a mean trick on us by getting so warm that many of the flowering trees bloomed and then just like that, the cold came back and zapped them. Also we will be heading for the hills of TN in a few weeks and that is never a disappointment, any time of year but springtime is especially lovely. Even though the selling of our house has been postponed for a bit, I am really looking forward to getting many of these projects completed so we can move forward when we get the green light.

2. When it comes to spring cleaning would you rather wash windows or wash baseboards? Windows...way easier on the knees :) Clean out closets or clean out the garage? I'd rather do the closets...less spiders...BUT the garage needs it most and it is at the top of our to-do list! Dust ceiling fans or dust bookcases? Ceiling fans because they are more obvious and I want to really be able see the fruits of my labor. Wipe down the patio furniture outside or wipe down the light fixtures inside? Patio furniture...who wipes down their light fixtures anyway? I can wipe down those inside light fixtures any old time. Any of these tasks recently completed? I would say that my closets are the least of my worries since I have done pretty well keeping them cleaned out since we got the floors last year. We have two new ceiling fans to replace two old ones so that is two less to clean the dust off of. It makes my heart sing to know that I will be throwing out the old dust with the old ceiling fans!

3. Your favorite thing to make/eat that calls for cream cheese? Cheese cake, any kind. Sour cream? I rarely make mashed potatoes but when I do, it's these...

...by adding a dollop or two of Daisy to these, everyone will think you slaved over a hot stove boiling those spuds! Whipped cream? Pumpkin pie, hands down!

 

4. I read here a list of commonly mispronounced words. What is a word that gives you trouble when it comes to pronunciation?

Okay, I admit it...I just may have been pronouncing a few of these wrong all of my life. So, sue me. February is probably the one I mispronounce most often...but it usually only happens in February since I don't usually discuss February when it's not February. I actually know the correct pronunciation but I choose not to add that first "r" when I say it. It just doesn't seem right some how.

5. What's a song you love with the word 'rain' in the title or lyrics?

"Rainy Days and Mondays" by the Carpenters. But here's another one of my faves...

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

This just in...here's the updated weather forecast:

Oh, Spring....where are you??

Springing Forward to the Hodgepodge

Are they kidding?

I mean, who does this, anyway??
Do you get up at 2 AM just to set your clocks forward...or back...which ever the case may be?
Does Daylight Savings Time bother you or it is just another Saturday night?
What did we even do before Daylight Savings Time came along in the first place?
We all got along just fine, didn't we?
I must admit that I would rather fall back, just because of having an extra hour in the day.
I say day because I never make the change at night...
...I still get as many hours of sleep, plus, I couldn't sleep that extra hour if I tried!
So in order to spring forward without getting all worked up over it,
I turn my clocks forward at least by early afternoon and it's pretty much like any other day.
How about you?
~
So, welcome back to Joyce and the Hodgepodge!

She asks us the questions and we answer them on our blogs.
Here's hoping you had a very enjoyable trip, Joyce!
A week without the Hodgepodge is like having a PB & J without the J.
Here are the questions...

1. Best place you've been lately?

Home, sweet home. That's where I want and need to be when I'm not feeling good. My last post will update you on the changes going on in my life if you want to check it out. Oh, I am feeling just fine now and I am so ready to GO somewhere! I've been thinking a lot lately about going here...

We actually have been talking about making a trip to the beach soon, before the rates and the crowds increase. After we move to Tennessee (whenever) we will be a day's drive (7-8 hours) away from the closest sea shore, Pensacola, Florida! We better get there while the getting is good!

2. What's something you should say yes to today? Or this week? Or even this year?

There are many things I'm sure I need to say yes to...every day...sticking to a healthy eating plan and getting more exercise comes to mind right away. But when I think of something I should say yes to on a much grander scale, it is always being able to say yes to the will of God and whatever He has in store. 

3. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form? If so tell us how. In Western cultures the color green is typically associated with jealousy, nature, good luck, and growth. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word 'green'?

Although I do fancy shamrocks, corned beef and cabbage and the color green, I really don't celebrate St. Paddy's Day since I don't think I have an Irish bone in my body. You might find me wearing green but it may be a coincidence since I have always considered the color green, in one tone or another as a favorite of mine. I remember as a young girl getting a new emerald green dress one year for Christmas and I wanted to wear it every day. I have never been green with envy as I recall, I really don't believe in luck but I do have memories of searching for four-leaf clovers with my sisters when we were kids and getting so excited when we found one. Somewhere there is an old Bible with a few of them pressed between it's pages. Back then, I'm pretty sure I believed in "good luck" 'cause I didn't know any better. The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word green is springtime. After months of drab, dull landscapes, I am so ready for spring's glorious return and am forever in awe of the wide array of the many different shades of green that it brings with it.

