Wednesday Hodgepodge: Green, Envy, Heaven, etc.

It is Wednesday so time to share some Hodgepodge with Joyce.

1. Do you play games of luck/chance for money? Have you ever played bingo for money? Visited a casino?  Placed a bet on a horse? Bought a lottery ticket?

No!  Just a simple "No!" to this question.

2.  Will you be preparing and/or dining on the traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage meal this St. Patrick's Day? Mashed-baked-hash browned-french fried...your favorite way to have potatoes?

No again.  I don't make a rule of observing this holiday even to the point of wearing green.  It's just never been important to celebrate this one.  My favorite way to eat a potato is baked and fully loaded.

3. What's the last thing you felt 'green with envy' over?

Need I say more?

4.  What's at the end of your rainbow?

Heaven!  Eternity with my Lord and Savior.  A couple weeks ago our youngest grandchild, Ava Grace who is 6 years old, called to tell us she had asked Jesus into her heart.  May I just say, that those are the absolute sweetest words a grandparent can ever hope to hear.  Heaven will be heaven because all our children and grandchildren will be there with us.  Thank you, God!

5. March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Anne Frank (June 12, 1929-March, 1945).  Anne's diary detailing her time spent hiding from the Nazi's during the war ranks as one of the best selling books of all time.  Besides your blog, do you keep any sort of diary or journal?  Was this a habit you developed as a child or is journaling something new for you?

As a young teenager I did write in a diary for a short period of time.  It was never important to me at the time to chronicle what I did or thought.  And this was in the 50's and 60's when the little cute diaries with poodles on the front were so popular.  What was I thinking?

6. What's an item in your home or closet that contains every color of the rainbow?

That would have to be the Flame Stitch upholstery on my living room Martha Washington chairs.  Well, it doesn't actually have every color in the rainbow, but a good many of them.  I loved this fabric the minute I saw it ages ago.  I still do.  Even though Hubby would love to have the chairs redone, I tell him they are one of a kind.  The fabric isn't even being made anymore:)  When he saw the price to recover, he saw my point.  HA!

7.  Write a limerick with you as the subject.  You can do it!!  Just remember this is a family friendly blog...don't make me get out my wooden spoon.

Oh heavens, a limerick writer I am not.  Okay, for the sake of not being a spoil sport, here goes.

"There was a grandmother called Libby,

  But whose grands called her Bibby.

 They could have called her Grandma;

 They could have called Mamma.

 But, no "Ma's" for her, just Libby or Bibby."

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Last week I was chosen to serve on a jury for a Federal Civil Trial.  This was a first for me.  All in all, it was an interesting and educational experience.  It was a case dealing with oil and gas lease royalties, of which I knew nothing.  I'm afraid serving on a jury for four days can provide many lessons.  Following are just a few of the lessons I learned:

• Federal Court Houses will not permit phones or IPads inside.  I learned this the hard way.
• Some jurors form strong opinions from day one.  Not good!
• An open mind is crucial in order to not be swayed by emotion from either side.
• Maintain eye contact with all witnesses and lawyers, not to mention the judge.
• Avoid facial and/or body language that might send a message to either party.
• Take good notes that you can read later.  Crucial!

I must thank Judge Elizabeth Foote for the way she conducted her court room, and for making it an over all good experience. 

Make it Pretty Monday: Spring & Brunch

Because I have been summoned to appear for Jury Duty before the U. S. Western District Court of  Louisiana before 8 a.m. on Monday, I am posting this a few hours early.

I am joining up with Kathryn at The Dedicated House  for "Make it Pretty Monday."

 

 In a recent posts, Kathryn and others such as KathySue at Good Life of Design, have begun to revamp their homes from the drab colors of winter to brighter themes in anticipation of Spring.  With this in mind, I decided that in order to not be outdone, I needed to do something to my mantel.

As you can see in the pictures below, I have high ceilings and a very large picture that I love and don't want to change at this point propped on the mantel.  So, finding things that don't get lost in proportion is not always easy.

But, with all the inspiration to go light, I decided it was time to pull out my collection of white pitchers and see what I could do with a few of them.

Below is what I came up with and it may or may not be in a state of evolution.  You can help me decide what if anything needs to be added or taken away.  I do also have a collection of white gravy boats, so I added my favorite antique in the middle for balance.  So, please feel free to comment and make suggestions.

 An overall view of the whole little living room.  Remember, I live in a Garden Home.

I am still working on my centerpiece for the dining table and the wreath for the front door.  One step at a time.  Retirees can't be rushed.

Brunch

Mine and Hubby's usual custom for Saturdays is to sleep until we wake up (unlike other mornings when we are either going to the gym or church), then have a mid-morning brunch.

