It is the 180th edition of Joyce's Hodgepodge! You go Joyce!!! 

1.  Speaking of 180...when was the last time you 'did a 180' on something?

I did a 180 degree turn on Wal-Mart... I never "loved" it but like everyone else in my little hometown I was excited when they finally started building our "Super" Wal-Mart... After all, there were FOUR Super Wal-Marts within 20 miles of us in Tennessee... It was about time our sleepy little Maine town caught up. Or so I thought... Bigger is not always better... I now despise going to wal-mart... It feels like such a chore and sometimes it literally sucks the will to do anything else out of me! I do everything in my power to avoid it, and have become quite successful at avoiding it for the most part. 

2. It's Independence Week in the US of A! What's your favorite thing about America right this very minute? Favorites only! Let's hear what you love about America.

The people... We recently met a girl from the Ukraine who is working here for the summer. She joined our family for dinner and after we heard all about her we asked her impression of us... Not our family, but Americans as a whole and her response rang so true... She said (I am paraphrasing) "Americans are so happy! You wear your happiness like clothing, on the outside for all to see. Even the "un-happy" American's seem happy by Ukrainian standards. Americans are also so nice and welcoming. I watched a lot of TV and it makes you seem so un-trustworthy but you are not like that, you are as a group the kindest people I have ever met or could imagine meeting." 
Her thoughts resonated with me... We are as a whole happy & kind people no matter what the evening news would have us believe!  


3. Stars or stripes? Red, white, or blue? Watermelon, homemade vanilla ice cream, or blueberry pie?

Stripes... As the seem to have taken over my wardrobe!
Red... I love all the colors but red is hands down my favorite color so if I must pick one! 
Watermelon... I LOVE ice cream and blueberry pie but Allison & I are continuously buying and eating those bowls of pre-cut watermelon in the produce department so I will go with it!

4. When did you last see stars, figuratively speaking?

When we were at our camp I slept in a funny position and my back froze up... It was incredibly painful and Paul had to yank me into a sitting position... I think I may have literally "seen stars" it hurt so much! 

5.  'Clear as a bell', 'with bells on',  'lots of bells and whistles', 'saved by the bell'...which phrase 'rings' truest for you lately?  Have you ever seen The Liberty Bell?

"With Bells On" since we are doing so much traveling and visiting this summer and loving every minute of it I feel like we are constantly arriving or greeting people with bells on!

6. Are you caught up in World Cup fever? Have you watched a lot or a little or none at all?

None at all...

7. Bid farewell to June in 10 words or less.

Impossibly beautiful days... Parties to remember always... Farewell splendid June!
(That was hard!!) 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Mary & Martha is having a sale and although I plan to do a post about it in the next couple days I didn't want you to miss out on anything as it is all "while supplies last"... To order or see larger pictures go to www.RebeccasBlessedHome.com 

Happy 4th Everyone!! 
Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging My Way Into Summer...

I am linking up with Joyce today for her weekly Hodgepodge!

1. Since you weren't Hodgepodging last Wednesday, how did you pass the time?

Last Wednesday... You'd think I'd know off the top of my head but I have to stop and think... Oh wait, Allison and I drove up to visit a friend in Winterport (about an hour north of here) and went out to lunch at an amazing BBQ place I read about in here:

It is called 4Points BBQ and you can read the article here...

When we got back from Seattle/Friday Harbor I decided to start buying the local magazines and exploring our neck of the woods more...

Another Maine magazine, Downeast Magazine is literally written about two miles from my sofa in my own town and is full of all kinds of things to do and see so I have no excuse! 

2. What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? Yes, one word.

Secure...

3. Summer officially arrives in the Northern hemishpere later this week. Does it feel like summer where you live? Describe your idea of the perfect summer day.

Yes, it finally feel like summer in mid-coast Maine! Yay! 

Here is what summer looks like here:

I'd say this photo just about sums up my perfect summer day! 

4. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."(Sam Keen) Is laziness ever respectable? Do you have a lazy summer planned, or something semi-ambitious?

