A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 31, 2013, 9:00 am

Outside my window...29 degrees and Fair, hopefully the sun will shine.....we had some snow flurries last night just  before dark...it was lovely watching them fall but of course there was no accumulation....I saw the Red Bellied Woodpecker on the suet feeder this morning, peaked out at the fish in the little pond and checked on the chickens....all is well....

I am thinking...I might put the tree away today and vacuum the floor...

I am thankful...for all the blessings during 2013....God is so good! At the top of my list would be Honey Bear, what a blessing to have his sweet love and companionship.....today, I'm thankful for feeling well..

From the kitchen...a fridge full of leftovers......and way too many sweets

I am wearing...red pajamas with little white flowers and comfy socks

I am creating...nada at the moment......I really need to get something going.....I do plan to begin a new art journal....I had one of those smash books and was planning to use that but the pages I bought for journaling won't fit it so I'm thinking I need something else...

I am going...nowhere today....unless Daughter's car is ready and I need to go with her to pick it up

One year ago today...well since I didn't post on this day in 2012, I can't say.....

I am wondering...about this new year and all that it will hold

These days I'm reading...The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg, a Christmas gift from my friend, Rene 

I am praying...for peace.....for Kathy and her family

I remember when...the children and I would use these days before school started back after the holidays to play board games....I love to play board games and cards, wish I had someone to play with

I am looking forward to...the BCS game on Monday...my team made it to the National playoffs...WAR EAGLE!!

A verse for today...John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Discovering that....once again, I will have to get back on the Weight Watchers program....

I am hearing...the furnace just clicked on...other than that, its quiet here...oh, Daughter gave Honey Bear one of those bird feeders that fits on the window with suction and the Titmouse has just discovered it......he's taping his seed on the side.....Smokey is sitting under the window mesmerized. 

Around the house...clutter, clutter, clutter.....my studio and the guest room have been closed off for weeks with Christmas decor and Fall decor pulled out from storage...

A favorite quote for today..."Being pulled into the world of a gripping novel can trigger actual, measurable changes in the brain that linger for at least five days after reading, scientists have said." saw this one on FB yesterday

One of my favorite things...a girls' day out with my daughter

A few plans for the rest of the week:hoping to meet my sister for lunch, on Friday, at the Cracker Barrel that is about half way between us

From my photo file....

Between Christmas and New Years Day

November and December have not been good months for me health wise......after the bout with my back and the almost 2 weeks of vertigo, I had a major Asthma attack which has lasted over a week with the old breathing machine back in use. I finally put up a table top tree, hung a very few ornaments on it, hung the stockings and called it decorated. I am more than happy about it now that it is time to put it all away.

Today has been mostly an at home lazy day.....I did pick up Daughter at the
Firestone Store so that she could leave her car for service and after she dropped me back at home, loaned her my van for a few days until hers is ready. This was only my 2nd time out in the car in 12 days so I'm not going to miss it much......Honey Bear and I went for a walk....the temperature was in the 50s with sunshine so it was nice out.

I want to get back to blogging more regularly in the New Year....one of many goals I'm setting......More later.....

Wednesday Hodge Podge

1. What lesson has failure taught you?

We appreciate the Mountains more when we walk through the valleys.

2. What decision are you glad you made?

buying this house..........Honey Bear enjoys the large yard so much since he retired.

3. I've been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend's Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

No, I'm still decorated for Fall and will be until after Thanksgiving Day.......then I'll put the tree up.......I don't see anything wrong with a tree and lights being up early but save the outside decorating for after Thanksgiving, please.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid...which game of cards would you most like to join? 

Rummy or Hand & Foot.....does anyone want to play Mexican Train Dominoes?

5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog...When you're feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the 'can't eat' type? 

Mostly, I'll snack but if there is a death in the family, I'm usually hit with nausea and can't eat.

6.  Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable? 

Yes but only favorably

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday? 

Since I've been in bed with pain in my back for two days, the best talk was how to get dinner cooked with Honey Bear doing most of the work. He follows directions well.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

My son is home for R&R, at his home in Georgia, that is. I'm hoping he'll decide to drive over for Thanksgiving so I won't have to drive there. Its a 5 or 6 hour drive which I dread even when my back doesn't hurt.

Thankful Thursday

What I really wanted to show you is the carpet of leaves on our back porch and yard......they fell over night in the rain......guess there will be a lot of raking and leaf blowing this weekend.

As I said yesterday, I'm thankful for the changing seasons and the beautiful colors of Fall, my favorite time of year.
Honey Bear said we needed the rain....we got about half an inch..........he gathered some Rutabagas yesterday from the garden which we'll be cooking this afternoon.........we also had a tomato from the garden last night, one that had been picked before the cold weather killed the vines......I'm thankful for all these things and more....

