Hodgepodge Wednesday

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1. January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Do you enjoy puzzles? What kind (crossword, jigsaw, sudoku, etc)?  How often do you work a puzzle? No, not a fan of puzzles. I do like Scrabble, and I play the digital form on my iPhone. It is called Words with Friends.

2. Something you currently find 'puzzling'? All the problems with my ears. I can get in to see primary care, but ENT is booked through March if I want my Dr.

3. What's your go-to dish to take to someone who needs a meal (new baby, bereavement, etc)? 

Green chili chicken enchilada casserole.

4. Do you watch any HGTV and/or The Food Network? If so, what's your favorite program there? 

No, I do not watch HGTV. I watch a food channel programs with my husband. I used to love watching the Iron Chef.  I like to work on my Bible journaling. Here is a page I did a couple of years ago.

5.  Wrap up your January in five words, with a five word phrase, or with a five word sentence. 

Christmas still around. Snowflake Decor everywhere.  Ear problems. Warm and cozy. Reading before bed.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am really behind in things this year. I got an ear infection in December and now. I really wanted to go through boxes and get rid of things, but I have not had the energy to do it. So, I have to just do it when I am able to and work on the things I can do. Taking at easy is more important right now so my body can fight the infection. At least I can work on my next Bible journaling kit.

My previous post had lots of picture, snowflake craft, Family New York pictures.

Friday Fav Five & Saturday 9

Thankful that my doctor gave me a double order of antibiotic ear drops at my last appointment because my ear is infected again. It is my fault because I scratch my ears when I am asleep. I think I need to put gloves on before I go to sleep. Thankful that my husband can put the drops in when I need them.

Thankful that I got my craft happy mail out yesterday. I am doing a winter card exchange. I made a bunch of baseball size cards with cute snowmen. They will fit in a trading card sleeve. I am also working on February Bible journal packs.

Thankful that we haven't had to use the heater much this winter. It dries out my sinuses,

Thankful for book reading time in the evening. I am currently reading book one of the Left Behind series. I want to read more this year. I find I fall asleep sooner too after reading.

Thankful for the warmer weather that came in today. We will be up to the mid 70's through the weekend and we will get rain next Thursday. Thankful for weathermen who reminded me about the Wolf Moon tonight, the first full moon for 2024!

I took this at 11pm Thursday with my old Cannon with a zoom lens.

Saturday 9: Joanna (1983)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The subject of this week's song, Joanna, is described as someone who never lets you down and can always be counted upon. Who in your life is like that? My parents. I was raised to follow through with what I start. To offer help when you see a need. I used to volunteer a lot. Now that I am older, I have to see how I feel and if I can do something that won't hurt me.

2) Kool and the Gang vocalist James "J. T." Taylor sings that he will do his best to do what's right for her. Reflect on the last week. What did you devote special effort to? 

My Bible journaling group and being to help with the grands.

3) This video was filmed at the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, NJ. Still open 40 years later, the Colonial is known for their Boom Boom Shrimp, aka fried shrimp in sweet chili sauce. Think of your favorite local restaurant. What menu item would recommend? 

The two crispy taco plate with beans and rice at Rancho Taco Shop.

4) Kool and the Gang's biggest hit was 1980's "Celebration," which is popular today with disc jockeys at wedding receptions. Are you likely to get up and dance at a wedding reception? Or would we find you enjoying the party from your seat? 

I would get up and dance. The last time I danced was at my high school reunion in August 2023. It was a slow dance and they were playing Sabor a Mi. Before that, it was my nephews wedding, Dec 2022. A bunch of women got up to dance around the groom and that included his aunts. I also danced with my siblings and then with my husband to Sabor a Mi.

5) Kool and the Gang are proud of their NJ roots. Group founder Robert Bell was given the nickname "Kool" by his Jersey City friends because he was so "laid back." Do you think your friends would describe you as "laid back?" No, that would be my husband.