Here in Maine it's when we get stuff done because these are long periods in the winter when we kind of hibernate... That being said, we did live in the south for several years and that quote brings to mind the oppressive heat of summer when sitting on a porch, sipping ice cold sweet tea in the late afternoon is one of life's great joys...

I have a busy summer planned but I do intend to take many Sunday naps! 

5. Past or present, who's your favorite television dad? Why is he a favorite? Is he anything like your own dad?

I don't know... I dislike the way most TV shows make dads look like a joke... None come to mind...

6. June 18th is International Picnic Day...share a favorite picnic memory.

When the girls were little our home school group would meet in a little seaside park every Friday for lunch throughout the entire summer... Some of us were there most weeks and some would just stop in occasionally but I loved packing a picnic, chatting with moms, and watching our kiddos play in the park or down on the shore. 

7. The travel site Trip Advisor lists the top five islands in the world for 2014 as-Ambergris Caye in Belize Cayes, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Marco Island Florida, and Lewis and Harris in The Outer Hebrides (Scotland). Have you been to any of these? Of those listed (and if price were not a factor) which would you most like to book for a holiday?

I've never been to any of them but if I had to choose one it would be Scotland since I have always wanted to go there!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

The article "The One Thing Christians Should Stop Saying" by Scott Dannemiller made me re-think something I do say a lot...

You can read it HERE

Hodgepodging for a Vacation Break...

I have several more vacation days to tell you about but I thought I'd take a brief break and do a little Hodgepodging with my bloggy friend Joyce from "From This Side of the Pond"! 

It's all "mother" themed to get us into the mood for this weekend! 

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother.
She always welcomed people into our home and as a kid I was always allowed to have my friends over at any time... They were even welcome if we were going away for a weekend... I learned hospitality from her...

2.  A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?
I don't now if this counts but (embarrassing story alert*) I forgot to pack bras for our vacation and only had the one I traveled in... If I had forgotten anything else I could have just bought them, but I am very hard to fit and finding more that worked for me could have been an all day affair so I just bought a travel size woolite rinsed it out daily then hung it to dry... The thing is most mornings it wasn't fully dry so I used the hairdryer in the hotels to finish drying it most mornings.

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.
I was about two years old and my foot had fallen asleep and I didn't understand what had happened to it so I went over to my dad who was sitting in a big black leather recliner and he put me on his lap and started rubbing it and told me if I just stomped it on the floor it would wake back up... This is the only memory I have from before my parent's divorced less then a year later and for years I never shared it with anyone for fear it wasn't a real memory and I didn't want to know that... You see, none of our family photo albums showed the chair I remembered... A few years ago one of the girlies asked what my earliest memory was at dinner and I shared that and my mother said "Oh I HATED that chair... I can't believe you remember it! I purposely never took any photos with it in the background so I could forget it existed since it didn't match anything else we owned! Your father had it when we married and refused to get rid of it." It was such a relief to know this was an actual memory!

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?
When I was checking out at Staples one day a few weeks back they had these four boxes of Tully's Italian Roast coffee pods by the register marked $1.50 each!!! If you use a Keurig you know what a deal this was! I bought all four!

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?
I thought my mother was a great cook growing up (don't we all?) but as I matured I realized she was a vary plain, simple cook... Every night we had a protein, a starch and a vegetable all were plainly made (Ex.: Baked chicken, boiled potato, steamed veg.) and she had four "spices" she primarily used, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and bell's poultry seasoning (mostly sage tasting). She never added salt to anything EVER and boiled or baked the life out of most things... It took me years to become more adventurous in the kitchen and expand my palliate since she had me terrified of anything "spicy" and suspicious of all sauces! My poor husband in those early years! I think I can say with all honesty I do not cook anything the way she did.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?
I loved those kinds of games like "mother-may-I" and "red-light green-light" and have fond memories playing them but it seemed like my favorite childhood game I played with all my friends was "house"... It was basically just pretending either we were in one family together and each assuming a "grown up" role or we would dived the space we were in and we would each pretend to have our own family... Dolls were usually the children and we all wanted to be the mom so the second was mostly what we did... I even played "house" alone for hours and hours, totally lost in the make-believe of it... ( I know dolls are technically "gear" but we didn't need them to play so this is my answer and I'm sticking with it!)

