Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

 Patrice's over at Everday Ruralty was a little late today. I was afraid we would not get our Chat on the Porch this week :( but she came through with flying colors!

Questions

1. What's your favorite day of the week? Why?
2. What's your favorite Christmas movie?
3. Is there a Christmas Carol that's special to you?
4. Is there an art or craft that you'd love to be able to do?
5. Do you have a live Christmas tree or an artificial one?

My answers:

1. I like Wednesday - hump day - halfway through - but anymore they just seem to fly by.
2. I love It's a Wonderful life. It's not only my favorite Christmas movie but my all time favorite movie!
3. O Come all Ye Faithful has always been a favorite of mine.
4. I used to do ceramics but can't really afford to anymore. I'd love to learn basket weaving one of these days.
5. I have had a live tree for the past 2 years because the Biz insists on it but to be totally honest, I'd rather have my artificial one. He likes the trees with the long needles and while they are pretty, you just can't hang an ornament on them. The branches aren't strong enough to support them - they either fall right off or disappear underneath somewhere - so what's the point?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Time once again to join Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so, about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

Nope. I do sometimes send e-cards though. For those that I receive, I usually hand them around the door frame.

2. When do kids become adults?

I don't think kids become adults till they get out on their own and find out that life in the "real world" is not as easy as they thought it would be.

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

Beauty regimen? Pretty much non existent. I don't do makeup, what you see is what you get. I do use lotion on my legs in the winter - otherwise I look like an alligator.

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

I love mincemeat pie. Most people do not but I've loved it since I was a kid.

5. Gloves or Mittens?

Gloves! Need to be able to use my fingers.

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound so much nicer?

The longest queue I've ever seen was probably at an amusement park - Disney World in fact.

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to this December?

The end of the semester. Classes this semester have not been much fun - just a lot of work.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Does anyone besides me love to just drive around and look at Christmas lights? I've never decorated extensively but I truly enjoy and appreciate those that do.

Giving Thanks

Last day! Today I am thankful that the semester is almost over. These classes have not been a lot of fun!

Giving Thanks

Today we are just one day away from the end of this challenge and I realize there are sooooooooooo many more things I have to be thankful for: having the privilege of  voting, my clothesline, my dryer (when I don't want to use the clothesline), my sense of smell (so I can smell the sheets after they have dried outside), being able to hear (a baby's laugh), being able to feel (the touch of said baby), my crochet hooks and hands that can still use them, weekends, my nice warm bed, and COFFEE! Looking over my list, I was actually surprised that coffee was not there as I am seriously addicted to my coffee. But hey, there's a lot worse things a person could be addicted to!

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful for my memories. My dil just made a comment on one of my posts and now I have all these memories about preparing for the daughter's wedding running around in my head!

Christmas Dress Challenge

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      160.6
This week's wt.      161.0
Difference                +.4

What can I say - Thanksgiving was celebrated Saturday! The good thing was this - I normally wear dress clothes to work every day. Around the house, I tend to wear sweats or flannel lounge pants. I put on a pair of jeans Saturday to go to the daughters and I was pulling them up all day long! It really made me notice that I'm getting somewhere!

Random pictures

My daughter's FAT cat - Miley - all 23 lbs of him!

The daughter - hosting her first Thanksgiving.

My kids' baby brother.  Yesterday was his first birthday. The kids' father will be 78 years old when this guy turns 18. I can't imagine! Grand-babies yes, but a full time parent again - better him than me!

My tree. Normally my tree is nothing but snowmen. This year, since I've gone back to  a real tree I wanted it to look "old fashioned" so I added the glass balls and icicles. Not sure yet if I like it or not.

My nativity - NO WISE MEN - although I would like to get the Shepard and a cow. Last year someone told me that the baby Jesus does not go out until Christmas day. I had never heard of that but it makes sense to me so He is not there yet. Does anyone else do that?

