Friday Letters

 

 

How often can one keep saying how fast time is flying?? Let's just get on with the letters for the week.

 

 

Dear Red Car with two front seat riders: It is important to know the rules of the road before you take off, tearing down a street that is full of construction. If there are two lines of orange cones down a four lane street, you are to stay to the outside of the cones. Right? The sign, where you entered the road, told you to stay right! That doesn't

mean you can drive, like a bat out of hell, down the center of the road. Got that? Lesson over!

 

 

Dear Mr. Police Officer: You know how much I respect you! I have fought many battles for you in the past year, as you have been defiled by the media. But when I see you texting, on your phone, as you are driving down the street, then I have to call you out! The state's ban on text messaging, while driving, took effect in 2011. And that means you, Mr. Police officer! Follow the rules that you enforce. Please!

 

 

Dear Mom (meaning Mother Nature): Make up your mind. Hot! Cool! Rain! Drought! You give us so much rain that the roads flood and cars cannot get through. And then you withhold this blessing while the grass turns yellow and the flowers wilt. We suffer for days with such stringent heat. And then you whisk us into a simple day of coolness before you throw us back into the oven. MAKE UP YOUR MIND! Is that asking too much? Really!

 

 

Dear Darian: It sucks doesn't it? Learning the lessons of becoming an adult? You can't have it both ways. That is not how the world works. You want to be seen as an adult. You want to be treated like an adult. Yet, you want to shirk your duties and play like a child. Not how it goes in the real world. In the real world you have to tend to your responsibilities first. But, there will be rewards for this. I promise! Hang in there.

 

Have a good and happy weekend! 

Nominated!

Who doesn't love being nominated for awards? I know that I love it!! My good blogging friend,

Wendy, from A Day in the Life on the Farm has nominated me for the Liebster Award.

I am very, very honored to receive this award. Thank you so much Wendy! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those who are nominated for this award must also follow a few simple rules.  These are as follows:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you and link to their blog
• Display the Liebster Award badge on your blog.
• Answer 11 questions about yourself.  These are provided by the person who nominated you.
• Share 11 random facts about yourself  if you wish.  This is optional but fun.
• Nominate 5 or more bloggers with less than a thousand followers who you believe deserve this reward.
• Create a new list of 11 questions for your nominees. (I cheated here)
• Notify your nominees.

Now I get to tell you 11 random facts about myself. I have been blogging for a long time. I don't know if there is anything you don't already know. But I'll give it a whirl.

1. I have two favorite (forbidden) snacks: potato chips with sour cream and Lindor Truffles. If I have a bag of either I will eat the whole thing!
2. I have not vacuumed under my bed for more than 3 years. There is a lot of stuff stored under there. I haven't wanted to pull it all out and vacuum. Don't judge!
3. The only shoes I ever wear anymore are Crocs. Again, don't judge me!
4. I keep my beloved husband in a box, inside a red velvet bag, on a shelf in my bedroom. I find that comforting!
5. I have no problem speaking my mind.
6. I have recently got bitten by the Happy Planner craze and I am in love with decorating my personal planner. I have a partner in Harley who is decorating her school planner.
7. I moved my fish aquarium into my NEVER used fireplace opening and I love it!
8. I can type 60+ words a minute with no errors. I went to business college after high school and before going to nursing school. I used to be able to take shorthand at 120 wpm. This is a lost art. No one any longer uses this type of shorthand. Dictation machines took over the world!!
9. One of my most prized possessions is my Library Card. I don't use it much anymore because I own a Nook. But I love the idea of having millions of books at my disposal.
10. I am sewing challenged. I cannot even get a button to stay on for long. And I don't really care if the thread on the machine and the bobbin thread match! Challenged, I tell you.

Now I am supposed to answer Wendy's 11 questions:

 

1.What inspired you to start a blog?
 
I am not really sure what inspired me to start blogging. I was surfing the internet one day and came across "Blogger" and thought that would be a fun way to chronicle my life.


2.How did you come up with the name for your blog? 

A funny story. And, I, in no way mean to be disrespectful to anyone. But my blog was originally called "Paula's Place". I had directed a couple of friends to find me by 'Googling' Paula's Place. Many of them ended up on a lovely blog, which was not mine, but the blog of a transgender lady named Paula Goodwin! After a bit of ribbing about this blog I changed the name of mine to it's current name. Because what I mostly blog about is smidgens, snippets, and bits of my life.  

 
3.What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your blog? 

My biggest challenge is trying not to offend people. I am not always successful with that. I believe though that this is my blog and I should be allowed to have my own opinions. I do not mind, at all, when people respectfully disagree with me. But I do not tolerate snarkiness unless I have invited it!! Know what I mean? 

4.What is the best and worst meal you have ever made? 

