A Haywood Hollow Hodgepodge

We had a beautiful weekend visiting our Tennessee Bunch.

Spring was in full swing and it occurred to me that it was the first time 

we had actually experienced this season at Haywood Hollow.

There are many huge dogwoods and they were in all of their glory...

...just about everywhere you looked.

And we got our first live and in person look at what will be our new temporary digs!

It's really quite roomy...well, except for the bedroom...

...not quite sure how that is going to work out.

All I know is I have claimed the bunkhouse room as my space.

A throw rug here and there, a quilt or two, a few colorful pillows tossed around,

maybe a table runner...and the place will feel just like home.

Right?

~

Like I said, the weather was just perfect... 

...perfect for a picnic lunch down at the creek near where our home will be.

Whose white legs are those, anyway?

I'll never tell.

These pretty little purple flowers were growing profusely all along the creek bank.

Time seems to get away from us when we're there and it's hard to remember what day it is.

Saturday came and so did the rain but we were inside at Parker's wrestling tournament

most of the day so it really didn't matter much. 

Rain or shine, it's always so beautiful there and I am looking forward to the day...

...well...you know.

~

So now, on the Hodgepodge...

Joyce asks the questions on her blog and we answer them on ours.

Here we go... 

1. Three things on your spring bucket list? If you don't have an actual list that's fine, pretend you do.

I'm just dying to shop for outside plants/flowers and get them planted...it's on the top of my list. In spite of this crazy spring weather, I hope to get it done this coming weekend or next. I've got a couple of closets that need thinning out so I'll add that to as well. Also on my list would be to visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte (which is only two hours away) and finally, get to the beach before the summer rush and rate increases.

2. Where do you find rest? What restores your soul? When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?

Rest, whether it be in the form of a noun or a verb is simply what we need to get through life. If I have been doing something strenuous or just running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, the best place for me to find rest is right in the comfort of my own home...either sitting down in my favorite chair or maybe on the front porch glider (weather permitting). When the things of life are weighing me down (and even when they're not) I find rest for my sometimes weary soul by getting somewhere quiet, preferably out among God's creation. Sometimes it's in the form of prayer, sometimes I worship through my photography and other times I might just need to literally cry out to Him. When was the last time? Just this past weekend in Tennessee. Between gazing off over the mountain while sitting on the back porch swing and getting lost in the glorious dogwoods, I was in my element!

3. April is National Celery Month. Who knew? Do you like celery? What's your favorite dish made with celery? On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first-carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes?

I didn't know there was a month set aside to celebrate celery but I'm not surprised. I do like celery (especially when it's spread with peanut butter or pimento cheese) but I wish I liked it more than I do. That way I would reach for it instead of something else...like a cookie. 😏 Many things that I make just wouldn't be the same without it...like my Thanksgiving dressing or chicken noodle soup. It would be a toss-up between the carrots and celery that I would reach for first but I also enjoy the cucumbers and tomatoes.

4. I read here eight things to do before 8 am to make your day less hectic-Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists-one what you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind), and after the brain dump make your to-list for the day...How many of these are you currently doing? Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine?

Since I get up at 5 AM every day, even when I don't need to (I just can't help it), I should make the time to do many of these things. Do I? No, not all of them by any means. On days when I work, it isn't even practical to try to accomplish that...although I do get my devotions in and get dressed. I am not a regular list-maker unless I have a bunch of tasks to do in a time crunch so mostly I only make a list if I'm heading out to the grocery store. I do the brain dump thing occasionally and not as often as I should. From the list, I would say that adding the brain dump lists to the Bible reading would be the most beneficial for me.

5. Describe the view from your window.

At this moment, I have no view from my window because it's dark outside. The only thing I see is the neighbor's motion activated security light come on every now and then. But if it was daytime, I would be see trees that are FINALLY getting green leaves on them and that's exciting. No doubt I would also see many birds and squirrels fighting over the feeders.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I just heard the sad news that Barbara Bush has passed away. I have always admired and respected her as our First Lady. She was definitely a class act. Prayers for the Bush family.