Giving thanks

Today's post is for yesterday and today. While doing dishes at the daughter's house yesterday after the "Thanksgiving" meal, I thought to myself that I was thankful for running water. I have lived without it - for 4 months. In 2000, a friend was going through a bad divorce and offered me the opportunity to "rent to own" her place in the county because she could not afford to keep it up. It was a friend and was just a word of mouth agreement. It was the most perfect spot you could imagine - surrounded by woods with no neighbors close by. I loved it. For ten years my kids and I worked on that place, cleaning up a lot of "trash", making the yard look good, doing all maintenance. It had a well in a pumphouse. We fought that pumphouse every winter - frozen pipes, heat tapes, space heaters..... In 2009, the pump finally gave up - not a cheap fix - either 2000 for a new pump to be put in (it was a drilled well) or 1900 to put rural water in. I told the landlord (my friend) that we should just go ahead and put the place in my name legally and I'd fix the water - she wouldn't do it. Red flags went off in my head. I wasn't about to fix it myself without the place being in my name. The first month, she kept saying she was working on getting it fixed. I was hauling water for the necessities, showering and doing laundry in town. During the second month, I went and got pre-approved to buy a house and started actively looking for one. It took 4 months before I closed on this house and got moved.  I still paid my rent during those 4 months. As far as I know, there is still no water at the old place. The yard wasn't mowed at all last year and the place looks awful. The landlord is no longer my friend which makes me kind of sad. She blamed me for leaving the house "dirty" and I must say, the walls did need to be washed and the carpets could have been shampooed - neither of which can be done without water. Other than that, the place was clean. That's the story of how I ended up here in town. Yes, I am thankful for running water.

  I am also thankful that my ex-husband and I can tolerate being at the same place during special occasions. I think it makes things a lot easier for my kids - knowing that they don't have to worry about inviting us both.

Giving thanks

I didn't get to post yesterday so will do two today. I am thankful that I got to talk to my son yesterday. It was a long lonely day here as I did not have "Thanksgiving" - that is tomorrow at my daughter's house. Talking to him was the highlight of my whole day.

Today I am thankful for all of my kitchen gadgets that will help me speed things up while doing the prep for what I have to take to the daughter's tomorrow.

If you can't tell - I'm in kindof a "funk" right now. Biz says he simply doesn't have time to stop and get a Christmas tree tonight and as far as I'm concerned - if the tree doesn't go up the day after Thanksgiving, it might as well not go up at all. You just don't mess with tradition.

But I am thankful for the things I have - this post may be just what I needed to snap me out of my little "woe-is-me" attitude today.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Now I'll head over to Patrice's at Everday Ruralty for a Chat on the Porch.  The topic for today is Thanksgiving of course!

1. What are you thankful for?
2. Jellied cranberry or whole berry cranberry?
3. How many will sit at your dinner table Thursday?
4. Would anyone who visits the porch be interested in some  type of Christmas card or small gift exchange?
5. Do you venture out on Black Friday?

My Answers

1. I am thankful for so many things! I've been participating in the Giving Thanks Challenge so you can see a few of my posts on my sidebar.
2. Jellied
3. None at my table, well just me and the Biz. My daughter has to work Thanksgiving Day (medical field) so she is having Thanksgiving at her house on Saturday. There should be around 12 there.
4. I think that's a lovely idea!
5. NO! I am not a shopper at all and HATE the crowds.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Time once again to join Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts? 
 
We call it stuffing and it's made with cornbread, giblets, celery, onion and LOTS of sage.
 
2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

I don't think I compare myself to anyone.
 
3. When were you last inside an airport?

That would have been when I flew to Texas for my son's wedding.
 
4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner?


My daughter would have a fit if there was not green bean casserole on the table.

5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?

I love them all.
 
6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

We don't really have people with "tin cups" around here being we are in a rural area. I believe I would if there were. I do try to drop money in the Salvation Army's pots that are around this time of year and I try to take a name from the local "Tree of Angels" and buy for that child.
 
7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.