4. What's a product or service you love so much you'd happily be their spokesperson? Tell us what makes you such a fan.

I can hardly imagine myself being a spokesperson for any service or product but I will give a good review if asked. (Is that the same thing?) Has anyone heard of Pure Flix? It's like Netflix, only different. Pure Flix are movies and shows that are all Christian-based and/or inspirational. Many movies and series are new releases, some have been around a while. I subscribed to a free month just to check it out. So far we have only watched a couple of the movies but the first one we viewed, "Dead Man Rising", drew us in until the very end. I'm sure some are better than others, like anything else. We rarely go to the movies because truthfully, there are very few out there that we care to see. The price is comparable to Netflix and with the free trial, you have nothing to lose as long as you cancel within the 30 days. There...how was that being a "spokesperson"? 😊

5. March 14th is Pi Day. How are your math skills? What's the last thing you did that required math of any kind? And most importantly do you like pie? What's your favorite kind? With ice cream, whipped cream, or please hold the cream?

I'd say my math skills are sufficient for what I need them for...that's why God invented calculators. I have never been a math whiz and never wanted to be. The last thing I remember doing that required any math was just yesterday as I added up (using a calculator, of course) an itemized bill from the hospital. It was from a bill back in August from a procedure I had done and after many months of going back and forth with them, they say they have finally got the account right this time. It all started when my insurance company sent me a check (written out to me) for almost $5000 which was meant to go to my hospital account! I was told to void it and send it back and it took many months for them to re-issue the check AND for the hospital to receive it. What a MESS! Now, do I like pie? Probably my most favorite kind of dessert...a fruit pie...or well...maybe lemon meringue...or make that coconut cream. No, seriously, it's this right here...



...black raspberry, just like my mama used to make...served a bit warm with vanilla ice cream. I wish I had a dollar for every one I've made. Jim and Adam get one every year for their birthdays and other times throughout the year.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

And since we're talking about spring...

 ...it's not every day that you get a pack of flower seeds in your box of Cheerios. It's part of a "Bring Back the Bees" campaign and I think it's a great idea! 

Enjoy the rest of your week!

God's Timing is Always Perfect

I seem to be talking about best laid plans a lot lately.

Remember the trip to Tennessee that didn't happen last month?

That was kind of like the tip of the iceberg.

Yes, there was sickness on both sides and it was God's perfect timing...
 ...because He already knew all about it.

God's timing is always perfect.

Anyone who reads my blog knows of the plans we have for our retirement.

They included selling our home here in NC this spring or summer,

moving to Tennessee and live in our RV for a while
while we build our farmhouse in Adam's meadow in Haywood Hollow.

Now I am not one to share a lot of health information about myself...

mostly because I have always been quite healthy and rarely had many issues. 

You know how at church when they ask for prayer requests?

Well, I really struggle when it comes to asking for prayer for myself.

I am really struggling just writing this post.
But I think of you as my friends and thought I'd share with you what's going on.

So back to best laid plans...

Without getting into all of the gory details (you certainly would not want me to share them),

just let me just say that a health issue from a decade ago has decided to revisit me.
Back between 2007-08, I had a very sick gallbladder that resulted in a biliary stricture.
That meant that bile was backing up in my liver and making me jaundiced and very sick.
Several stents in the bile duct and removing the gallbladder and I was all good...

...for ten whole years!

Fast forward to August 2017, right before my brother passed away.

I started getting sick and was all too familiar with the symptoms.
Another stricture had indeed formed, another stent was placed,
and then removed this past November.
So about a month ago when we all got sick, what I thought was a nasty stomach bug wasn't.
I knew I needed another stent so last Monday it was put in place...
...a different kind this time that can stay in longer.
(This is done by an endoscopic procedure, just so you don't think I was cut on all those times.)

I get to keep this one for at least 6 months, maybe longer...
BUT...and that's a big but...I have to stick around a while, as it would seem.
You just can't up and leave your trusted doctor who has been there from the beginning...
and your insurance when you need it most!
Nope, can't do that!

I will know more after I see my doctor in six months.

Until then, we will continue on with the plan...
just knowing that the timetable is a bit off from what we had hoped for.

Here's the good news...it gives us more time to get it all done. {{smile}}

God's timing is ALWAYS perfect.