Hodgepodging into November

1. What does/did Halloween look like at your house this year? Did you decorate? Pick pumpkins? Carve pumpkins? Expect trick or treaters? Wear a costume to a party or event? Make a costume? Feel glad you didn't have to come up with a costume? Cook a Halloween themed treat? Eat all the leftover candy?

I'm not big on Halloween. It's origin, as I understand it, is anything but Christian so we keep it simple.  I do participate in Trunk or Treat by decorating my trunk this year with a "Frozen" theme.  Not the Disney movie, but my own called, "Not Quite Frozen" with snowshoes, skis, and a cooler with pretend snowballs that kids have to dig through to find candy.  I've done this for 3 years. We also hand out tracts for kids from our church.  It is a nice way to interact with the kids in the church's neighborhood.  We have no kids in our neighborhood at home. None. The "just in case" candy disappears over the following week...

2. What are you waiting for? Elaborate.
Waiting for... Snow. It'll come. It always does; some years more so than others. ;-)

3. Do you wish you were friendlier, braver, more creative, more athletic, or something else? Explain.
Hmmm... maybe more creative. I can "do" things but I have to follow someone else's lead.  I also wish I was thinner.  Let's stop there, since the leftover candy is sitting on the coffee table...

4. When it comes time to paint are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone? What was the last paint job completed at your house? What room most needs painting now? How do you feel about wallpaper?

We hate painting. I didn't mind wallpaper but it' is so limiting when it comes to decorating. But then, I don't decorate on my own and can't afford to hire someone, so ... *sigh*    The last paint job completed here was when we had to rebuild because of burst pipes.  It all needs to be repainted as it has been over 10 years.

5. What is one specific thing you felt gratitude for in the month of October?
We love being retired (semi) and are able to travel when we want.  October is our month to spend time with our Game Warden friends from all over the country. For years my husband corresponded with them and now we get to go to the once a year encampment!  We love doing this. We pray for each other, have devotions together, cook and eat together. There's target shooting and several of the men who craft their own rifles with beautiful stock work get to share their work. . 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Something else I am grateful for during the month of October!

Only a Few Days Late Hodgepodge

1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

Both sets of grandparents died long before I was born. I "adopted" other kids' grandparents and one in particular stands out.  Nana and Poppie. Nana and Poppie lived up our country road a few miles, where Poppie and his son owned a small salvage yard, did car repairs and such. They were a well known and well liked family.  Poppie and Nana both had jobs outside of the garage; Nana was the head cook at our K - 12 school and Poppie drove the small school "limo" that picked up some kids who lived across the creek so too far to walk, but not near the other bus routes. We're talking country.  Nana always seemed to loved having us kids come visit. There was always a cookie or two waiting. She had paper dolls and just 'stuff' that was cool for little girls to play with. I don't remember Poppie talking that much, but he always seemed to be laughing. Chuckling, may be a better term!  I'm smiling as I type this. We girls were always given permission to play in the old cars and sometimes we would find money! 15 cents was like a treasure! Even thought we would find money, Poppie wold always give us a nickel for the candy machine :-)   When Nana retired, she took up woodworking... building all kinds of things. I had moved away by then and never had the privilege to see any of her work. There was no internet back then. I'm still friends with their granddaughter. Nana and Poppie have been gone quite a while, now, but the memories linger... just like Poppies chuckle! 

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

My brown Teddy.  I didn't call him anything but Teddy; differentiating between the 4 or 5 I had was easy... this one was the one that I slept with and he was soft, warm and cuddly.  My cousin, Kenny, decided Teddy needed a bath while we were visiting my Aunt and Uncle (his grandparents.)  It was extremely humid and Teddy did not dry for days. I was quite the upset 5 year old, I can tell YOU!  Though he eventually dried out, his fur never felt the same, but he was still warm and cuddly till one night I dreamed of a black bear at my window who said, "Little Girl, if you cry I'll eat you up!"  I didn't cry; I let out a blood curdling SCREAM.  When I woke up, Teddy was underneath me, his little plastic paw poking me in the back.  He was relegated to the shelf on my bed from then on.  I kept him until he began to disintegrate when my oldest was a baby... just couldn't save him. Such a good bear. Mostly. 

