A Lifesaver Hodgepodge

I have been struggling to find something to write about lately. There is just not much happening to produce much fodder for this here blog. I have really, really liked writing  on this blog for the last five plus years. I don't want to hang it up, I'd miss it too much.

It's times like this that I am happy that Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond hosts the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It gives me some great ideas to write about. Let's face it: it just gives me something to write!

 

 
1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.
Does the Gulf of Mexico count as the ocean? We were in Galveston, Texas a year ago last December. My one word? WOW. (The ocean is so vast!)

2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?
A dog barking incessantly.
The sound that happens when a car hits another car. (Thankfully haven't heard that for a long time.)
Snowmobiles in the field next to our house. They tend to idle right by our house. They are loud.

3. When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?
I try things on in the store. The main reason for that is that I live, at the least, 60 miles from stores I like to shop in (i.e. not WalMart). It would be a pain to have to drive 60 miles back just to return things. I do order plenty of things online. If I need to return one of those items, I will try to coordinate it with a trip to the city that has the store. I'm cheap when it comes to having to pay postage. I know, I know. It costs money to drive somewhere. I guess I'll take any excuse to drive somewhere that has actual stores and real restaurants.

4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?
Yes, I like pistachios. I love to just eat them right out of the shell.

5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary? 
My last compromise was likely with my hubby. I don't remember details. But the likelihood that I pouted is quite high. I tend to pout and then I have to have a talk with myself to shape up. (Maybe someday I'll grow up. There's always hope!)

6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?
Nope.

7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?
Ahhhhhhh! (That's me screaming with excitement...) In a couple of weeks we are meeting my parents and my siblings and siblings-in-law in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to go on a week-long cruise to celebrate my parents' 60 wedding anniversary. (Can you imagine being married for SIXTY YEARS? I hope I am blessed with that!) I am very much looking forward to being warm. That makes me smile just thinking about it. Warm. No coats. Capris. Sandals. Ahhhh!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I'm also looking forward to a trip to the southern Carolina in April. Spring should be in full swing there. (Definitely won't be here in Minnesota.) We hope to combine some pleasure along with the business Hubby has to do there.

#23

It seems kinda surreal that my baby is 23 years old today.
 

 

About Sixteen Months Old

Second Birthday

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!

I love you so very much!

Some Things New

Last weekend Hubby and I experienced some new things.

Sushi.
Dog Park.
Settlers of Catan.
Doughnuts.

Last weekend we were in Kansas visiting our kids (Yay!!!).  No, visiting the kids isn't a new thing. That has happened before.

We went out for sushi with our daughter and son-in-law. Not a totally new thing. They took us out for sushi last November.

The new thing was this time we asked if they wanted to go out for sushi. They love it, so they were more than happy to accept. I have no idea what they ordered, but I liked it. This time I even had that big piece of fish in the front of the photo.

A totally new experience for us was to go to a dog park. They have these things in the middle of a big city so those city dogs can have a place to run off the leash. All six of us took the daughter's dog, Charley, to play with some friends.

 Charley is the black and white one.

 We decided to call this Dalmatian, Pongo. He was pretty.

Then there were these two. The little one was running around barking at all the other dogs. The black dog with the coat and the doggy shoes did a great job of just ignoring the little annoying one. He also made me laugh with all his prancing around in those doggy shoes.

The dog park was fascinating. I think there should be bleachers set up some where so I can just sit and watch the dogs and make up stories about all the dogs.

I will say, it makes me glad that I don't own a dog and have to think about things like when I should take them to the dog park.

Saturday night's new thing was playing  a game called Settlers of Catan. I had never played this game before. I was the only one who hadn't. We teamed up with spouses and I'm sorry to say that Hubby had no chance of winning with me as a partner.

And since I didn't really understand the game very well, I built things with the game pieces. I'm hopeless when it comes to games, it seems.

Stone Henge.

Sunday morning we were treated to homemade doughnuts courtesy of Daughter and her husband.

These are the last two doughnuts that were waiting for the oil. Zach was the fryer, the rest of us dipped in cinnamon sugar, sprinkled in powdered sugar and snarfed down way too many of them. They were scrumptious!

What a fun weekend with our kids!

I missed them the second we drove away.

Hodgepodge

I'm joining up with the Wednesday Hodgepodge this week. Click on over to Joyce's blog and read the other participant's answers to these questions or, better yet, link up yourself!

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.

Last summer we spent a week in Colorado. I didn't climb to the top of a mountain, but this was my favorite photo while we were in the mountains.

Hubby and daughter, Megan, climbed a 14,000 foot peak. What a view from that mountaintop!

2. Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?
Have you met my husband? Yes, we have a budget and we always have. When Hubby was a child he wrote down every penny he earned and every penny he spent. He even kept track of the money he would find behind the pop machines. I highly admire his ability to keep us on track financially. We continue to keep track of everything we spend. I have a 3x5 card in my wallet I write down whatever cash I spend.
What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?
The first year we were married we took a Sunday school class about finances from a very wise man. We have used his Biblical principles ever since.
One piece of advice: Start setting aside money for retirement, start the practice of giving money to God, keep track of every penny, don't make hasty financial decisions. (Okay, okay, I know that's more than one thing.)

3. Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one. 
I have no problem picking just one from this list. Cherry pie. I made one for my hubby a few months ago. Sooo yummy!

4. Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know? 
I would probably talk religion, but not politics.

5. When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger? 
Recently, I tend to like to be the passenger. When our kids were little, I liked to drive so I didn't have to entertain the kids constantly.
Where were you headed on your last road trip?
Last weekend we headed to Kansas to see our kids. (More on that tomorrow...)

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?
Green. I like almost any shade of green. (Not a fan of hunter green, emerald green, kelly green.)

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?
The four Senior Citizens in this photo are my favorites. Why? They are my parents and in-laws. After June 1st they will be 81, 82, 83, and 84 years old. My parents celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next month and my in-laws will celebrate their 56th anniversary this summer. How awesome is that?

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I watched Downton Abbey twice this week. The outcome of the last episode didn't change the second time even though I yelled at the TV. When does the next season start? I'm afraid to Google it because I don't want to spoil what will happen in Season 4.

On This Valentine's Day

Yesterday in the Wednesday Hodgepodge one of the questions asked what our favorite Love Song was. In an effort to find an answer (because no single song was popping into my heard) I was poking around my blog and on YouTube. I came across a video I posted on Hubby's birthday a few years ago.

Last night, as I was falling asleep, I decided that the song, Dancing in the Minefields, is my favorite Love Song.

The Valentine's Day before we got married, I gave hubby a little cake that said "Always." I still like to sign my cards that way.

You know, back on that Valentine's Day in 1984, we had no idea what was ahead. No idea how sometimes just sheer determination is what it would take to keep committed to each other. Sometimes it took me remembering my promises to "stand by you no matter what the future holds" and "I promise to work at loving you every day" that got me through.

No regrets. I am so thankful for each day with my Valentine.

Please take the time to listen to this video and follow along with the words. You'll be glad you did.

Well I was nineteen, you were twenty-one
The year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much too young
But we did it anyway
We got the rings for forty each
From a pawn shop down the road
We said our vows and took the leap
Now fifteen years ago
We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storms
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
"I do" are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I've heard
Is a good place to begin
'Cause the only way to find your life
Is to lay your own life down
And I believe it's an easy price
For the life that we have found
And we're dancing in the minefields
We're sailing in the storm
This is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
So when I lose my way, find me
When I loose love's chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith, till the end of all my days
When I forget my name, remind me
'Cause we bear the light of the Son of Man
So there's nothing left to fear
So I'll walk with you in the shadowlands
Till the shadows disappear
'Cause He promised not to leave us
And His promises are true
So in the face of all this chaos, baby,
I can dance with you

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart! 

Always.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm joining up with the Wednesday Hodgepodge this week. Click on over to Joyce's blog and read others answers to these questions or even better, link up yourself!

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?
I have never done anything to observe Lent. I used to think the whole "give up something for Lent" was silly. But I base that on some high schools friends who gave up earth shattering things like chocolate, chewing gum or soda pop. But now that I'm older, I understand the concept a little better. It is something I would be willing to look into sometime in the future.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?
Pancakes are yummy! I went out for breakfast yesterday morning, but opted for cinnamon french toast. When I have pancakes, I like them with a smidge of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?
Well, this one is my hubby's favorite:



And just for fun and giggles:

(Is it sad I can still sing along with this?)

4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them?
One of my love languages is Gifts. I love to give the perfect gift and I love to receive gifts. I love the thought that goes into choosing a gift. Another love language of mine are Words of Affirmation. I try to express to my loved ones how I feel about them and I try to encourage them. I need to study the love language of those I interact with to know how to communicate in their language.

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? 
I love yellow roses. I based the whole color scheme of our wedding based on that.

Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers?
My sweet daughter and her husband sent me flowers for my birthday.

Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?
Frankly, I don't care what type of flowers. I just love opening the door to flowers, or to Hubby coming in the door with flowers. I'm not picky. :)

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why?
I would be interested in touring of any of those if I was in the area of them. I like history.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets? 
Keep secrets from my hubby? Not good at all. Every single time I have thought to myself, "I won't tell him that", he knows by the end of the day. Well, who am I kidding? Sooner than that. Christmas and birthdays are torture!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I've been busy in in sewing room working on my next quilt. I've been busy sewing 394 little squares on 234 bigger squares. (Seriously, those are the numbers.) Yes, tedious. But TV keeps me distracted.

If you doubt my numbers, I figured it all out on graph paper. And I did math and everything!

The Recipe

A friend asked for the recipe of this yummy meal that Hubby made a few nights ago:
(The recipe comes from a stir-fry cookbook that we've had for more than twenty years.)

Hot Beef & Watercress Salad (serves 2)

1/2 pound lean boneless beef, sliced thinly

4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/4 pepper

1 small white onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings 

About 1/2 pound watercress

In a bowl, stir together garlic, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar, and 1 teaspoons of the oil. Add beef; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the next day.

In another bowl stir together remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar, remaining 2 teaspoons oil, vinegar, and pepper. Add onion and mix lightly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the next day.

(Hubby couldn't find any watercress. I don't know if it's seasonal or if our small town grocery store just doesn't carry it. He just used some mixed greens and it was very good!)

Shortly before serving, add whatever greens you choose to use to the onion mixture. mixing lightly to coat. Arrange on 2 dinner plates.

Place a wok over high heat. When wok is hot, add beef mixture and stir-fry until meat is browned (1 1/2 to 2 minutes). Arrange meat evenly atop the greens.

There ya go! Pretty simple and quite delicious! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!

Great-Niece

Recently, my nephew and his wife added to their family with a sweet baby girl. She made her entrance right in the middle of the Super Bowl.

I had done some pretty sneaky Pinterest stalking and "innocent" questions on Facebook and figured out what colors and design the baby's mama would like in a quilt.

I was so happy with how it turned out! (The mama was too!) I sent it to The Missouri Star Quilt Company for the quilting. I got it back in ONE WEEK! This is the fourth quilt I've sent to them and this was the fastest turn around.

I just love the bubbles in contrast to the angles of the zig-zags. So fun!

I always like doing something kind of fun for the backing.

Welcome, little one!

Supper

Tonight's Supper:

Yes, we ate at home. No, I didn't cook this.

This morning Hubby said he would think of something for supper AND cook it. And look how yummy it turned out! I just love how he got out the Asian dishes, nice glasses and silverware. Such a great husband I have!

Stuff and Things

Outside my window... Gray. Although, I did see the sun for a while today. An unusual sighting this time of year.

I am thinking... about a cruise we are going on next month. I am so looking forward to being warm!


I am thankful for...a good appointment at the eye doctor. Everyone in that office is so kind. Now I am just waiting for the pupils in my eyes to not be so dilated and for things to look more clear.

I am wearing... a warm, warm sweater. Duh. It's winter here in the north. And will be for the foreseeable forever.

I am going...to work on my next quilt project this week. This one is from red and white fabrics and I'm excited to see how it will turn out! I made a couple of practice blocks last week just to make sure I was going to like it before I starting in on all the cutting.

I am currently reading... a biography about James Alfred Wight, or James Herriot. He wrote the books: All Creatures Great and Small, The Lord God Made Them All, Every Living Thing, All Things Bright and Beautiful, and several others. He was a veterinarian in England. I've read those books before, probably more than 20 years ago. I plan to read through them again after I finish the biography.

I am hoping... for change. Kinda weird because I usually don't like change. But hubby and I need change. (Ask me if you want more details.)

Noticing that...I didn't care for the majority of the commercials during the Super Bowl last night and that's the only reason I was parked in front of the TV -- to watch the commercials. My favorite was the "God Made a Farmer" one.


Pondering these words... "I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." (the last part of Jeremiah 31:3) That is one of my memory verses for this year. As I've been working on memorizing it, I have been thinking about all the ways that God has shown me (and therefore drawn me to Him) with His kindness. Quite mind-blowing.
 
From the kitchen... I finally made a loaf of banana bread that was successful! The week before I made some, but totally under baked it. It was nice and browned on the outside, but when I dumped it out of the pan, it oozed all over the stove-top. I don't know how I thought a load of quick bread would bake in 25 minutes. The brain was not fully engaged that day.

One of my favorite things... Going out to eat with my hubby. I like just sitting there across from each other and talking with none of the distractions of home. (And not having to cook is a bonus!)

From my picture journal... Hubby gave me some Paperwhite flower bulbs for Christmas to force. We planted them a couple of weeks ago and they haven't done much. I don't know if they are duds or it just hasn't been sunny enough. I will be sad if they don't grow and bloom. I thought that was a really cool gift.