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY....Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Outside my window...Its Fall, Y'all!.....cloudy,59°F, 15C

I am thinking...that it has been ages since I've posted....where have I been and what have I been doing....

I am thankful...that God paints the trees such beautiful colors......

From the kitchen...cinnamon raisin toast and coffee

I am wearing...a pink and white robe over my pajamas

I am creating...Cozy Shoulder fleece wraps for nursing home patients and a surprise for my club members

I am going...stay home today and hopefully get some more work done in the studio

One year ago today...there were only 3 posts in November last year...on the 14th, it was cloudy and 58 with leaves falling down like snow....I was working on my Christmas list, and year end paper work for the club (we do an annual report of our work), making strips for a fabric wreath and reading a book by Greg Beck.

I am wondering...about my pen pal...I've not written her in a while and feel bad about it, I hope to get a letter in the mail today and then be more regular with my correspondence

These days I'm reading...The Passing Bells by Philip Rock

I am praying...for a few more weeks of Fall before cold weather begins.....Erin......

I remember when...we used to pick cotton by hand.......seeing the stacks of cotton at the gin yesterday brought back memories

I am looking forward to...Thanksgiving and maybe seeing my son while he's home on R&R.....finishing my Christmas shopping and wrapping a few gifts to take to Georgia this month

A verse for today...Psalm 147:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains

I am hearing...Honey Bear coughing......the furnace......the fan on the laptop

Around the house...the carpet needs cleaning....

A favorite quote for today...“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

One of my favorite things...besides riding down the road, seeing the beautiful trees...........a winning football season for the Tigers

A few plans for the rest of the week: workshop tomorrow, hair appointment on Friday and lunch with Rene........need to get to the craft store and also buy some groceries before the end of the week.

From my photo file....some from our recent trip to North Carolina

Everybody Knows Your Name Hodge Podge

1. What's one thing you learned in September?
In my Stamping Classes, I learned lots of new things like masking, embossing, and techniques for stamping using things around the house such as bubble wrap instead of regular stamps.

2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash... what's your favorite squash? What's your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?
I like yellow crookneck squash but my favorite is Zucchini because it doesn't have the big seeds and can be used so many ways.

3. The older I get the_______________________________.
the lazier I get

4. What's your favorite television theme song ever?
Well, as soon as I saw the title of this weeks' hodge podge, I started to sing the theme song to Cheers......I liked the Friends theme song, too. I like those because of the words but some other shows had just music and I like those........Hill Street Blues...Law and Order

5. What do you wish you'd spent more time doing five years ago?
Wasn't that just yesterday? I moved back from Memphis 5 years ago and that time has flown by.........I guess I'd have to say I wish I'd spent more time with my two grandchildren who live here because now, they have sort of outgrown spending time with Grandmother especially Wonder Boy who is 15 now.

6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?
Well, I've already bought a couple of new items like a red sweater set when they were on sale...........I can't think of anything I need but if I see a pair of winter shoes I like and the price is right, I might buy them. A pair of lace up short boots would be nice. I had a pair once.

7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
That's easy....Yogi Bear....Smarter than the average Bear

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It seems that blogging just slips my mind most days. I have been watching episodes of Party of Five and reading whenever I have spare time. I haven't done much creating.
Hope you all are well and that you're looking forward to this Fall season......my favorite time of year.

If you'd like to play along with Hodge Podge hop over to From This Side of The Pond......Joyce is our host and continues to come up with these great questions every week. I don't know how she does it. It's fun!!

A Birthday Hodge Podge

1. When did you last sing happy birthday to someone? When were you last sung to? Does that embarrass you or do you enjoy being the center of attention on your special day?
At a Home Bound Ministry luncheon a few months ago, we sang to all the ones who had Birthdays that month...............In May, someone always sings to me in person or on the phone...................I don't mind at all, I appreciate it when someone does something nice for me.

2.  Name a famous or 'infamous' person (living or deceased) who shares your birth day and month. Is that someone you'd like to meet in person if it were possible?
Google has a whole list but the only one I really recognize is Audrey Hepburn.....................I'm not really into meeting famous people.