3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.
Today, I see the forest. I'm fighting a summer cold that really has me down. Like there's no way out...  Ugh.  Normally I see the trees. Literally and figuratively. A nice expanse of lawn in front and a meadow with Christmas trees for sale in the back separates me from the actual forest. 

4. Do you like sour candies? Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats 

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? What's your favorite dish containing one of the sour foods on the list?

No to sour candies. Sour Patch Kids (orange) were the only ones I'd try.  I like buttermilk pancakes and lemon in my ice water but that's about it.  

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far. 
Going quickly. Weird weather. Grandchildren growing. Pool's delightful WHEN sun shines. God is good, always.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

When planning crafts for boys, always be sure to have enough for "do overs"... they are worse than GIRLS!  LOL! - Arts and Crafts Lady from  Sacandaga Bible Conference

Hodge Podge Kind of Summer

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)

I think it was two days ago. We were comparing (complaining) about our inground pools...  I may like mine later this summer, but being a salt water pool, keeping the salt number where it belongs has been a pain. They replaced the board in the computer... it was new... it's better but not right. 

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?
I'm definitely an ocean. Deep in thought and a wide expanse... never mind. 

3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?
Delaware is nice...love the ocean. Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island (I think is another area... great food.)  I'm from the Empire State of NY. It makes sense. I wouldn't change it. 

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?
I can't remember... I think it was in the spring. It was probably a chicken dish, or maybe Rice Krispie Treats... hahaha!!! That's a joke for some of you readers... 

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?
Never wake a sleeping baby.  If they're asleep, you should be, too! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
Usually I insert a picture but I'm so late this time around...about 6 months late... I think I'll go with a thought:  I'm thinking.... some advice, maybe...   Here goes:

Always leave 2 eggs in the refrigerator!  Instruct your family to NEVER take the last 2 eggs... someone may desperately need them for baking ... cookies, for instance!  IF you find only 2 eggs in the refrigerator, go to the store and buy more or at least tell the one who does the shopping!

You Better Not be Fooling Me!

"You better not be fooling me!" she said into the telephone at 3AM one Sunday morning.  Really!  "Mom, I don't play April Fool jokes at 3AM!" This was part of an early morning conversation I had with my Mom 38 years ago.  I had just delivered my  baby boy (#2) and just couldn't wait to call her! It's what daughters do :-)  Actually, I was surprised she was awake enough to even realize it was April Fool's Day!

It was an exceptional time. Just a few days earlier, Thursday, in fact, we were battling a frozen water line under the driveway that separated our home from my in-laws. It had been 6 weeks! Everything else had thawed, but that plastic line was stubborn. We left the faucets in the "on" position, why I don't know. The drain in the kitchen somehow managed to plug itself but the water line managed to thaw while we were away for a few hours, and we came home to 2 inches of water on our floors!  That was ok, though ...it was a mobile home and there were no carpets from the kitchen, down the hall and to the back bedroom. There was a slight tilt to the back, anyway, so it was just a matter of soaking it up and wringing it out. What a mess, though ... just what a 9 months prego woman does NOT need!

Our home put back to order, and water running freely again, I caught up on 'almost' all of the laundry. Priority was given to baby clothes, of course! We were all set to have a baby, most likely by C-section according to the Dr. but, I was ok with that if it meant a safe delivery this time around.  Cleaned house on Friday. Grocery shopped on Saturday...

Saturday was  a beautiful, early spring day and my husband did not have to work! He took me grocery shopping at Shoprite in Hudson so we could stock up on some frozen dinners. That way I would have quick meals for our 3 year old and myself while he was working. Now, we had been given orders days earlier by Bill's parents, "Do NOT go into labor on Saturday! We have tickets to hear Victor Borge down in Rhinebeck!"  Sure, no problem! They were getting a rare chance to have some fun out of town with our neighbors.  I didn't have the heart to tell them Saturday morning that I felt 'funny'.  I had a pretty good idea while we were shopping and by the time we got home and they left for the concert. I was sure!  Just before they left, some friends stopped by their house to ask about puppies for sale,  who looked at me and said, "Oh, when are you due?" ... I just smiled and looked at my watch to which my mother-in-law cried, "That's not very funny!"  I laughed. She had no idea.

