The new grill is put together!
Empty Nest in Illinois
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Follow Friday Four Fill In
Welcome to the 43rd weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Irene, from Me, Myself and I – she came up with the last two statements.She came up with the last two statement!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. Lately, I have been feeling a little___________
2. I am usually a ______
3. ________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day
4. _________________________is the first thing I do in the morning
My Answers:
1. Lately, I have been feeling a little frustrated because I can't seem to get things done that I want to do as far as remodeling goes - everything takes so much money!
2. I am usually a better listener than speaker.
3. Getting the dishes done and my kitchen back in order is always the best feeling at the end of the day
4. Going straight to the coffee pot is the first thing I do in the morning (My body doesn't function without coffee.)
Please add the Follow Friday button to your post, or your blog.
Please follow me. If there is a co-host, please follow them as well. Leave a comment! I will follow back!
Please link your Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun post to the linky below. PLEASE grab the linky and post on your blog…
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Irene, from Me, Myself and I – she came up with the last two statements.She came up with the last two statement!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. Lately, I have been feeling a little___________
2. I am usually a ______
3. ________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day
4. _________________________is the first thing I do in the morning
My Answers:
1. Lately, I have been feeling a little frustrated because I can't seem to get things done that I want to do as far as remodeling goes - everything takes so much money!
2. I am usually a better listener than speaker.
3. Getting the dishes done and my kitchen back in order is always the best feeling at the end of the day
4. Going straight to the coffee pot is the first thing I do in the morning (My body doesn't function without coffee.)
Please add the Follow Friday button to your post, or your blog.
Please follow me. If there is a co-host, please follow them as well. Leave a comment! I will follow back!
Please link your Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun post to the linky below. PLEASE grab the linky and post on your blog…
Five Question Friday
Time to head over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday!
Rules for 5QF:
Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them,
then watch for the linky post to appear and LINK UP!
1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?
Probably a pair of size 3 jeans that I save just to dream that someday I might get back into them! They're probably about 10 years old.
2. How many random blog readers have you met?
None - but I would love to meet any of them.
3. Do
you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you
don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a
child?)
I did when the kids were small - we made a party out of it with sparkling grape juice for them to toast the new year in!
4. What are the gas prices where you live?
$3.25 right now and that's really good for this area.
5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?
I don't make resolutions.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Pondering with a Purpose - Superstitions
Thursday is here again and I've been off work for a week!
Being that its Thursday it's time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda
from Fiction with a Purpose.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Superstitions
I grew up hearing all kinds of superstitions. My mother especially is extremely superstitions - about everything. This time of year one of her favorites is that if you do laundry on New Years Day you will not live to see another. She swears it's true although I've done laundry numerous times on New Years Day and I'm still here! I've found over the years it's just easier to humor her and not admit to it!
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Superstitions
I grew up hearing all kinds of superstitions. My mother especially is extremely superstitions - about everything. This time of year one of her favorites is that if you do laundry on New Years Day you will not live to see another. She swears it's true although I've done laundry numerous times on New Years Day and I'm still here! I've found over the years it's just easier to humor her and not admit to it!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Baby Quilt
Chats on the Farmhouse Porch
Patrice over at Everday Ruralty says it is very wet there. Same here although I believe it may turn to snow before long.
Here are this week's questions:
Questions for this week's chat:
- Who makes the best cookies in your family?
- What was the most satisfying or pleasing thing about Christmas 2011?
- How many photo did you take while your family was together for Christmas? Tons? A few? What pictures?
- Do you have a fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove?
- What time did you get up on Christmas morning?
My answers:
- I have to say that I do.
- Having daughter and SIL over and being able to talk to son and DIL by phone.
- Just a few - this is what I get when I try to take pictures of daughter!
- I had a wood stove when I lived in the country and I MISS IT! There is nothing like wood heat.
- I can't sleep late - always up by 5 a.m. - even though there was no one here:(.
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Wednesday! Time for hodgepodge over at Joyce's - From This Side of the Pond.
1. Share something you loved about your Christmas day.
2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?
Hard one - let's see...
- a smartphone since they seem to be the main communication mode these days - I don't own one by the way.
- a laptop - so they can laugh at how primitive our technology was.
