Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Why did you begin blogging?  I was looking for graphics and found "country graphics" That led to a whole community of people that were making webpages with a country flair. Most of the women had their sites through Yahoo-Geocities. We were assigned names and numbers. Geocities has easy page setups with a single page and graphics that are similar to a plain Blogger page. Then things upgraded to more complicated set ups and we were getting Websites. I think my first Geocities site was from 1998.

I had new site by 2000 and actually added 2 other sites. So now we had "Webhomes." We got our own domain names and I got garden4mylord.com and called it Susan's Garden of Friendship. We all had a guestbook set up were we visited each other and we could even leave gifts. We exchanged banners , signatures-siggies and cards. We shared our new pages and we made many pages. I still have my website. That were written with html-computer language and I learned from others. Some pages have 3-4 backgrounds We could really be creative with your pages by adding music and animation. I started blogging in 2002 and I have all my pages at my webhome. Then something changed. Facebook came on the scene and lots of people that made pages now could make farms from Farmtown and Farmville. Then more people moved to the free Blogger pages. I visited people on Blogger, but they did not understand inline frames. This is when you click on a link from th column and the page opens in the middle. I got a Blogger page in 2007 but didn't use it much. Then I officially moved my blog over here in 2021. 

2. What benefits does blogging offer you? It has allowed me to make new friends.  It lets me use my graphics and stories from my webhome. I met women from all over the World through his country webhomes and many great artist were born. I still can be creative. 

3. Have you made friends from blogging? Yes, I have made many friends and have met a few.

4. Where do you get ideas for things you blog about? Do other bloggers influence you? Blogs were about your life. When 911 happened, the graphic artist made graphic to share on your blog to show our compassion for what happened. Some of these artist were from other countries showing they cared.

One of my favorite things from my old Susan's GOF was the Homework page. One of my friends was a teacher. Each month she gave an assignment. We would all do our assignment on a creative page and then we would turn in our assignment. Then we would all visit each other's pages. This was 2003-2006

Now we use memes that work in a similar way. But back then, everyone visited everyone's pages. I don't see that as often in some of the memes now.

1.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper? If your answer is somewhere in the middle which side of the middle do you lean towards more? Middle, I love to be around people, but I do need my down time.

Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party? I would say birthday party first and Christmas second. Birthday to celebrate one's life that is a gift from God. Two, a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate our Lord's birth.

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list?

 The appreciation of life and specifically with my relationship with Jesus.

3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you? I appreciate each year I get. My family gave me a 70th birthday and it was fun to be with my family. This is me at 2 and My tablecloth says Happy Birthday from Disneyland.

4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birthday and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month. My granddaughter was born on my birthday. The Singer sewing machine was patented-1851, Josephy Lister used antiseptic-1861, Thomas Edison records himself on the early phonograph-1877. First model-T tested by Henry Ford in 1808, Clarence Birdseye gets a patent for quick freezing food-1930. Minimum wage is raised by President Eisenhower from.75 to $1.00-1955 Found here.

5. Share two good things about your life right now. I am caught up with my reading through the Bible, Day 260 with the Bible Recap Girl. Our new air conditioning is working great!

6. Insert your own random thought here. Looking forward to celebrating September birthdays with my family this Sunday. I am a little concerned about my upcoming surgery next Friday. I would appreciate your prayers!

Update and Tuesday 4

Today was a nice relaxing day. I stayed up watching another old movie I record from Turned Classics.

It was called The Best Years of Our Life. and came out in 1946. It was 3 hours long so I watched it on two nights. Hubby and I also watched Gone with the Wind this weekend. Watching the old movies makes me think of my mom because we used to watch them together. I spent a lot of time working on my Lent Faith journaling on the names of Jesus. Saturday I went to a women's event at our sister church and had a great time. We heard for 4 women speak after a great time of worship. Then we enjoyed a great lunch from 2 tables in a charcutier layout.

Sunday was a great day. Our younger grand sang the Goodness of God, It was one of the songs Cece Winans sang at the concert we went to a couple of weeks ago. But even more exciting was the fact that my daughter and granddaughter got baptized at her church. She said it was a last-minute decision, or she would have invited us. My grandson recorded it and sent it to us. What makes it special is that they were singing the Goodness of God while they were getting baptized! 

