Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wednesday Hodgepodge is hosted by Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond.  Click here to join in

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? 

Probably Christmas back in December.  With our family living at least two hours away we don't celebrate much anymore.  Of course, celebrating God's blessing of a new day every morning is a given.

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first  person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? 

Hmmm...I don't guess anything comes directly to mind although "Tigger" from Winnie the Pooh just popped into my head.  He's a "wonderful thing", you know.

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to?  

I just don't have that kind of energy anymore!  I know what I should be focusing on but...

4. What was the last meal you cooked? 

Not much lately.  It's been too hot to eat anything heavy so sandwiches or something easy and light has been on the menu.  I will, however, get up early tomorrow and bake some banana nut bread...before the sun comes up so the oven doesn't heat up the house.  It will at least be good with my coffee.

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. 

hot...Hot...HOt...HOT...HOTTER!  Get the idea? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Hot and SURPRISE!

My word!  I don't know how people wore all those clothes during the heat of summer!  I'd probably be doing more than hiking up my skirt tail!  Has it been hot where you are?  It has been brutal here.  We were 107* with 90% humidity and no wind, the other day.  We've been blessed with a bit of a reprieve, at 97* with 90% humidity, today, but the heat is building back in.  The weekend and all next week will be in the triple digits with high humidity.  Such is life in Oklahoma.

Anyone reading any good summer books?  Nothing heavy just good, clean, light-hearted reads?  I haven't read anything since "Theo of Golden", during the winter months, which was a great book but it was heavy...lots to ponder in that one.  I want something short, sweet and funny.  Any ideas?

My sweet granddaughter will be here for the weekend.  That means lots of antiquing and thrifting!  She definitely got my love for those things.  Y'all!  Did I tell you she is now 16 and a licensed driver?  I know some of you remember her from the small years.  Can you believe it?  I'm shaking my head for sure.  

Mentioning my granddaughter...her and my precious 10 year old grandson will soon have a baby brother.  I may or may not have told y'all this already!  Complete surprise but God knew!  Neither of those kiddos will admit to being excited about it but they are!  One is always wanting to buy stuff for the baby and the other wants to see all the updates from the doctor!  LoL.   All I care about is my daughter's health(she's 36 and high risk) and the health of the baby.  That's it!  

Well, I guess that is all.  I just wanted to come in and post something since it has been awhile...AGAIN!  I get to pottering around and time passes before I know it!  

Thanks for stopping in and tell me about the books you are reading or want to read!

Hello and Hodgepodge

 

Summering into the Hodgepodge

Y'all, I don't know why I can't seem to post.  I mean, it's not like I'm busy or have a lot on my plate.  Completely the opposite but, for whatever reason, I simply don't post.  I read y'alls blog, though!

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Relax???  What kind of wizardry do you speak of?  I am constantly in "High Alert Chihuahua mode".  LoL...I have never been able to relax and I'm sure it has everything to do with being the oldest child and having adult ADD probably doesn't help.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? Scrubbing the bathtub!  Not simply cleaning it, I mean "get the Comet cleanser and a scrub brush" kind of scrubbing.  The second way to tell is if I get quiet and start crying.  I tend to have a temper and anger issues when crossed.  Scottish/Scandinavian Southern Woman, y'all!

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Just for playing around with picture.  Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? Worries me and scares the liver out of me knowing the potential it has if in the wrong hands and I believe it is in the wrong hands. What do you see as a benefit? It makes fun cartoon characters from a picture other than that I am old school and would rather not have it at all.  Besides, I've proven AI wrong several times, so... How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? Pretty much everything because it has the potential to be a dangerous weapon. 

4. You're invited to a summer potluck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? Spinach, strawberry, blueberry, red onion salad with a homemade strawberry dressing.  Maybe a fruit bowl.  It's summer, y'all!  If you want something more wait until Autumn or Winter.

5. It wouldn't be summer without this blasted Oklahoma heat and humidity!  Otherwise, there really isn't much difference in the way we do things no matter the season.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Or shall we say 100* days with 100* humidity?  But, I'm not complaining because it will be numbing cold before long.

Late Hodgepodge

I'm getting this done late.  I know I've been missing from blogland for awhile.  It's just been a dark season for me and I'm trying to see the light...bear with me, please!

1. June 17th, 1994 was the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase. What were you doing in 1994? I'm guessing somebody is going to tell me they weren't born yet but that's part of the fun of the Hodgepodge. Lots of generations are represented here.

Hmmm....1994..I was working my butt off trying to take care of my children.  Single motherhood is no joke, Y'all!  No, I didn't have time to watch anything much less something that was a big bunch of hype and nonsense because everybody knew how that was going to turn out.

2. What's your favorite summer salad that isn't the traditional tossed green lettuce kind of salad? Do you like fresh fruit in a salad (other than in a fruit salad of course)?

Spinach, berries, mandarin oranges, and red onions lightly tossed in a strawberry dressing.

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? 