Well, well, well...

Well, how about that?!
We have a well!

After a slight delay, well over a month,
the well driller man got his well drilling rig working well again.



 And it's all well and good...
...the well driller man hit water at about 250 feet but went down just a bit further...
well, you know, for good measure.
Adam says our well is better than his well.
Well done, right Parker?

Well, I think the well has his stamp of approval.
~
All's well that begins well...(we hope)...
...but you know as well as I do...only too well actually,
building projects have a tendency to...well...
encourage one to practice that fruit of the Spirit known as longsuffering.
If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well...
...and it will be well worth it in the end.
~
So I'll leave well enough alone and end this post.
But just remember...

...you never miss the water 'til the well runs dry.

Fare thee well!

In my mind...

No, in my mind I'm not going to Carolina, as James Taylor sang about...
y'all know I'm already there.

But here lately, my imagination seems to be in overdrive.

More and more I find myself daydreaming about our future move to Tennessee.

In my heart of hearts, I know this will happen only in the Lord's perfect timing.

But if His timing and our timing happen to coincide, we may be there next spring or summer.

In my mind...

...I see a little white (or gray) farmhouse with a red tin roof nestled in the corner of a meadow.
It looks something like this, only fresh, new and pristine.

The house plan is a one-story pyramidal, hip-roofed style that was popular in the 20's and 30's,
particularly in the rural areas of the deep south.
This is the actual house plan.

In my mind...

...I am trying to imagine what it will be like to see so much open sky for a welcome change.

Although I have mostly enjoyed living in the woods, there are a few draw backs...
...especially if you are a cloud watcher like me.
We will have to create much of our own shade so the front and back porches will be perfect.

In my mind...

...I am wondering I how I am ever going to live in something like this for several months...

(google image)

...or longer....you know how construction projects go. 😒

Now, I'm sure you must be thinking,
"You're going to live in a camper for possibly six months to a year?"

Believe me when I tell you I am asking myself that question almost daily.
We're talking about the girl (me) who needs her space.
You know, the same one who doesn't like loud TV and endless sports programs.
The one who really has to have her quiet solitude.
Lord Jesus, help me...I'll need lots of grace, grace and more grace.

In my mind...

...I see myself spending quite a bit of time down by the creek on the swing,

or exploring all of the wonders of Haywood Hollow,



or making friends with the horses down the way,

or spending time up the hill at Adam & Carrie's place on the back porch swing,
and taking in this view...

...and trying not to wear out my welcome before the farmhouse is even built.

In my mind...

...I am pondering with great anticipation what a joy it will be to watch these two grow up.

In my mind...

 ...the farmhouse is already decorated with antiques and vintage pieces,

some that I have had for many years, others recently acquired from thrift stores and yard sales.

I have had this photo saved on my computer for a while now and I can't even find a link to it.
Although I won't be having what seems to be clusters of grapes on the wallpaper,
(but you can bet that there will be wallpaper)
I just love the comfortable, homey feel of this room and the design of the fireplace.

In my mind... 

...I am also seeing some things like these...

...and I really want some of these...

...and definitely some of these...

...and maybe even one of these.

 

I've always wanted a rooster...a real one.

In my mind...

...I feel like I should have been born a country girl.

Funny thing is, back in 2013 when I began My Favorite Things,

I started a random post that I never finished and titled it Country Girl Wannabe.

Actually, I just wrote the title and never wrote the first word of the post.

I guess we can never get too old to hold on to a dream, can we?

I may have to just go back and write that post and retitle it one day.

How does Old Lady in the Country sound? 

:D

May the Hodgepodge Be with You!

It's MAY...can you believe it?

Everything here is green, green, GREEN...

...we've had tons of rain lately but will certainly need it this summer.

These are just a few shots from my Friday morning ramblings.