I have lots of Thanksgiving memories. My favorite would be the year my son joined the Air Force. He was scheduled to leave so we had Thanksgiving early  and invited EVERYONE. My house has never been that full either before or since. It was a good day.
 
8. Insert your own random thought here.

Friday the Christmas decorations will come out and Thanksgiving will be forgotten. I look forward to decorating for Christmas but I feel bad that Thanksgiving is not a more prominent holiday. I've enjoyed participating in the Giving Thanks Challenge this month and believe we should all be more conscious about giving thanks for what we have.

Giving thanks

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving - so today is my last day of work this week :). I am thankful for the 4 day weekend ahead!

Giving thanks

Today I am thankful for all my new blogging friends. I truly enjoy reading everyone's posts although I don't have time to get to them all.

Christmas Dress Challenge

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      161.2
This week's wt.      160.6
Difference                -.6

Almost into the 150's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But Thanksgiving is this week :( . I will be good, I will be good, I will be good. I will try to be good.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful for my washing machine. I always have though that I should have been born a century earlier. I think I could live the old way - gardening, raising kids, cooking, sewing - all things I like to do. I could probably even get used to not having internet. But one thing I have no desire to do - washing clothes on a washboard. I am thankful for my washer.

Giving thanks

Today I am thankful to have a vehicle that gets relatively good gas mileage. I drove a truck for years ( needed the 4 wheel drive to get in and out of the place in the country) and I loved that truck. I miss it a lot - but I am very thankful that the car I bought gets MUCH better gas mileage.

Giving thanks

Today I am thankful for my brother and for his proximity to, and ability to deal with our mother. I am 700 miles away - he is right next door. All the problems with dealing with an aging parent fall to him. I'm glad he was there to deal with the wreck. Also, being that both my sisters are deceased, he is the only sibling I have left. I am thankful he is there.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful that nobody was seriously injured when my mother pulled out in front of someone yesterday. She had to have one stitch in her head, other driver was not injured. Car is totaled. Could have been a lot worse. I'm thankful it wasn't.

5 Question Friday

Time to head over to Mama M's for 5 question Friday!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP! Don't forget the very most important rule of all: HAVE FUN!!

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood? The Hallelujah Chorus always makes me smile.

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one? I had a fake one for years but last year got a real one and will do so again this year.

3. What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for lots of things. You can check out all my thankful posts to see a few.

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today? 

I'd have to say the old hip hugger jeans - remember the REALLY low ones that looked great with a totally flat stomach.

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank? I always try to keep the tank over half full - especially in the winter.

Follow Friday Four Fill In

Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs. This week’s co-host is Jen from Just Another Day. Hilary would LOVE it if you could please help spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…
This week’s statements:
1.       I love the smell of ____
2.       When I fly, I ____
3.       I don’t like ___ but I ___.
4.       My favorite ___ is ___.
My Answers:
1.       love the smell of rain in the mountains.
2.       When I fly,I always say a little prayer before I board the plane.
3.       I don’t like cabbage but I love brussel sprouts.
4.       My favorite time of day is early in the morning when it's really quiet. 

Pondering with a Purpose-What the heck!

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This is Brenda's weekly hop where she posts a prompt and you get to write to it on your blog and it's the first time I've taken part in it.
The rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge from Brenda's sidebar.
2. Look at the week's prompt
3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.
4. Go back and add the URL from your post to the linky on Brenda's.
5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.
6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

What the heck?  Every year I crochet a lot of Christmas gifts for various people - stockings, doilies, kitchen angels - just little things that don't cost a lot to make but show people I care. Every year I start early and hope to be done early. Every year someone sees what I'm working on and asks me to do some for them. Every year I'm madly crocheting right up until Christmas trying to get them done. This year is no different. My project for the year was "names" done in filet crochet. I started WAY back - don't really remember when but I know it was before June. I thought I was done - until the phone rang two weeks ago with the first extra request. Since then, I have been asked to make 5 more - that's six - so far. What the heck! I guess there's no reason this year should be any different than any other.

