Sunflower Wednesday Hodgepodge

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August and sunflowers and county fairs are linked in my mind. I think of this as the second part of summer. July 4th is long gone, flower and vegetable gardens are starting to look a little tired and hot, and although autumn is still many weeks away, heat-weary trees are dropping a few yellow leaves here and there foreshadowing the coming season. So let's squeeze the most out of the rest of the summer with Joyce's questions this week From This Side of the Pond.

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
Procrastination. Oh, no, actually I mastered that years ago.
I can't think of anything I've mastered recently. That means I'd better get busy because I hate to look back at the end of a year and realize I haven't learned how to do something new.

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
My Baby Does the Hanky Panky by Tommy James and the Shondells. I remember dancing around the kitchen as a little girl waving around one of my fancy, little handerchiefs (my relatives always used to give them to me for gifts. Who knows why?) and dancing. I was quite the little showoff who obviously didn't know what hanky panky was all about.

3. What do you think about single gender groups and/or events? Should everygroup/event be open to both genders?  If not, what sort of exceptions do you think are appropriate?
Nothing wrong with single gender gatherings in my book. It would be awkward attending a bridal lingerie shower with a man in the room, ya know?

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
Cilantro! It tastes and smells so fresh. I like it in almost any Mexican food dish, especially recipes that contain black beans.

5.  I saw this question on Marla's facebook page and asked if I could steal borrow it for the Hodgepodge...thanks Marla!  
Chevron patterns are everywhere!  Do you like it or think its just a little too much? Do you own anything 'chevron'? 
I don't own anything with a chevron pattern and feel quite neutral about it.

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
I despised squash to the point where I gagged when I ate it; however, I absolutely love it now.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
Little repetitious noises, like someone drumming their fingers, drive me up the wall.

8.  Insert your own random thought here
I broke our air conditioning system by fiddling with the temp too much (what can I say, I was vacuuming and got really hot). We have been without since Friday. Fortunately, the repairman is scheduled to come today. We are blessed because although it has been hot and humid, it hasn't been miserably hot and horribly humid.

Midsummer Wednesday Hodgepodge

It is still July and I am savoring every single moment of summer. How about you? Join in the Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

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1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?
Current technology is amazing. We can do some things so easily now - research being one example.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?
Current technology can suck hours from your day if you're not careful.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?
Star gazing.

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.
I don't listen to popular music, so I don't know what is played too much. Generally, if I've heard of a popular song, then it must be Very popular (and probably overplayed).

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?
I last had homemade ice cream when my good buddy e. brought some vanilla with juicy peaches to my house about two weeks ago. I don't have a favorite flavor. I am an equal opportunity ice cream lover.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?
I think we can best inspire and motivate by encouragement, support and affirmation.

7. When was the last time you were without power?
Probably sometime last year. Our electrical co-op has underground lines, so we don't lose power too often, and then it is usually because something went wrong with a transformer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
We had an unexpectedly busy July and were invited to lots of social events. Many of them included tons of people I didn't know - which is always difficult for me - but we had a good time at all of them. I felt blessed that so many people wanted to spend time with us.

Summer Hodgepodge #6

The heat continues and so does the Summer of Hodgepodge. Joyce at From This Side of the Pond poses a new group of questions to get our summertime sluggish brains moving and thinking.

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard?  Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

I don't actually remember the last time I sent a postcard. We received one my daughter and her husband sent to us on their honeymoon; it arrived a month after they returned. I save most postcards I receive and sometimes buy them when I travel.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?

If we're thinking about food treats, I would say fresh seafood. Otherwise, a treat I like to indulge in while vacationing is extra sleep.

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

I think I am good at hiding my feelings, but maybe not. This would probably be a good question for me to ask of people who know me.

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?

We now received quite slimmed-down versions of the phone book. I still use it, but less often because there are fewer listings included.

5. Would you rather be first or last?

Really depends on the situation. First in the dessert line, last in the immunization line.

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6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park?  Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?

I love parks, but haven't been to any this year. The last time was last autumn. We went to the Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Jamestowne, both in Virginia. We toured them. I hope to go kayaking at least a couple of times this summer at a lake or river in a local park. It is a favorite hobby I don't enjoy often enough.

7.  What was one of your worst ideas?

You mean I have to choose just one? How about moving away from California? My husband has to take half the blame for that one.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My daughter and her husband will arrive in Peru this evening to begin their new life venture. We already miss them.

Summer Madness

The month of May moved at an enjoyably slow pace, lots to do, but lots of relaxation as well. June passed like an out of control freight train. And July? We'll have to see whether the time drifts like a slow, lazy river or like a madly, rushing torrent.

I'm a sporadic goal setter, occasionally on fire and on target with my plans. Without actually intending to, I have set up a painting goal this summer. It all started with my daughter getting married and moving out. We decided to make her bedroom into an art studio for my husband. Since her possessions were (mostly) out of her bedroom it seemed like a great time to paint and put in new flooring.