 Can you believe that in another month 2017 will be half over...

...crazy, huh?

But that's still a bunch of hodgepodges to post!

So come on over to the pond lake...

 and let's find out what questions Joyce is asking this week...

1. Can you tell I'm embracing a Cinco de Mayo theme here this week? Do you like Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? How about on the side-black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, rice? What about heat-mild, medium, hot? Will you celebrate with Mexican food and drink on May 5th aka Cinco de Mayo?

I do enjoy Mexican food but we may only eat it out at a restaurant every couple of months. Hubby Jim loves homemade tacos and we do enjoy them about every other week or so. I'd say one of my favorite dishes is fajitas nachos...it's all of the goodness of chicken/steak fajitas on a bed of tortilla chips. A close second would be beef and chicken taquitos with a side of rice, beans and salad. I only enjoy black beans in something else (not by themselves) nor am I a lover of pintos but I could eat them as long as I could add me some ketchup. Refried beans with the melted cheese is the piece de resistance of any Mexican dish if you ask me...and you already know I like the rice although I do not order it always....the carbs, you know and I like my salsa medium hot. Cinco de Mayo is not an event that I celebrate as a general rule....PLUS...Jim will be working on Friday night and I will not be dining out alone :)

2. Ever been to Mexico? For work or holiday? Love it or no? If you haven't been is this a place you'd like to visit? Can you speak Spanish?

I've never been there and have never really had a desire to go...but if someone wanted to pay my way and get me there I would go and I'm sure I'd enjoy it. My Spanish is limited to por favor, muchas gracias and a few items on the menu.

3. What's one thing you may accomplish this month?

Getting a fresh coat of paint on the of the baseboards and new interior doors. I am getting so excited just thinking about it. 😖

4. If you were mayor of your village, city, or town, what's one thing you'd like to see changed, done away with, revamped, or accomplished? Is serving in public office something you've ever seriously considered? 

This is probably more of a state law issue but it seems like more and more people are not working (even though they probably could) and are on some sort of public assistance. I see it all the time at my job. Sometimes their situation is legit but other times it's pretty obvious that it's not. I would like to see more regulations in place to make sure the ones who really need it the most get it and those in question have to be drug tested regularly in order to keep their benefits. Never have I considered public service nor do I think I ever would....only will offer my opinion when asked for it...and even sometimes when it's not...haha!

5. What's something that may be popular, but that you just don't get?

Pokémon GO.

6. Can't let this week slip by without mentioning Thursday May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in 'May the 4th be with you' ahem. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series? Exactly how much of a fan are you? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being 'I've seen every film, own the action figures, might have dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween one year', and 1 being, 'what's a Vader?' -where do you land?

I saw the first movie way back when...not because I wanted to but because someone invited us. Science fiction is just not my thing nor is it Jim's, so it never really made an impression on us. Of course our boys were really into it and have probably seen every one in the series numerous times. I do know who Darth Vader is and few other characters so I think I'm probably a 2 or 3.

7. Scroll back through your blog posts and in three sentences or less tell us the general theme of your fourth blog post. Does it still ring true today? Is it a topic you re-visit on your blog from time to time? 

Wow, Joyce...what a unique question! My forth post was titled  Fancy Gap...a little Closer to Heaven, where once upon a time we owned a log cabin on top of a mountain in Fancy Gap, VA.  Anyone who has followed my blog for a while most likely remembers my posts about this special place. It doesn't seem like 2 1/2 years have passed since we sold it. I have a label on my sidebar that contains wonderful memories and photos of our former little home away from home. Things happen and life changes and new paths are set before us...we've all been there in one way or another. It isn't something I refer to very often anymore...but y'all are probably gonna sick of me talking about the future farmhouse in Tennesse. 😀

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Where did April go, anyway??



A Perfect Hodgepodge and New Photo Ops

Hello and happy HUMP-Day!

Not only is it Hump day, it's also time for Joyce's weekly Hodgepodge.