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?
I had to think on this for awhile but I think Olivia Walton from "The Walton's"
I haven't watched that show in YEARS but I was always struck by how she was a strong woman but never tried to usurp her husband's role... She dealt with every hardship with a grace and dignity I can only wish to have. Oh and her hair was ALWAYS in a perfect french twist!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Allison & I are leaving on the 14th to spend about a week in Montana touring the campus and familarizing herself with Bozeman before she is there full time in August. Oh, did I tell you she is going to Montana State in the fall? I need to do an Allison update post! Anyhow, between that, planning the grand baby's 1st birthday for June, another trip in July, taking Allie to college in August, AND working,  I am SUPER busy these days! I feel like I am caught in a whirl wind but since these are such special days I am trying to savior each moment... Aghhh... Can the world slow down for just a moment!?!?!

Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging Just For Fun...

I am joining up with Joyce's Hodgepodge today...

1. The expression 'mad as a March hare' originated with a fictional character who is distracted and frantic. When were you last 'mad as a March hare' and what was it that made you that way?
I think I have "mad" or crazy moments more often then I care to admit but I don't think I have ever been truly "mad" lately... Unless you count in the morning before my coffee! 

2. Mardi Gras this year falls on Tuesday, March 4th. Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, and if so what did you think? If not, do you have any interest in going?  Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. Which one is most prevalent in your wardrobe? How about in your home?
No, I have not been... & No, I have no desire to go. I would like to visit New Orleans someday but not during Mardi Gras. 
Purple would be the winning color in my wardrobe but green would win out in my home! 
3. Are you old fashioned?
Sometimes I think I am and sometimes I think I am not... I love modern conveniences but have very old fashioned ideas about values and roles... Go figure! 

4. Do you carefully plan your vacations, or do you prefer the days to be more spontaneous?
Hahahahahaha.... Carefully plan... With LOTS of blood, sweat and tears! (If this is your first time reading my blog you should go back and read the last few posts! It's ALL about planning out current vacation!)

5.  March is National Sauce Month...what's your favorite sauce, and what do you most often top with this sauce?
A tomato & basil marinara would be my all time favorite, but I love all kinds of sauces and topping... I get excited when I am at a restaurant and find a sauce on the menu I have never heard of before. (As long as it's not to hot spicy that is!) 

6.  What's something that easily brings a tear to your eye?
I am not a "crier"... Everyone cries from time to time but usually mine are hormonally driven... That being said, the first time I watched the movie Hachi I cried like crazy! 

7. If you could own any sports team, which one would it be and why?
I have no desire and no idea, but if I did buy a team I would bring it to Maine... The population here might be low but the fans here are so loyal yet they always have to cheer on team from Massachusetts! 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
When I was at the Mary & Martha Leadership Conference they took "professional head shots" of us. I dreaded this since I have very bad complexion issues... It is really bad right now and I am seeing someone about it, but I didn't want that to be the "face" in the photos... I have tried many cosmetics over the years and either they looked super unnatural or they made the irritation worse, but I bravely decided to try once more. The girls and I headed to Ulta and there I was introduced to an amazing cosmetics line called "It Cosmetics" and as generic as it sounds, I feel like I got my face back... Here see for yourself:

Here I am tonight in an oh so flattering bathroom mirror "selfie" with none of the minor "retouching" I usually do to pictures. This is how most people usually see me since I had given up on make-up. (Don't ya just love the cupcake jammies?) 

Here is the "head shot" that I got from corporate today...

That is not retouching (as seriously, I would have had them soften those crows feet!) but the amazing make-up! 

This stuff is AMAZING and when I have "business" stuff I put it on and feel so much more confident! (Plus, since it's a "CC" cream it is actually helping my skin!) If you or someone you know has serious complexion issues please pass this on to them! 

Come back tomorrow for my vacation announcement that might just involve a giveaway! 

Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging... Roll Out Those....

Hazy, Lazy, Crazy Days of Summer... Those days of soda & pretzels & cheer...

(I know it's beer, but beer makes me feel sick, so I changed it up a bit...)

I am joining the Magnificent Joyce and her weekly Hodgepodge again...

Why don't ya follow the link below and see what everyone else answered... I know I will and then I will keep thinking "Good answer... I should have said that..." But that's probably just me...

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?



I do not enjoy crowds and when the sun beats down on my head (even with a hat on) I tend to get migraines... Summer really isn't my best season... So I would not really want to go to the Summer Olympics, but if I found myself there, I'd opt for inside, air conditioned venues...

Now the Winter Olympics is a different story... Sign me up!

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?


Can I just say "Yes" here?

I love a good "do nothing" day, but only enjoy them if I am not staring house work, projects and to do lists in the face... That is why I love going to my parents camp (cabin for you non-Mainers) on the island for a few days!


3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

Yes, I can sew... I'd say I'm about a 5...

I can do simple projects and such, but am constantly amazed by other people's work. I did love making simple dresses and jumpers for the girlies when they were little and and make easy stuff like curtains and pillow covers... I've even made a few very simple baby quilts, but that is where my talent ends...

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

This answer may be a bit on the long side... Feel free to skip ahead to #5...

We have only lived back here in Maine a couple years and most of Katy's closest friends are elsewhere... She had a hard time picking bridesmaids... Her sister and two others were easy, but she needed to come up with one more to match Jed's number of groomsmen, so she asked the daughter of a friend who she didn't really know very well... She had been away at college most of the time so Katy never really got to even have a full conversation alone with her before she asked her. We love her mom, and since she was also engaged to marry this summer so it seemed like a good pick...

Turns out this girl was not a good fit for the wedding party... She spent every moment spewing hateful things about her mom and by the end of the second "bride & bridesmaids" get together had alienated herself from the rest of the wedding party... To the point where Katy was in tears after the rehearsal asking if she could just ask her not to come...

Problem was, before we really got to know her and her (then) fiance', they had asked Jed to be one of their groomsmen... And when one of Jed's groomsmen dropped out three weeks before the wedding, Jed asked her fiance' to be one of his... And remember we LOVE her mother... She is an amazing woman who without her help I don't think the wedding would have run smoothly at all... It was just a big, awkward mess... I begged all the girls to just be as nice and patient as possible because it was just for one day, and I think her mom might have spoken to her because it did seem like she really tried on the wedding day... (for the most part.)

BUT that isn't the awkward part... The awkward part came four weeks later when we all went to their wedding... Again the mom really wanted us there and Jed was part of the wedding party... I was feeling bad about how little I wanted to be there, but I guess it wasn't just me... The best man wouldn't toast them, the maid of honor left right after the ceremony and the one bridesmaid that was willing to do a toast actually did more of a roast then a toast, pointing out that none of their friends approve of them marring, but that she is sure she can speak for their when she says she is "pretty sure" they all want them to be happy... I guess this girl (couple) have burnt quite a few bridges on the way to the alter...

When we were leaving and had to say our goodbyes I wished them "Best Wishes" and told them I would be praying for them... But that was literally the first time I ever wished anyone "best wishes" because it was the nicest thing I could say...

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?


Pinto... Hands down... I love baked beans and homemade re-fried beans... (Homemade because the canned ones are full of all kinds of yucky stuff.)


6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?


I have hosted many, many garage sales and a couple have been a bust but most of them have been a big and sometimes HUGE success... I have even hosted fund raising yard sales and a few weeks back a friend was moving who lived about 30 minutes past the middle of nowhere so we did her two day moving sale here and it too was a big success... They are a lot of work, but usually a lot of fun if you have someone to do it with!


7. What makes you roll your eyes?


Passive-Aggressiveness... Can't stand it in others and really, really hate it when I catch myself being that way! I grew up with a lot of people around me who use passive aggressive manipulation as their weapon of choice, and have a low tolerance for it now. I much prefer to deal with things head-on, even when they are uncomfortable.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is the link to the recipe for my "sold out" macaroons from the antique show this past weekend...

