Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                     
1. What creeps you out?
Men who wear their hair long on top and comb over to try and hide a bald spot.  Hey bald is beautiful.

2. What's your least favorite candy?
Lolly Pops

3. Are you a fan of scary movies?  What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?
I hate scary movies.  Silence of the Lambs was scariest, and I will not see another one, not even on TV.

4. What part of life confuses you the most?
How can I be so old, and feel so young?

5. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy...what's your favorite seed?
Love them all, sesame is probably my most favorite.

6. Imagine your life ten years from today...what's changed?
I will probably have some gray hair, and be a bit slower getting around.  But technology will be so much advanced that it will make up for my deficiencies.

7.  What do you a) love the most and b) like the least about the Hodgepodge? 
I love the variety of subjects that Hodgepodge covers, I wish I had more time to read all the responses.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have been following the news regarding the East Coast flooding, and my heart goes out to all those who have lost so much.  I will be contributing to the Red Cross to help out, and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Hope everyone has a fun Halloween.

Getting Ready for Halloween

All the grandkids are so excited.  It's almost candy time!  This weekend they put the finishing touches on their Jack-o-Lanterns.  Now they are working on their costumes.  And I went to WalMart and bought a couple of bags of candy for the trick or treaters.  

Monday Quiz About Me

                                                       

1. Do you consider Halloween a holiday for children or adults?

It is a holiday that that can be enjoyed by all.  It is fun for adults to go to costume parties, as well as children to dress up and get candy.

2. At what age should children stop trick or treating?

Probably when they get to their teens.

3. What are your plans for Halloween?

I plan to go to my grandchildrens house, and pass out candy while they go trick or treating with their parents.

4. What frightens you?

Heights, but not much else, and I try and make myself conquer that fear.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5. How much money do you spend for treats?

Me--I spend about $20 for candy for Halloween.  But other than that about $3. a week for a latte on Sunday for myself.

Sunday Meditation--Thinking

Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.

Proverbs 29:20  There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.  (NLT)

Fall at the Ranch

Pack horses behind our ranch house about 1945

Fall at the ranch brought hunting season, one of Daddy’s busiest times, as he outfitted and acted as guide to hunting trips into Yellowstone and its surrounding forests. He would round up horses, those that were to pack supplies were carefully loaded, the supplies balanced, then covered and tied with diamond hitches.  The riding horses were checked for shoes, and ridden enough to work the friskiness out of them.  Then off the string would go.  On good trips, he would bring back an elk, but always stories of the antics of the dudes.  If there was an elk and since the weather was already cold, he would store it outside, hanging it high in a cleft between a huge rock back of our house by the upper pond.  Mom would can some of the meat to make sure we would have enough supply to last until the next hunting season.  At mealtime, Mom would order up a roast or steaks, and Daddy would carve off just what was needed.  Rabbit, deer and chukker would add variety to the meal, and of course fish.  

Middle pond late fall about 1956

When that was on the menu, us kids would take our poles and some cheese or fat earthworms for bait and go to the middle pond (50 feet from the front door) and catch a mess of trout for dinner.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things from this week.

Morning Star

Monarch Butterflies at the Botanical Gardens Butterfly Exhibit

The Botanical Gardens also had an unusual art exhibit on display--
Whispers of a New World: Sculptures by Carolina Escobar, contemporary art  throughout the Garden featured the work of local artist Carolina Escobar. Using vibrant colors and shapes inspired by nature, the artist works with steel, copper screen and resined cloth to create organic sculptures.