Have you all seen the new look of her blog?

I think it's really quite lovely and so is her new Hodgepodge button.

Pretty, huh?

Before we get into the questions, I'd like to share a new photo op that I have.

I know I don't need to tell you how much I love getting out in the country with my camera...

it really is a form of worship for me.

Problem is, the area around where I live is growing like crazy and little by little,

the country is getting harder and harder to find!

Do you remember my road less traveled? 

To understand what I mean, click on the link to see the way it used to look...before 'it' happened.

Well, here it is now...  

...and although it is not that widely traveled as of yet due to the newness,

it used to be lined with wildflowers and in the spring and summer a haven for birds and butterflies.

I will keep checking it to see if there are any leftovers when spring comes in earnest.

The road you see off to the right leads to the new Walmart distribution center (grumble),

which leads to another yet-to-be-developed industrial park (grumble, grumble).

At least the donkeys are still there at the end of the road.

~

Last week some of you may have heard Vee's rendition of "Where Have All the Bloggers Gone?"...

...well I have been singing my version, "Where Has All the Country Gone?", for years now.

And right now all you youngsters out there are saying,

"What song are they talking about, anyway?" :)

So I say all of that to say this......

There is an old house down the road from me that's been empty for as long as I can remember...

...I pass it numerous times during the week.

There are two ponds behind it and it's just a gorgeous setting.

For a long time I have been hoping to find someone there to ask permission to take photos.

A few months ago I Google mapped it and got the address and owners of the property,

got the phone number through voter registration (yes I did), called but could only leave a message.

Nothing.

Over the weekend I called again and this time my call was returned....YESSSS!!

Permission granted.....YESSSS and YESSSS!!

I'm looking forward to watching spring come to life as well as what the other seasons bring.

 

Although the property is on the corner of a very busy intersection,

once you get back behind the house, you're in a different world.

So consider this a warning...there will be tons many more pics to come!

~

So now...ON with the Hodgepodge...

1. What is one area of your life where you're a perfectionist? Is that a good thing?

I do not consider myself a perfectionist about many things at all. If there is a way to cut a corner here or there (in a good way, of course) I will find it. There is one area that I think I just might be...I wrote about this very thing on a blogger's comment just the other day. Years ago when I was an older teen and young adult, I drew portraits of some of my family and a friend here and there. It seems I was never really finished with one because every time I thought I was, I would make a slight change here or there because I felt something wasn't quite right. Of course that wasn't possible after I finally sprayed the fixative on it. Perfection or at least striving for it can be good thing if kept in perspective.

2. What's something you find perfectly ridiculous?

Where do I begin? The world is so full of ridiculousness today...upheaval of every kind, anger and strife every where you look. It seems many people are offended about something. You are not "with it" if you are not up in arms about something. I must not be "with it." And that's fine with me.

3. What's a skill you've developed by way of that old fashioned saying, 'practice makes perfect?

Like I said, I hesitate to use the word perfection in the same sentence with my name. But I do make a pretty good black raspberry pie. If you don't believe me, ask my hubby or son, Adam. This is a favorite dessert for them and they both get a pie for their birthdays instead of a cake. There is a running joke every time I make them one and because I am my own worst critic, they always say, "This is the BEST pie you've ever made!"... LOL.

4. What's your idea of a perfect breakfast?

Egg casserole of some sort, a blueberry muffin, fresh fruit and coffee... OR the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon at Cracker Barrel...and coffee, of course :)

5. What's a trip, holiday, vacation, or day outing you've taken that you'd rate a perfect 10? Tell us why.

Give me a weekend (a week or a month or longer) at Adam's mountain paradise in the Tennessee countryside. That is why we plan to be retiring there in the not-so-distant future.

6. What quote or saying perfectly sums up your life right now? If you can't do perfect, how about one that comes close?

I'm not perfect, just forgiven...right now and always.