I made them drop style not squared like she did and ended up using a 1 1/3 (14 oz) bags of coconut for every can of sweetened condensed milk and I made my own chocolate ganache' (which is just semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream melted together in a pyrex bowl over a sauce pan of simmering water until smooth and shiny), but her way might be easier... I was making the ganache' for other stuff too. 

These were so good people who don't generally like macaroons, loved them... One woman traded two she had previously bought with another vendor for a sandwich... Our sandwiches cost $7 and the macaroons were $1.50 each... Yes, there was a macaroon black-market! Make these! (Or not... it's up to you.)

Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging... Olympic Style

I'm joining Joyce again for her weekly meme... Pop over and read everyone's answers... Or even join up!

1. The Summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person which (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?



I always wanted to see Harrods as a child due to some movie I watched with my mother, and even though I don't remember the movie I remember the desire! But speaking about movies... I love cheesy rom-coms so I'd probably want to see Notting Hill too.

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?


This catering job Allison and I have for the weekend... We have hired one person to help, but may need more... Nothing like preparing to make lunch for several hundred people, two days in a row to make you feel like going back to bed...

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?


Anything Paul does on the grill... If he is unwilling I too go with chicken salad... Lobster is good too, and the place I buy it will steam them for you if you call ahead... Boil up a couple ears of corn on the burner on the grill (no way I am boiling anything inside the house) and you have yourself the perfect Maine summer dinner!


4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse'?


Thankfully I haven't been in awhile, but Allison and I did "exchange words" last night... We are probably both just a little overwhelmed by our first BIG catering job , but her attitude was rotten, and we "discussed" it at slightly elevated volume last night... Then we sat down and talked, and everything is fine now.



5. What television advertisement do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.


The one for a ladies razor with a "personal" trimmer on the end... The women in it are walking along and pass behind an untrimmed bush and it transforms into the shape she chose to trim her personal area into! YUCK!!!

6. Share one piece of interesting news from the year you were born.


 I was born in 1972...Here is what I found online:

1972 This year is marked as a black year in history due to the use of terrorism entering sport with the massacre of 11 Israel Athletes by Arab Gunman. Also this is the beginning of the biggest political scandal in modern times and the start of the Watergate Scandal. On the other side of the Atlantic a worsening of the problems between the IRA and the British government see wrongs from both sides and innocent lives are lost.

Wow... What a year...

7. What's the best part of your average day?


It's a toss up between my morning coffee and quiet time and that time late at night when everyone else is asleep or in their rooms and I have a few minutes of quiet time!


8. Insert your own random thought here.

We finally made time to meet with the photographer from Katy & Jed's wedding... So I will probably be boring you with more pictures of her wedding very soon...

I have also been working on a post about why I blog... Kind of a bloggy mission statement... I hope to have that done soon... If feels kinda cathartic working on it.

Thanks for listening, 

Hodgepodgeing Again... Like We Did Last Summer!

Here I go, joining up with my bloggy friend Joyce and her weekly blog party, the "Hodgepodge"... Pop on over to her blog From This Side of the Pond and join the fun!

1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

The fashion was tacky, but I do miss those over-sized shirts! I also miss my "Swatch" more then I care to admit... I had multi colored little protector thingies (see below) that I would change out based on my outfit.

 

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

Not right now... We moved here nearly two years ago and I can't believe I didn't get a library card! I need to go check out the library! Now that the girlies are older and since I primarily use my Kindle I hate to admit it never occurred to me to get one.

3. What's the secret to success?

Prayer... Hands down... Prayer and caffeine!


4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

Lawn Darts as a kid... (can you believe they let us play that??) Now, I'd have to go with croquet!


5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?

Right this moment there is My Bible, My Kindle Fire, a box of invitations to the wedding, the new copy of Real Simple magazine and two empty cups that people should have dealt with before bed.


6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

No... I haven't had one since soon after we married. I have horrible balance, so the bicycle was never really my friend!