- a pressure canner (not many people can their own vegetables anymore, 100 years from now nobody may even know what it is)
- pictures depicting ordinary life - lots of them
- Crochet hooks - for the same reason as the canner
3. What do you like on a cracker?
Cheese - just about any kind
4. Do you make resolutions? How'd that work out for you this past year?
No resolutions for me - I try not to make promises (even to myself) that I know I may not be able to keep.
5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?
6. How will you ring in the new year?
Sitting in my chair, crochet hook in hand, watching TV
7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?
MY GRANDSON!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Is it not sad that I am sitting here at 7 a.m. on my day off? Why is it that I cannot sleep past 5 a.m.?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
So much for getting things done
Here it is Tuesday already. I had such big dreams of getting things done while I was off this week and so far that has not happened. Yesterday was spent taking down Christmas decorations. I did manage to get two squares done on the baby quilt - 10 more to go. I am just 1/4th done with the pillow (to match the quilt). The kitchen cabinet has not been touched and neither has the computer room. Of course I have to wait for Biz there because I can't paint the ceiling and that has to be done first.Then there is the pillow for my co-worker's baby that is due like two days before my grandson! It hasn't even been started yet! And today might as well be written off because I have to go into town to officiate at a VFW funeral - not how I wanted to spend the day but that of course could not be helped.
I hope everybody had a great Christmas! Daughter and SIL were here Friday because daughter had to work on Christmas day - oh the joys of being in the medical field! My Christmas was wonderful. Daughter got me a new grill and son sent me a Kindel! I was hoping they would pool their money and get me the Kindel - I really wish they would not spend so much on me. They're young and just starting out - they should spend it on themselves!
The good news - when I was talking to DIL, she said that I should wait a few months after grandbaby is born before going to England to see them. That gives me more time to save for the trip! She wants the baby to have a passport when I go so we can visit SCOTLAND! I've always wanted to go to Scotland! AWESOME!
I hope everybody had a great Christmas! Daughter and SIL were here Friday because daughter had to work on Christmas day - oh the joys of being in the medical field! My Christmas was wonderful. Daughter got me a new grill and son sent me a Kindel! I was hoping they would pool their money and get me the Kindel - I really wish they would not spend so much on me. They're young and just starting out - they should spend it on themselves!
The good news - when I was talking to DIL, she said that I should wait a few months after grandbaby is born before going to England to see them. That gives me more time to save for the trip! She wants the baby to have a passport when I go so we can visit SCOTLAND! I've always wanted to go to Scotland! AWESOME!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Follow Friday Four Fill In
Welcome to the 42nd weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Brenda from Fiction with a purpose She came up with the last two statement!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. I have a love hate relationship with_____
2. I have been buying a lot of ___ lately
3. If I hear _____________ anymore I swear I will _________________
4. Whenever I see_____ makes me ____________ and then I ____________
My Answers:
1. I have a love hate relationship with my job - I love that I can take classes for free and that I HAVE a job in this economy but I'd like to do more.
2. I have been buying a lot of groceries ( Christmas parties, dinners, baking ) lately.
3. If I hear anyone complain about being broke and then go out and use a credit card to buy lots of needless THINGS anymore I swear I will probably tell them to quit complaining and stop living out of their means.
4. Whenever I see a baby it makes me happy that I am going to be a grandmother and then I get sad because I won't be able to see said grandbaby much.
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Brenda from Fiction with a purpose She came up with the last two statement!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. I have a love hate relationship with_____
2. I have been buying a lot of ___ lately
3. If I hear _____________ anymore I swear I will _________________
4. Whenever I see_____ makes me ____________ and then I ____________
My Answers:
1. I have a love hate relationship with my job - I love that I can take classes for free and that I HAVE a job in this economy but I'd like to do more.
2. I have been buying a lot of groceries ( Christmas parties, dinners, baking ) lately.
3. If I hear anyone complain about being broke and then go out and use a credit card to buy lots of needless THINGS anymore I swear I will probably tell them to quit complaining and stop living out of their means.
