Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What are your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

Continue with my walk with Jesus. growing and sharing. Taking care of my health and staying positive. Making memories with my family. Having fun with my friends. Trusting in God.

2. What's one thing you wish you had more of? Muscle! Would love some more sit down padding! But seriously, good health and time to enjoy life with my family. I just turned 69 and neither of my parents made it to 80. My grandparents did and my Uncle is 88, my aunt just passed at 83. But only God knows my days.

3. Do you celebrate Halloween? If so, what are your Halloween traditions? Any special plans for Halloween this year? We are actually doing nothing this year. Our church had a musical theater production and all the kids got bags of candy. We have had Trunk N Treat over 20 years that we participated in. Probably good that we rest since I am injured. Older grands are going with their friends. Younger grands are going with their friends and parents. They will send us pictures. I will go down the street and hang with my friend for a bit. Minnie will bark at the noise outside.

4. Last thing you ate that contained chocolate? Last thing you made that called for chocolate? I had a small piece of chocolate with some peanut butter a few days ago. Oh, and chocolate dipped strawberries at my husband's birthday party on Saturday. My grandson was passing them out. He helped make them.

5. Do you prefer laid back weekends or do you like to have a lot of plans? Thinking back to this past weekend... which was it? It was very busy this past Saturday because of the party. Pictures on previous post. We rested on Sunday. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. Hubby and I went to the movies on Tuesday to see the movie called Conclave. We left our home late and got to the movies late and getting popcorn took forever. We walked in and it was so dark. People had our seats, and they said they we had the wrong seats. So, we left and decided that we would change our date so we could be on time. They let us get tickets for Wednesday at the same discount price of $6.00. They would also let us get another large box of popcorn for free. We got to the car and I realized I had left my cushion in the lounge area. Some young boys that worked there found it for me. After we left, we stopped at the Dollar Tree so I could get a few more things for my shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. My grandson seen above helped my husband fill a box for a boy. I am doing a girl. I will turn it in this week. I work the OCC table this coming Sunday.  We got to relax and watch the World Series. Guess what team we are rooting for?

I went to the doctors on Monday for shoulder pain and numbness. He put me on some steroids, referred me to Physical Therapy and sent me for x-rays. I see the orthopedic on Friday. They will probably send me to physical therapy.

Party Recap and Injuries.

I ♥ my family. Audrina is holding her stuffed pet that looks like Rey.

I took more pictures on my husband's phone.

The party was a success! I am thankful for all that gave 

hubby a birthday to remember!

My daughter got all the decorations and picture boards.

She also got all the things for the candy bar.

My older son and his wife made bbq chicken and albondigas and strawberry lemonade.

My other son and his wife made beans, rice and salsa and chips.

My sisters brought potato salad, pasta salad, green salad

 and fresh tortillas from a tortilla factory.

I supplied all the pictures for the picture board. 

I usually make something, but they know I can't do a lot right now.

Most of you know I hurt my finger when I fell and landed on it. 4 more weeks in a splint. But I must have also put a strain on my already messed up shoulder that I hurt over a year ago. This past week I moved it and felt a weird pain and then a numbing pain that shot all the way down my arm and to my bad thumb. The pain/numbness comes and goes with certain movement. So, I will see the doctor Monday morning. I am going to ask them if I can have an MRI because they did an x-ray a year ago and that mostly shows broken bones, but not muscle damage. I am currently going to physical therapy for my back, and it is helping. They first took an x-ray of my back in May, and nothing showed but arthritis. I went to PT but did not improve. So, my primary sent me for a MRI that showed the disc bulge and tear. I hope they can also send me to PT for my shoulder at the same place. I am being my own advocate. I am thankful that overall, I am okay. Our cruise is in January, and I want to be able to enjoy it. I do appreciate your prayers. Thank you and enjoy your week!

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

Happy 70th Birthday to my husband!!

Thankful for my husband!

Thankful for my kids who are throwing him a party on Saturday.

Thankful for my siblings that are bringing salads.

Thankful for my friend Coreen that made the banner.

Thanking God for our family!

 

Saturday 9: Me and Bobby McGee (1971)

 

You can hear the song here.

1) The song begins with Janis telling us about a trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Have you ever visited Louisiana? If yes, where did you go? I have not been to Louisiana.  I have been to New Orleans Square at Dinseyland many times. I love to get the mint julep and beignets. I have eaten in the Blue Bayou and eaten Gumbo. 

2) She and her boyfriend Bobby hitch a ride with a truck driver and together the three of them sing "every song the driver knew." If you were to begin a singalong with strangers in a bar or at a party, what song would you confident everyone knows? The National Anthem.

