Fall Is A State of Mind

It is good to be back home after our two week trip to northern Indiana and also to be back with

Joyce and the Hodgepodge this week.

1. What have you 'fallen for' recently?

My DIL introduced me to this product and I love not only the way it makes my hands feel, but the scent of Basil.  I also got the Basil Dish Detergent.  Smells divine!  There are quite a variety of fragrances and I also like the Lavender, which I have in my bathroom. 

2. What's something you're 'squirreling away' for later?

I can't think of anything I'm squirreling away right now.

3. How do you like your apples? Sweet? Tart? Crisp? Cooked? Apples are one of the superfoods for fall...how often do you eat an apple either plain or as part of a favorite recipe? What's your favorite variety?

We bought some beautiful, large Honey Crisp apples while in Shipshawana, IN last week.  I like my apples sweet and these are delicious with just enough crispness to be a joy to chew.  We don't normally eat a lot of apples, but when we do, they are usually fresh.  I also enjoy a baked apple with caramel sauce.  Perfect for fall!

4. According to Fodor's the ten best fall foliage trips in the US of A are-Aspen Colorado, The Catskills New York, The Berkshires Massachusetts, Columbia River Gorge Oregon, Green Mountain Byway Vermont, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway New Mexico, Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, Upper Peninsula Michigan, Lake of the Ozarks Missouri, and Glacier National Park Montana. Which would you most like to visit this fall and why?

Green Mountain Byway Vermont, only because I have always wanted to visit that area and what better time than the fall.

5. The topic of legalizing marijuana was raised in the most recent televised political debate so let's wade in too. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. Four states have legalize marijuana for recreational use. Your thoughts?

I thought Gov. Chris Christy's comments were good.  Marijuana is a gateway drug and should not be legalized for that very reason.  I was once the Drug Awareness Coordinator at a technical college and education of the affects of drug use was a large part of my job; therefore, I invited a lot of different speakers to address the students.  Without exception, both educators and former users were adamant that marijuana is a very dangerous drug and should never be legalized.  I had students who were dealing with the heartbreak of addicted babies and children with various handicaps attributed to marijuana use by one or both parents at the time of conception.  I also knew of people who started with marijuana and once they could no longer get the "highs" they easily moved to other hard, illegal drugs.  Drug addiction is never a pretty picture or story.  The strength of the drug today is so much stronger and more addictive than it was when Jeb Bush and Clinton used it.  It should never be legalized for any reason!

6. Are you okay to watch a movie already in progress or do you need to always see it from the beginning? How about jumping into a TV series somewhere in the middle? Is that okay?

I much prefer to start a movie at the beginning.  We have started a few TV series in the middle and then look forward to watching the reruns from the beginning.  This is not my preference though.

7. Thursday (September 24) is National Punctuation Day. What rule of punctuation trips you up most often? What rule of punctuation, when broken by someone else, bugs you the most?

How to properly use the simi-colon. ;;;;;;;!
Too few or too many commas, really bugs me, and I'm afraid, I may be guilty, of this myself, at times.  LOL!!,,,

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

These are just a few of the picture highlights from our visit with our son and his family these past two weeks.
 Soccer games with Savannah
Watching Jackson start for the first time at Center.

 Spending time with pretty Mary-Elizabeth

Getting to meet and have lunch with our new friend, Kaoma.

Making our regular visit to Amish country, Shipshawana.

We have such a good time with this sweet, loving family.  Time just passes too quickly.

 

On Friday, I hope to share our 50th Anniversary party with you.

Hodgepodging From Michiana

Please join our host, Joyce and other bloggers who participate in the Hodgepodge by clicking

HERE.

1. Last thing you did on the spur of the moment?

Participate in today's Hodgepodge.  I hadn't planned to blog this week as we are visiting family, but I found a minute and couldn't resist.
  
2. How well informed do you feel about the current Syrian refugee crisis?

Not well informed at all and it frustrates me that I haven't taken the time to learn more about what's going on other than infrequent news articles.  And then, what do you believe and what do you toss?

3. What have you changed your mind about?

Yesterday Granddaughter Savannah and I went to a boutique and immediately saw a tunic in the window that we both agreed was meant for me.  However, after trying it on and seeing the price tag, I felt more than sure that it was meant to remain in the store and not in my closet.

4. A medium sized non-poisonous snake found it's way into the pool trap this weekend. If you'd been sitting poolside would you have fished it out? Gone running? Called for help? Pretended not to know? Continued swimming?

Call for help at some point.

5. September 10th is National TV Dinner Day...what's your idea of a great TV dinner? (Or at least a pretty good one!)

Hubby and I eat most of our evening meals in our office/den so I guess one would consider all of those meals, TV dinners.  In that case, whatever we decide to prepare would qualify.  My favorite though, would probably be what I call Chipotle Salad which consists of layers containing, lettuce, rice, Black Beans, Mexican corn, either chicken or fish, tomatoes, avocados, boiled egg, and Olive Garden Dressing.

6. Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying, "Courage is reckoned the greatest of all virtues; because, unless a man has that virtue, he has no security for preserving any other." Would you agree? Where have you seen that played out recently? What's the second greatest virtue?

That is an interesting idea and one I probably need to spend more time contemplating than I will actually do.  But, at first thought, I disagree that it is the greatest of all virtues.  I would put Faith as the greatest because without faith in what is right and good and worth fighting for, why would you need courage.  Based on this perspective, then I would count Courage to defend one's beliefs perhaps as the second greatest virtue.

7. What are three words you have trouble remembering how to spell?

1.  Conscience

2.  Conscious

3.  Hor'd ourves

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary (a post can be found HERE)  this past week and on Saturday hosted an Open House for family and friends.

It was perfect and I will share a few pics of flowers and food here.  I will write more later.

My dear sweet friend, Jean Ann volunteered to oversee all the food and it could not have been better.

The flowers were done by Matt who owns Fleur de Lis Flower Shop and were amazing and filled the whole house with fragrance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are currently in Northern Indiana visiting our son and his family, so I will write more about the party and our visit later.

Huge Retirement Sale

I don't have time to blog - more on that later - but did want to get this word out.

Gift Shoppe & Kids Shoppe @ Teche Drugs & Gifts

501 & 505  Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA

RETIREMENT SALE!

Starts Tuesday Sept. 8 thru Sept. 30th

All inventory & fixtures included.

You will not find prettier things anyway.

I know because this my sister-in-law's business and she has only the best.

Definitely worth the drive. 

 

Fifty Years Ago!

50 years ago

on a warm September afternoon,

I stepped into a borrowed ivory wedding dress,

walked across the street,
 slipped my hand onto my dad’s arm

and walked down the aisle of a small country church.

Clare de Lune being played on the piano by a good friend,

the pews filled to capacity with family and friends.

My gaze was locked on the shining eyes

of the man God had given me to love.

Yes, we were young

but not so young to not know what we were doing.

But, 20 and 25 can’t even begin to imagine 70 and 75.

Can’t see what’s coming.

Can’t look down that aisle

and see across the years.

Can’t understand what grace will really look like lived out

through words and actions.

Can’t anticipate the decisions that will be made,

the children who will be born,

the jobs, the moves, the arguments, the ministries, the money problems, the snoring, the in laws, the tears, the joys, the sleepless nights, the friends who will weave in and out of our lives.  And, the grandchildren.  Yes!  The grandchildren!

A 20 year old can’t see that far.

The only real thing that this young couple knew

was that

in all the years to come

they would stay together.

To stay

day in and out

through easy and hard

joy and sorrow

fear and trust.

To stay

would be the one thing

that 20 could promise.

That 20 certainly didn’t know -

couldn’t conceive

how wise she was to make that vow

at that time.

But 70?

She gets it!

70 can look back and see the wisdom of her choice,

the Hand of God in leading her to take a bus ride to New Orleans,

to spend a day sight-unseen with a mature seminary senior.

Yes, 70 knows how smart she was to say yes when asked to marry.

70,

wrinkles, colored gray hair and all

sees how truly fortunate she is

to have pledged her troth

on that perfect Saturday evening in Acadiana.

70 sees the blessings

the joy

the laughter 

the fun

the hard decisions

the faults in ourselves, covered by mercy and grace.

70 loves more deeply and more fully

because of those 50 years of marriage.

Where 20 was naive,

70 is prudent.

Where 20 hoped,

70 sees and knows.

I am so very thankful

to have walked that aisle

50 years ago.

So thankful for the years the Lord has granted -

for the love that has grown beyond anything I could have imagined or promised.

20 was good

but 70 is so much better!

Happy 50th, my love.

And here's to the next 50!

Not Being Idle in September

Welcome to the first week of September!

It's a very busy week for me so I am grateful Joyce didn't give us any really soul-searching questions that need pondering.  Thanks!

Come over and join the rest of the Hodgepodgers at

From This Side of the Pond

for

1. What's on your September calendar? Anything fun? 

As I have mentioned before, Hubby and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the 4th and hosting an Open House for family and some close friends on Saturday the 5th.  We are so excited about having all these special folks here at one time.

Son who will be flying in on Saturday from Indiana, so early Labor Day morning, he, Hubby and I will head north for a couple weeks with the rest of the family.  Can't wait since we haven't been there since Christmas.  While there we will have time with the girls by ourselves and hopefully see a play at the Round Barn in Nappanee as well as see grandson play football in Kalamazoo, MI.  Lots to do and loving to catch up on.

I will have plenty to blog about when we get back.