6) One of the Jersey City's biggest employers is Evergreen, a transportation and shipping company with offices in Evertrust Plaza, a high-rise near the waterfront. What is the tallest building you've ever been in? Were you there for business, or to enjoy the view? Yes, I enjoyed the view!

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center in NY, 2008. I went on a New England cruise with my parents. We spent a couple of days in New York before we left. We are 70 stories tall and got a 360 degree view of the city. This was one of the stops on our upper and lower Manhattan bus luxury bus tour. I am standing with my dad. He passed in 2013.

 

7) In 1983, when "Joanna" topped the charts, Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Today, Miss America is still among the most popular televised pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. Do you watch beauty pageants? 

I remember watching that one. 

8) Also in 1983, superstars Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson joined forces for the #1 song, "Say, Say, Say." Each man began his career as part of a group but went on to have success on his own. Can you think of anyone else who started out in band or group but also scored as a solo artist? 

Donny Osmond, Lionel Ritchey, Michael McDonald who we saw the summer before Covid at the Orange County Fair.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten bread sticks or carrot sticks? We went to Olive Garden on the 15th for our son's birthday and they served lots of breadsticks. I only ate half of one.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.Do you have a favorite place to read? Maybe you can post a photo of it or describe it for us?

On my bed. I usually read before I go to sleep.

2.Some say reading makes a person more educated, more informed.  Do you think novels do this in any way? Do you learn things from novels?  Would you tell us what you have learned?

I have learned many things from reading novels. I usually look things up to learn more, or for the accuracy of the information I am learning.

3. Are there any books on your list to read right now? 

I am reading book 1 of the Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Gary Jenkins and Fill My Cup Lord, a devotional by Emilie Barnes.

4, Which books did you like the most and which did you dislike most?

I never disliked a book I was reading. Some books did trigger emotions of sadness and anger that I did not want to feel. Some introduced me to concepts I did not understand. But I loved the history.

 

Here are a few I read, prior to 1990.

War and Peace, Andersonville, Last of the Wine, Doctor Zhivago, the Good Earth, by Pearl S Buck. Gone with the Wind, Great Expectations, Michener's Hawaii, Alaska, Centennial, Chesapeake Roots by Alex Haley, Aztec by Gary Jennings, Clan of the Cave Bear series.

After that, I started reading Christian theme books, You can find a list here.

In 2016, I started Bible journaling and cut back on my reading except for the Bible.

I started reading again in 2023, but at my own pace with no goals.

1. Do you have a word for the year (WOTY)? If so, and you'd like to share, please share. How do you decide on a word? If you don't have a word are you still on the hunt for one for 2024? 

Trust and Purpose have both come to my mind.

2. January 23rd is National Pie Day...will you celebrate? Do you like pie? What's your favorite? 

No pie for me, to high in sugar. Hot apple pie is my favorite. 

3. Tipping. What are your thoughts, expectations, as to who, when where? Do you appreciate a store/restaurant giving a 'suggested amount'? Have you ever left an extravagant tip? 

We normally tip 20% when we get good service. I do like that they offer a suggestion amount based on %.  Yes we have given more when we felt we got great service.

4. Share with us one household 'tip' that works for you. 

Clean up as you go while cooking.

5. Influencers on social media are people who've built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a particular subject. Do you follow any influencers online? Have you made a purchase or tried something new because of that 'influence'? If there's one you particularly enjoy tell us who they are and why you enjoy them. 

There are a few people I follow on Instagram. Most are Bible journaling or health related. I have purchased thing for Bible journaling, but not from the health things.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have another outer ear infection and thankfully I have the drops to help it. I went to bed early last night and had a good breakfast this morning. I may need a nap today. So thankful I have nothing planned for today.

Friday Fave Five & Saturday 9

Thankful that my family could get together for my son's birthday on Monday. I posted pictures on my previous post. Son 2 and DIL had to work.

Thankful that my Bible journaling gathering was nice. I was missing a few women, but I will pass out their kits on Sunday at church.

There is a prayer behind the card.