3) Janis had a painful time in her Port Arthur, TX, high school. She was ostracized for her looks and her taste in music. If you could give advice to your high school self, what would you say? Have fun and take the classes you like. You are just as good as your classmates. Be proud you are in college prep classes. Keep in touch with your true friends.

4) She credited the blues and Bessie Smith, specifically, for getting her through her tough adolescence. After she became famous and mentioned Bessie in interviews, Janis learned Ms. Smith had been buried in an unmarked grave back in 1937. Janis rectified the situation by paying for a proper tombstone for Smith in 1970. If money were no object, what's something you would like to do for someone else? 

I would buy all my kids a house and set up college funds for my grandkids. I would donate to church too.

5) Because of her party girl persona, people were surprised that Janis had a domestic side and enjoyed talking recipes. Thinking of cooking, what dish would you whip up for our Saturday 9 potluck? 

Green Chicken Chili Enchiladas. 

6) "Me and Bobby McGee" was written by the late Kris Kristofferson. Kris' life before hitting it big was varied, including time in Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, focused on English literature, and serving as a helicopter pilot in the US Army. Which career path do you think you'd enjoy more: academia or the Army? Academia.

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought at a store. Did you pay with cash, plastic, or your phone? Plastic.

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and in honor of the occasion, she had an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? Our son took one today of my husband and I after he took us out to lunch at Olive Garden.

9) Random question -- There's a knock at your door. Who do you expect it is? The grands.

Our senior group volunteers once a month making food give away bags. They gave us lunch afterwards.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. The links are on the left.

My Website is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the left. Lots of inspirational pages too. I hope to see you there!

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

"And when October goes 

The same old dream appears

And you are in my arms 

To share the happy years

I turn my head away to hide

 The helpless tears

Oh, how I hate to see October go".. 

Barry Manilow

1. What do you hate to see go? My health

2.  How's the autumn weather in your part of the world right now? Just staring now with cooler nights.

3.  Anything on your reading list for autumn? What are you reading/watching right now that you would share with us. I am not reading any fictional books right now. I am reading study books for my classes. I am also preparing for my next Bible journaling class in Dec. I am not doing a class in November, but our group is getting together for an all-day catch up and potluck.

4.   For many, religion keeps them going with promises of better things to come. But there are other things that help along the way.  What things/people/thoughts, keep you going on your way? I have a personal relationship with the Lord. Besides pray, I Bible journal and listen to Christian music. My family keeps me going. I also enjoy my church family and groups. I have hope for my future, specifically for my eternal future. I have what I need and I have good health insurance.

1. Monday was National Apple Day...did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples on Monday? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked, or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple? I love apples and eat at least a half of one a day with peanut butter. I do like to make a quick apple betty. I don't drink cider because of the sugar. I like Opal and Envy apples.

2. Do you think there's any truth to the saying 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Of the following healthy habits which do you find easiest to incorporate into your life and which is the most difficult for you to adopt-adequate sleep, a balanced diet, plenty of water, eat breakfast, don't smoke, exercise, limit alcohol,  include fruits and vegetables in your diet, manage stress, limit screen time.

I rarely drink and do not smoke. I eat a high protein breakfast and enjoy fruits and veggies. I need to drink more water. I like water with fresh fruit in it. I will switch to tea when the weather turns cold. I am currently doing the exercises that I get learned physical therapy. I need to do a better time of watching my screen time and sleep is the thing I struggle most with.

3. Who taught you how to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger?  Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you? My dad taught me how to drive in his Buick and red VW bug. I got my license as soon as I turned 16. I didn't mind driving until recently. My husband drives me around now that my thumb is in a splint. There is a town called Oak Glen that we try to drive up to once a year. It is about an hour away. It is around 3000 feet and the community is known for it's apple and fruit orchards. You can really see fall colors there.

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life? Reading. Both for pleasure or to study. I prefer to have a book in my hand than an electronic.

5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently. My husband has been helping me a lot with things I can't do because of my thumb. He drives me around; he opens things up for me and whatever else I might need help with.

6. Insert your own random thought here. My husband is turning 70 on Friday. I just turned 69. He was 18 and I was 17 when we met. We celebrated 50 years of marriage this past August. This Saturday our kids are throwing him a small party with my siblings and his and our grands. My daughter is making 2 boards of pictures. I sent her as many as I could. He knows about the party. 

He doesn't know the details and just has to show up. 

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the memes, the links are on the left.

Friday's Fave Five & Saturday 9

It is late Friday evening, and I am finally able to get to my computer. 

