A Look Ahead and Behind

What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been.  A week in Vegas, a weekend in Dallas for Granddaughter's shower, then two days in Little Rock, AR and then back to Dallas this past weekend for Granddaughter #6 Children's Choir program.

By the way, I did not get one single picture of our visit in Little Rock and only one from the large screen of Granddaughter's program.  Shame on me! But, she was adorable and the program was great.

She is the pretty one in the pink dress.

We have loved every minute of being with family and friends and I haven't missed the housework  one iota!

However, with no trips on the horizon, guess what!  It's time to concentrate on the house this week.

So, Hello Housework!

 Do you have a specific order for doing your house cleaning?  Like certain days for dusting or doing the floors or bathrooms?  I did, that is until retirement happened and I realized I could do it anytime I wanted.  And hence the problem!  I seldom want!

So, again, Hello Housework Discipline!

It's got to be done, so no more putting off certain mundane chores.

Hello Pictures from Vegas Trip!

I thought I might regale you with a few pictures from our trip that I happen to really like and want to see again.

 

 

Hello Rest of the Week!

May yours be a blessed one.

Say Yes to the Dress!

That's right,

I said "YES" to the dress!

I went to Dallas on Friday to shop with a friend prior to granddaughter's bridal shower on Saturday.  She had lined up several places for us to go including the famous Neiman Marcus.  But that was second on the list and became irrelevant after the first store.

I will save the pictures until the wedding but just let it be known that I also came home not only with the dress, but shoes and accessories.  It was meant to be!  And of course, I know that God honored my prayer to find what He wanted me to have.

It is perfect as it could only be!

Now, let me show you a few shots of the shower which was hosted by daughter's best friends.  It was such a lovely day and granddaughter got so many nice things with which to begin housekeeping.

The lovely hostesses.

 Mom and daughters

Bride-to-be with mother and sister of groom-to-be

Beautiful sisters

 One of the sweet arrangements for the special day

 A lovely table of delectables

 Grandmothers

 The parents of the groom-to-be gave them a gorgeous set of wine glasses and cake knife and server for the reception.  Chandler loves lots of bling!  Such a thoughtful gift!

She received so many useful things.  These are only a few.

So grateful to be part of such a special day for such a special couple.

Taxing to the Hit Parade

After being away from any kind of blogging for a week, it is good to be back with my fellow

Hodgepodgers.

Thank you Joyce for bringing us together again this week with some "taxing" questions.

1. Speaking of April 15th...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?

Ridden in lots and lots of taxis.  We returned on Monday from a week in Vegas where we stayed in a lovely, huge hotel at the end of the strip called Mandalay Bay.  Son had a medical conference there.  It is a great place with so many amenities, but it is at the end and not in the middle of the strip, thereby requiring a taxi to maneuver.  I'm not complaining; just reality.  There was a lot of 'taxing'.

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?

Last time?  Monday morning from Mandalay Bay to the McCarron International Airport

in Las Vegas.

 It was interesting to note the different personalities of the drivers.  Some were just as chatty as they could be, some served as a tour guide with all sorts of local information and trivia, and others never opened their mouth.  It was obvious who really enjoyed their job and those to whom it was only a job.

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?

Oh gracious!  At my age the question should be, "What's something you can't do today that you could do a year ago?"  Things a changin' and fast!  Actually, I am doing some weight exercises that I wasn't doing a year ago.  And I have painted some different type paintings than I thought I could a year ago.

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?

Chicken finds its way to our table maybe a couple times a week.  I like to buy the Rotisserie Chickens at Sams, bone it for salads and freeze the rest to pull out for stir fry during the week.  We will occasionally have a chicken breast prepared in a variety of ways with veggies.

I'm not going with any of those choices because I plan to make a big Chipotle salad since we have eaten much too well this past week.  They all sound good though.