4. Whenever I see a baby it makes me happy that I am going to be a grandmother and then I get sad because I won't be able to see said grandbaby much.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pondering with a Purpose - Winter Solstice
Thursday is here and it is the first day of my vacation - 12 days off of work - was supposed to be 11 days but I ended up taking an extra one! Being that its Thursday it's time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Fiction with a Purpose.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Winter Solstice
I love reading Brenda's posts because it seems that our lives have gone in basically the same directions. Today however, our memories of the short winter days are somewhat different. When my kids were little I lived in town and my house was basically "Grand Central Station" for all the neighborhood kids which I didn't mind at all because I always knew where mine were and what they were doing. The main reason I moved to the country was because when the kids got to the high school years I basically had no privacy at all. I had 2 of my sons friends who were "dating" and their parents didn't approve so they would meet at my house. I tried to stop it but these kids were like my own - had grown up being at my house all the time. They would be there when I got home from work - and I HAD to work.
But that is another story. Back to the winter solstice - In the winter there was no "outdoor" playing and I would have all these kids in my house EVERY night. I think I fed at least two extra kids every night for about 6 years. Not that I minded but as any single mother knows, sometimes it's tough making ends meet. But we made it through and although I sometimes felt that I was losing my sanity, it is now a good memory. They were all good kids. The boys would even have the snow shoveled from the drive to the house when I got home. Then they'd be in my son's room "building" something or making circles through the house with their cars and trucks. The girls spent time in the kitchen - but mostly in front of the mirror "fixing" their hair or trying on clothes. The house was never quiet. Unlike now - my house is VERY quiet and I really miss those years.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Winter Solstice
I love reading Brenda's posts because it seems that our lives have gone in basically the same directions. Today however, our memories of the short winter days are somewhat different. When my kids were little I lived in town and my house was basically "Grand Central Station" for all the neighborhood kids which I didn't mind at all because I always knew where mine were and what they were doing. The main reason I moved to the country was because when the kids got to the high school years I basically had no privacy at all. I had 2 of my sons friends who were "dating" and their parents didn't approve so they would meet at my house. I tried to stop it but these kids were like my own - had grown up being at my house all the time. They would be there when I got home from work - and I HAD to work.
But that is another story. Back to the winter solstice - In the winter there was no "outdoor" playing and I would have all these kids in my house EVERY night. I think I fed at least two extra kids every night for about 6 years. Not that I minded but as any single mother knows, sometimes it's tough making ends meet. But we made it through and although I sometimes felt that I was losing my sanity, it is now a good memory. They were all good kids. The boys would even have the snow shoveled from the drive to the house when I got home. Then they'd be in my son's room "building" something or making circles through the house with their cars and trucks. The girls spent time in the kitchen - but mostly in front of the mirror "fixing" their hair or trying on clothes. The house was never quiet. Unlike now - my house is VERY quiet and I really miss those years.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Patrice over at Everday Ruralty has a surprise for us today. We get to visit in her living room and see her beautiful tree and some of her ornaments. Go check it out!
Here are this week's questions:
1. Patrice asked today, " What is my favorite Christmas tradition?"
I would have to say just watching the kids open their presents is what I look forward to the most.
2." Patrice also wanted to know if we were ready for Christmas?"
I am - as ready as I am going to get.
3. Patrice also wanted to know what we would like to talk about if we were over at her house.
First, I would want to see Wendall and give him a carrot. I'd like to see the green houses and would love to watch her make one of those ornaments out of okra!
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Wednesday! Time for hodgepodge over at Joyce's - From This Side of the Pond.
1. Are you cooking Christmas dinner? How many will be round your table this year? What are we having?
Just four at my house - daughter, sil, me and Biz. We are having meatballs (for sil), ham rollups (for daughter), turkey, green bean casserole, noodles (homemade), potatoes, and gravy of course. My plan is for none of us to be able to move after eating so much.
2. What is one must-have Christmas cookie in your house?
3. Santa likes a glass of milk with his cookies. Do you? What kind of
milk is on tap at your house-skim? almond? soy? full fat (Gasp!)
I don't like milk. I used to have to take notes to school saying I would not drink it.
4. Time magazine recently named their 'Person of the Year' for
2011. This is the person the editors believe had the greatest impact,
for better or worse, in the past year. This year they chose 'The
Protester'. Your thoughts? Who would you name Person of the Year for
2011?
I have to agree with the people that are naming the military. Their sacrifice is for all of us and our freedom.