Each week, Hilary lists four statements with a blank  to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! This week’s co-host is Irene from Me, Myself and Irene (she came up with the last two statements)

1. _My hands__ are my favorite feature

2. Thinking about _love__ makes me _sad__
3. It’s been a long time since__we have had cool weather____
4. I just don’t understand_how people can be mean to small children_

Pondering with a Purpose--Content

This Week's prompt is: Content  Content or living your dream?
I have so much to be thankful for--health, enough money to pay the bills, grown children that although they sometimes drive me crazy are God loving, honest productive citizens, sweet grandchildren, a nice home and a way to express my talent.  So I am content.  There is a scripture that says "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have".  And this is Plan C.  Plan B was to move to Prescott when I retired, buy a cozy little home with an attached art studio, teach art and have plenty of time to pursue my interests.                                                     But that was not my dream--If I were living my dream, I would have a small ranch in a beautiful valley in the Rockie Mountains (preferably Wyoming), a handsome cowboy who truly loves me, and in the evenings we would sit together on the porch of our log home and watch the sun set.  But since I can't live my dream, perhaps I will make it come to life on canvas.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                      
1.  So, do you like beer? 
No.  My favorite cold drink is iced tea.

2.  What's your least favorite repetitive task? 
Dusting.  Here in the southwest, you could dust three times a day, and still surfaces could use another swipe.

3.  When was the last time you rode a bus?  Where was it headed? 
The last time I rode a bus was from Denver to New York City, on my way to France.

4.  What song from your childhood or from your own children's childhood could make a parent's nerves stand on end? 
There was an old woman who swallowed a fly, but I don't know why she swallowed a fly, perhaps she'll die, then on to 27  more verses.  Then you get to start all over again.

5.  The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night...what was the last thing you 'debated about'?
I debated with myself, if I should have tomatoes or an enchilada for supper, tomatoes won out.

6.  Can a person make too much money?  How much is too much?
If a person earns their money honestly, then they are entitled to it, no matter how much it is.

7.  Pop-soda-coke-something else...what's it called where you live?
Pop in my area; where I grew up it was soda.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have a busy few days ahead.  I have to finish a sewing project, prepare for a  couple of classes that I am taking. but tomorrow I want to go to the Botanical Gardens and visit the Butterfly exhibit.

Happy Birthday-Grandson

6 mo old

Yesterday was a special day in the life of my grandson.  He turned 21.  He is a fun-loving, funny boy, er, I should say man; although I doubt that I will think of him as grown up anytime soon.

He is an auto mechanic, loves loud music, and can dance like a fool.  He's the king of shuffle.

First car--68 Rambler

He already has seen troubles.  Those that follow my blog will remember that he was in a serious auto accident last Christmas and was in ICU for three days. All of his facial bones were crushed and most of his teeth knocked out.  He underwent extensive facial surgeries having plates put in for his cheekbones and chin.  He is still waiting for everything to heal (a couple more months) so that he can begin work on dental restoration. Needless to say he also suffered emotional trauma, and is currently dealing with that.  But he is alive and has regained his sense of humor, even though he sometimes gets cranky.

He lived with me for several years, but now has his own apartment, and also a new car.  

He is facing the world of adult responsibilities--work, paying bills, and unexpected expenses.  But his attitude is good, so I know that he will have a wonderful life.  So, happy birthday to my grandson.

Drinking coffee early in the morning on patio overlooking ocean in  Hawaii last July

Monday Quiz About Me

1. How often do you shop for groceries? Do you shop in one place or many?

I shop maybe once every two weeks.  And because I hate to shop, I go to the closest place, lucky for me that is WalMart.  

2. How old were you when you had your first taste of alcohol?

I was a junior in college.  I had an apartment and went to a party down the hall, and unbeknown to me, I was given a drink (It was a water glass of whiskey), and was dared to drink it all down, which I did.  I got so sick that I thought I was going to die.  My first experience taught me never to accept a drink from strangers, only take a sip if I decided to have alcohol.  I don't like the taste, so I stay away from the stuff.  Why do something you don't enjoy?

3. How much TV do you watch?

Maybe two hours a week entertainment, and then I have good intentions to watch the 10:00 news, but always fall asleep after just a few minutes.

4. How do you relieve stress?

I excercise, and I read.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.Today is my grandson's birthday.  He is now 21.  How did you celebrate your 21st birthday?

Me--I was living in Denver, and had a small get together with several friends--dinner out at a cheap restaurant--that's all college kids could afford. I was soon to graduate, so was working on my thesis every spare minute between classes and working. 