This past Saturday I tried a recipe I had received from Pillsbury.  It was called "Sausage and Egg Biscuit Pies."  It was so delicious and easy that I thought I would share it with you.

Cook crumbled spicy or mild pork sausage.

Scramble four eggs with desired seasonings.  I just like to use a little Tony's.

 Combine cooked sausage, scrambled eggs with 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Using 1 can of Grands Jr. Golden Homestyle or Golden Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separate dough into individual biscuits.  Press or roll half the biscuits to form 4 1/2 inch rounds.

 Place on a large cookie sheet and spoon about 1/2 cup mixture onto center of each round.

 Press or roll remaining biscuits to form 5-inch rounds; place on top of mixture.  Press edges firmly with fork to seal.

Mix 1 egg, slightly beaten with 1 tsp water and brush over filled biscuits.

 Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 13 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
These are delicious with fruit and make great left overs.

A meal fit for a king by his queen.

 May this be a Pretty Monday for you.

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Random Thoughts

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  When were you last facing an ocean? Using just ONE word, describe how you felt as you faced that ocean.
A few years ago, we and best friends went to California on vacation.  We drove along the Pacific Ocean on Hwy 1 between San Francisco and San Luis Obispo.  This may very well be the most scenic highway in the country.  I can only think of one word to describe this experience:  AWESTRUCK!

 
 2. What are three sounds you hate to hear?
1.  A high-pitched, whiny female voice
2.  Screaming, crying baby or child
3.  The screeching of car tires and blowing of horns around me

3. This question comes to you courtesy of some real life friends. Hi real life friends! When you shop for yourself, do you try everything on in the store before buying or do you buy, try on at home, and then return what you don't like or what doesn't fit?
As a general rule, I try clothes on because I am so hard to fit.  Shopping is not one of my favorite things, so I sure don't like having to take something back.
 
4. February 26th is National Pistachio Day...are you a fan of the little green nut? Do you use them in cooking and baking or prefer to eat them right out of the shell?
Yes, we like the little green nut, but I had no idea there was a National Pistachio Day.  Interesting!  I usually keep a bowl of them out on our counter for munching.

  5. When did you last have to compromise with someone?  Were you happy to reach the compromise or slightly irritated it was necessary? 
Oh, life is full of compromises, both large and small.  However, I don't think I want to expound any more than that on this question.
  6.  Have you ever written a letter to an elected official? Did you get a response?
I did write a letter to our Congressman a couple years ago and received a form letter in return.  I decided then that it really doesn't matter what I do and will let my vote speak for me in the future.  It is very frustrating though to think that we really have very little say in the running of our government.
 
7. We 'March' into a new month at the end of this week...what's something on your March calendar guaranteed to make you smile?
We don't have anything big planned for March, but hopefully every day I am able to get out of bed will bring a smile to my face.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
On Saturday night, Hubby and I enjoyed our night at the Symphony.  They have had such a great variety of  performances in this season's Masterworks Series, and we have looked forward to every one of them.  This one was titled, "Wicked Divas."  It starred two young vocalists who have played roles in this Broadway production.  They sang three songs from "Wicked" but also a variety of others.  It was a wonderful night and made us look forward with even more eager anticipation to seeing "Wicked" on the stage in South Bend, IN while there in May.

 Hubby is on our church's mission planning committee.  That committee, under the leadership of a new pastor and new missions intern, are evaluating all agency/ministry involvement.  Hubby and I were assigned to interview the Director of Programing at the Providence House here.  We met with her yesterday and came away so impressed with what that agency is doing to break the cycle of homelessness in this area.  I am looking forward to becoming personally involved as the opportunity arises.

Aerial Yoga & My Oscar Review

Mid morning again, and I'm just getting my Monday post with Carissa done.  I had hoped to get it done yesterday, but since I didn't, I thought I would do a review of the Oscar Red Carpet attire from last night.  Did your favorite movie win anything?  Hubby and I paid $5.99 to watch ARGO from the comfort of our den yesterday afternoon and it was so worth it.  If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.  Now, we want to watch some of the other winners.

Aerial Flow Yoga

Last week I tried something new.  Two Pilates friends and I attended an Aerial Flow Yoga class taught by our Pilates instructor.

 Okay, the picture above is a slight misrepresentation of what we actually did, but it is something to work toward, I suppose.

This class is an excellent way of stretching and building core strength while defying gravity.

The following are some actual positions that I did, even with the rod in my back.

 It was a fun and different experience and I think it may become something to try on a regular basis.

Oscars 

Did you watch?  Following are some of my observations.

Best Dress Under 40

Best Dress Over 40

Best Full-Size Figure

Best (Back) & Worst Front (She needed a bra or something pick-me-up)

Most Gorgeous Princess Style and Most Embarrassing, but it afforded an outstanding view of this gorgeous dress and how a gracious lady responds after such a moment.  Thank you Jennifer Lawrence.