3. Someone hands you a box tied up in a lovely bow...what are you hoping to find inside?
Jewelry, if its a small box.

4. What can you guarantee about yourself?
I can guarantee I'll never climb a mountain or jump from an airplane.

5. Talking art and beautiful cities here...'The Last Supper' in the Santa Maria della Grazie Abbey in Milan Italy or 'The Mona Lisa' in The Louvre, Paris...which would you most like to see up close and in person?  Why?
Neither really appeal to me.....I'd rather visit America's National Parks

6. Your favorite dessert
key Lime Pie

7. This coming weekend marks the official start of autumn (in the Northern hemisphere)...what is something you do to get ready for fall? What is one thing you're looking forward to on your fall calendar? Spring or fall-which do you prefer?
I decorate the house with Fall colors and accessories.......................Cooler weather, less mosquitoes and vacation...................Fall, is my favorite season, I just wish it lasted about 6 months.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
My schedule has been so full lately that I've not been into blogging but I do miss everyone.............I'm taking a 6 week Stamping class and having so much fun with it.........My club had their annual Cultural Arts contest yesterday. My Favorite Things quilt won first place as did my photo of the courthouse in Rhea County Tennessee...................Its been a little cooler at times and it is definitely feeling like Fall............our favorite college football team has won its first 3 games...............we got a flat screen TV (first for us)..........Honey Bear and I canned apples.................I've been eating way too much! 
What's happening in your World?

Monday Quiz About Me

1. September is Better Breakfast month - if time, money, calories etc. were no object, what would you have for breakfast?
Probably, the same as now since I like simple breakfasts.

2. How often do you do a major clean out?
If you're talking about closets, I try to do that with the changing season.......the rest: not often enough.

3. What makes you feel appreciated?
Words, mostly but I like receiving cards and flowers, too.

4. If you had the choice, would you employ someone to help around your home/life?  Maid, Nanny, Cook, Butler or some other form of help?
I have someone who comes in to clean every two weeks.....sometimes, I'd like a general handy man, however, I believe that would be an insult Honey Bear as he is supposed to do those jobs......still, it would be nice to have someone to give a to do list and have them done when I want them done.


My Question: Have you bought any Christmas gifts yet?

Stop by and visit with Heather and Wayne and see how to play along.

Laboring Through The Hodge Podge

1. Labor Day weekend (in the US of A) is approaching...what's something you've labored over this year? 
Blogging and Journaling, I've found it more difficult to keep up with it, although I still want to.

2. What is one word to describe your 'job' or career?
satisfying

3. What was your worst or least favorite job ever? Why?
Christmas Program Chair.........it was the most stressful thing I ever did

4. How do you measure contentment?
Being at peace whatever the circumstance.

5. Pickles-like or dislike? What is something you eat that requires a pickle? Dill, bread and butter, sweet gherkins...what's your favorite kind of pickle?
I like the gherkins especially with chicken or barbecue and I will eat whole baby dills for the saltiness but I'm not one who eats them often and I don't care for them on Hamburgers......I always used the relish in chicken, tuna, and potato salad.

6. In your current house-town-state, what is it you like living close to?
I like to have health/dental care nearby as well as shopping/restaurants, etc. Nature areas are important, too. 

7. What is one thing on your 'want-to-do' list before summer draws to an official close?
Summer isn't my favorite season and except for the fresh veggies, I'm ready to be finished with heat and mosquitoes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
We've had a mild summer here but Fall is almost here and it is my favorite season.......College Football starts Saturday, Yea!
Thank you, Joyce for continuing with the Hodge.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY....Tuesday, August 27, 2013, 8:35 am

Outside my window...It is 71 degrees F, 20 C, and sunny.....Squirrels are scampering, there's a Red Bellied Woodpecker and a Blue Jay on the feeder........the red honey suckle, the Mandevilla and the Butterfly Bush are all blooming........the Hummingbird feeder is about empty (the little guys have really been feeding a lot lately).......grass is green........Its a beautiful morning!

I am thinking...Life is good today.....

I am thankful...the AC is working: had the repair guy here yesterday to add more refrigerant, seems we have a leak, he'll be back bright and early tomorrow morning to check out the inside unit, it may have to be replaced......I'm thankful we have money for repairs like this...........and for fresh produce from the garden.......

From the kitchen...Stuffed Peppers, Okra, Peas, Tomatoes, and Cornbread for dinner

I am wearing...Pink and white pajamas......I've brushed my teeth and creamed my face in prep for dressing for the day but wanted to get a post done before I finish

I am creating...nothing much recently

I am going...to a workshop later today

One year ago today...or August 21, the weather was about the same....we were going to have roast beef with veggies for dinner....I was working on a cross stitch project and reading 11/23/63.....we were getting Okra and Strawberries from the garden...had just planted lettuce and Spinach......I was looking forward to Fall, Football and vacation.....my son wasn't deployed

I am wondering...if I could have my coffee on the porch without the mosquitoes biting me......I hate having to put on repellent every time I go outside

These days I'm reading...Summer House by Nancy Thayer

I am praying...for those on my prayer list....my children and grandchildren.....Honey Bear and my friends

I remember when...we had a Fox Hunter's Convention in Penitentary Hollow on Labor Day with music, games, food and fun

I am looking forward to...the start of college football this Saturday

A verse for today..Luke 10: But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Are you a Martha or a Mary?