7. What's your favorite cheese?

I love all kinds of cheese... Soft, firm, imported, domestic, goat, but.... Hands down, my fave is Sharp White Cheddar Cheese... The sharper the better... (Boring... I know!)


8. Insert your own random thought here.

23 Days until the wedding and I found out today a bunch of the invitations got lost in the mail! Aghhhhh!!!!


Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging Again... Wth 37 Days To Go!

Time to join up with Joyce for a hodgepodge again...

I will catch everyone up on wedding stuff later this week...

AND no, we still haven't heard from our pastor/church so we are still in the dark as of typing this... I will share when I know more... But that's enough of that...

Let the Hodgepodging commence!

1. What is a pet peeve you have when vacationing?
Number ONE pet peeve... Dirty hotel room... I have spent the first few hours of the first day cleaning so-so rooms more then I care to recount... Truly dirty rooms, I will ask for a different room, but I have a two room max at any hotel... There are almost always more hotels and I have been known to ask at the front desk for a phone book and use their courtesy phone to call around and find a new room. We stayed at a hotel in Newport, Rhode Island once that I looked at the rooms online and it turns out the one I saw was one of two recently redone rooms and the other 80 or so rooms were run down, dated and dirty!

2. Would you describe yourself as a light packer or do you need everything in your closet plus the kitchen sink?
When I was younger I packed way too much... I would get home from trips with bags half to three quarters full of stuff I never touched. As I have gotten older I have become a wiser packer... Let's face it, you will have no more desire to wear those super cute but super uncomfortable sandals on vacation then you have at home... Maybe less! Plus with the cost of airline baggage these days, who wants to spend the extra to pack extra stuff you won't use... Last time we flew it was $50 per checked bag on United Airlines (no first bag free with them... At least at the time.) That was $200 for each of us... Each way! Think about how much fun you could have with that extra $400!

 

3. What's the best lesson a child ever taught you?
When Allison was little we were headed to a birthday party at a famous fast food restaurant (do people still do those?) and apparently she had some grand ideas as to how much fun it would be... She was picturing clowns, and moon bounces, and as much free french fries as she could eat... I was kinda worried she would be disappointed so I tried to reel in her expectations. She stopped me and said "Momma, quit pruning my daisies!" She went on to basically say that it is fun to imagine an amazing thing and besides, she is headed to a birthday party... "It is already a good day!"
Both the idea of not deflating someone else's dreams and that philosophy that "it's already a good day" are ones I hold onto!

4. Share one piece of advice you'd give a recent graduate as they attempt to enter the job market?
Don't be too proud... A job is a job in today's economy. Also, invest the first $1000 you make then forget about it. Due to the miracle of compound interest you'll thank me in 25-30 years. Then if you can make double payments on all student loans. Make compound interest work in you favor again and you'll thank me in 5-10 years!

5. What's your favorite lemon something?

I really love all things lemon... And not that she needs a plug but The Pioneer Woman's lemon crumb squares are my fave these days!

(photo: PioneerWoman.com)

 

6. Flat sandal, wedge, heel...your favorite footwear?

I love the look of a cute wedge, but since I injured my ankle several years ago, I'm a flats girl... In fact I am a fan of the ugly albeit ultra-comfy Birkenstock.

7. What do you like best about a beach holiday? If you're not a beach lover (GASP!!) what do you dislike the least?

I am now afraid to admit, I'm not a huge fan of the beach vacation... The best thing about the beach is sitting for hours chatting with friends while soaking in some vitamin D... (We lack good ole' vitamin D in these parts.) But since the sun beating down on my head gives me migraines (esp. in hot climates), and since most of my friends do not come with me on vacation, I'd rather just sit on the beaches around here and do something entirely different on vacation!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Tomorrow I need to tackle over 3 weeks of dirty laundry... My husband has been teasing me for days that the end of the house the laundry room is on is sinking... I have been doing an emergency load here and there for weeks and it is really getting out of control... My husband pinned a note on the pile that has avalanche safety tips on it... That is not a joke... The "laundry situation" is why I am posting this Tuesday night, and will just link up in the morning... It is also why I may not get a chance to blog hop around Wednesday... But I will pop into as many as I can!

Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging with Only 79 Days to Go...

1. What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?

I feel like a lot of the jobs I do require elbow grease, but the first one that comes to mind for down and dirty elbow grease was cleaning the deck and getting out and cleaning the patio furniture... Something sticky got on several of the chairs and it took some hot soapy water and good old fashion elbow grease to get them clean.

2. March Madness, aka the men's Division I basketball championship, is nearing an end. What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?

Wedding...Wedding ... Wedding... and more Wedding! With 80 days to go I spend quite a bit of time focused on Katy & Jed's upcoming wedding and the upcoming shower.

 

3. What's your favorite shop for browsing?

I love to browse in all the little shops in Downtown Camden, Maine...  Just one town north of us (About a 7 minute drive)

(Camden in the Summer)

And the little shops in downtown Rockland, Maine... Just one town south of here (About another 7 minute drive from here.)

(Rockland in the summer)

But as spoiled as I am to live in an area of the country with alive and thriving Main Streets, I have to admit there are times when it is so worth the 45 minute drive to wander the aisles of the closest Target!

4. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?Yes, of course... When continuing on becomes foolishness... When the only reason you haven't made a "course correction" is a matter of pride... (One of those deadly sins!) During my days as a home-school mom I can think of a few times I got all excited about some new curriculum only to have it fall flat with the girls. Do I keep banging my head on a wall, and make everyone miserable or do we make a "course correction"? I can also think of numerous times with parenting when we had to give up on tactics that didn't work, or dreams we had for our girls that were not their dreams... I can even think of one time when it became really clear to us that the major decisions we had made were not what the Lord wanted for us... We could have forged on, but why stay outside the Lord's will when "giving up" would put us back on his path for us?

But... On the big things like marraige, children and faith... Never!
5. What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state or country in its title?

I don't live someplace that people wax poetic about... At least not in musical form... The kind you can identify with and dance to... I don't know if it counts but whenever I see that reception scene in Steel Magnolias where they are all whooping it up to Jambalaya on the Bayou I wish mid-coast Maine had an "anthem"... Alas, we have no Sweet Home Alabama or the like to cut a rug to...

6. When did you first begin using a computer?

It was a huge deal when our school got computers for each class room... Two for each one! I was in fourth grade. Now the State of Maine gives a laptop to every student in the 7th grade and above. They have to turn them in during the summer, and we pay approx. $80 a year for insurance but otherwise the computers are the kids to use both at school and home... A big step up from two per class!

7. Did you buy girl scout cookies this year? What's your favorite?

No, I usually do, but missed out this year. I don't know a girl scout so I am dependant on finding them at the local grocery store... This year I didn't. I love the Samoas and Thin Mints, and have recently discovered that Keebler has some out that taste just like both of them...

(images from Keebler.com)

So all I have to do is drop by Wal-Mart for a fix... Of course these don't support the girl scouts, but since I don't know a girl scout these days I don't feel too much guilt.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am too tired for a random thought... I have been staring at the screen for over ten minutes and nothing interesting is coming to me... All I keep thinking about is wedding stuff... And that is not so random! Oh, I know, Jed and Katy signed the lease on their new place last Friday. He is moving in next week (she will join him after the wedding) but we got a chance to go over and check things out today... I took lots of photos... I will share those later this week.

Thanks for listening,

Hodgepodging for Love...

1. What is something you are loving right now?

Spray Paint... I am currently making these for a baby shower Sparky and I are doing the decor for...

I found them first on pinterest but they are the handy work of one of my favorite DIY and Decor bloggers Katy over at Centsational Girl... She doesn't need my props though since she has about six gazillion followers... Here is the link to the tutorial on how to make these...

I will blog my before and afters soon...

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

Paris... Hands down... I have been so close to going twice now... Someday!

3. Are you a romantic?

Not really... I appreciate it in movies and such but it makes me nervous in real life... I consider Paul bringing home Chinese takeout because he knows I had a bad day romantic, but the traditional stuff... candles, rose petals, etc freak me out...