Sunday Meditation--Amateurs

Never be afraid to do something new.  Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.

Matthew 9:20-22 Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on. (NIV)

Bullies

This was Freedom from Bullying Week.  It seems that every cause has a day to bring it views to attention.  I believe that bullying is one of the worst problems that we face today. But it isn't a new problem.  When I was a kid (that would be in the olden days) vulnerable kids were bullied, and I on occasion was a victim of the meanness of others.

Mona O’Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre at Trinity College in Dublin, has written, "There is a growing body of research which indicates that individuals, whether child or adult, who are persistently subjected to abusive behavior are at risk of stress related illness which can sometimes lead to suicide". Those who have been the targets of bullying can suffer from long term emotional and behavioral problems. Bullying can cause loneliness, depression, anxiety, lead to low self-esteem and increased susceptibility to illness. In the long term it can lead to post traumatic stress disorder and an inability to form relationships. We hear of cases of bullying all the time even videos on YouTube showing the abusive behavior.

Contrary to the expectations of most citizens, while it may be both immoral and unprofessional, it is not illegal in the United States for managers to threaten, insult, humiliate, ignore or mock employees; give employees “the evil eye”; gossip and spread rumors; withhold information that employees need to complete their work; or take credit for someone else’s work. Unfortunately, these types of behaviors are not rare occurrences, but occur all too often in many American workplaces.

I hope for a better us--people who will show empathy for those who are weak, compassion for the less fortunate, and courage to stand up to the aggressive behavior of the bully.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

Time spent with Daughter and Grandson--Dinner at PoPo's

Date Palms against blue sky

Police Helicopter over my neighborhood--They caught a bad criminal

Each week, Hilary at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! 

1. If only _my car wasn't so old__ then _I would drive up north to see fall leaves__

2. When I was little I _played in the mountains of Wyoming__

3. I think _autumn__ is for _playing in falling leaves___

4. I feel happiest when__my children and grandchildren are around___

Pondering with a Purpose-Actions

This Week's prompt is: Actions 

I'm sure all of us have had someone say, "Get Real!"  What makes a person real?

Words are cheap. Actions mean everything! The truth is always there for all to see when you observe the way people act and respond, rarely by what they say. This truth is self-evident – good people practice what they preach. How do they respond to you? How do they treat you? How do they treat your friends, your children, their dog? How do they treat the janitor? The clerk at the grocery store?

Real men say what they mean and act the same way. Real people, decent folk, will always demonstrate who they are by their consistent actions. To know the real truth about a person – pay close and careful attention to them over a period of several weeks and then ask yourself this question – are they really what they appear to be? Consistent actions on their part will tell you what you need to know, for good or for bad.

We all make mistakes, do dumb things from time to time. But we more often than not, recover from the shortcomings we have. Honest, one-time mistakes are forgivable. On the other hand, repeated actions reveal who a person really is – for good or for bad.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                               

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758....besides the online version, do you own a dictionary?  Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days? 
I own several dictionaries--hardback.  I have one in my office and one in my studio and another in the bookcase in my bedroom.  And of course I also use the online ones.

2.  Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations?  What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?  
I think that it is fine to celebrate Halloween in school as long as it is about costumes, and candy.  Any holiday will have some people who dissent.  But the majority of opinions should prevail.

3.  What's your favorite 'dog' movie?  
Lassie

4.  When were you last somewhere you'd describe as 'too quiet'?
For me there is no such thing as too quiet.  Now too noisy is another situation--last too noisy place, eating at a Mexican restaurant with four TV's in each section and tuned to two different channels.

5.  Are you a neat cook or a messy cook?  In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later? 
I am pretty neat, I like to clean as I go along, so later I can enjoy myself without having to face a sink full of dishes and pans with stuck on food.

6.  Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute?  Was your first thought  COOL! or was your first thought CRAZY!  Are you adventurous? 
I thought that what he did was COOOOL.  But I am fairly adventurous for an old lady.

