Wednesday Hodgepodge

One month almost down in 2016 with only eleven more to go.  Where does the time go when you're having fun?

You can always count on fun happening with Joyce on the Hodgepodge, so click HERE and join us.

1. Share a winter memory from your childhood.

 

I suppose the most vivid memories would be of standing in front of the large space heater in our parent's bedroom/family room and toasting one side before turning around to toast the other.  I also remember hanging clothing in front of the heater to dry because there was no dryer other than outdoor clothes lines at that time.  I know I am really telling my age with this answer, but that was life in the rural south in the late 40's and early 50's. No snow stories for us! 

2. What was on your blog this time last year? (Besides the Hodgepodge of course!) If you weren't blogging, what in the world were you doing with all that free time?

On January 27, 2015 I did a post on what I had worn to the symphony the Saturday night before and on Friday the 30th, I did a "Loved, Liked and Learned" post. Should you be interested, those posts can be found HERE. and HERE.  In looking back, I realized I was posting more frequently on quite a variety of topics that seemed of interest at that time.  I'm not posting as often at this point, and seem to be enjoying it more.  (See #8 below)
 
3. Ellen Goodman is quoted as saying, 'We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.' 

Do you see more flaws or more potential in your life at the start of a new year? Have you done anything specific this month to address either one? Does the new year truly begin for you on January 1, or is there some other month of the year that feels like a fresh start and new beginning?

I have never been one for New Years resolutions.  I do however, recommit myself to doing better those things I may have slacked on and continuing the things that I have been doing well.  I guess it is a time of reflecting although certainly not a time to dwell very long on either successes or failures because each day is a new opportunity to begin again.  I see more potential in my life and pray for the Lord's blessing and direction for every day.

4. Who's an athlete you admire or respect and why?

Hubby and I have been recording and watching a program "A Football Life" as time allows.  We have enjoyed seeing these athletes, some old ones, some deceased, some still alive and active, most of whom we remember from past football glory days.

Although there is much to admire and appreciate in these men's lives, I am going to go with an athlete who is very near and dear to our heart; our grandson.  Jackson has been consistent these past few years to dedicate himself to his skill on the football field and in the classroom as well.  This past year he was ready to step into a leadership role at center when needed then to move into a position he had never played - left guard on a night before a national TV audience against the #1 ranked team in the nation - Ohio State.  He not only played well, he played exceptionally well and added the much needed stability to the offensive line.

He has played with integrity and grit all year, getting only one penalty.  He was the one to always assist a fellow player off the ground and pat those who did well.  He never talked trash to the defensive line in front of him, but made his presence known to them by his strength and physical power.

We could not be more proud of our Big Boy for stepping up and digging deep this year to make a tremendous difference to his team.  As a result of his and his team's effort, they brought a lot of recognition and honors to their school and coaches as well.  Jackson was accepted into the highly acclaimed Haworth College of Business this semester as a Junior and continues to excel academically.

Jackson, this next year is your opportunity to again step up, dig deep and be the leader on the big, tough offensive line for Western Michigan University Broncos.  We love you #65!!!

5. Do you like cream in your coffee? Whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? Cream cheese on a bagel? Sour cream on a baked potato? Cream of wheat for breakfast? Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream? Of all the creamy foods mentioned, which one sounds most appealing to you right this very minute?

Sour cream on a baked potato would be my favorite.  I have not had the clotted cream on a scone, but love the combination of whipped cream and lemon curd on a scone.

6. Where were you last kept waiting for 'hours on end'? Or for what felt like hours on end? How well did you cope?

That would be on the plane leaving the Bahamas on Dec. 26.  We were kept on the tarmac for over an hour which bumped us off the connecting flight to Chicago.  I try to cope by seeing that everything in my life is ordered by a Sovereign God.  I may never know why things happen as they do; however, what is beyond my control is being controlled by a loving and omnipotent God.

7. Believe it or not, when next week's Hodgepodge rolls around it will be February. Huh?!? Bid adieu here to January in seven words or less.

You were only a collection of days!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 I started my Monday "Love Your Home" series with two very different homes.  If you missed them, you can find the 2nd one HERE with a link to the first at the bottom.

Love Your Home

Check back next Monday for #3.

My little 9 year old Dallas granddaughter attended the birthday party of a classmate last weekend.  These mothers are so clever in creating fun and different themes for parties these days.

This one was a spa theme held in the honoree's home and they left nothing undone.

Each young lady was asked to find her own monogrammed robe draped over an awaiting chair where she would be pampered with facials, foot rubs, mani/pedis and hairstyles.  There was not a birthday cake to be found but rather healthy snacks and a lot of fun.

 They were given the royal treatment for sure.

I love that Ava Grace found a more practical use for her cucumber slices.

 I think having one of these for lady friends would be a great way to celebrate a birthday.  Except that most of my friends would have a problem getting up off the floor.  HA!!!