You can see more pictures about Bible journaling on the tab under the header

listed as Illustrating my Faith.

Thankful for being able to be able to see your grands so often. It's harder to get them all together at once now, but that is okay. Today we picked up the younger grands from school and took them to their music lessons. My husband takes the older grands to school and picks them up 4 days a week.

Thankful for my cell phone. It helps me keep track of my days. Sometimes with a calendar. Sometimes I have to look at pictures to remind me. I can do a search through my pictures to answer some of the questions on here. Same with this computer!

Thankful that we are able to take our son for a biopsy today. I will take my mini-Bible to journal while we wait and maybe the book I am reading. It is called Left Behind, and I have read it before. With all that is going on in the world, I think it is a good book to read about the Rapture and after. This first book of 16 came out in 1995. You can find a list here.

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Saturday 9: Young Girl (1968)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The song is about a girl who is too young for romance. How old were you when your parents allowed you to date? 16. I was in 7th grade when this song came out. I know all the words to this song.

2) Lead singer Gary Puckett mentions the girl's perfume. What scent do you wear most often? 

My mom was sensitive to fragrances, so we didn't wear anything. After I got married, I wore Love's Baby Soft lemon. After I had kids, I did not wear anything and my allergies have gotten worse. I can wear some essential oils now.

3) "Young Girl" reached #2 on the charts and stayed there for three weeks, but it never hit #1. It was stuck behind Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay." Are you competitive by nature? Or would you be satisfied doing well, but not being #1? I used to be very competitive when I was in high school.  Back then, it was being better than someone else. I got it confused with perfectionism Now it is keeping up with my own personal standards and letting go the ingrained perfection and being the best I can, but not comparing myself to others.

4) The Union Gap got together in San Diego, California's second most populated city. Have you ever visited California? If yes, where did you go? I am from So. Ca and have seen lots of California. We were in San Diego last April and go there yearly.

5) The Union Gap performed at a White House state dinner for special guests Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Some in attendance that night maintain that President Nixon seemed to be playing matchmaker that night between the Prince and his daughter, Tricia. Have you ever tried to fix people up? If yes, did romance result? No

6) After six Top 20 hits in three years, the Union Gap disbanded. Today Gary Puckett tours as a solo artist on the "oldies circuit" with Peter Noone of the Herman's Hermits. Without looking it up, can you name any of the Herman's Hermits hits?  1967  I was 12.  Kind of Hush.

7) In 1968, when "Young Girl" was a hit, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or groom? The Bride, my niece.

8) Also in 1968, the most popular movie in theaters was Funny Girl, starring Barbra Streisand. What's the last movie you watched? Journey to Bethlehem with my granddaughter, the Friday before Christmas

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9) Random question -- Come clean: Right now are there more dishes in your sink or clothes in your hamper? I am washing towels now as I type this, and we wash plates as we go.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

It is Sunday evening and I am relaxing in bed watching a special on Martin Luther King. Today we celebrated our firstborn son. He turned 43 today, but actually his birthday in in 2 1/2 hours since he was born closer to midnight. He would be considered a rainbow baby according to todays terminology. A baby born after having had a miscarriage or loss. I had 3 miscarriages and almost lost Andrew. He is a miracle baby! Now he is 43 and I feel old.  He wanted to try out the new Olive Garden for his birthday meal and since it was a holiday, we were able to meet for lunch. It was really nice!

I spent most of the day finalizing the things for my Bible journaling class tomorrow. We have been doing women of the Bible since last year. This month we will cover Rachel and Leah. We also go over a name of God. This month it is Jehovah Rapah- The Lord who heals me. Some of the verses that have new in it. 

Isaiah 43: 18-19

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

1. What is something you have always wanted to do? When will you do it? I would like to travel more.

2. Friends are coming to town to visit you. What arrangements will you make and what sights do you think you would take them to see? There is not room in my home since my grands are here 4 days a week. I would let them know what the nicest hotels are depending on what they want to do. I am 25 miles from Disneyland, 35 miles to Newport Beach, 49 miles to Los Angeles, 69 miles to Palm Spring, 63 miles to Big Bear and the sow and 95 miles to San Diego. There are a lot of places to go to. 