That's when I got this crazy idea of painting this summer. The amusing part is that I don't

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really like painting, but my poor beleaguered husband has many other home and car repairs keeping him busy so I felt guilty asking him to take on painting as well. Not only is he a fine landscape painter, but he's great at painting walls too.

One of my sons has been unable to find a summer job so far, therefore, I figured I had built-in, free labor. He and I have turned out to be a decent painting team. We have finished two bedrooms and one closet. The to-do list includes the kitchen, another bedroom, three (possibly four) closets, and the baseboards and chair rails in the dining room, living room, and hall.

An ambitious project for a non-painting, ambivalent goal setter. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you just jump in and get started.

In the meantime, the front and side gardens are full of flowers and weeds and our former vegetable garden (which may be one again next year) is rampant with everything but vegetables. You just can't get to everything, you know?

While the photo illustrating my paint-a-thon, isn't my own. it's a great representation of what my home looks like. It would never occur to me to take pictures of painting-work-in-progress. Probably because my hands are always covered in paint.

Wednesday Hodgepodge #3

1. Summertime is a season of reunions, weddings, and other family celebrations and gatherings...are any of the above on your calendar in the next two months?

We have two birthdays and look forward to seeing friends visiting from out of state.

2. June is National Iced Tea Month...are you an iced tea drinker? If so, how do you like yours (sweet, flavored, etc)? 

 I enjoy iced tea in the summer, but not too sweet.

3. When were you last nervous?  Looking back, was the 'event' actually nerve-worthy?

I feel nervous whenever I ride in the car with my husband and he drives (sorry, Honey). And, yes, it is sometimes nerve-worthy.

4. The bristle toothbrush was invented in China on June 26, 1498...not sure how that date was pinned down so precisely but, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being sick to your stomach and 1 being not at all, how nervous do you feel when you're headed to the dentist?  Do you see your dentist twice a year?

I feel  a 2 on the dental nervousness scale. I have not been good about seeing the dentist twice a year the last few years.

5. What's making news in your town this week?

Hmmm, I live in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area so there's always something crazy going on.

6. Curtains, drapes, blinds...your window treatment of choice? Are there any bare windows in your house? Is that by choice or because you haven't gotten around to covering them? 

I have different window treatments for different windows of my home. The bedrooms have blinds (my son's rooms used to have valances too, but they didn't like them so they came down). The living room has sheer curtains and thermal-lined drapes over them to keep the hot sun out in the summer and cut down on cold drafts in the winter. The dining room French doors have lace valances as does the kitchen. The family room has curtains that we close in the evening for privacy. My bedroom windows are bare. Not that we're trying to give our neighbors a free show, but we are painting the room at the moment. I plan to replace the blinds that were up with shades and lace panels. (What can I say? I love lace.)

7. Summertime is officially here (in the Northern hemisphere anyway)...whatone song is a must-have on your summer playlist?

Jessica by the Allman Brothers Band.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Can I confess that I really dislike painting? It seems to take forever to get the job done :(

Image: tiverylucky/freedigitalphotos.net

Wednesday Hodgepodge #1

Just for the fun of it, this summer I'll be joining in on the Wednesday Hodgepodge blog hop hosted by This Side of the Pond. Looking forward to a  good time!

1. Have you learned more from success or failure? Explain.

I've probably learned more from failure. It hurts more so I remember it more vividly.

2.  What did you call your grandparents when you were growing up? If you have children, what do they call your parents? If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?
  
I called my grandparents Grandma and Grandpa, my kids have done the same. No grandchildren yet, but maybe I'd like to be called Grandmama.

3.  You're invited to a luau.  In keeping with that theme, what dish will you bring to share?
  
Why, something with pineapples of course!

4. Besides Jesus, what one person's life story do you think everyone should know about?

Winston Churchill. His life was full of ups and downs, great successes and great failures, but he just kept moving forward.

5. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Agree or Disagree? Why?

Totally agree. Life is full of small stuff and we could get buried under it all if we let it get us down.

6.  June is National Rivers Month. When were you last on a river? What's the prettiest

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river you've ever seen? What's a river you'd like to see?

I was last on a river last summer. The prettiest one I've ever seen was the Colorado River and I would love to see the Thames.

7.  Speaking of rivers-paddling, fishing, swimming, or bird watching safely from the shore? Which activity would you choose? Yes-you have to choose.

Paddling - undoubtedly. Kayak or canoe, doesn't matter which.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Summer is my favorite season, so even though the calendar says it's still spring, I am in a summer state of mind.

It's Summer!

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It's not Christmas, or Halloween or even autumn, it is still summer according to my calendar.  So why, why, why can't we all enjoy these last few precious days of my favorite season without all of the reminders that autumn and the holiday season are coming?