I have a busy 3 days ahead and I got approved for more physical therapy!

March, they say, comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.  

It is called the windy month like Chicago is called the windy city!

1.  Has March come in like a lion or a lamb in your neck of the woods? 

Yes, we got wind and lots of much needed rain. 

2. There have been some awful storms of late.. have you suffered through them or have you ever suffered through a very bad storm in your life? (if so we wish you well)

If you mean weather wise, no, nothing to serious. Life wise, yes, several.

3. Spring begins March 20th and ends with summer on June 20th this year. Any plans for Spring in general? How about the spring holidays? 

Today is my daughter in laws birthday and we are going out to dinner. We are supposed to go to our son's timeshare for a couple of days in April. We celebrate our daughter and grandson's birthday on April 16. Easter is April 20th My Bible journal group meets in March and April. Our marriage group  meets weekly. Wednesday we are going to see The Last Supper after lunch. Hubby and I are going to see the Chosen next Friday at the movies.

4.  What are your favorite springtime flowers?  Trees or shrubs?

My roses are starting to bloom, and my plumerias are coming back to life. Our Meyer lemon still has a few lemons, but it also budding. I need to pick them and actually make something with them. We have a lot of succulents, and they are easy to care for.

How about a song with a springtime theme to it that you enjoy?  

Easter comes either in March or April and this song makes me think of my grandma.

I Come to the Garden Alone

1 I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

2 He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]

3 I'd stay in the garden with Him

Tho' the night around me be falling;

But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,

His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

Flowers from my garden.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  In some places people name their homes or properties. What would you name your home and why?

If you would not name it, why wouldn't you? 

Home is just home. I live in the city. I have a nice size backyard, and out neighborhood is pretty quiet for the most part.

2.  Are you more of a romantic or a pragmatist when it comes to your home or apartment's decor and color? A little of both. Comfort is key. My home is small but adequate. I have 2 grands that live here 4 days a week and each have a room. It gives me less space for my crafts, but it is a sacrifice I make because they matter more than my things. Hubby makes a sacrifice too because lots of things are stored in the garage. I am working on downsizing my crafts.

3.   Do you have enough room in your home? Storage space, kitchen cabinets?  What would you add or subtract from your home? Storage space in the kitchen is sufficient. If possible, I would enlarge the window over the sink and paint the kitchen white. I would enlarge the family room so I could entertain more.

4.  Is your place really home sweet home?  Would it be hard to leave it?   Are you firmly rooted in your abode or would you move if a better opportunity came your way?  

If a better opportunity came, I could leave. Leaving my last home was hard. It was 1000 square feet bigger and newer. But it had high taxes and was on the outskirts of the city and we wanted to be closer to things as we aged. We are blessed to have a roof over our home and the things we need.  My friend hosts my Bible study group. Family events are help at my son's home.

1. What do you love most about March? The hint of spring. 

I don't like the time change, but I do like to see more daylight hours.

2. Hey! Did you know March is National Celery Month? Do you like celery? What's something you make (or like to order out) that calls for celery? I can't eat plain celery. I like it chopped up and in my tuna salad or in soup and stuffing. 

3. _______________ is the soundtrack to my life right now. 

Not sure how to answer this. Maybe the audio Bible reading I hear each day with Bible Recap.

4. Share a favorite motivational quote for overcoming challenges. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; 

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, 

and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

5. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday this year. Do you participate in Lent in some way? If so tell us more. I only learned about lent in 2016 when I started Bible journaling. I plan to do a study I found online. I combine verses with illustrations. I plan to do it in a journal. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Tuesday 4, Wed. Hodgepodge & Fires.

As I sat down to do the Tuesday 4 questions, my mind went from winter nights to deadly fires. I have lived in So California all my life and have experienced earthquakes and high winds. I have been on an evacuation call from the fire department because of the dry brush on the hills that surround our city and many cities in California. People forget that California is pretty dry We have not received much rain this fall and winter.  Every year the Santa Ana winds come. I remember that from my childhood in the 60's. When it gets really dry, our city like many cities in California will go to water conservation mode. We have to get our water brought in from the rivers and reservoirs in and out of state. We actually moved from our home in the hills to the city because of the fire risk and higher taxes.