Just as soon as they left, we called Bill's cousin to make sure she was available that evening, 'just in case'. She wasn't home.  We called again an hour later, and left a message with her parents to call us when she got in.  They were going to be out of town that night as well...   By 9:00 o'clock, we were frantic... the neighbor who went with Bill's parents had a daughter who baby sat for us, but she was spending the night with friends; the neighbor on the north side of us was not home. Dear friends from church were not home ... we were about to pack up our 3 year old and take him with us, when our cousin called and came over as quickly as she could! We headed out for the hospital which was about 35 minutes away arriving at 11:30... just enough time for Bill to scrub, don a gown, and hear the nurse on the phone with the doctor, saying, "We just checked her and we don't think she needs a pelvimetry (xray). She needs her doctor to deliver her baby!"  .. since I was the only one in labor... I suddenly realized there would be no C-section!

Our darling boy was born at 1:16 AM and in my arms until I shook so badly they had to give him to his Daddy! Actually, they didn't need to "give" him to Daddy, 'cause I heard him say, "Here, I'll take him and you can take care of her!"  My honey scooped his son up into his big, strong hands and settled into a chair right where I could see them both and it's a memory that I pray never fades; Daddy and son bonding time! They left us alone in that birthing room with our baby, who settled down to sweet sleep. Bill went  home at 3AM and I lay awake, unable to sleep ... but that was OK. The recovery ward for moms had only me and eventually one other girl. Things were different back then, and when the nurse came in to give me a bath in bed ... I was kind of stunned!  She laughed and promised she would be quick and that when it was over, I would be clean and comfortable. She was quick and she was right! She ended my 'bed bath' by putting first one foot in her basin of water and then the other.  She laughed when I said "Ahhhhhh!" and said, "That's what all the girls say when their feet hit the warm water!"  Then, I slept.

Wild and Windy Hodgepodge

1. Share one favorite moment/memory from your Christmas holiday. 

Watching the faces of the children in the youth choir at church on Christmas Eve. They had so much fun! 

2. What was the best thing you ate over the holidays? Was it homemade or store bought? If it was homemade did you make it?

The best?  Tough one! So much was good...  I'm sure it was a homemade cookie... not made by me. 

3. What was one of the most beautiful things you saw over the holidays?

A whole bunch of little angels all in costume, waiting patiently for the program to start.  All colors, all races. Love my church!

4. What does fresh start mean to you?

Waking up each morning. 

5. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very positive and 1 being not so great) how would you rate 2016 in terms of personal achievement and well being? Explain. 

Actually, a 10.  We had some tough days, but God is always faithful and even though patience is not one of my traits, He knows how to deal with me.  2016 ended quietly and on a positive note. 

6. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse, or just general uselessness. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen or, if you're like me, to find out what in the world the word or phrase even means or the context in which it's used. There were quite a few on this year's list I'd never heard before.

Here's the 2017 list of banished words-

You, Sir-focus-Bete Noire-Town Hall Meeting-Post Truth-guesstimate-831-historic-manicured-echo chamber-on fleek-bigly-ghost-Dadbod-listicle-get your dander up-selfie drone-frankenfruit-disruption

Which word on the list would you most like to see banished in 2017? What word or phrase would you add to the list?

To keep in what appears to be a bit of humor, I would say "bigly" should be banished and never should have showed up to begin with!   I would add "enjoy" as in when we are seated for dinner and the waiter/waitress bring our entre', saying simply, "Enjoy."   What? Can't you complete the sentence?  "Enjoy your dinner."   and this ties with the phrase:  "Have a good one."    One?  Do you mean, "Day?" "Experience with what I just purchased?  OK, I know I'm getting carried away, but it's my blog. HAHA!  And you read it this far...   :-)

7. Large or small, light or deep, share with us one goal you have for the new year. 

I haven't really made any new ones. Keeping some old ones, like losing weight, slowly. Eating a bit healthier, but not too much. Reading my Bible a little more regularly and studying, too. Finishing books I've started. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The campaign for US President is over. One candidate lost, the other won.  We need to be praying (if you pray) for our country, our new president and his family and the choices that are made for his cabinet... just like we prayed 4 years ago, 4 years before that, etc.  Just because some of you/us did not get our way  does not give license to be disrespectful to the office he will be holding.  There is too much at stake to be whine babies over something that has already been decided.  Let's get on with living and learning.   And this is the LAST political speech I make!