I'm a future-oriented, looking-ahead kind of woman with generally a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C in place.  It is completely not in my nature to live in and savor the moment, but when it comes to summer, I hang on with my fingernails.

However, the sun is shining, the temperatures are warm and I'm still wearing shorts.  Please join me in living and loving the last precious days of green-leafed trees, blooming roses and balmy breezes.  If it's a beautiful day where you are, I hope you'll enjoy it with me.

Lessons Learned - Summer 2012

Aren't June, July and August the fastest three months of the year?  We've arrived at the end of August after a relatively quiet summer and I feel rather introspective.

How did I spend those golden summer days?  Did I accomplish anything? Have I learned anything?

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Last summer I taught myself Fair Isle knitting and knit my first (and, sadly, so far only) pair of pint-sized practice socks. So I'm feeling a lack of tangible accomplishments this summer.  Not everything can be measured visibly; however, so I decided to review what I learned this summer.  This is in lieu of a "What I did on my summer vacation" composition next month.

• The Lord provides.  Due to some smart home refinancing early this year by my husband, we have the funds to do critically-needed home repairs.  Just when we needed it, interest rates dropped and we benefited.  Is that God or what?

• Friends are a blessing.  Yes, I know, it's obvious, but this summer I cherished more than ever time spent with friends, old and new. Finally, I'm learning friendship needs to be nurtured, not taken for granted and requires a time investment.  Thanks, gals, for the great breakfasts, coffees, lunches, dinners, phone chats, not to mention baseball games, you've shared with me this summer (uh oh, too many food related outings).  I've felt a little vulnerable the past few months with so many changes in my life, and you all reminded me that friendships are the patches that hold a life together.

• The Lord provides. (Is the old gal repeating herself?  No, He just provides a lot).  You might know I've been trying to figure out what comes next now that homeschooled tuba guy is a college freshman.  And holy, smokin' Joe, did God provide in a big way.  More about this transition soon!

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• The body of Christ is amazing.  We left our church of ten years at the end of June and were dreading "the church search."  There was a huge surprise waiting for us that we never dreamed would exist.  As we've traveled church by church throughout our community we have been blessed, I tell you, blessed.  We have been spiritually bolstered and encouraged by Godly preaching, been energized by preachers excited by their calling and steeped in the Word of God, enjoyed coming before the Lord with so many other believers in our ethnically diverse area, learned some new worship songs, been hugged by the warmth of beloved hymns, and so much more.

There's more to share, but this post keeps growing and I know y'all are busy and have lots of other blogs to read and I have to try and capture some hours from this day before they evaporate.  It's good to be back at the keyboard and while August is almost over it's still summer because the thermometer is creeping up to 90 degrees today.

The Heat Index is What?

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It is stinkin' hot out.  Again.  I've lost count of how many days in a row it's been hotter than 100 degrees.  Not to be a whiner or anything (well, maybe a little bit), but it is ridiculously hot.

Toronto, even Toronto, Ontario, Canada is having a heat wave so I know we're not alone in this steaming pool of sweat we're calling summer this year.  Determined I am to stop fussing about it and have a good attitude, so I've been working on a list of reasons why summer is great, just as a reminder to myself that summer is my favorite season.

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Top 13 Reasons Why Summer is Wonderful

1. The sun comes up early and goes down late.  All those lovely hours of brightness bring joy to a soul that becomes depressed during winter's short days.
2. Flowers bloom abundantly, blasting the world with vibrant color.
3. Ice Cream.
4. Fewer layers of clothes are necessary, so getting ready in the morning is quicker.
5. Everyone seems more relaxed and cheerful. 
6. No need to grab a jacket and maybe boots, hat, scarf, gloves, whatever, before waddling out the door into the winter world.
7. Fresh peaches and blueberries and raspberries and watermelon - you get the idea.
8. The birds unite in an amazing chorus as the sun rises and a few of the more energetic ones engage in melodious solos as the sun sets.
9. Iced tea and iced coffee.
10. The beach.  I know there are lots of mountain and woods lovers, but I am a beach woman.  The sound of crashing waves; the salty, fishy smell; the sun glittering almost blindingly on the water and the strong vibrant pull of the ocean, man, I get excited just thinking about it.
11. Bar-b-quing, so nice and healthy because all that bad fat just drips away.  Confession - mostly I love bar-b-quing because my husband or one of my sons does the cooking.
12. Corn on the cob, vine-ripened tomatoes, all those fresh, delicious veggies.
13. Vacation!  Sometimes we can afford one and sometimes we can't, but it's great to get away. 

It's a little scary how many of my reasons are related to food, but that explains the weight-gain issue.  

So here you go, I hope you feel happier about summer right now.  I know I do.
And by the way, what would you add to the list?