Fire stations are prepared to handle fires that are on a much smaller level than what happened during the firestorm caused by the hurricane force winds. I am sad to hear some of the political meanness of those trying to blame California for what has happened. When I hear of the hurricanes and floods in other states, I pray they get the help they need. I see our church send money to those that need help. We pray over those states, not blaming a state over something that was caused by nature. I am thankful for the help we are getting from some states, Canada and Mexico and other countries. So please pray for California and I know more people care because they understand humanity and have empathy. More wind is in its way.

1. Do you find yourself a bit more lazy or tired as the nights get longer or does it not seem to do much to you? In general, how are you doing this winter? I like to keep busy in all seasons. We don't get a really cold winter. Today it was 66 and sunny. I was able to wo to my life group and it was good!

2. Do you appreciate the extra hours of dark that allow for more sleep, more leisure, less travel and hurry or not? I do not like the early night hours. I like the summer lights more, but not the hot heat we get in the summer. I tend to go to bed the same time year round.

3. I know I love a hot drink on a chilly evening and the quiet of the streets outside as people stay inside more on cold nights.  I feel more relaxed in the winter.  How about you? I live in the city and though we have mild winters compared to other cities, I tend to stay in where it is warm. I do drink more warm drinks in the winter. I am enjoying a decaf green tea with honey as I write this.

4. Do you ever gaze out of your window like Miss Kitty in the picture just watching the world go by? How do you find yourself relaxing on a chilly evening? I do like to look out my bedroom window as I sit at my desk. I have to keep myself busy, so starring would not last too long. We watch tv, and use blankets to stay warm. During the windy season, we can't wood fireplaces. 

1.  It's been said January is 'the month of opportunity, inspiration, and change." Which of the three do you need most right now? Elaborate. I would say inspiration. Specifically spiritual inspiration. I have joined people from church that are reading through the Bible chronologically using the Bible Recap program. 

2. Do you consider opportunity as something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? I think you have to look for it for the most part. Opportunities are out there. It is just a matter to pursue what you really want to do.

3. The British Museum opened on this date (January 15th) back in 1759. Do you like visiting museums? Do you have a favorite? I do like them but have not had a lot of time to see them. I enjoyed the Ronald Regan Museum. I also like the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles, the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angles were we go to meet a survivor of the Holocaust I have also been to several Museums in San Diego.

4. It's National Oatmeal Month (yes, apparently it gets a whole month as opposed to a single day). Do you like oatmeal? How often do you eat a bowl of oatmeal? How do you like yours? What about an oatmeal cookie? Is that a sweet treat you enjoy? Yes, I do like oatmeal. I had a really good oatmeal cookie while I was on a cruise. I do like to eat oatmeal, but I prefer protein in the morning and that is usually eggs with toast and avocado or cottage cheese.

5.What's something useful you learned in high school? Get involved in activities. I was in Competitive sports, Girls League, Usherettes, Student Relations, Spinsters and Honor Society. They helped me to interact with different people and also helped me get into college.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I think I wrote it at the beginning of this page.

We were on the cruise when the fire broke out and most people seemed pretty concerned.

I am working on my cruise picture. There are a lot to sort through. I have been busy packing up Christmas too. I would love to take another cruise and I learned a lot from this one. I read several revues and tip. I am so glad I ordered the packing cubes!  I got the assortment pack and used every one. 

Happy New Year!

1.What memories of New Years Eve do you have?

I usually always watch the Dick Clark New Year Eve show. Now I channel hop. 

2. Do you go to bed early or stay up until midnight to ring in the new year?

I stay up until around 1 am. My husband goes to bed around 9:30

3. Do you have special foods or customs for the New Year? Not really. Last year we went to my son's house for a NY party. We are staying home because we are getting ready for our cruise.

4. Will football and New Year parades be on your agenda for New Years Day? We do like to watch the Parade. Not into sports. I start taking down the ornaments from the trees. I am also packing for our cruise. I have washed all the Christmas blankets and towels, and they are packed.