5. December 21st is National Flashlight Day... when was the last time
you needed a flashlight and did you know right where to find one?
I use the flashlight a lot to look into dark cupboards and I know exactly where it is.
6. candy canes...yum or yuck?
Somewhere in the middle of yum and yuck - I can take them or leave them.
7. What Christmas carol lyric means the most to you?
Means the most? Probably Silent Night. Can't really think of any deep reason why but it just seems to really convey the true meaning of Christmas to me.
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Today is my last day of work for 12 days and I almost didn't post today. I have so much to do before I leave here - day should go very fast.
Today is my last day of work for 12 days and I almost didn't post today. I have so much to do before I leave here - day should go very fast.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Dress Challenge - Final
I was thinking last week was the final but I guess not.
Last week's wt. 158.6
This week's wt. 159.0
Difference +.4
Starting wt. 170.0
Ending wt. 159.0
Difference -11
In my defense - I did have TWO Christmas parties last week so I don't think the .4 gain is terrible.
Last week's wt. 158.6
This week's wt. 159.0
Difference +.4
Starting wt. 170.0
Ending wt. 159.0
Difference -11
In my defense - I did have TWO Christmas parties last week so I don't think the .4 gain is terrible.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Follow Friday 4 Fill In
Welcome to the 41st weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s the co-host is - Jen from What Would Jen Do.
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. ____ is my ideal winter night.
2. I don’t remember the last time I ___ but, I really want to.
3. I will never turn down __________
4. To save money I like to ____________
My Answers:
1. Sitting in a warm house (preferably one heated with a woodstove) watching the snow come down outside is my ideal winter night.
2. I don't remember the last time I drove around looking at Christmas lights but, I really want to.
3. I will never turn down the chance to spend time with my kids.
4. To save money I like to have a freezer full of vegetables from my garden, deer, beef and pork.
Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s the co-host is - Jen from What Would Jen Do.
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1. ____ is my ideal winter night.
2. I don’t remember the last time I ___ but, I really want to.
3. I will never turn down __________
4. To save money I like to ____________
My Answers:
1. Sitting in a warm house (preferably one heated with a woodstove) watching the snow come down outside is my ideal winter night.
2. I don't remember the last time I drove around looking at Christmas lights but, I really want to.
3. I will never turn down the chance to spend time with my kids.
4. To save money I like to have a freezer full of vegetables from my garden, deer, beef and pork.
5 Question Friday
Time to head over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday!
Rules for 5QF:
Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them,
then watch for the linky post to appear and LINK UP!
1. What's the best Christmas present you've ever received?
I'd have to say my flagpole that the kids got me last year. I had one at the old place and it was the one thing I could not take when I moved - just about broke my heart. But the kids came through and got me one for the new house!
I'd have to say my flagpole that the kids got me last year. I had one at the old place and it was the one thing I could not take when I moved - just about broke my heart. But the kids came through and got me one for the new house!
2. Worst/Funniest White Elephant gift ever received?
I've been pretty lucky with the white elephant gifts and haven't gotten any really bad ones - although I've seen a few - like the "coon penis bone" - yes you read that right and it is really just that.
I've been pretty lucky with the white elephant gifts and haven't gotten any really bad ones - although I've seen a few - like the "coon penis bone" - yes you read that right and it is really just that.
3. Is
your Christmas tree plain and simple (white lights and matching
ornaments) or is it wild and crazy (colored lights with lots of
ornaments collected over the years)?
Colored lights and lots of snowman ornaments.
Colored lights and lots of snowman ornaments.
4. "How" do you iron your clothes? The old fashioned iron/ironing board way, the shower, back in the dryer, etc.
The old fashioned way - but only when I absolutely have to - in other words when I have nothing to wear to work unless I actually do it.
The old fashioned way - but only when I absolutely have to - in other words when I have nothing to wear to work unless I actually do it.