7. How would you spend $300 today?
At this very moment in time, I would give it to my church to help with it's current financial need.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
The forecast is calling for snow this Sunday. I mean...really??...come on now!

A slow moving Hodgepodge as time MARCHES on

Golly, has it already been a week?

They say time flies when you're having fun...so I must having fun because the time, it is a-flyin'.

The hodgepodge questions are about all things slow but before we get to them,

I'd like to share a few photos from my latest venture in the country last Friday.
 

I love it when fog and sun come together.

 

The simplest object becomes a thing of beauty.

 

These already magnificent animals become even more magnificent in the early morning mist.

 

 

This beauty must have thought I came bearing goodies.

 

I had none but she didn't seem to mind.

 

 

This guy didn't move a muscle as I snapped away, still not getting the best shot in the world.

I was beginning to think he was a decoy and I am still not totally convinced he wasn't.

So...okay let's do this.

Join me across the pond where Joyce asks the hard questions 

and we answer them on our blogs.

~

1. 'Slow and steady wins the race'...tell us about a time this was true in your own life. 

I don't recall a specific situation at the moment but I think the older I get, the more I am learning to live my life in general this way...most of the time anyway. Partly because the older I get, the slower I get! Not granny slow...and this is not meant to imply anything in particular...heck, I've been a granny since I was 45 years old! It also means that I am learning more and more to wait on the Lord instead of rushing ahead with my own agenda. Like I said, most of the time :)

2. 'As slow as molasses'...Do you like molasses? How about maple syrup? Caramel? Butterscotch? What's your favorite of the slow moving treats mentioned here, and what's your favorite food made with that sweet treat?

When I was a kid, my mom always had molasses in the pantry and I remember putting it on pancakes. She also made her own maple syrup at times and I remember it being very thin, unlike the molasses and although I liked the taste, I preferred the consistency of the molasses. Her homemade syrup soaked into the pancakes and disappeared! I do like caramel but you can keep the butterscotch. My fave is maple syrup and I always have some on my sausage and bacon.

3. Your favorite slow song?

I had to ponder this one a bit because many song I love are slow and worshipful. A particular one that comes to mind at the moment is "Good, Good, Father" by Chris Tomlin. It's been around a while now but just in case you've never heard it here it is.

 

4. Your favorite thing to make in a slow cooker or crock pot?

There are a couple. Roast beef with mushrooms, onions, potatoes and carrots and the other would be cabbage rolls.

 

5. 'You may delay, but time will not.' ~Benjamin Franklin Are you more a hurrier or a delayer when it comes to unpleasant tasks that need doing? What are you currently either delaying or hurrying to get through this week or month?

 

I think I may have addressed that issue on another blog (or my own) OR on another hodgepodge recently. I seem to work best under pressure. I am a delayer sometimes because I don't want to have to do it, whatever it is twice. My hubs is just the opposite and it drives me crazy. He wears himself out just thinking about it before he even gets started and then he gets all "huffy-puffy" (that's what our boys used to say and it stuck) until someone tells him to just go sit down before he has a heart attack!

 

6. Tell us three things you encounter regularly or even just occasionally that you find to be annoyingly slow.

 

1. Drivers in vehicles in front of me.

2. A computer that has issues.
3. My metabolism.

7. March is National Craft Month. Are you crafty? Tell us about something crafty you'll try in the next thirty one days. Or something crafty you'd like to try or wish you had the skill to make happen.

I guess I would consider myself pretty crafty...at least when I am in the mood. My current project is redoing my craft room...I kid you not! Well, it's not actually just a craft room. This room is also my office, sewing or anything-else-that-I might-be-doing room. You could call what I'm doing decorating but when you are painting things, sewing things like curtains and/or other similar actions, I call that crafting as well. There may even be a blog post if it turns out according to plan :)

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Many things can slow us down but there is one thing for certain...time is MARCH-ing on...and quite quickly. It's time to rip another page off that calendar!

Happy March, y'all!