Love the Color but Didn't Like the Hair

  Best Hard Metal Dresses

 Absolutely the Cutest

Best Mommy Bump

Best Looking Couple

Now, from my "What Was She Thinking?" Category

Worst Full-Figure Dress

Worst Color

Could this color ever look good on anything other than a canary?  But, we must commend her plastic surgeon on a job well done.

ABSOLUTE Worst Fit, Most Boobs, Ugliest, Most Unappropriate!

  Worst Choker & Hair Adornment.  A Tiara?  Really?

That being said, Selma is still beautiful and that figure?  Oh, I could only wish! 

Why do designers think they have to use all the material on the bolt just because it is there?

And, what was her hair dresser thinking?  Trying not to distract from the bulbous skirt, I can only assume.

One of the Absolute Worst on the Red Carpet!

Did she really feel the need to remain in her Les Mis character this long?

OVERALL OUTSTANDING FAVORITE!

May you have an Oscar Winning Monday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge: Mountaintops, Cherrys & Tapas Cuisine

It is so good to rejoin Joyce for Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When were you last 'on a mountaintop'?  You may answer in the literal or figurative sense.
I think the literal mountaintop must have been while traveling from Branson toward Springfield, MI.  There is a beautiful stretch of mountainous highway that has special meaning for us.  A few years ago, the husband of some of our dearest friends who live in Branson, fell hitting his head on a frozen concrete slab.  Because of the severity of his injury, it was necessary to transport him to the trauma center in Springfield.  Since they were in the midst of a terrible ice storm, they couldn't fly and had to take the treacherous mountain passage by ambulance.  What should have been a 45 minute trip, took them 3 long hours.  They made it and Jim survived for which we are more than grateful.  But, we never drive this stretch without thinking about them and praising God for His mercy and protection, and for our beautiful friendship of 47 years.

2.  Do you establish and maintain a strict budget in your household?  What is one piece of financial advice you would offer someone just starting out on their own?
No, we do not have a strict budget and really never have.  Both Hubby and I are very conscious of what we spend and don't make major purchases without consulting/discussing with each other.  Although, we have always maintained separate bank accounts, we have not ever had an issue with this as we share household expenses, etc.

My advice for someone starting out would be to not go into more debt than can be paid for.  Also, save, save, save, and invest for the future.  This being said, I believe the best advice would be to give back at least a 10th of what the Lord has blessed you with.  We have personally seen how He multiplies and blesses as He promised.

3.  Cherries-yay or nay?  Cherry pie, cherry cola, black forest cake, or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's Cherries Garcia...pick one.
Can't say that cherry anything is my favorite, although I do well remember my first cherry coke.  I was sitting in a window seat of Walgreen's in 1959 thinking that I was really somebody.  And I was!

4.  Should you ever discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?
That might be the safest time to discuss politics.  LOL  There are times and opportunities that the Lord provides when it is right to discuss "religion" under His leadership; otherwise, it might be best to leave it alone.

5.  When you take a road trip do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?  Where were you headed on your last road trip?
Oh yes, I prefer to drive.  I told Hubby that if I drive, only one of us has to drive at a time.
The last road trip was returning home from a 3-week visit with son and family in Indiana, near South Bend.  We make that 15 hour trip in one day, which does mean we share the driving some.

6. If we peeked inside your closet, what color would we say is most prevalent?
Probably black.  But, there is a large variety of browns and reds as well.  You will also find it grouped by color, by the way.

7. Who's your favorite senior citizen and why are they special?
Since I am a senior citizen, that means all my friends are too.  How do you select just one?

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Last week while we were with our son and his family, he made reservations for us to have a double date for Valentine's evening.  They treated us to their favorite restaurant, The Temper Grill.

 Sean, the owner/chef has become a good friend of Son's because Son frequents the place quite often for business dinners.  So, we had the royal treatment!

Their Mission Statement is:  Temper Grille is where fine tapas-style cuisine and attitude unite creating an ultimate and unforgettable dining experience, in which the highest standards of hospitality are fulfilled and exceeded to the “WOW” factor.

We were not familiar with the tapas-style of eating, but quickly decided that this is the way to eat.  Son ordered his favorite dishes which were absolutely delicious.  The only dish I did not sample was the Escargot, but I must admit it looked delectable.  Below are some of the dishes we had.

 Garlic Butter Baked Escargot Topped with Puffed Pastry and served with Toast Points

 Grilled Louisiana Shrimp with a Mango Dressing

 Lobster Mac n' Cheese

 Truffles for Dessert

 Son and DIL

Hubby and I

Thanks Son for a great evening!