Unfortunately, I do believe it is well on it's way to being dead.  Depending on the where you live and the age of a man, it is already dead.  The men in my family always hold doors for ladies and tip their hats.  They better!  I will accept nothing less.

4. Would you rather spend a week of your summer vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Have you ever been to either? Are they two places you really would like to see? How do you feel about 'Hawaiian pizza' aka pineapple on a pizza? Have you ever eaten Baked Alaska?

I don't think I would like either one and no, I've never been to either.  I would love to see Provedence France and the tuscany region of Italy.  I would, also, love to go to Israel and Greece.

5. World Cup play is happening now...are you interested?  Watching any matches?  Did you or your children play soccer/futbol?  There are eleven US cities hosting matches-Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York with the stadium in NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle along with three cities in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey)and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver)-You get free tickets to one of these matches. Which city do you choose? Tell us why. 

I'm not interested in soccer although they do where very colorful uniforms. We aren't a soccer family but my granddaughter did play for a very short time when she was 6-ish. She hated it. Give us an American football or softball game and we're all in. I could become interested in soccer if I got free tickets, though. I would choose either Guadalajara or Monterry Mexico

6. Insert your own random thought here.

She is strong but she's tired.

Wishing you a...

 

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Well...This happened.

 Well...this happened.

7ft big boy!  Yes, it's dead...deader than dead and I have no regrets!  Y'all keep your "it's a good snake" comments to yourself because every snake is considered a satanic cobra, around here, and will be dealt with accordingly.  

Oh but wait...there's more.

His little friend is dead too!  Again...not a regret to be had. I can only guess that it is mating season or there was about to be a battle of the demons...But more concerning...Can we talk about those clouds!?

That was a very serious hail core going over just north of us.  Big and destructive hail that left stripped trees and destroyed roofs, in it's wake.  

This is the leading edge of the cell that came over our place.  We did get hail but it was very small, however, there is more to come apparently.  Oh and the temperatures have dropped significantly.  Y'all...!

Back to the snake situation...These girls alerted my Mister and so wanted to get a big bite of snake sushi!  They get extra bedtime treats, tonight!  Good girls!

And another situation...

Sir Duke was none too sure about the Monsieur Roo situation happening right next to him.  He laid there stiff as a board and only moved his eyes to see what was happening.  As soon as the rooster wandered off, Duke jumped up and ran to the door!  Ferocious Pitt-y!

Well, there you go!  Glad you stopped by, aren't you?  LoL

Tuesday 4 - Hello May

 

Hello May!

Welcome friends!

This weeks Tuesday 4 in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo is from Mary who blogs at Visits With Mary. and it's all about the month of May.   Thanks Mary!

 Hello May

1. May’s First Glimpse — What is the very first thing you notice or feel when May arrives each year?

It's either tornadoes or heat that will make you question your existance.  It's one or the other here in Oklahoma.  So far neither have happened this year.

2. Simple May Joys — What small pleasures do you look forward to in May — flowers, breezes, routines, or traditions?

Being able to go outside without a sweater, however, this year...especially today...I definitely had to dress warmly.  What is up with this weather?  Other than that, I look forward to being able to sit on the porch and drink my coffee while watching the hummingbirds having their breakfast.

3. May Memories — Do you have a favorite May memory from childhood, family life, or recent years?

My baby sister was born in May.  She went to be with Jesus in 2020 so I don't get to send her cards or talk to her.  Other than that, May is just one of those months that slide into the next.

4. May Intentions — What gentle goals or hopes do you carry into this new month?

Not much.  Just want to protect my peace.  I would like to go see my Aunt who will turn 93 in June but the gas prices are making me cringe with the thought of a five hour drive down there.

Just stop...be done.

I have had to "Just be done".  Not that I wanted to but for my own peace and for the sake of what years I have left on this earth, I've had to.  For years, 18 years to be exact, I have been second best for my daughter.  Well maybe I'm rated that high but I doubt it.  And my son, just lets time get away from him (so he says).

Anyhow, I've had to let it go.  I can't continue living my life hoping my kids will call, stop by or just want to hang out for awhile.  My heart can't take the disappointment any longer.  I am not writing this for pity because I know there are lots of Mama's who are in the same boat.  I am here to tell you all... Just stop.  

Last week, while I was wallowing in my self-pity, I came across a video on Youtube.  I'm sure it is Ai generated but it spoke volumes.  If you are in the same place, I've found myself in, again and again, over the years, I hope you will watch this video.

I don't have a next door neighbor named May and I don't have a church down the road that has Thursday lunch for their Seniors so that part doesn't really help me... BUT... I have stopped calling.  I have stopped asking my kids when they were coming by.  I have stopped expecting them to do anything.  I stopped...

Does this make me sad?  Absolutely!  I won't lie about that.  Am I still sitting here day in and day out with just my dogs, to keep me company, until my husband gets home from work.  Yep.  The difference is...they don't live in my head and my broken heart anymore.  Of course I still love them, pray for them, and want them to be blessed.  And sure, I will be right there if something happens.  But I no longer let the heartache steal my peace.  