1. Oxford's Word of the year for 2024 is 'brain rot'. Are you familiar with this term? Do you suffer from the condition? Ha! This is a term used to 'capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media'. Yes at times I can be drawn in by social media. Brain rot is real, my mom died from Alzheimer's and her brain scans showed diminish brain material. 

If you were choosing a word to capture 2024 (for the nation/world, not your own life personally) what word would you choose? Truth. 

 

2. It's National Polar Bear Plunge Day (January 1)...will you be participating in one of these events (or even your own)? How will you spend the first day of this brand new year? Do you have a traditional New Year's Day menu? We watch the parade and I start taking down the ornaments on the trees. I have lots of trees and will probably start with the Nativity/angel tree. We eat whatever there is to eat. I have some turkey bones and meat that I can use to make soup.

3. What's something that brings you joy and how will you do more of it in this new year?

I really enjoy Bible journaling and crafting. I am looking forward to doing more things with my family, and church friends.

4. Do you struggle with the January blues? Not really. I keep pretty busy. What's one thing you can/will do to keep them at bay? I will be reading through the Bible again using the Bible Recap Program.

5. Will you choose your own personal word of the year for 2025? What about a goal, resolution, or maybe even a bucket list? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. I do choose a word, and sometimes two. I have Seek and Hope.

6. Insert your own random thought here. We leave on our cruise this Saturday. I started packing today. I am putting things on the guest bed for now. I need to try on a few dresses and see how they fit. I have gained a couple of pounds during the holidays and I feel like my waist has expanded again. I wish I could push the fat to the rear! We chose January 4-11 for our cruise because the grandkids are off school and can watch our dog, Minnie. The prices were good to since we are going off season. I have been checking the weather and it will be in the 70's in the Mexico cities of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The last time we took a cruise was in 2006 to Alaska. I took a New England cruise in 2008 with my parents. So are excited. I am taking my laptop since we have wifi with our packaged. 

This past Monday I met up with my friend Anita. We met in high school over 50 years ago. We met up at the cemetery. We were visiting our parents and my grandparents. Corrie Ten Boon is really close to my parents so my friend and I walked to her plot. She was a Dutch woman that helped hide Jewish people. She was sent to a concentration camp. Her story was made into a book called the Hiding Place. She eventually made it here to the United States.

Tuesday 4 Merry Christmas.

It is Christmas Eve.   Where will Christmas Eve find you?  I will be making my enchilada casserole. Then I just have to bake it for Christmas dinner. Later, we will be going to the Christmas Eve service at church. We will go home and get things ready for Christmas Day. I will set the table for breakfast and make sure the house is ready. I will fill stockings and hubby will move furniture around so that there is room for all the presents and for everyone to sit down. Hubby gets up before I do and he will turn on all the lights inside and out. 

1. If you have a tree up what is on the top? 

I have several trees.

The Disney tree has Minnie on the top.

The Nativity tree has a star on top.

The pet tree has a dog angel on top.

The gingerbread tree has a ginger angel on it.

The country trees in the bedroom have rag angels.

2. White lights or multi colored? Colored

3. Church service? Candlelight service, bell choir?

We will be going to a 6pm Christmas Eve service. We usually do get candles that

we hold and sing Oh Holy Night. Then we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and blow out the candles.

4. What is on the Christmas Eve menu? 

Our kids are at their in-laws, so it is just hubby and I on Christmas Eve and we will probably have fast food.

Kids are planning the breakfast menu now. So far we are having potatoes, bacon, sausage, eggs and French toast. We will have a hodgepodge for dinner.

It's 9:00 pm and I have been busy all day. We bought most of the things we need for Christmas dinner. Hubby just has to go to Sams to get a few more things. He will do this while I am at physical therapy. While he is gone, I will start making the enchiladas. All the presents are wrapped and we put some candy in the stockings. We also got everyone 2 gift cards.  I have to do a load of laundry so I have pants to wear for church service.

Hubby will make some more Mexican Hot Chocolate for Christmas morning.

I hope to get to bed before bedtime so I can continue reading from the book of Luke. 