3. It's time to relax after a busy Tuesday. What sounds good for tonight? A movie? Which one? A book? Early to bed? I will rest for awhile once I get home from my Bible journaling class. At 5 pm, I have a virtual craft class. I really need to clear off my desk and update my planner!

4. Plan something for this weekend that includes going out or having people in. We haven't made any plans yet other than church. It is supposed to rain this weekend.  do want to plan a visit with my sister. She lives about 40 minutes away. 

1. On January 18th we commemorate A.A. Milne's birthday. Milne is the author of the beloved classic Winnie the Pooh. In many ways Pooh represents innocence and simplicity. His optimism reminds us to appreciate the little things. What are three little things you're appreciating in mid-January? 

Though cold for us, our weather is great compared to the freezing temperatures all over. For having the things we need. For my family and being able to see them often.

2. Piglet teaches us even the smallest of individuals can achieve big things with the proper amount of determination. How do your current responsibilities make you feel? I am retired. My days for the most part are easy. We help take care of our grands. We are making plans for our future as we age.  Being right with God is number 1. Making the most with the family is number two.

3. Tigger is known for his enthusiasm and energy, his boundless joy and love of life. What's something you're interested in learning more about in this new year? 

I continue to learn new things as I study the bible, especially when I prepare for my Bible journaling class. Other than that, I need to focus on the things I know I need to do like exercise.

4. Eeyore, while a melancholy character, teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. How do you stay motivated and persevere in difficult circumstances? 

My faith in God is the main thing. Having a few close friends and I can talk to about things in my life.

5. What's the last thing you ate that was made with honey? Warm water with honey. 

We get our honey at the local farmer's market. It taste great and it is healthy!

6. Insert your own random thought here.  When I think of Christopher Robin, I think of a song I learned in 7th grade choir. It is called Christopher Robin is saying his prayers. You can hear it here. We also learned The Impossible Dream, On a Clear Day and Let There be Peace on Earth.

Friday Fave Five & Saturday 9

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1. Thankful for a mild cold winter so far. The lows are hitting the 30's and high are low 60's. Other than winds, we are okay. So sad to hear about the damaging weather in the US. I finally turned on the heater mostly for the hubby who tends to run cold and I hot.

2. Thankful that all my family is doing well overall. Both my sons have some health issues and are working with their healthcare providers. But things could be worse. Grands are all doing well.

3. Thankful for the Senior fellowship at my church. We all bring something to share and coffee and water is provided. It is a good way to meet new people. We pray over those that are sick. We talked about some issues and prayed over each other. Then we played bingo. Our senior pastor sat at our table to play a few games during his break. We were in our mid 30's when we started going to our church. Now pastor and I are a couple of years from 70!

4. Thankful for gluten free options for our granddaughter. Though expensive, she can enjoy her pasta and not get a stomachache and ill feeling. I make her what we call Sopa and they call Mexican macaroni and cheese. I get pasta and semi-brown it in oil and onions. Then I add seasoning, tomato sauce and 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Then I lower the flame and let it cook the pasta until ready, but still a bit firm. The grands like to add shredded cheese. I take what I want while it is still soupy and add lemon juice. To make a meal, I add ground beef and zucchini to it, but grands like it plain. It was one of the first things I learned to make when I was around 12.

5. Thankful to be able to meet up with some longtime friends today in Old Town Orange.

Saturday 9: Hotel California (1977)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) In this song, Don Henley called the hotel's front desk and asked, "Please bring me my wine." He was told they haven't had wine since 1969. When did you last have a glass of wine? My husband got a glass at my 50th reunion and I took a sip. I preferred my water mixed with fruit juice.