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

"Your Hit Parade!" I couldn't wait for Saturday evening, to watch the most popular and bestselling songs of the week being sung and acted out by some of the most popular voices of the day.  I most remember the following singers and dancers.  It ran from 1950 - 1959.  Black and White!

Your Hit Parade's TV vocalists (top, l. to r.): Snooky Lanson, Russell Arms and (bottom, l. to r.) Dorothy Collins, Gisèle MacKenzie.

This is a classic:  "Hot Diggity (Dog Zittity, Boom what you do to me)

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?

I did a small painting for a friend.

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

That it can be so slow sometimes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 A couple blogs back I mentioned that I loved my new Soft Surrounding lace top and would be wearing it to several up-coming occasions.

 I wore it to my nephew's wedding and thought it was perfect.  This is a picture of me with my middle sister, Gin on the right and the youngest, Sarah, the mother of the groom, in the center.

And then, into the suitcase it went for our trip to Vegas.  Last Friday night we went to see the Elton John Million Dollar Piano show at Caesar's Palace.  The piano is directly behind us.

Again, I pulled out my favorite top and dressed it up with multiple strands of pearls and felt very suitably attired for our VIP seating.  Hubby didn't look bad himself!

By the way, the show was great!

 Do you have a favorite top you like to dress up or down depending on the occasion?

Let the Celebrations Begin!

This was a menu cover on an Air France flight we took in 1972, Florent Margaritis No. 16

Hubby and I fly out today for a week in Las Vegas with our son and his family as part of celebrating our 

50th Wedding Anniversary this year.

Have a great week and I'll have plenty to share when we get back.

An Easter Theme Hodgepodge

Happy Easter Week!

It is always a good week when Hodgepodgers can meet together with

Joyce @ From the Other Side of the Pond

for

1. In honor of the date...when were you last sent on a 'fool's errand'?

I hate to pass on the very first question, but I can't think of anything relating to this.

2. Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, The Energizer Bunny, The Easter Bunny, Rabbit (Pooh's friend), White Rabbit (of Wonderland fame), or the Trix Rabbit...which of these 'famous' rabbits can you best relate to right now?

I guess Peter Rabbit.  I feel like I am literally hopping down the bunny trail right now on several levels, both by choice and some not of my choosing.

3. When did you last find yourself scrambling to get something done? Explain.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow?  Lots to get done this busy week, but it's all good and either will or will not get done and that's alright.  Except of course, the clothes into the suitcase by Monday morning is not an option.

4. Last time you were up at the literal crack of dawn? Why? Last time you stayed up all night? Why?

I am awake quite often at the crack of dawn because of a crazy sleep pattern.  But on a regular basis I am up and going before dawn to get to the gym every morning.  And this is retirement?  I have not deliberately stayed up all night in a mighty long time and it would have been because of an emergency; however, I have stayed up all night due to insomnia.

5. Crack a book, crack a bottle, crack a joke, crack an egg...which have you done most recently?

Crack an egg.

6. What's your favorite part of a typical weekend? Tell us why that's so.

Sunday morning and evening.  Sunday mornings are times of worship and Bible Study and on Sunday evenings we meet with a special group of friends for prayer and communion.  This is a special time.

7. What's something I'd find on a bookshelf in your home? Other than a book I mean!

There are plaques of recognition for both Hubby and me, and a few framed pictures but mostly books.  We have two bookcases in our office with one containing only commentaries and Bible study material.  The other contains inspirational and informational books and material.  I have actually run out of display space due to the volume of books.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

On Monday's blog, I mentioned that I have been converting slides and storing them on my computer.  I found another box of old slides yesterday and just had to share with you a few precious Easter pics from years ago.  My kids are now 45 and 43 but they may always remain this age in my heart.

Easter 1973

Easters 1972, 1974, 1975

Hello Easter Week!

Hello Exciting Week!

Wednesday, our dear friends Bill & Velta Morris will be coming to visit on their way back home in Lancaster, SC, after seeing our mutual friends, Derry and Dora Magee in College Station, TX.  Derry is having serious health issues and this could be their final visit together.