Giving Thanks

I went to bed last night thinking about what to use for my thankfulness post today. I curled up on my side with my "body pillow" and was watching TV through the mirror on the wall. Miss Pandora, the Queen of the house, jumped up and laid halfway on the pillow and halfway across me. For some reason she HAS to sleep across me in one way or another, be it across a leg, arm, chest, or even my head; sometimes I think that she thinks it's her job to hold me down - I could just levitate up off of the bed you know. About 5 minutes passed and Macy also came to bed. She chose to lay in the crook of my legs, with her feet on top of me. I was lying there with 20 some pounds of cats on me which is nothing unusual but can be somewhat annoying. I was just about to try to rearrange things when they both, simultaneously started purring. OK, I do love my cats. They're my girls and they obviously love me too. So today, I'm thankful for Pandora the Queen and Macy the Princess.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful for my eyesight which isn't perfect - I have to admit that I have reading glasses all over the house, in the car, and at work. Can't even see to read the computer screen without them - but my distance vision is almost perfect. A friend is having surgery today for a detached retina. Within the past 2 years they have had lasik surgery, cataracts removed, and now this. Pretty scary - we only have 2 eyes you know. I am thankful mine work as well as they do.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch #17

Now I'll head over to Patrice's at Everday Ruralty for a Chat on the Porch. It's pretty cold here this morning so we'd all better bundle up and bring a mocha latte with us. 

Questions

1. Where would you take the blogger group for a chat, if they came to your house?    Why to my kitchen of course - with coffee, cocoa, maybe a coffeecake straight from the oven.
2. How do you handle "toxic people"? They're the ones  that are very difficult to be around and generally don't bring out the best in us. I try to avoid them like the plague.If I absolutely have to be around them, I simply try to grit my teeth and bear it.
3. In high school, were you the athlete, the cheerleader (actual or just your personality), the geek, the social butterfly, or lost? Pretty much a mixture of the geek and lost. It's hard to spend your high school years in a wheelchair or on crutches - but it probably made me a stronger person.
4. What's your favorite thing made from apples? My apple butter! It is quite good if I do say so myself!
5. Do you do most of your shopping in stores or online? An equal mixture of both I think. I'll pick up things I just happen to see in a store but if I'm searching for something in particular I usually go online.

Wednesday Hodgepodge Volume 53

Time once again to join Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge...answer them on your own blog or facebook page and then hop back over to add your link and share answers with the rest of the world.

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember? 

Stairway to Heaven and high school - junior prom as a matter of fact - I can still hear that song playing.

2. What's something you've given up on?

I never give up.

3. What's something you'll never give up on? 

I repeat - I never give up - on anything. (Remember the little train that could - I think I can, I think I can, I think I can)

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be?

Biscuits and gravy? Pretty easy to do - and good too!

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music?

Shopping yes - that's a necessity, budget wise. Decorating or listening to Christmas music - NO - it's not even Thanksgiving yet!

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding?
I know they got married at a Justice of the Peace and spent their "honeymoon" in a rented cabin in Tazwell, TN.

7. I can't believe I ___________________.  

I can't believe that I am as old as I am. What happened? Where did it go? Why aren't my kids just babies?

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Back to #7 - honestly - does anyone else feel like they are still 20 years old - or should be? I don't think my attitude has changed, I know my body has changed but I still think like I used to - ok, maybe a little smarter (or a lot smarter) but basically I simply don't FEEL old.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful that my dog did not leave the yard when the fence blew down. Some background - my dog is a husky mix and grew up in the country - never caged or chained. She was a neighborhood dog who spent time in the woods with the neighbor's dogs chasing deer, raccoons....whatever. When I moved to town she was confined to the fenced in back yard. I felt really sorry for her cause I knew she didn't understand. Last weekend on Sunday I noticed that one 8-ft section of the privacy fence had blown down. I have no idea how long it was down. Freedom - right there - all she had to do was walk out of the hole. And I live right on the highway - she could have been easily hit. But she didn't leave. She stayed right there in the back yard. She's a good dog. I'm thankful for that.