7.  What's not a word but should be? 
Not being a student of slang, I can't think of one.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

    I got my flu shot Monday, and my arm is getting a reaction.  But I would rather have a sore arm than spend several weeks in bed.

Pogey Bait

As a kid growing up on a ranch in the wild mountains of Wyoming, we had all the things necessary for living, but few of the luxuries.  A family with seven kids, we were poor, but didn't know it, and were generally satisfied with life.  But at Halloween a difference was noticeable. 

Student body 1954-55 (I'm back row, 2nd from left; brother Bob
middle row 1st on left; sister Barbara 3rd from left middle row; brother David--
pogey bait lover--last on right front row)

Our little one room country school always had dress-up day on Halloween, and we invariably went as pirates, gypsies, or country bumpkins.  (That is so funny looking back, as we were the poster kids for country bumpkins.)  All the kids brought treats to share, and mom would make some cookies for us to take.  But we were so envious of the kids who brought lollipops, Tootsie Rolls, or candy bars, sigh!!
When we took our loot home, I remember showing it to *Daddy, and he scoffed and said in a disgusted voice, "Well, look at that, they gave you pogey bait."  We knew from his tone that he wasn't impressed, so I was glad we had yummy cookies from our mom's oven, however one of my brothers dreamed of the forbidden candy, and when we went to town he would spend his nickel on hard candy from the dime store.

*My dad was era World War I, and the military gave the soldiers candy which they used to barter for local items (some not so respectable) 

Meet Quiz about Me

1. What is the most interesting fact you have learned recently?

Mayonnaise Spoilage Myths

Commercial mayonnaise has an undeserved bad reputation as a cause of food spoilage. In fact, commercial mayonnaise is loaded with acid and preservatives that can actually extend the life of salads by killing bacteria. The eggs used in prepared mayonnaise are pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. 
Truth be told, it is usually cross-contamination of uncooked foods that causes foodborne illness, not the prepared mayo. http://homecooking.about.com/od/howtocookwithcondiments/a/mayospoilage.htm and thanks to Sandie at Chatty Crone for first posting this.

2. The alarm goes off on Monday morning.  What is your first thought?

Is it 5:00 already?  Well, better get up and get to the gym.

3. What is the most memorable movie line of all time?

 "It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage."
- INDIANA JONES (Harrison Ford) in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)  Just one of my favorites.

4. Describe a situation that always seems to try your patience.

Waiting in the ER.  I recently spent 5 hours waiting for my grandson to be called back to a room.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!
5.  How many of the United States have you visited? (Even just passed through but not just flew over)?  How many have you lived in.
I have visited 29 states including Alaska and Hawaii.  I have lived in 6.

Sunday Meditation--Mole Hill

It's not hard to make a mountain out of a molehill.  Just add a little dirt.

Proverbs 17:14  The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts. (The Message)

For the Love of Mom

Old Woman of the Sea (Mom)

Today, I celebrate my Mom, Elsie Price, born October 13, 1920, home to heaven May 9, 2007.

She loved the ocean.  When she lived in Oregon, a trip to the coast was high on her list of favorite things.  She always spoke of the inspiration that she received from the power of the waves, the endless beauty, and the thought that the God that knew each grain of sand, also cared for her.

Coming home from church

She was a happy woman, who in spite of health issues later in life, still sang and lived each day as a precious gift.  She was kind, and she was wise. Oh, and by the way, she loved football--especially the Denver Broncos.

Friday Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things this week

Grandson telling me all about Transformers

Granddaughter showing what
 she is looking forward to

Coffee with best friend from Colorado Springs

Golden Sunrise

Red Sunset

Each week, Hilary at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, please email them to her at feelingbeachie@gmail.com. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! 
1. Given the choice of _oils__ or _watercolors__ for _painting_ I’d pick _oils__
2. If you told me _I would miss working_ I would never have believed you
3. The last time I cooked_lasagna_it came out_so good even an Italian would have loved it_.
4. My favorite color is _peach__