Oh gosh! I have probably had more worst meals than I care to remember. Maybe that is why I don't really remember any of them. Shortly after Richard had his stroke, and lost his filter, we were eating a casserole I had made. I asked him if he liked it. He replied, "yes, it's really good, but let's not have it again." That evoked big laughs from all of us.
As for my best meals....there are several favorites of my family. Shepherd's Pie is one! Cream Cheese Crockpot chicken is another. I can put on a very nice Thanksgiving feast. And I have learned to create a good omelet. Which we often have for dinner.  

5.Where do you find the inspiration for your posts? 

The inspirations of most of my posts come from my family. I write about our lives and I keep it real!! 

6.What do you do when you try a new recipe and it doesn't work out?  

If I try a new recipe and it isn't any good, I make sure to make note of that somewhere so I won't repeat that mistake. And usually we laugh about it. 

7.What regional food do you enjoy cooking the most? 

Without a doubt we have Mexican food more than any other region.
 
8.What 3 words describe you best? 

The three words that I think best describe me are: honest, loyal, bitchy!! Now it's okay if I say that about myself. 
 
9.When you dine at a restaurant do you order something you would like to make or an old favorite?

Never, do I order something that I would like to make. I always order my favorites. Depending on the type of restaurant we are at I like steak and seafood (most especially lobster) neither of which I cook at home.

10.When you have a bad day what normally makes you feel better?  

Hugs, hugs, hugs. Or someone who says something funny to lighten my mood. I have had many bad days lately and a hug will always save me.
 
11.Other than blogging, what is your favorite hobby?

Probably my biggest hobby is reading. I love to read. I didn't read as much while I was taking care of Richard but I have gotten back into it. I also like my plants and flowers.

Now I am supposed to nominate 5 new bloggers for this award. I am going to pick 5, but if any of you want to participate, then I nominate you as well. Just left me know so I can come and read all your wonderful answers.

1. Myra at Respice, Prospice. If you don't know Myra you absoluetlly must check out her blog. She is a hoot!! Always lifts me up!

2. Gram at Goodnightgram's Blog. I just love this lady. We have so much in common!

3. Betty from A Bench with a View. Betty has had my back through thick and thin. She is a great blogger. She reads and leaves a comment on every single thing I write. Love her!

4. Ellie, my very good Canadian friend at Honeysuckle Hollow. Ellie is another one of my blogging 'besties.' We have to keep each other together! Right, Ellie?

5. Liz from Laws of Gravity. Liz is from Southern California and is a substitute teacher. She also is a knitter. Her blog posts about her students amaze me and amuse me. I love her writings.

Now I am not going to be offended at anyone who does not wish to participate. I know some do not accept awards for one reason or another. But I want to find out more about you. And I know all of your other readers would as well.

And since I am extrememly lazy and know that this post is going to be already very long, I am not going to come up with new questions. You can answer the same ones I answered. Because I am dying to know what you would have to say.

Congratulations to all bloggers! You all deserve to be awarded.

And now I would like to thank my mother, father, and God.......okay, I am getting the signal that my time on stage is done.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I read over the prompts yesterday on From This Side of the Pond and decided I wasn't going to respond this week. But I couldn't get them out of my mind. So, here I am, late in the afternoon doing Wednesday Hodgepodge. Won't you join me?

 1.  I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

I am not good at facing my fears. I would much rather stew about those kinds of things. Well, not really, but that is what I usually end up doing. I have a lot of fears! But, don't we all? The one that comes easiest to me would be the working to live and not living to work. I loved my career as a nurse. But I am just as glad that part of my life has ended. I am okay with just staying home and taking care of my home and my grandchildren. (The two that live with me).


 2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

I would probably spend it at a fast-food place. Or the grocery store!


 3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet...which 'trip' have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

I have no problems going on guilt trips. I am usually always on one. Last night I stayed up late watching Chopped on the Food Channel. Led to quite a few trips to the kitchen. Which in turn leads to guilt!


 4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

I would learn how to ice-skate if I could master any physical skill. I have always told my family, if I believed in reincarnation, I am coming back as a figure skater! I can picture myself gracefully jumping and twirling and dancing across the ice. I have to squint really hard sometimes!!


 5. As July draws to a close, let's take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you...been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book?  Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

I used to love to swim. For years we had an above ground pool in the backyard. Now we don't. I haven't swam at all this summer. I have eaten ice cream cones (and licked the drips off the side of the waffle cone) and corn on the cob this summer. Yum! I haven't seen a summer blockbuster in many, many years. We just don't go to the movies! I am not, and never have been, a camper. So that's not going on my summer bucket list. Ever! Since Richard died I haven't taken a single road trip. My car does not have a working A/C so I don't think I'll be doing that this summer. Maybe in the fall! I have done a bit of reading. I read all year round. So what is on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?


 6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What's your question?

I am interested in several issues:

1. What are your thoughts on gun control? How are we going to keep guns out of the hands of mentally unstable people? Would you support the idea of mental health checks every year for all gun owners?