5. How much baking do you do for Christmas and what are your "must make" items? (I'm looking for recipes here, peeps...)
Fudge is the one "must have" item around Christmas for me!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Pondering with a Purpose
Thursday means it's time for Brenda's Pondering with a Purpose.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Close Calls
So I read Brenda's post today and this is the first thing that came to my mind:
Way back (at least 20 years ago) before my parents moved back to VA, my mother decided she wanted to go home (VA) for a visit. My dad could not take off so me and my husband (now the ex) said we would drive her down. We were in a 1984 Blazer - I guess that makes it closer to 30 years ago - with both my kids in car-seats in the back with my mother. It was in the middle of the winter and it there was what we thought was a light mist coming down. Everything was fine until we got close to an exit and the semi ahead of us went to change lanes. The "mist" was freezing and the semi jack knifed. It ended up completely sideways. A pickup truck in another lane hit it. Jery (the ex) somehow got the Blazer stopped - literally 2 inches from the cab of the semi. The semi driver was ok, and thankfully so was the pickup driver, although the pickup itself was totaled. Not a scratch on my babies. I will always thank God that Jery was driving and not me because I honestly don't know how he managed to get stopped. All I know is we ended up with 2 wheels off of the pavement - he said he did that to get traction.
I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. I had already been through one bad car accident that killed my older sister but thankfully I was knocked out and really don't remember much about how it happened. Brenda is so right. Your life can change in seconds.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Close Calls
So I read Brenda's post today and this is the first thing that came to my mind:
Way back (at least 20 years ago) before my parents moved back to VA, my mother decided she wanted to go home (VA) for a visit. My dad could not take off so me and my husband (now the ex) said we would drive her down. We were in a 1984 Blazer - I guess that makes it closer to 30 years ago - with both my kids in car-seats in the back with my mother. It was in the middle of the winter and it there was what we thought was a light mist coming down. Everything was fine until we got close to an exit and the semi ahead of us went to change lanes. The "mist" was freezing and the semi jack knifed. It ended up completely sideways. A pickup truck in another lane hit it. Jery (the ex) somehow got the Blazer stopped - literally 2 inches from the cab of the semi. The semi driver was ok, and thankfully so was the pickup driver, although the pickup itself was totaled. Not a scratch on my babies. I will always thank God that Jery was driving and not me because I honestly don't know how he managed to get stopped. All I know is we ended up with 2 wheels off of the pavement - he said he did that to get traction.
I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. I had already been through one bad car accident that killed my older sister but thankfully I was knocked out and really don't remember much about how it happened. Brenda is so right. Your life can change in seconds.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Hodgepodge week 57
Wednesday again - time to hop over to Joyce's at From this Side of the Pond for the weekly
hodgepodge.
1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?
I think I have something everywhere except the computer room.
I think I have something everywhere except the computer room.
2.
If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?
I'd love to see Iceland - it looks like a beautiful country.
I'd love to see Iceland - it looks like a beautiful country.
3. What does the word faith mean to you?
Faith - believing in something without being able to see, hear, touch, smell, or taste it - just knowing it's there.
Faith - believing in something without being able to see, hear, touch, smell, or taste it - just knowing it's there.
4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?
I think any of the summer days spent with cousins at my grandmother's house would be nice.
I think any of the summer days spent with cousins at my grandmother's house would be nice.
5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.
Punch? Probably at my daughter's last "Miche" party. Can't think of a recipe off of the top of my head.
Punch? Probably at my daughter's last "Miche" party. Can't think of a recipe off of the top of my head.
6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?
I did when the kids were young but not any more. The stockings were always emptied first.
I did when the kids were young but not any more. The stockings were always emptied first.
7. What takes your breath away?
Sonogram pictures of my first grandchild!
Sonogram pictures of my first grandchild!
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Random thoughts - it's getting closer and closer to Christmas and it's getting harder and harder to come to work every morning. I am soooooooooooo ready for the Christmas break ( I get a whole 11 days off)!
Random thoughts - it's getting closer and closer to Christmas and it's getting harder and harder to come to work every morning. I am soooooooooooo ready for the Christmas break ( I get a whole 11 days off)!
Chats on the Farmhouse Porch
Time to go over to Patrice's at Everyday Ruralty for our weekly chat!
I've always found that the mountains are the best place to think, reflect, or pray.
1.Where is your favorite place to think, reflect, or pray?
I've always found that the mountains are the best place to think, reflect, or pray.