The two couples originally lived in Kentwood, LA., their home, when Dick was Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church there during his seminary days. It was under their guidance and in their homes that Dick and I got to know each other before getting married in 1965.

Back in 1968, while we were living in Orange, Texas., they visited us, and we all still have such fond and fun memories of that time.  We so value long, special friendships as these.

Dr. Derry Magee, Hubby, Bill Morris

On Friday, we will go for the wedding rehearsal of our nephew Ben and his beautiful bride-to-be, Ashley and the wedding on Saturday which Hubby will perform.

We are so happy for them and look forward to being part of this special time in their lives.

Of course, Sunday is Easter and we will be involved in worship with Bible Study and stirring music in praise of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Then comes Monday again and we will be lifting off for a week with our son and his family in warm, exciting Las Vegas.

Just gotta love a busy, exciting week!

Hello F2D Super Plus

My daughter, knowing that we had boxes of slides containing a wealth of memories that would be otherwise lost, gave me a slide converter for Christmas.  This past week, I went through all the boxes and had a ball reliving so many precious times.  I have put them on the computer where they will be saved in a file for posterity.

These are just a few that I love.

John loved playing horsey with his little sister.

 Christy on her 2nd Easter.

 Easter approx. 1975, Christy age 4

Thanks again Christy, for my gift.

By the way, the pictures above of our friends was also among the "lost" slides.

Hello Soft Surroundings

As I do not enjoy shopping, I have discovered online shopping especially for particular clothing items.  A year or so ago, I started ordering from

Soft Surroundings.

I have only ordered tops and mostly tunics but I could not be more pleased with the quality, fast receipt, packaging and returnability of their items.

I recently received this lace tunic and wore it to the symphony Saturday night, will wear it to the wedding this weekend, and it will be packed for the trip.

I love it's versatility to dress up or down and the intricate lace is beautiful.  Besides, I got it on sale.

 

Hello Easter Week

Do You Believe?

Yesterday, Hubby and I went to see the movie,

"Do You Believe?"

I have thought a lot about this stirring movie since then and have had to ask myself that very question,

"Do I Truly Believe in the Cross of Jesus Christ?"

What does it mean to believe in the Cross?

 In the movie, they showed that to follow the Cross of Jesus is to be willing to do whatever is necessary to share Jesus Christ with others.

In other words, be willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to see that others see Jesus in your own life.

Jesus told us to "Take up your cross and follow Me."

In the Bible, the cross was an instrument of death. What Jesus is referring to is commitment to Him, even unto death—obedience to the extreme measure and willingness to die in pursuit of obedience. 

Death on a cross was not pleasant. It was painful and humiliating. The implication is that even if obedience is painful and humiliating, we should be willing to endure it for Christ.

By saying, "Take up your cross and follow Me" Jesus was giving us a word picture of the concept of "death to self," which originates in another saying of Jesus, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" (Luke 9:24-25).

The idea is that nothing in this life is worth keeping if it means losing eternal life, not a job, not a family, not a group of friends, not even our very identity. 

The multitudes that followed Christ were convinced that He was going to bring a glorious kingdom to earth, freeing them from the oppressive Roman rule. Even His own disciples were thinking this way (Luke 19:11). Misunderstanding the prophecies, they were shocked when He began to talk about death to self and carrying the cross (Luke 9:22). They left Him in droves because of these teachings. Similarly, believers today misunderstand the call of Jesus as a call to health, wealth and prosperity. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The call of Jesus is a call to die, but today many, unwilling to accept a call to die, leave Him or simply change His message to something more pleasant.

But His message never guaranteed a pleasant life. Jesus instead guaranteed that trials would come to His followers (John 16:33). Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost. He also promised that He would be there for us to give us the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-19), comfort us in our trials (James 1:12), and act as a faithful high priest who understands our struggles (Hebrews 2:17) and accomplish for us peace with God by His blood (Romans 5:1).