I am thankful for insurance. I was looking at my insurance bill and I am glad I don't have to pay what regular price is for anything! 

Thankful that I am adjusting to this splint on my finger. But I have 5 weeks and a few days to go!

Thankful for the help I am getting when I ask. Thankful it is not my right hand!

Thankful I have found gifts for my Bible journaling group for December at the Dollar Tree store.

Thankful for dinner with friends on Thursday evening and lunch with hubby on today after a visit to Hobby Lobby. I got my table setting for Thanksgiving.

Saturday 9: Autumn in New York (1947)

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

1) In this song, Frank Sinatra sings that autumn in New York is inviting. How are you enjoying fall where you are? It has been in the 70's this week and I love it! It will warm up to the 80's starting this weekend, but that is still good!

2) He tells us the "canyons of steel" (aka skyscrapers) make him feel like he's home. What's something you love about your neighborhood? One of my best friends lives down the street. She has a pool and lets me take my grandkids swimming. She is a crafter like me. She is also in my Bible journaling group.

3) Frank Sinatra was self-conscious about the scar on his cheek. The doctor used forceps to deliver him and left a mark. Tell us about one of your scars. I just had a biopsy on my face and now I have a scar. I will have to have a nitro freeze over it in a few weeks to get the margins. Do I like it? No, but I don't want cancer either! I have a large scare below the bikini line from my C-sections.

4) Frank was a creature of habit. Every time he visited Patsy's Italian Restaurant in New York he ordered the same dessert: lemon ricotta torte. Do you enjoy trying new dishes, or do you prefer to stick with your old favorites? Depends on where we are. When we travel, we like to try new things. When we go on our cruise in January, I plan to try new things.

5) "Autumn in New York" was written by New Yorker Vernon Duke during a hot summer vacation in Westport, CT. Have you ever been homesick? Yes, when I went to Mexico City in 1970 with my friend and her family, I did miss my family. But I had the best time! 

6) In 1947, when this recording made the Top 30, Daniel and Patricia were the most popular baby names. Are there any Daniels or Patricias in your life? I have a son named Daniel. My grandson's girlfriend is named Daniela.

7) Elton John was born in 1947. When you think of Elton John, what's the first song that comes to mind?

Crocodile Rock.

8) Radio was America's most accessible form of entertainment in 1947 and a mystery, The Adventures of Ellery Queen, was one of the most popular shows. Do you enjoy mysteries? Depends. We just started a new show called Matlock with Cathy Bates.

9) Random question: What were you most excited about when you woke up this morning? No grands here, so a much quieter morning!

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. The links are on the left.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Did you ever eat at Woolworth's?  Yes, I did. There was one downtown across the street from where  my mom worked. I also got to work at Toy City.  when I was 14. Sometimes after U was paid, I felt so grown up. Most of the time I just enjoyed browsing. 

2.  What would you order from this menu? I would go there and get a bacon sandwich and a coke.

3. Woolworth's had banana splits and Sundaes. Do you like Sundaes? What kind? I loved hot fudge sundaes. When I was in high school, we would go to Bob's Big Boy after the games. My friend and I always got the hot fudge sundaes. The fudge was hot, it was topped with lots of whipped cream and lots of peanuts. I was yummy. I also craved that while I was pregnant, but we went to Norms which was closer by and cheaper.

4. What restaurants are you favorites and what do you usually order? There is Mexican restaurant we like. I like to eat at Olive Garden and usually get the soup and salad or the shrimp scampi and asparagus over angel hair pasta. I love the pasta fagioli soup. I want to try making it this fall. Our whole family likes a Chinese food place called Hong Kongs and we have been going there close to 40 years!

1. How did you meet your significant other? If you don't have a significant other, tell us how you met your best friend.  My husband and I met in winter 1973 at church youth group. Our youth group went to the Skate Ranch. I asked him to skate when it was girl ask boy. He came over to borrow an album after his college class. Then he asked me for a date. We were married 18 months later and that was 50 years ago! 

2. It's Department Store Day (October 16)...do you still shop in department stores? The last time I was at a store was in September, I needed some shoes for a wedding. If not do you miss that kind of shopping experience? Do you have a favorite department store? Kohls is usually my go to store. Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child? JC Penney and Sears were the go to stores. I loved the big catalogs we would get in the mail. In 1967, a big new mall opened up in the city next to mine. It was a large two-story indoor mall with 70 stores and anchored by Sears and May Company. My mom took us there to shop. We got dropped off as teens. There was a birth theater across the street. You could also get a bus and go to the beach from there. We shopped at the Wet Seal and ate at the food court. There were a few other nice restaurants. There was a Jewish Delicatessen shop my family liked to eat at. They were fun and exciting but they paved the way to the death of the downtown stores.