2. You might be described as a natural born _____________________?

Handler of details and sequential planner

3. September is National Courtesy Month...what one act of courtesy would you most like to see more of in your home, town, or the world at large? 

I think on an overall basis, kindness should be expressed more.  Just be kind to each other, whether that means opening a door, smiling, speaking a kind word, showing gratitude for things great or small.  Acts of kindness that say, "You are of value" would go a long way in reconciling ethnic, racial, political and religious differences all around us.

4. Eager beaver, chicken out, clam up, or let the cat out of the bag...of the phrases listed, which one have you related to most recently?

Eager beaver.  When I hit a snag with the food prep for our open house, a dear friend stepped up and said, "Don't you worry about a thing, I've got it covered!"  And she does.  She has taken this project and like an eager beaver has run with it and all will be well.  Thank you JeanAnn!

5. What's your movie theatre snack protocol? Do you chow down on snacks during the previews or wait until the movie begins? Do you buy snacks or refuse to pay those kind of prices? What's the last movie you saw in a theatre? How many thumbs up would you give it?

It depends on whether we are going out for dinner before or afterward.  If it is a matinee, Hubby and I will share a big box of popcorn and a large drink.  I do eat most of it, by the way.  The prices are ridiculous, aren't they?

The last movie was last Friday night when we and two other couples saw "War Room."  It definitely gets *****!  This movie was so well done and the message is important for every Christian.  I read where it pulled in 11 million over the weekend.  "Raise um up Lord, raise um up!"

6. Henry Ford is quoted as saying, "Nobody can think straight who does not work. Idleness warps the mind." Agree or disagree? Why?

Agree!  The mind must have stimulation and the body must be exercised and kept active.  Idleness breeds contempt, dissatisfaction, depression and a haven for evil thoughts.  It can be Satan's play ground.

Proverbs 31:7:  She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 

7. What's the last job you completed or task you performed where you had to 'work like a dog' until it was finished?

I haven't had any of those recently and really can't remember the last time since retiring. Of course when I worked there were events to be planned and carried out, manuals to be written and reports to be completed and submitted by a deadline.  They all got done but it did take working like a dog.

There has been much to get done in preparation for our event, but I have been able to pace myself and get it all done in a timely fashion without stress.  See answer to #2!  Of course later this week when those last minute jobs need to be done, it may be a different story.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Today is Hubby's 75th birthday!  My goodness where have these 50 years gone?

You have been my rock, my friend, my lover and my encourager and I am so grateful God saw fit to bring us together 50 years ago.

Happy Birthday

and

Happy Anniversary! 

Are You A Regal Dramatic?

"Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly."

What is YOUR Style: DRAMATIC

Today we will look at the Dramatic clothing personality.  She has been described as,

 "Shimmering ice with warm friendly fires. Elegance, poise and drama, independence, quietness with a touch of shyness."

The Dramatics's look is "Elegance!"

Elegance of the Epoque by Frédéric Soulacroix

The Dramatic likes to make a strong statement.  Styles tend to be glamorous and intimidating.

Dramatic – Characteristics: 

•  The mysterious, cutting-edge of the four personalities
•  She both intimidates and intrigues
•  She is a born leader who prefers the latest fashions
•  She likes to be seen and noticed.  She is also often the center of attention, and she rises to the occasion when all eyes are on her
•  She prefers the precision hairstyles
  
•  She commands authority but may be perceived as being aloof with nerves of steel
•  She has a natural poise
•  She is a contradiction:  She can be loyal and a good listener, sensitive; she can also be self centered, neglect friends, worry about what others think
•  She is a perfectionist and expects perfection from others, yet may lack confidence in herself
•  She is well mannered, dependable, and reserved
•  She is very analytical
•  She is also self sacrificing, and tends to be pessimistic
•  She reacts emotionally to events and can shift quickly from mood to mood.  May react very dramatically especially over illness or when something doesn't go her way because they are sensation oriented and emotionally demonstrative.

•  Has an uncanny ability to "cut to the chase"
•  Nothing seems to faze her
•  Likes to be in control where her creativity is not stifled
•  Would be happiest owning her own business
•  Has an "all or nothing" approach to entertaining
•  Is surprisingly private
•  Is painfully surprised when the world sees her as superior and haughty because she is really quite sensitive
•  Can remove perceived coldness with a kind glance, smile, or word of praise
•  Is streamlined and efficient, moving onward and upward
•  Could best be described as a "Regal Lady."