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.Do you take baths or showers? I have a nice size shower that has a built in seat. It also has a rain shower head and a removable handheld shower spray.

Is there a reason you prefer one to the other? This house has a tub, but it is not a soaking tub like my 

last home. I miss soaking, but it would be hard on my backside because it is porcelain. 

2. Once a day shower or bath or do you have a different schedule? Depends on the weather. Daily in the summer and every other day in the winter. When the weather is hot, I take a rinse off at night too besides my morning shower. Hot water is not good for the skin.

3. What are your favorite soap and shampoo? I use dove unscented. I use Trader Joes rosemary shampoo/conditioner. I am not allergic to it, and it does not dry out my skin

4.  Back in the day many loved Jean Nate spray after a bath.  My mom enjoyed Avon's Skin so Soft.. 

what do you like in the way of skin creams, oils or sprays? I use a coconut scrub in the shower. I use CeraVe Moisturizing lotion for my body and face.

1. What is one good thing you often take for granted? There is a lot that I used to take for granted.

But now I don't. Freedom to worship. Healthy family, a home, steady income, and good health insurance. I think having a cell phone is something I could take for granted. But not much.

2. What's the boldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? I have a few colorful tops that I like to wear.

3. Do you think common interests or common values are the key to people getting along? Elaborate. 

Just depends, but mostly common interest. Most of the people I share common interests also have the same common values.

4. November 6 is National Nacho Day...do you like nachos? How do you like yours? 

Do you make them at home or only order out? Usually make them at home. I like mine with

cheese, chicken, tomatoes and salsa. Hamburger meat or steak too when we eat it. That is if we

buy On the Boarder Chips. If we want to make our own, we just cook a whole tortilla in oil

or on the comal-griddle. Then we top it with cheese and or meats.

5. Have you spent any time in Washington D.C.? No.  So what did you think? If not, is that a place you'd like to visit? I once did, but it just didn't happen. What do you think about politics as a career choice? I hate politics! I remember taking Government and Economics as a senior requirement. Economics was interesting, but I did not like government. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Tuesday and Happy Birthday to my daughter and my grandson! We will be celebrating Elijah tonight and we are taking our daughter to lunch on Thursday. Today I had my Life group and last night was my class. This past Sunday my grands had their recital. My grandson sang Taking Back what the Enemy stole from Tauren Wells. He is used to performing on the drums, but singing was harder for him. He did great! My granddaughter who already sings and plays the piano, played the guitar and sang. She sang The Goodness of God.

1.   Food: ~ Do you buy brand names or go for the cheaper store name brand? 

Depend on what I am buying. I like the Lactose free milk from Aldi's better than Lactaid. I buy some things at Sprouts even though it is more money.

2.   Clothes: ~ Wear designer jeans/slacks with a brand name or regular department store jeans/slacks?

I rarely buy name brand and if do, I get it at a place like Marshall's.

3.   Handbags: ~ Buy a designer bag or look for a less expensive copy? 

Copy. Not going to spend the money for a an expensive purse when I can get it for cheaper. I also want to make sure it has the features I want.

4.   Shoes: ~ You get the drift, designer or a cheaper copy? 

I will try to find things on sale. As I get older, I have to really look to find what looks nice and is comfortable. I wear a size 6, and it is harder to find the smaller size and sometimes I do have to pay more.  I try to use what I have instead of buying new.I found some really cute, comfy flats at Walmart. 

1. What's a skill you think everyone should have? 

How to make good financial decisions.

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy 'real' cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc?

I still buy cards and I go to the Dollar Tree. I buy gift bags for presents. We wrap for Christmas.

3. It's National Banana Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you're not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana? 

I do enjoy bananas. Lately I have been eating sliced bananas with peanut butter. 

4. Do you believe in second chances? Elaborate. 

Yes, for the most part I do. Thankfully, God gives us lots of second chances!

5. What is your idea of fun? 

Being with my family. Going on outings with my friends.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My days have been busy, and I am happy that I can live life the best I can. I have been spending less time on social media and doing more reading, mostly in the evening. I am on book 9 of the Left Behind series.