This was an emotional experience as I stood by this Mosaic in Jerusalem in 1972 and later realized it appears to be resting on my shoulder.

Taking up our cross to follow Christ means, simply, commitment to the point of giving up our hopes, dreams, possessions, even our very life if need be. This is the attitude – the only acceptable attitude – of a true disciple (Luke 14:27). Jesus' followers regard the reward as worth the price. Jesus set the example for us in His death, to give us the gift of life:

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25).

Do You Believe?

Excerpts from:  http://www.compellingtruth.org/take-up-your-cross.html#ixzz3VQRCVFC4

Linking with the following:

Tell His Story

Live Free Thursday
Beloved Brews Thursday

Hope, Easter, and Advice from an 8 Year Old

So happy to be joining all the ladies for

Volumn 214 of Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?

We celebrate Easter through joint worship and beautiful music of praise to the God of Easter.

I never loved the Easter Egg Hunt tradition, but participated as all little kids were expected to do.  I think the most favorite tradition would have been wearing the new dresses our mother always made for us and getting new shoes.  For many years when we were small enough to wear pretty little white socks, Mom would embroider matching flowers on the little cuff.

2. George Weinberg is quoted as saying, 'Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.' Agree or disagree? Share your own thoughts on the word hope.
  For the Christian, Christ Jesus is our hope (1 Tim. 1:1) so therefore, I am the only one who can move away from hope; He never changes.

3. Weigh in with a yay or nay on the traditional Easter candies. A solid milk chocolate bunny? Cadbury Creme Eggs? Peeps? Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? Jellybeans? Coconut Cream Eggs? Of the candies listed, which one would you most like to find in your Easter basket?

Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs

4. When did you last feel 'like a kid in a candy store'?

I guess it would have to be last weekend when I spent several hours with my daughter and her girls.  Such a sweet time that I wasn't ready to end!

5. What's something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Does it bother other people?

I think my contentment and desire to be alone.  It certainly doesn't bother me and I'm not sure whether it actually bothers others or not.  Hubby understands this and his need to be around people works well with my personality.  We have learned to adapt for each other and I think we compliment each other in this respect.

6. Palm Springs CA, Palm Beach FL, or the PALMetto State...of the three mentioned, which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?

We were in north west South Carolina last August and have visited various other parts of the Palmetto State.  So much to see and do there.  But, I think I will choose Palm Springs CA to visit right now.

7. If you could change the length of a day would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why.

I don't think I would change it at all.  24 Hours is good enough regardless of the alternating time changes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I wanted to share with you a funny time with my youngest granddaughter this past weekend.

Ava Grace is 8 years old and the youngest of four sisters.  There are 10 years between her and the youngest sisters, so in many respects she has characteristics like the first born and yet the privileges of the youngest.  All that to say, she is bossy, mentally quick, precocious, confident, and very knowledgeable of things beyond her years.

At her oldest sisters bridal shower this past weekend, the hostess provided cards for answering two questions which they are going to use to compile a scrapbook for the couple.

 Sitting on the sofa across the room with her grandmothers,

Ava Grace asked me what the cards were for so I explained that they were to give advice to the couple.  I asked her, "What advice would you give them for working out their first fight?"

Without batting an eye, she confidently responded,

"Do what Sissybo says!"

Of course Sissybo is her big sister and somehow Ava Grace inherently knew the best answer.  Where did she learn that?

Having solved that issue, I said, "Okay, with that taken care of, what advice do you have for a date night for them?"

Again, without hesitation she said,

"Tell Brad to take Sissybo out for dinner at a nice place, look her in the eye, tell her he loves her, kiss her, then eat!"

You just have to love the simplistic, literal, cut-to-the-chase mind of a child.

I have a feeling these will be the most practical and perhaps implemented advice in the scrapbook.