Giving Thanks

Today, I am thankful for "technology." For the ability to keep in touch with family members hundreds and even thousands of miles away - for the ability to take some classes online, without having to go to a classroom at a predetermined time - for cell phones that can call anywhere and anytime for a set amount per month - for the ability to use this blog - all of it. It's amazing how far we've come from when I was a kid and a letter sent to a family member would take a week to get there and a response another week to get back. Back then, we couldn't even use the phone without worrying about the cost. We've come a long way. I'm thankful for that.

Christmas Dress Challenge

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      163.2
This week's wt.      161.2
Difference                -2

Wow! Can't believe I actually lost 2 whole pounds! I think that's the most I've lost in a week with this challenge - and I have to admit I'm still not doing the tae bo! But I think maybe this way is better - just being conscious of what I put in my mouth.  Looking forward to seeing how everyone else is doing!

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful for the Biz and his willingness to help me do all the projects that I come up with for him.
Cabinet is starting to look much better - although it is a slow process but one that I definitely couldn't do by myself - or afford to have done. I am going to have to have the drawers built - probably by the Amish and probably not until after Christmas - but it's coming along.The "plan" is to replace 2 walls of the knotty pine with drywall to brighten up the kitchen. The cabinet will be used for it's original purpose - to hold the dishes which will free up a lot of cabinet space for foodstuffs which are right now stored in the basement.

5 Question Friday

Now to Mama M over at My Little Life for 5 question Friday! 

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on? A battery, see my thankfulness post for today!

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner? Paula Deen of course - she so reminds me of my Aunt Evelyn.

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal? I let them see the real thing. I try to keep my house pretty straight but it is definitely "lived in" so - it is what it is.

4. Who is your oldest living family member? I believe my Aunt Evelyn, who I just happened to mention above.

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)? DQ - a turtle blizzard - don't go to Sonic, the closest one is about 60miles away.

Follow Friday Four

Time to head to Hilary's over at Feeling Beechie for Follow Friday Four. This week’s co-host is Sarah from the Mama Pirate.

This week’s statements:

1. 1.       My first car was a ___
2. 2.       I find a ___ very relaxing
3. Red ___________ make me think of _______________.
4. Next year, ___________ will ______________.

My Answers:

1.       My first car was a 1966 Opel Cadet that I bought from my brother for $60.
2.       I find a backrub very relaxing
3.      Red roses make me think of Valentines day
4.         Next year, finally will be bring my first grandchild!

Giving Thanks

Today is veterans day so obviously, today I am thankful for my freedom and for all those who have served and are serving to protect my right to freedom. I come from a long line of military service men - from grandfathers, father, brother, uncles and son. I am thankful to them all.
I'm also going to go ahead and post for tomorrow since I will be gone on the annual Christmas shopping trip and won't be able to post. For the past couple of days I have been noticing that my car did not start right up when I turned the key. Last night I got off work and went to pick Biz up at his work and shut the car off while waiting for him. When he came out - nothing - dead - crap! I am not happy about having to buy a battery - especially not happy about having to use $100 of my Christmas fund to do it - BUT - did I tell you that Biz works at an auto parts store and gets a discount? Now, if the battery had to die- I must say that it couldn't have picked a better spot to do it - right there at the parts store with Biz and his co-workers right there to change it. I am thankful that it died where it did.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful that I do not live in Alaska! A snowicane? - With the pressure equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane, "the potentially historic 'superstorm' will start a "parade" of storms in the Pacific Northwest later this week.

The powerful storm is unleashing 85 mph damaging winds, blizzard conditions, huge waves and coastal flooding. A coastal station measured ice accretion of 23.5 inches per hour Tuesday night.

Yes - I'm thankful that I do not live in Alaska. Hope everyone there stays inside and safe.