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

While You Were Sleeping 
Hands down my favorite... She was lonely and developed a fantasy of what love would look like in her life, only to discover it looked very different and was far more beautiful... If you have been under a rock for the last 17 or so years go to the Wal Mart right now and root around in the $5 bargain bin until you find this movie and watch it today!!






5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why?



I didn't take the quiz, but I would guess Kanga...




6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?


Oh there are so many really good chocolate things... The flour-less chocolate torte my cousin the pastry chef whose bakery closed and moved to the big city makes would have to win though... A runner up would be the white chocolate bread pudding at Shepard's Pie here in Rockport... Yummo!!


7. Share a favorite quote about love.


"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."



Dr. Seuss

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have youth group tonight and I should be writing my devotion and working on my newsletter right now. I am using you wonderful ladies to procrastinate... Well, I'm off...

Hodgepodgeing is Nuts...

Here I go... Doing another Hodgepodge... "Cause it's fun & I just love Joyce who hosts it... She is an amazing bloggy friend who I feel blessed to know in this here bloggy realm!

Click this little link below if you wanna join the fun!

1. It is officially fall here in North America...I realize not everyone who participates in the Hodgepodge lives in North America but if you do, what's your favorite memory of Summer 2011? If you're not in North America, what's your favorite memory of the season just ending on your side of the world?

At the beginning of the summer we hosted a youth group night at our house (just on a whim) and absolutely fell in love with these amazing kids... We had so much fun and such a connection they immediately started campaigning us to become the new youth leaders. (Something we'd never felt qualified to do.) We told them that night that they were welcome here anytime, and starting that night we had teens here nearly every night all summer... It would be easier to count the number of times we didn't have extra kiddos here. After MUCH prayer and meeting with the pastor and church leadership we came to see that the LORD was calling us to this, even if only for this season of our lives... This summer completely changed our lives and the direction of them. Yea!!!!

2. Your favorite nut? You know I mean the edible kind, right?

Hands down the cashew... Love 'em!


3. What activity puts your sense of balance to the test?

Like Joyce, I tend to have trouble walking... Uneven surfaces outside tend to get me... I try not to fall, since it hurts waaaaaaay more now then it did as a kid, but I usually fall at least a few times a year.

4. How would you describe your sense of humor?

I think I have a good sense of humor... I love to laugh and make others laugh... I tend to be a more then a bit sarcastic... I also have to fight the urge to keep it clean... Taming my tongue has been one of my hardest and constantly on going tasks...


5. September 28th is National Ask a Stupid Question Day...what's your stupid question?

How do you keep a curious person in suspense?

6. Roller skates~hula hoop~jump rope...which activity would you most enjoy? Yes, you have to choose.

I tend to fall over so roller skates are no longer my friend... I am plus-sized so unless it is the larger hula-hoop I fear it would be a hula-belt... But since I injured my ankle about 14 years ago, I am the aforementioned "plus-sized"  and gravity is no longer my friend, jumping rope is virtually impossible... So since Joyce says I HAVE to choose, and this her her game... I'll go with the hula-hoop...

7. What's your most sentimental possession?

Hands down, my scrapbooks...
8. Insert your own random thought here.

Remember way at the end of that too long post yesterday I showed you my start of fall decorating? (If not you can catch up here) Well, I added the mirror last night... Actually Sparky and her boyfriend helped me get it way up there and put a hook on the wall to keep it from sliding and wiping out everything in front of it...

What do you think? I think I like it...

Here is another view...

(or the bear's rear view... HeHeHe... I kill myself...)



Random thought #2... I almost always wear khakis... They fit me better then jeans and go with everything... I also own several navy blue tees... It is a common color folks... I also shop at Wal-Mart more then I care to admit... It's a small town, I don't have a lot of options... People keep asking me to help them... Really folks, just because someone is wearing khakis and navy blue doesn't mean they work there... I know we assume most of the other "shoppers" will be in PJ pants or worse, but come on...

Thanks for listening,