Dear one, if this sounds like you, know that I see you...I hear you!  Please leave a comment so I can pray for you.  

Grace & Peace,

Pam

It's been...

 ...quite the month.  

Hello friends!  I'm so glad you stopped by.  I know it's been awhile since I posted and I have no good reason why although it has been busy, among other things.  

We started the month by beginning the building of the new dog house and pen.  If you remember, their old one caught fire and burned down completely.  We had been planning on moving their pen anyway but would rather have done it without the fire and the melted siding on our home.  In any case, they have a new and bigger pen, as well as, house.  That took most of my husband's time between storms.

We do live in Oklahoma and Spring wouldn't be Spring without tornado and severe storm warnings pretty much every day.  Most days we ended up not getting even much rain but with the potential for tornadoes and storms you sure don't want to be caught outside.  Plus he had to go to work so the process was slow going but it is done and now on to replacing the siding.  If it's not one thing it's another.

Of course, Easter happened.  I don't really celebrate Easter myself.  I try to observe Passover as much as I can.  My family, however, does celebrate Easter and I do always love dressing up.  Many of you know that my granddaughter and I have a tradition of dressing up to the nines for the occasion.  Hats, new dresses, new shoes and purses.  If I could find pretty gloves we would wear those too. 

These were our outfits this year.  She has grown up so much since we started doing this.  She turned 16 years old this past Saturday and we've dressed in this way since she was a baby.  She loves it as much as I do.  I hope she never decides she doesn't want to do it.  I would love to see her carry on the tradition with her own kids and grandbabies!

Of course, I have to get a picture with one of the most important guys in my life!  I tell you, though, it is a chore to get a picture with him.  He is a goofball and hates the sun in his eyes.  Even in the shade, he complains about the sun...Which is his way of saying, "I don't like having my picture taken", I suppose, because he plays baseball out in the direct sun.  Hmmm...  Anyways, this is as good as it gets.  I'm just tickled that he wasn't making a worse face than that!  Funny thing is, my son - his uncle, is the same way.  Silly boys!

Mentioning boys...

I am going to be a Grandma again!  Those two almost grown and half grown grandblessings of mine are going to be very busy teaching their new little brother all about life.   

It was quite the surprise!  I'm not sure my 36 year old daughter and almost 40 year old son-in-law are prepared to begin raising a baby, again,  but they will do fine.  Just when they could see the light at the end of the tunnel!  HeHeHe... 

I am so thankful you have stuck around while I was gone.  

Shalom

What Will We Find ~ Tuesday 4

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.


1. What will we find on top of your refrigerator?

Probably more dust than I will ever admit but other than that you will find a basket full of crackers, pretzels, maybe some raisins, prunes and dates. There will also be those large boxes of storage bags because they don't fit anywhere else.

2. What will we find on your nightstand?

My Bible, glasses and a journal are always there. Probably a book and crossword puzzle book, pen/pencil.  Also, My iPad, a lamp, lotion and a yeti for water.

3. What is in your purse or handbag?

Of course, my wallet and keys but I also carry hand cream, reading glasses (for those pesky labels at the grocery store), a pen and small notebook. An old sunglass case holds dental floss, a hair tie, lipstick and gloss. In the outside pockets, I keep my key fob, sunglasses, hankerchief and baby wipes.

4. What will we find on your coffee table or side tables? How about your kitchen or dining table?

Actually my coffee table is being used as a plant stand. I can't really use it in front of the couch because the dogs get on the couch and they are just too big to jump around the table.  

The kitchen table only has a candle on it. Occasionally, I will put a tablecloth on it but not often. I really cannot stand for anything to be on my table. I hate having to move everything so I can sit my plate down. I've always been like that, even growing up when there was the 60's melmac napkin holder and the Tupperware salt and pepper shakers. Hated it, hated it!

Thanks for stopping by my Tuesday 4 post! You can read other posts here.

This is the day...

Hello friends!  I'm happy to see you!

Here we are!  The middle of March.  I hope you are doing well and it is starting to feel like Spring.  Even though some of you are still getting snow it won't be long before the trees will be full of leaves and the grass will need to be mowed.  Our weather has been all over the place but I expected it.  We really only had one real bad cold snap with a lot of snow and some ice but overall, since the beginning of Autumn, our weather has been much warmer than normal.  I hate to think of the bugs and snakes that will no doubt be in abundance this year.  Time to sharpen the hoe and load the gun.  I don't do snakes and since there already seems to be a lot of mice and moles already out, it is only natural the snakes will follow.  No walking around, outside, in sandals or bare feet!  LoL...now that you have that mental picture to take you through the night.

Our trees started budding early and put on quite the show with their beautiful blooms and then we had tornados and hurricane force winds that knocked off most of the blooms. The tender leaves were still hanging on but then we got a couple of overnight hard freezes so those poor little leaves took a beating but no doubt they will bounce back but I don't think our fruit trees will produce anything. 

That's just how it is. Living in the southwest/plains you never know what will happen. You take it one day at a time and be grateful for it.  We should be doing that anyways.  Rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made!

"The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see"