2.Did you believe in Santa as a kid?Until I was around 8 and the family was going shopping on Christmas Eve. My Dad kept saying that maybe Santa would have been there by the time we got back but then he made us kids wait in the car for what seemed like forever before he and my mother came out. They were inside putting out the presents and I wasn't that dumb!
3.What's your favorite kind of Christmas cookie? You can add a recipe if you have time.I like them all but anything with peanut butter and chocolate is always a favorite.
4.Did you grow up around any of your grandparents?Mostly my maternal grandmother.
5.What's your favorite winter sport-skiing, skating,sledding, other(?) ? If you are in a warm place, what is your favorite winter sport to watch when the Winter Olympics are televised?Love to ice skate! Haven't been in years though ;(.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Meet me on Monday
Every Sunday Java from Never Growing Old will post five get to know you
questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we
can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!
Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!
Questions:
1. Tomorrow I'm going to _________?
2. Pudding or Jello?
3. What book are you currently reading?
4. What is the first concert you went to see?
5. What is your current weather?
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My Answers!
1. Tomorrow I'm going to ship my son's packages to England.
2. Pudding - definitely.
3. Just took my last online final last night so now I have time to read Brenda's new book Disrupted Lives.
4. The Beach Boys - way back in 1976.
5. 30 degrees but clear and no wind chills so not too bad.
Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!
Questions:
1. Tomorrow I'm going to _________?
2. Pudding or Jello?
3. What book are you currently reading?
4. What is the first concert you went to see?
5. What is your current weather?
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My Answers!
1. Tomorrow I'm going to ship my son's packages to England.
2. Pudding - definitely.
3. Just took my last online final last night so now I have time to read Brenda's new book Disrupted Lives.
4. The Beach Boys - way back in 1976.
5. 30 degrees but clear and no wind chills so not too bad.
Christmas Dress Challenge
Christmas Dress Challenge - final
Last week's wt. 159.8
This week's wt. 158.6
Difference -1.2
Starting wt. 170.0
Ending wt. 158.6
Difference -11.4
Not nearly the loss I was hoping for but still a loss! Now if I can just KEEP it off through the holiday season!
Last week's wt. 159.8
This week's wt. 158.6
Difference -1.2
Starting wt. 170.0
Ending wt. 158.6
Difference -11.4
Not nearly the loss I was hoping for but still a loss! Now if I can just KEEP it off through the holiday season!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Follow Friday Four Fill in Blog Hop
Welcome to the 40th weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
This week’s statements:
1. When I ___ I feel that ___ paid off
2. I just realized that____
3. My _______ come from _______.
4. If I had _____, I would ______.
My answers:
1. When I see the people my children have become I feel that all the struggles of being a single mom have paid off.
2. I just realized that I tend to talk about my children a lot!
3. My values come from my dad.
4. If I had the time and money, I would really like to travel to Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and of course ENGLAND.
Now don't forget to link up!
Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
This week’s statements:
1. When I ___ I feel that ___ paid off
2. I just realized that____
3. My _______ come from _______.
4. If I had _____, I would ______.
My answers:
1. When I see the people my children have become I feel that all the struggles of being a single mom have paid off.
2. I just realized that I tend to talk about my children a lot!
3. My values come from my dad.
4. If I had the time and money, I would really like to travel to Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and of course ENGLAND.
Now don't forget to link up!
5 Question Friday
Time to head over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday!
Rules for 5QF:
Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them,
then watch for the linky post to appear and LINK UP!
1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
Reese bars -or maybe just decorated sugar cookies - or chocolate chip - wait - peanut butter - ok - I just like them all.
Reese bars -or maybe just decorated sugar cookies - or chocolate chip - wait - peanut butter - ok - I just like them all.
2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?
It's a Wonderful Life - hands down - wouldn't be Christmas without that movie - I tend to watch it at least once in July - why do I like it so much? Not sure, I guess it just tells such a great story and reminds me of a much simpler life.
It's a Wonderful Life - hands down - wouldn't be Christmas without that movie - I tend to watch it at least once in July - why do I like it so much? Not sure, I guess it just tells such a great story and reminds me of a much simpler life.
3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadnt after they opened it?
Lots! Usually the really noisy ones that they drove you crazy with.
Lots! Usually the really noisy ones that they drove you crazy with.
4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?