Giving Thanks

It is cold and wet here. Some of you may know that I was in a bad car accident when I was young. I spent 3 months in the hospital and the following 2 years in a wheelchair and then on crutches. Let me tell you that when you hear people talking about old injuries being able to predict the weather - they are telling the truth. My leg hurts and has since Monday. But today, instead of complaining about it, I will say that I am thankful that my leg still works and I can walk - even if I do have somewhat of a limp when the weather changes.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch #16

Patrice from Everday Ruralty is right, it is a bit cool for spending too much time on her porch. I think we should all go inside to her kitchen. While we're there, is there anything you'd like done? We could make homemade noodles, pies, anything? We'll all chip in and talk about this week's questions while we're there.

Questions

1. Dreaming asks: What accomplishments make you the most proud?
2. Suzanne asks: When did your family first come to the country which you now live?
3. Wendell asks: What's your favorite way to serve carrots?
4. Do you decorate with anything that has Santa or Father Christmas when you prepare for Christmas?
5. Do you prefer big dogs or small dogs? Something in between, maybe?

My answers:

1. I am the most proud of the way my children turned out. Neither one of them could ever claim to be sporting a halo or wings but they are both awesome individuals. I must say that I was very lucky and did not have any of the MAJOR problems that some parents go through.
2. Scotch/Irish I believe but I have no idea of when we first came here.
3. I like cooked carrots only in roasts, stews or soups - or cake. I actually prefer them raw
4. No Santa's or Father Christmas here. I do  like snowmen - actually I LOVE snowmen - but my snowmen stay out all year so they don't count. Mainly at Christmas I like nativity scenes - it is what the season is all about - and I'm very picky about those as in I don't want to see the Wise Men at the manger because THE WISE MEN WERE NOT AT THE MANGER - THEY FOLLOWED THE STAR FOR 2 YEARS AND FOUND THE CHRIST CHILD IN NAZARETH.  Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house , they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
5. I like all dogs. I used to always have a little house dog but now my dog (inherited from my son) is a Husky mix. She's a good size dog and prefers the outdoors - although she does come inside every night for a treat and will sleep inside if the weather is bad. I kind of like having her around outside - she will let me know if something is going on out there that is not supposed to.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Vol 52

Wow - don't know how long I've been joining in but Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond has been doing this for 52 weeks - a whole year. Thanks Joyce, I know I've enjoyed it.

Here are the questions for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge....everyone is welcome to join the fun. Be sure you link your answers up!

1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using? My favorite gadget is my breadmaker. I tried to make my own bread for years and never could get it to raise right. Now I just use the dough cycle of the breadmaker and it comes out perfect!

2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue?I've heard the old saying that patience is a virtue but impatience? Let's see, I think it could be a virtue - I often have a hard time waiting for other team members to step up and take charge of one project or another and tend to just jump in with both feet. I don't know if you could call it a virtue - but at least things get done - once you start - others tend to follow.

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type? Oh, this coming from someone who was used to wood heat for 10 years and now has natural gas - I freeze in the winter. But I'm also CHEAP. I keep the thermostat set at 67 - I'd rather freeze than pay high gas bills.

4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents? Yes, very close with my maternal grandmother.

5. When did you last have a family portrait taken? 2008, the year before my kids got married- Son came home with future wife, daughter with future husband - so we all went and had them done.

6. What does the word patriotism mean to you? Freedom and the fact that it isn't free. Remembering all those who gave everything to protect those rights, those who have served and came home and those who continue to serve. We owe them all.

7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game?I do like to play cards. Gin Rummy is my personal favorite and I also like poker - never really got into the pitch, hearts, or spades - for some reason, they just aren't as much fun for me.

8. Insert your own random thought here.It is cold and wet here. Winter is on it's way. It never ceases to amaze me how time goes by so fast - seems like just yesterday that I was planting the garden - won't be long till I'm doing it again.