Discovering that....Time is getting away from me and I need to finish dressing before I continue

I am hearing...the ceiling fan

Around the house...all is quiet...bed is made...floor vacuumed...Smokey is asleep in his bed

A favorite quote for today.....How do you spell love? asked Piglet. You don't spell it, said Pooh, you feel it!...

One of my favorite things...Happiness and Peace

A few plans for the rest of the week: workshop this morning.....then nothing planned outside the home this week

From the garden......Okra, Peas, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes.....and eggs (Pauline began to lay eggs last week)

From my photo file....

Monday Quiz About Me

1. Yesterday (August 25th) was Kiss and Make Up Day... when was the last time you had to kiss and make up?
Honey Bear and I haven't had a major blow out in a very long time....we argued recently and since any dissension unsettles me, I asked if we were alright and he said certainly.....
2. Are you doing anything special for Labour Day weekend?
Thinking about grilling and maybe having our Daughter and her children over but nothing is really planned yet.........Honey Bear will work on the Monday so it will be just another day.
3. If you could go back to school, what would you major in?
I went to Nursing school and got my LPN license........If I was younger and more motivated, I might go back and get my RN.......One thing I really would like to do is take art lessons but I don't know if I'll do that or not.
4. How much rain did you have this summer?
We have had around 50 inches since the beginning of 2013......While the average is around 58 for the entire year, we could end up with rainfall in the 70's for this year. We haven't measured it here, at our house on a regular basis but in early July, it rained 7 inches in one day. A good bit of this 50+  has fallen during the summer months. We certainly haven't had a dry summer as is usually the case....they are predicting a bad year for cotton but our garden, for the most part, has loved the rain.

Visit Heather and Wayne for more answers and to play along.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for......

......temperatures in the 70s with low humidity

...cloudy skies

.......gasoline for my car

........milk for my coffee

.......fresh Okra, cut up and ready to fry

...good books to read

......blooms on the Butterfly Bush and the Mandevilla

.....Hummingbirds and Butterflies

.....baby birds

.....mine and Honey Bear's health

.....time to spend with some of my grandchildren

......safety for my son

......the love and companionship of Honey Bear

......a sweet daughter

.....friends

What are you thankful for today........

Zig Zagging Through the Hodge Podge

1. My daughter earned her Master's Degree this past weekend...what's something you've 'mastered' in recent weeks or months?
I recently did some decoupage for the first time

2. What song most reminds you of your childhood?
All I Have to Do is Dream and Bird Dog by the Everly Brothers......I remember hearing them on the radio in the kitchen when I was 8 years old or so.

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? 
I think that some groups should still be gender exclusive

4. What's your favorite spice? Your favorite dish containing your favorite spice?
Cinnamon        I like Cinnamon rolls and Cinnamon toast


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'? 
The pattern doesn't really appeal to me

6.  What's something you disliked as a child, but can fully appreciate now?
I guess I'd have to say Football as a spectator......I can remember my Daddy and other men watching the games on Thanksgiving but I didn't really start being interested until high school and set out to learn all the lingo and order of the game after I married so I could watch and enjoy with Honey Bear.....we mostly just watch SEC games or college games and I know rules are different at the Professional level......my brother played in high school and his being 8 years younger than me and my getting married so young, we traveled to many of his games even though we lived almost 100 miles away at the time.

7. What can irritate you very quickly?
I don't really get irritated quickly about anything
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
School starts Monday and so I've been trying to spend some time with the two "grands" here this week. Yesterday, the Princess and I went to the movies and tomorrow Wonder Boy and I are going out for lunch......I had a hair appointment today and lunch with my friend, Rene.........so I've not had a lot of time to blog........
The humidity is low and this afternoon it was only 81 degrees so it felt like Spring outside......the low tonight is supposed to be 59....this is very unusual as August is our hottest month as a rule.....I'm happy about it because it means a lower utility bill and also it is pleasant to sit outside........
We finally got around to having fried green tomatoes for dinner tonight....they were yummy.

Thanks, Joyce for hosting Hodge Podge each week. It is always a surprise to see what questions you come up with.