The computer room - it always seems to be the place that Biz puts everything. I probably have about 20 drums in there right now with various drum paraphernalia scattered all around (if I haven't ever mentioned it before Biz is a drummer. He plays in a local band and "collects" drums of all sorts).
The computer room - it always seems to be the place that Biz puts everything. I probably have about 20 drums in there right now with various drum paraphernalia scattered all around (if I haven't ever mentioned it before Biz is a drummer. He plays in a local band and "collects" drums of all sorts).
5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?
Down home - 749 miles - one way.
Down home - 749 miles - one way.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Pondering With A Purpose
Thursday means it's time for Brenda's Pondering with a Purpose.
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Pondering
I've been doing a lot of thinking - pondering - about how lucky I truly am. At this time of the year, it's easy to get a little depressed about little things - for instance:
I'm broke!
There doesn't seem to be many presents under the tree yet.
I haven't seen my son in 2 years!
I miss the days when me and my bf would make Christmas candy all day long.
Then I think -
Who isn't broke at Christmas?
So I need to do some more shopping and I may have to get a little creative.
Bummer - but maybe this year - and a grandbaby too! - at least he's in a relatively safe place - there's a lot worse places the military could send him.
So start making candy - it may be too far to drive to her house to do it but I can do it by myself and maybe drive over next weekend and take her some!
Anyway - I've been "pondering" a lot about the homeless and the work that Brenda does. When I think of people living on the streets it makes my problems seem so trivial. I actually have it pretty good. Thanks Brenda for helping me to see that!
Her rules are really easy:
1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!
So this week the subject is: Pondering
I've been doing a lot of thinking - pondering - about how lucky I truly am. At this time of the year, it's easy to get a little depressed about little things - for instance:
I'm broke!
There doesn't seem to be many presents under the tree yet.
I haven't seen my son in 2 years!
I miss the days when me and my bf would make Christmas candy all day long.
Then I think -
Who isn't broke at Christmas?
So I need to do some more shopping and I may have to get a little creative.
Bummer - but maybe this year - and a grandbaby too! - at least he's in a relatively safe place - there's a lot worse places the military could send him.
So start making candy - it may be too far to drive to her house to do it but I can do it by myself and maybe drive over next weekend and take her some!
Anyway - I've been "pondering" a lot about the homeless and the work that Brenda does. When I think of people living on the streets it makes my problems seem so trivial. I actually have it pretty good. Thanks Brenda for helping me to see that!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Chats on the Farmhouse Porch #20
- Have you ever had a blog slump?
- What's your favorite way to serve hot chocolate (cocoa)? Marshmallows on top? Whipped Cream? A cinnamon stick?
- How do you handle it when you see someone you think you know, but cannot place? Do you approach them and ask, shy away, or just go home and hope you don't think of it at 2am?
- What was your position in your family? Were you the oldest, a middle child, the youngest or an only child?
- How do you handle accumulated possessions (stuff)? Are you a pack-rat, a minimalist, or somewhere in between?
My answers:
- Yep! Pretty much the whole year of 2010! Was all caught up with a new job.
- I like hot chocolate but I don't love it. Usually if I do drink it, it will be mixed with my coffee!
- I usually just ask them. A lot of the time they turn out to be people I have worked with in the past.
- I was the baby of the family.
- I'm not a pac-rat but definitely not a minimalist so I guess I'm somewhere in between. I have a friend that I would describe as a "semi-hoarder" - I honestly don't know how anyone could live like that. I would describe my house as being "lived in" but I can't handle things being out of place for long. How do people ever find anything when it's piled all over?
Hodgepodge Volume 56
Grandma Got Run Over by the Hodgepodge-Volume 56
1.
Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of
December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything
special to make your house guests feel welcome? How long should a guest
stay?
No guests this year :( - would love for my son and DIL to be able to be home but that's just not possible. Do I do anything special? Nope - anyone that would be a guest at my house knows me pretty well and knows they are welcome. How long should they stay - as long as they want to!
The Santa Clause - it came out the year my daughter was born and we watch it every year!
Does anyone else get annoyed by the "voluntary" surveys that we are asked to fill out by employers and government agencies - just how much information do they need and what do they do with it?
2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week back in (Dec 5) 1905...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one.