3. Something you're currently nuts about? Learning about the Jewish religion and customs. 

Today is the beginning of Succot, the 3rd fall high holiday that is celebrated. You can read about it here.

4. What's your favorite nut and is there a favorite recipe where this nut is used? I like to eat the roasted almond slivers from Trader Joes. I can add them to yogurt or salads. I usually eat them plain. I love their no sugar no salt organic Valencia peanut butter. I usually eat it with apples.

5. On Wednesday we officially reach the '70 days until Christmas' mark. Have you purchased any gifts? If you don't celebrate Christmas, then how about Hanukkah presents? I have purchased a few ornaments. I give all my family members a new ornament each year. I will be teaching my Bible journaling group about Hanukkah which begins on Christmas this year.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Physical therapy for my back is going well. My face biopsy is healing well along with the other spot. I will have to have a nitro freeze over the biopsy site to make sure the margins are taken care of. I went to the orthopedic doctor on Monday and have to wear a splint on my thumb for 6vweeks. When I fell on my wrist/thumb, the tendon that attaches to the top joint was pulled, taking some bone with it. The splint well help it heal so that I can bend it again. You need a thumb to grasp. The lower part of the thumb is healing. I am thankful it was my left hand and thankful I can type!

Fridays Fave Five, & Saturday 9

Another week has gone by and there is always something 

to be thankful for. 

1. Thankful for a few days to relax. Church was good and we decided to get some food and take it home. We are looking at YouTube videos on excursions for our cruise in January.

2. Thankful that my face biopsy is healing well. I got the results back and I do have a precancerous condition and will have to have the area hit with frozen nitrogen. But they are waiting for the biopsy area to heal. In the past, my skin has healed well. Thankful that it is not melanoma!

3. Thankful that Wednesday class night class was cancelled. I was tired and end up reading the wrong chapters. 

4. Thankful that the slip I had did not result in a break. It happened Wednesday night. I was reaching for something from my nightstand and end up getting up. As my feet song over, I slid off and put my hand down and felt a pop on my left thumb and it really hurt! I iced it and took Motrin. Thankful my granddaughter had a splint that I could wear. I saw the doctor Thursday morning before our Life group. The doctor examined me and sent me to have x-rays. She showed me the x-rays and pointed out to something in the area above the bruised, swollen area saying it looked like a sliver of bone. She left and then came back after a consult saying it looks like the tendon was pulled hard enough to yank out a piece of bone. So now I have to wear a splint and wait for a call back from the ortho department. Thankful that I can type and not use my thumb. Thankful it was my non dominant hand!

5. Thankful for my married groups prayers. We are going out to a dinner and movie Friday evening.

Saturday 9: Jolene (1973)

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

1) In this song, Dolly Parton sings about a woman with great hair, great eyes, a great smile and a great voice. OK, so Jolene has it all. Of these, which is your most attractive feature: your hair, your eyes, your smile or your voice? My hair. 

2) Dolly tells us her husband mentions in Jolene in his sleep. Do you talk in your sleep? on occasion.

3) Dolly has said this song was inspired by a bank teller she caught flirting with her husband. That was in the 1970s. Today we can do our banking from our computers, our phones or a bank ATM. When is the last time you spoke to a banker? 2 Weeks ago and I plan to go next week to deposit a check.

4) Dolly had a crush on Johnny Cash. When she was just a teen she saw him perform at The Grand Ole Opry and called it "love at first sight." Are you crushing on anyone right now? 50 years to the same man. But really babying our Minnie our doxie since we are missing her mama Rey.

5) Dolly is more than a singer/songwriter. She's an industry! Her Dollywood is a theme park, water park, hotel and spa. Looking back on the summer of '24, did you visit a theme park, water park, hotel or spa?

This summer we stayed at a nice hotel overlooking the beach. We went whale watching and then out to dinner at a really nice restaurant.

6) A luxury stay at Dollywood can get expensive, unless you're the teacher who wins this year's Chasing Rainbows Award from Dolly. She treats a deserving teacher to a week at Dollywood. Tell us about a teacher who made a difference in your life. The first teacher was Miss Helm, my 4th grade teacher. Because of her, I discovered how much I loved reading and learning. She was nice and positive.

7) Dollywood is in Sevier County, TN. Her ties to the community are strong, and in 2007, Dolly raised the funds to build a new hospital that opened there in 2010. When you were last in a hospital, were you a patient or a visitor? I was a patient, having an MRI. Have to go next month to see an orthopedic.