Meet Me on Monday

1. What is your favorite 'G Rated' activity that you like to share with your SO or BFF?
We have lunch after our appointments at the hair salon and sit and talk until the restaurant closes at 2:00 (BFF)

2. Do you buy summer clothes at the end of season clearance sales?
Sometimes if the price is right and I need to replenish what I already have......I wear tops with 3/4 sleeves all year so anytime I find them on sale, I try to buy them. I bought one for $8 at Khol's last week.

3. August 13th is national left-handers day.  How many left handed people do you know?
My Honey Bear, one of my grandchildren, my nephew, my sister-in-law....and some that aren't with us any longer.....no one in my family but several on my husband's side.

4. When you go swimming do you: a) jump into the pool; b) gently move into the pool; or c) dive in?
Since I can't swim, this question is moot....but when I get into a pool in the shallow end, I gently move in and then hold my breath to duck myself in order to adjust quickly to the temperature. I can float on a 'noodle' and I will go in up to my chest.

Thank, Heather for your questions each week and for hosting.

Green Day & Saturday Scribbles

Anybody know what this plant is....it has come up voluntarily

and is very invasive.....I think it is pretty, though.

Sorry I didn't post the last couple of days and haven't been

by to visit most of you....I'm going to try and

catch up with you this weekend....

We've had a heat wave the last

few days as far as heat index goes

We had Happy Hour on the deck with two fans going and

of course the citronella torches to keep

the mosquitoes at bay.

I discovered a new baby fish in the pond

and the Hummingbirds are very active....fun to 

watch them battling over the feeder and

the dominant one perched on a limb of the Maple
Tree guarding the food.....

Hope you have a great weekend...I'm

feeling better and plan to attend worship tomorrow.

Blessings,

Mama Bear

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Outside my window...It was raining yesterday morning and I wasn't much in the mood to blog.........the sun is shining right now and I see red blooms on the Mandevilla, purple blooms on the Butterfly Bush and Fuchsia blooms on my neighbor's Crepe Myrtle........Mama and Papa Blue Jay are feeding at least three offspring...there's a Cardinal and a Purple Finch on the feeder and a Squirrel and a Dove on the ground underneath......It's 76 degrees

I am thinking...how nice it has been to spend the last few days at home.....last week, I had outside commitments every day except one

I am thankful...for Honey Bear and his job......our health........enough money to ease our retirement.......for family and friends...........answered prayers

From the kitchen...there are still leftovers in the fridge and a peach cobbler......Wednesday night is our night to dine out...............dishwasher needs unloading and reloading

I am wearing...Mickey Mouse pajamas

I am creating...............finished this bag

 pockets

 lining

I've been decoupaging a recipe board and working on a Christmas ornament.....I made a Father's Day card

I am going...to stay home today until time for dinner

One year ago today...leaves on our Maple Tree were beginning to change color, I think because it had been such a dry summer..........we were getting Butter Beans, Squash, and Okra from the garden........I was working on the Front Porch Swing cross stitch and binding my Sampler quilt...........I was reading Broken Chords and These is My Words................wondering why car insurance had gone up (this year it is Homeowners)...............my son was home with his family (not deployed)......I was looking forward to a day with Daughter and Granddaughter.......

I am wondering...if my Daughter and her children will be home from Florida today and if they had a good time...........if I can spend at least one day with the Princess and Wonder Boy before school begins on the 19th..................if I should do a few household chores first or just go straight to the studio..........why auto and homeowners insurance as well as tags & taxes are all due this month

These days I'm reading...The Lost Wife

I am praying...for Logan.......Rene's Mother.......Gail's husband whose sister passed away............for travel mercies for Ashley and her family, also for my Daughter driving home..........for my children............for Honey Bear............

I remember when...my sister and I used to go together to register the children for school.....then shop for their supplies...........then go to the courthouse and renew our tags all in the same day.............

I am looking forward to...Fall and Football

From the garden...Tomatoes, Okra, Squash, Cucumbers....and Blackberries

A verse for today...Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Discovering that....I go to bed earlier and get up earlier in the morning than I once did

I am hearing...the garbage truck in the distance............and a lawn mower

Around the house...bed to make.............laundry to do............dishes to load and unload.........and the studio calls me to come create

Song that stays on my Mind...

A favorite quote for today...“Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.” 
― Elvis Presley

One of my favorite things...listening to music on playlist.com

A few plans for the rest of the week: tomorrow: buy car tags, shop for a few groceries: milk, bread, tomorrow night: Club meeting

From my photo file....

progress on the garden shed so far....

Frog photo from last August

Join the August Daybook Community at The Simple Woman