Giving Thanks

My thankfulness post today comes easy. For those of you who have followed me for a while you know that in May of 2009 I lost my job due to the company being "outsourced." Me and everyone else there. People I had know for 12 years and grown pretty close to. We were given the opportunity to go to school for 2 years while drawing unemployment - but only to a junior college for an associates degree. I didn't see the point since I already had a degree but I went for one semester until I managed to get hired here at the university. Many of my friends also chose to go to school - some only for the unemployment - some, with hopes of achieving the degree and "bettering" themselves. This post concerns one of them-Linda. She had never gone to college and really embraced the opportunity. She worked hard, achieved excellent grades and graduated this past August. Unemployment ran out - she was living on a part time job and getting really discouraged - the only job she could find was at WalMart - seasonal help - working overnight and would have to drive 60 miles one way to do it. I talked to her last night and she has gotten a full time job! While the pay is not great, it is actually not bad for the area and the current economy. Best of all, it is only 10 miles from her home. Congratulations Linda. I am thankful that you found a job.

Giving Thanks

Today I am thankful to have a home - be it ever so humble. I was doing a project for school yesterday and it concerned the "global economy" which got me to thinking about how lucky I really am. With so many people out there that ended up losing their homes when the bottom fell out of the real estate market, I feel that I am truly lucky. I am thankful for that.

Christmas Dress Challenge

Christmas Dress Challenge

Last week's wt.      163.2
This week's wt.      163.2
Difference                -0-

Nothing - nada - zero - ziltch. I guess that's better than a gain. BUT I did actually try on the dress and believe it or not I got it on AND zipped - of course I couldn't breathe but it was zipped! If I can manage to lose another 5 lbs (ten would of course be better), I might actually be able to wear the thing to my Christmas party! I was actually amazed that I got it on - seems like when I lost weight for my daughter's wedding, I couldn't get it on till I was down to 160.

Giving thanks

Today I am thankful for having the opportunity to get my Master's Degree - basically for free. By working at the university, I can take classes with no tuition. I still have to pay for books but the savings is incredible - I couldn't do this if I had to pay for it. I am saying this today as I have reached the end of my "procrastination" time. I have a project due tonight at midnight- a project I have not enjoyed. I've been putting off and putting off doing the final write-up. No more, it has to be done and I will do it. And I am thankful that I have the opportunity to do so.

Giving Thanks

I am thankful to have a lot of good friends - but one in particular. My best friend used to live just 5 miles away. We spent a lot of time at her old farmhouse - canning, talking, crocheting, quilting and doing nothing. Two years ago she and her husband moved about 20 miles away. Last year I moved 40 miles away - the other direction. But she is still my best friend. My children have called her "Mama Vickie" since they were small. We still talk a lot - usually early in the mornings. I truly miss being close enough to spend time together but the friendship is still there. She has been there through the bad times and the good times. I am thankful for that.

Giving thanks day 4

Yesterday I said I was thankful for my children. My wonderful DIL left an awesome comment on that post which almost made me cry. So today I am saying that I am thankful for my DIL and SIL. Both are wonderful people; my children could not have chosen better.

My SIL is a hardworking guy who cares deeply for my daughter and yet lets her be her own person. In other words, he doesn't expect her life to revolve around him and him alone. He is a good provider and will someday be a wonderful father, God willing.

My DIL is also a very strong individual - independent, hard working, loving and caring. She married my son and willingly went to another country to be with him and live the military life - often alone without any family while he is away on one TDY or another. She is carrying my first grandchild and will go through giving birth without either her mother or me there to help her along at a time when most women want their mothers.

I have many friends who have not been so lucky with their children's partners. I have heard lots of horror stories and watched some of them go through being estranged from their kids while others had to watch theirs go through divorce and even abuse. I am thankful today, and every day for the two wonderful people that my children have chosen to spend their lives with.

Thanks to Leah at South Breeze Farm for hosting the Giving Thanks Challenge.

Friday!

Time for week 35 of Follow Friday Four Fill In!

Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beechie lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. This week’s co-host is Irene from the Soap Box.  She came up with the last two statements! 

This week’s statements:
1.       I have never been to ___
2.       I hate to admit it, but sometimes I tend to be ____
3.       If I didn’t have___________________I’d be completely lost
4.       _________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day
My Answers:
1.       I have never been to Colorado and I have always wanted to see Denver.
2.       I hate to admit it, but sometimes I tend to be a little bossy.I really don't mean to but I have to admit that I am pretty set in my ways.
3.       If I didn’t have computer I’d be completely lost (I am so addicted)
4.       Getting the dishes done and my kitchen back in order, is always the best feeling at the end of the day

 Now on to 5 Question Friday at Mama M's of My Little Life.

1. What movie do you love to quote?

The only thing that comes to mind is "Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above." - from the African Queen.

2. Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?

Yes - many times.

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 

Curl up with a good book or my crochet hook.

4. Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts, or one really big, (expensive) gift?

I really don't like to get expensive gifts. My gifts mostly come from my children and I would much prefer they spend their money on themselves - I have pretty much everything I need and usually if there is something I want, I'll find a way to save enough to get it.

5. Do you ever lose track of days and show up somewhere wrong?

Haven't quite gotten to that point - at least not yet!

Giving Thanks day 3

Today I have to say that I am thankful for my children. Being their mother has been the most rewarding job I have ever had in my life - and I do think of it as a job. We are given the opportunity to mold a child into the person they will be as an adult - a daunting responsibility really. I made lots of mistakes along the way but I am so proud of the people my children have become. Both are responsible, hard working, caring individuals. There were lots of laughter, tears, sneers, slammed doors and even some times when they said I was the worst mother in the world but in the end, I must have done something right. I am thankful for that.

Giving Thanks Challenge

The 5th annual "Giving Thanks Challenge" started yesterday and I didn't get my post done.  Better late than never I guess. I really wanted to participate in this challenge as I think it's so easy to forget the good things you have and focus on the bad. I hope to gain a better appreciation for the thing I have to be thankful for and I also hope to make some new blogging friends. I can't promise to post every day but I will do my best.  So for yesterday AND today - here goes:

1. I am thankful to be able to participate in this challenge.
2. I am thankful to have a job in this economy.

Wednesday hops

First up this week is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond. 

Footloose in the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Volume 51

1. Who taught you how to cook?

My aunts and grandma. Sadly, my mother has never been accused of being capable of cooking.

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?

I have been accused of both and they probably were right.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.

Can you call a bicycle a toy? We didn't really have a lot of toys growing up but we didn't mind - back in those days, we spent most of our time outside playing.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?

I'm going to have to go with "family." Those related by blood or by friendship that help us through the tough times.

5. Chrysanthemums, pansies, burning bush, ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?

I just love pansies - they're just a "friendly" flower.

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?

Radar is a good word - they can always tell when you're baking and show up just when things come out of the oven.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?

Somewhat! Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm excited about getting out all the Thanksgiving decorations this weekend. Now that Halloween is over it's time to really start decorating. I'm a firm believer that Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday as far as decorating goes so I always try to do a little extra for it.

Now to go over to Patrice's for a little chat on her porch. Today's questions are a mixture of hers and some others. 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch 15

1. Alison asks: What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome or need to?
2. Julia asks: If you won $100,000 what changes would you make?
3. McGuffy Ann asks: What's the most unusual pet you've had?
4. When do you start decorating for Christmas?
5. What's your favorite type of magazine to read?

My answers:

1. I was injured in a bad car accident years ago when I was 13. The doctors didn't think I'd ever walk again, be able to use my right arm, or have kids. They also thought I could have some brain damage due to head injuries. I have proved them wrong on all counts.
2. I would pay off all my bills and my kid's college loans, then put the rest away.
3. Nothing unusual - just cats and dogs.
4. The Christmas tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving.
5. Craft magazines - love to get new ideas.