8) In 1973, when "Jolene" was popular, Elvis' "Aloha from Hawaii" concert aired. "Aloha" is the native Hawaiian word used when greeting or parting. Can you say anything else in Hawaiian? 

Mahalo-thank you, Ohana-family, Lei-necklace made of flowers, shells or other material given in love. Keiki- child, Luau- special ceremony with food and music. Wahine-girl/woman, kane-man/boy, huku, Akua-God, Honu-turtle, Imu-underground oven, Mele Kalikimaka-Merry Christmas, Mele-song, ono-fish, poi-pudding made from taro, pua-pig, tutu-grandparent, pali-clift, lanai-patio, lilikoi-passion fruit, Kai-sea, Moana-beach, paniolo-Hawaiian cowboy, malama-serve. We are going to Hawaii next April. This will be my 5th visit.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten cold pizza or cold fried chicken? Cold chicken, but not dried.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. The links are on the left.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What memories do you have of Octobers past?

I can remember staying awake at night and looking out the window and watching the wind blow things around. I would look at the branches as the wind blew. I would watch the shadows cast from the moon. I liked the sound of the wind as it would get loud and then get quiet. It made me think of God who was strong like the wind and though I could not see God, he was there like the wind. I also think about being out in the yard with my dad racking the leaves from the big tree. I would rake them into a big pile and jump in it and play in the leaves. I liked the sound of the leaves as I crunched them. They were not even that colorful, but I still liked them.

Windy days and leaves falling meant Halloween was just around the corner. It was a fun, family fall day  we could all enjoy. It has really changed now. I like harvest and not the scarry things they have out now.

2. Besides here in New Jersey, some of the coziest neighborhoods I've driven through were in rural Ohio and Pennsylvania. The picture reminds me of those times. Does this photo bring any thoughts to mind for you? We don't get to see this picture in my city. There are not enough fall trees and the weather does not even really cool down until near November. I had a fall tree at my previous house that I miss. I bring the color to me. I made this my background for my desktop.

3. As weather cools I do enjoy Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Latte flavors in my coffee.  Do you like flavored coffees or teas? Which are favorites for you? I just bought some Pumpkin Spice and had it in my morning coffee.  It was really good!

4.An orchard near me not only sells apples but pies and their famous apple cider donuts in the fall.

What kind of pies, cakes and pastries do you like to eat? I like an apple crisp which is easier to make than an apple pie. But I don't eat these sweets very often since I am prediabetic.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold 

and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

Genesis 8:22 

1. Thursday is National Walk To A Park Day. I know these celebratory days are mostly made up, but some are fun to think about. Do you live close enough to a park to walk to one on Thursday? Will you?

There is a park that I could walk too, but I won't. Our married group meets on Thursday morning and we are still hitting the 90's.

 The most famous park in the world is Central Park located in NYC. Have you ever been to Central Park? What did you think? Yes, I was there in 2008 and took a carriage ride and it was great. But that ride only took us by a small section of the park. You have no idea how big it is until you see it from a high distance. We went to the Top of the Rock and got to see it and it was amazing to see so much of Manhattan from that height. If you haven't been, is this a place you'd like to see? We had just come from FAO Schwarz. 

My parents are facing The Plaza hotel.

2. Something you've done recently that turned out to be a 'walk in the park'? Not sure on this.

3. Can you parallel park? Do you have to do this often where you live? I could at one time but have not done it any many years, probably more than 20 years. I don't mind parking further and walking.

4. The colors of fall...red, brown, russet, golden bronze, golden yellow, purplish red, light tan, crimson, orange red, and scarlet. Are these colors you like to wear? I do have some of these colors in my fall wardrobe. I have a sweater that has a lot of these colors. Is this your season in terms of color? What about your home? Would we see these tones in your home decorating? I use these colors in my fall decor. We don't get to see much of fall since I love in the city. The tree I had at my last house had those colors during November and December. 

5. What part of history do you find most interesting? Elaborate. That is a really hard question to answer. As a Christian, I would like to have seen Jesus as he visited the people. Maybe in Capernaum or Jerusalem.

6. Insert your own random thought here. My grands have been putting together tributes to Rey. Audrina is painting a picture now. I am seeing a little improvement regarding my lower back. I still have numbness, but I am gaining strength. The good news is that I do not have to have surgery at this point. I am still waiting for the biopsy report on my face. I am taking care of the spots as they heal. Life happens and things change.  Having positive attitude helps this and trusting God gives me peace.

May God bless and protect our precious brethren in North Carolina, George, Tennessee, Florida

and all impacted areas.  Also, for the people of Israel.