Celebrity Dramatics

DRAMATIC – Profile: 

• Usually tall (5'7" and up), slender, and has angular bone structure
• Has an unusual or exotic face with chiseled features like a prominent nose, high cheekbones or angular jawline
• Wears her hair in sleek geometric or asymmetrical cuts or if long, in a sophisticated chignon
• Avoids curls, frills, and small accessories
• Drastically needs cosmetics.  Without them, people may ask if she is not feeling well or if she is tired.
• Skin tone will be cool with plum or pink-blue undertones.
• Eye coloring will be gray, blue, combinations of blue and gray, brown or dark brown, but seldom green
• Hair colors vary a great deal, but wearing contrasting color palette is always the most flattering

DRAMATIC  – Clothing:

• Long, sleek, straight lines
• High fashion; severely tailored
• Square, sharp shoulders
• Angular necklines, shapes, and edges
• Extreme, exotic dress for evening
• Ensemble looks; no mix and match separates

Clothing Examples

       Business

       Sleek, sophisticated, professional, tailored look with angular details

      Casual

      Never sloppy, but neat, confident and sophisticated appearance

      Evening

      Extreme, bold, exotic, and alluringDRAMATIC – Best Colors

Think Picasso!

Color Me A Season

 Because your clothing personality is characterized by elegance, your clothing should also be elegant with dramatic fabrics, in darker, rich colors.  So, think jewel tones.

The best shades are strong, vivid shades with blue undertones such as red, royal blue and emerald green.  The best neutrals are black and navy.  This is the only personality who can wear pure white and look gorgeous.

DRAMATIC – Accessories

• Bold jewelry; sleek, elegant and avant garde.  Jewelry should be silver, crystal, diamonds, but gold may be worn if the skin has an outer warm appearance.
• Hats, belts, bags and shoes with angular shapes

It is easy to go "over board" with the design elements, so take heed.  Your fashion fast forwardness may also intimidate others, so you might want to knowingly "tone it down," whether in corporate environments or day-to-day interaction.

You are the elegant, dramatic clothing personality, so be

God's Regal Lady.

Previous Posts:

Finding Your Clothing Personality

Are You A Romantic?

Are You A Sporty Natural?

Mood Changers

Join us for Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. It's hard to believe, but next week's Hodgepodge will find us in the month of September. What's one thing you want, need, or hope to do still before summer officially ends?

The first Saturday of September we will host an Open House for our 50th Wedding Anniversary.  Although I have most everything done and taken care of, there will be lots of last-minute things to do both inside and out.  So, I guess I will have to wrap all that up into my answer of want, need & hope to get done.

2. When were you last at 'your wit's end'?

How to handle various relationship issues always puts me at my wit's end.  My immediate natural response is to withdraw and let it take its natural course of death.  I realize this is not always the Christian or smart way to deal with these relationships, thus the wit's end aspect.

3. Describe a time you were figuratively thrown into 'the deep end'?

When I was given the chairmanship position of a state-wide event, not once but twice.  I had no choice but to swim.  We pulled both events off with flying colors but it was a very stressful time.

4. Does the end always, ever, or never justify the means? Explain.

For my personal temperament, Choleric, it is said that we believe that the end does justify the means.  We are doers and getter-done'ers and often at any cost.  However, as a Christian, I know that in most cases, the end does not justify the means.  I have to really be careful and allow the Lord to take control of this negative aspect of my personality.

5. What makes your hair stand on end?

Hearing the Lord's name used in vain and ugly language.  Just cannot stand it.

6. I read an article on the website Eat This! Health, that listed 11 foods we can eat to help end bad moods. Basically it's a feed your brain so you're less anxious, grouchy and lethargic. The foods are-mussels, swiss chard, blue potatoes, grass fed beef, dark chocolate, greek yogurt, asparagus, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs, and coconut. Which of those do you think would most help end your own bad mood? Which do you fear, if forced to eat, would put you into a bad mood?

Bad mood helper?  Chocolate of any shape or size puts me in a good mood; however, dark chocolate is my least favorite.  Greek yogurt, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs and coconut are always good regardless of mood.  Now, a serving of asparagus will have to be my first choice!  Love it!  Love it so much, my dad used to give me a can for Christmas.

Bad mood maker?  Mussels!  Side note:  As I wrote this I saw where "Barefoot Contessa" was cooking a meal consisting of Mussel Bisque.  Looks good, but still wouldn't put me into a good mood.

7. What project around your home, office, or life in general feels like there is 'no end in sight'?

Documenting all our expenses into the spreadsheet I keep for tax purposes.  Never ending!!!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

These are the last three paintings I have done.  I am very pleased with them. 

 This one hangs in my dining area.  The colors represent the color scheme of my whole house and it makes me feel good.  I haven't titled it yet.  Any ideas?

 I love this one!  It really speaks to me.

"The Cross Makes the Difference." 

What speaks to you in this painting?

 After seeing the first one above, my Physical Therapist asked me to do something similar for her little 18mth old daughter's bedroom.  I entitled this,

"A Child's Playground"

She loved it and I enjoyed doing it for her.

This is really my mood changing activity rather than eating food.  What about you?