2) The lyrics refer to wine as a "spirit." That is incorrect. Wines are fermented, not distilled, and have a lower alcohol content than spirits. When "Hotel California" was popular, listeners who were into wine called radio stations to let them know about the mistake. Are you a wine aficionado? Are any of your friends or family knowledgeable about wine? My sister worked for a winery in Temecula CA. She did wine tastings for private and public events. Back in the 2002, a few of my online Bible study friends were reading Secrets of the Vine, based on John 15, by Bruce Wilkerson. I told them about my sister, and I asked them if they would like to go on a tour and we did. You can read about it here.

3) In the song, Henley sings about looking for the door that will take him "back to the place I was before." Don says that refers to a loss of innocence and a longing for a simpler time. When you think about "the good old days," where does your mind wander to? 

The 70's when I was a teen, a college student, married in 74, Disco days. I graduated from college in 77. Our first son was born in 1981. Here is a picture of us prior to going to a disco in Newport Beach with a few couples. It was a fun time and we never did the drug scene.

4) With five #1 singles, six #1 albums, and six Grammy awards, it's generally agreed that the Eagles were one of the most popular groups of the 1970s. Which decade produced most of your favorite songs? I would say the 60's and 70's. I loved the Motown sound and soft rock the most. 

 

5) The Eagles were formed in 1971 when four of them happened to find themselves hired to play back up for Linda Ronstadt. The men found they really hit off and wanted to keep working together when the gig with Linda was up. Tell us about how you met someone important in your life. That is a big question and there are a few people I could list. My friend Lissette helped me get through the trauma of infertility and miscarriage. My supervisor Vera encouraged me to get back to church on a regular basis. We had taken the kids in the 80's, but I still felt distant. In the early 90's we found a great church. It was my cousin Joanie that really opened my heart to grace and truth in love.

 

6) The Eagles are still on the road, filling big arenas for their Long Goodbye tour. One explanation for their enduring popularity is that their music spans genres. They scored hits on the rock, pop and country charts. Other popular categories of music include classical, gospel, jazz, Latin, reggae, New Age, and rap. Which do you listen to most often? Which did you listen to most recently? Christian radio station in my car today.  Hubby and I like to listen to Oldies when we go for long drives. In the 1980's we went with my siblings to hear Linda Ronstadt when she was touring with her band singing Canciones de mi Padre(Songs of my father) We don't normally listen to Mexican music unless we go to a wedding or gather together for memories of our younger days. Edie Gorme is another singer that we enjoyed because our parents would play her album when they taught us to slow dance. You don't have to understand the words to feel the song in your heart.

I played Classical music for years, so I do listen to that on occasion. I love musicals and have watched many from the 50s and more. I actually like the series Glee. I love to watch the stories told through song and dance. I do not like heavy metal and most rap though I did like the rap part from Alexander Hamilton. I was lucky to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway with my parents and in Las Vegas with my husband. I feel most at peace listening to Christian music. 

 

7) In 1976, when "Hotel California" was topping the charts, the trend in home decor was vibrant. Intense copper, bright pink and vivid avocado were among the popular colors for bath towels, mats and shower curtains that year. If we were to peek into your 2024 bathroom(s), what colors would we find?

Back in the 70's we were in an older home that had a mauve colored tub and we stayed with neutral colors. I have black, grey and white in my bathrooms now. I have a snowflake shower curtain in the guest bath right now. We did have a harvest gold refrigerator and stove in that first house.

 

8) Handbags were big in 1976. Not just in popularity but in size. Purses routinely had compartments on the inside and pockets on the outside. When you leave the house, do you travel light? Or do you prefer to carry a lot with you? I travel light. I have lightweight bags that I can use as a crossover. My shoulders can't handle heavy purses anymore. 

9) Random question -- How different is your life today than it was a year ago: (a) a lot; (b) a little); (c) not at all? (B)A little. I am a bit heavier and not in any major pain. Last year I hit my knee after Christmas, and I had several injuries. I am praying I don't get hurt. My left shoulder still does not have full range of motion. Now I need to get back to exercising!