3. What's the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?
I can't really think of any right now.
4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
Probably about half.
5. Amaryllis...snowdrop...poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?
Don't know what Amaryllis or snowdrops look like so I guess it would be poinsettia.
6. What is one thing on your personal wish list this year? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this an actual item.
An e-reader.
7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?
8. Insert your own random thought here.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Christmas Dress Challenge
Christmas Dress Challenge
Last week's wt. 161.0
This week's wt. 159.8
Difference -1.2
Barely! But I'M IN THE 150'S!!!!!!!!
Last week's wt. 161.0
This week's wt. 159.8
Difference -1.2
Barely! But I'M IN THE 150'S!!!!!!!!
Meet Me on Monday
Today I am joining Meet Me on Monday for the first time. Java over at Never Growing Old hosts this each week and it looks like a good spot to meet and get to know more people.
Questions:
1. Monday's are _________?
2. What is your favorite kind of milkshake?
3. What monthly bill do you most dislike paying?
4. How many email addresses do you use on a regular basis?
5. What color lights are on your Christmas Tree?
My Answers:
1. Monday's are always kind of crazy. It is the first workday of the week and usually the busiest; it's also the day I have VFW meetings at least twice a month. On those nights, I usually don't get home till almost 10 p.m.
2. Why chocolate of course! I truly believe that chocolate makes everything better-except our waistlines.
3. The cable/internet/phone. I have DSL but have to have a land line phone to get it. Can't tell you how much it annoys me to have a phone sitting there that is never used - can't even call out on it.
4. Well there's the work e-mail, the facebook e-mail, the blogging e-mail, and another one I had to set up for a class project - that's 4.
5. Multi colored. I have used all blue lights in the past when I decorated the tree with all crocheted ornaments. The blue lights and white ornaments were really pretty together but I think the multi colored looks more like Christmas.
Questions:
1. Monday's are _________?
2. What is your favorite kind of milkshake?
3. What monthly bill do you most dislike paying?
4. How many email addresses do you use on a regular basis?
5. What color lights are on your Christmas Tree?
My Answers:
1. Monday's are always kind of crazy. It is the first workday of the week and usually the busiest; it's also the day I have VFW meetings at least twice a month. On those nights, I usually don't get home till almost 10 p.m.
2. Why chocolate of course! I truly believe that chocolate makes everything better-except our waistlines.
3. The cable/internet/phone. I have DSL but have to have a land line phone to get it. Can't tell you how much it annoys me to have a phone sitting there that is never used - can't even call out on it.
4. Well there's the work e-mail, the facebook e-mail, the blogging e-mail, and another one I had to set up for a class project - that's 4.
5. Multi colored. I have used all blue lights in the past when I decorated the tree with all crocheted ornaments. The blue lights and white ornaments were really pretty together but I think the multi colored looks more like Christmas.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
| I started crocheting stockings using this pattern the year my daughter was born and have been doing it ever since. I make them in every size imaginable. A couple of years ago I decided to go with plain red and green - that way, no matter how many grandkids I may have, I can always make a matching one. They are all unique - a different combination of the colors for every person/animal (pets are at the top - they're part of the family too!) |
| The shower curtain - you'll notice I have a "thing" for snowmen. |
| The tree - not real happy with it but it will have to do. |
| I even started wrapping presents yesterday! |
| The spare bedroom - with some of my baskets - waiting to be delivered. |
| My bed with the Queen napping in her favorite spot. And now I have to go clean those posts! |
| I made cookies yesterday to fill the cookie jars! The package is ready to send to my brother. |
| My favorite cookie jar - goes with my snowman dishes. I have the entire set - they come out at Thanksgiving and stay out till New Years. |
| I got these years ago at the local dollar store. I love them - it always make me sad when I have to put them away for the year. |
| More of my snowmen! |
Friday, December 2, 2011
5 Question Friday
Time to head over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday!
Rules for 5QF:
Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them,
then watch for the linky post to appear and LINK UP!
1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?
2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?
3. When do you turn on your heat?
4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?
5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?
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1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?
I love nativities. They say so much about what the season is all about.
2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?
3. When do you turn on your heat?
4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?
5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?
Definitely after - otherwise I end up with white streaks all over my shirt.
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