2. What are you thoughts on reforming the welfare system? How can we offer people help without giving them a lifestyle?

3. When are we going to bring ALL of our troops home?


 7. What's your most listened to song so far this summer?

Easy peasy! Blake Shelton's Sangria. Love it!!




 8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Have you ever watched the A & E Show Intervention? I think most of my faithful readers know that my oldest son is a drug addict. It is a painful condition that ruins families. I don't know why I watch this show but I can't seem to stop. I don't happen to fall into the category of those who believe this is a disease. I believe it is an addiction. Addictions, to me, are like bad habits. You can stop if you really want to. If you put your mind to it! I think rehab can help many. But I think if they go to rehab because it is court-ordered, or to avoid jail, or for any reason other than they really want to stop using then it isn't going to work. Just my thoughts! What are your thoughts on this show?

EENY MEENY

Overview from Barnes and Nobel

The "dark, twisted, thought-provoking" (#1 New York Times bestseller Tami Hoag) international bestseller—first in the new series featuring Detective Helen Grace.Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive.It’s a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn’t spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn’t believe them.Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case—with its seemingly random victims—has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense....


This is a thriller! It is a very twisted plot without a doubt. For the most part I felt the characters were well developed. Not all of them though. And I have seen an episode of Criminal Minds that reminded me much of this book, so therefore I didn't find it too "frightening". I like thrillers. This was a good read. The ending was quite a surprise. I like that in a book.

My Simple Woman's Daybook-July 27th Edition

For Today...

Today is Monday, July 27, 2015. So this is 'good-bye week'. Time to say good-bye to another July. Up into the history books you go! There were good things and bad things happening all over the world in July. Let's focus on the good things. July was a month I had been dreading. As you know it was the month of my "Horrible Anniversary". I have to say that I felt so much apprehension leading up to it. So much sorrow. So much sadness. And now it is behind me. I survived a whole year of "firsts" without the love of my life. And now I am marching forward!!!!

Outside my window...

It's going to be another hot day in Kansas. 95* now at 2 p.m. The sky is blue and the sun is beating down. Very little breeze to be found anywhere. A good day to just stay in the house and type. Or do laundry!

I am thinking...

I am thinking of all the things I want to accomplish before cold weather comes. Yes, I know it is still July. But, for all of us who know how fast this summer has gone, we know  winter will be here in the flash of an eye. I want to touch up paint outdoors, paint my backdoor, clean out the garage (I mean like REALLY clean out the garage). Many of the kinds of things that you can't do when it is freezing outside!

I am thankful...

I am thankful that I live in a state that has a full four seasons. We really do get a taste of everything here in Kansas. The winters are sometimes just too long. And the summers are sometimes just too short. But I am thankful I get to have all four seasons!!

I am feeling...

I am feeling hopeful!

I am currently watching...

I have been watching the new season of Rectify. Are there any fellow watchers out there? This is season 3 (very short seasons too as there are only 6 episodes). The show is on Sundance TV and it is the story of Daniel Holden who was convicted as a teenager of the rape and murder of his teenage girlfriend. He spent 19 years on death row before being exonerated by new DNA evidence. A very good show. The acting is marvelous. This show has received many awards and critical acclaims. I just love it! I just wish the season was longer.

I am going...

Today I am going to catch up with the laundry. Harley brought two suitcases of dirty clothes home from camp. For all those who are interested she loved camp. She suffered through a bit of cell phone drama, some adult workers drama, and some 'coming home' drama. But her youth pastor had nothing but praise for her. He wants her to come back every year and be a camp helper. She was a "hydration specialist" this time. It was her job to make sure all the big orange/blue water coolers stayed full so all the campers would always have fresh water. She also played Monkey ball with all the teens. She is the one on the left in the pink shirt. And the one of her sleeping is on the trip home!

I am wondering...

I am wondering if I will really go to the grocery store today! sometimes I am a master as getting out of things I really need to do. Do you do that as well?

I am reading...

I am reading The Girls From Ames: A Story of Women and A Forty Year Friendship. This book came with high recommendations. So far, I am enjoying it. It is a true story. About women and their friendships. I feel some introspective blog posts coming from this book. Thank you Myra for telling me about it!

 

 

I am learning...

I am currently learning about organization through planning. It is good to have a well organized calendar to keep all of these teen activities straight. And I am having fun doing it in my Happy Planner. I'm also syncing with the wall calendar (so everyone can look) and my Cozi Calendar on my phone. The best phone calendar out there; in my opinion.

I am improving...

I am improving my mind!! Really, I am. By memorizing Bible verses it will help improve brain function. Memorizing is proven to help! I also have an app on my phone called Lumosity which aids in brain training through exercises and games. Try it! Some on pretty fun! Some are down-right hard!!

 

 

In my kitchen...


Monday...Chili dogs, French fries

Tuesday...Breakfast for dinner

Wednesday...Chicken Fried Rice ( I am determined to get this dish made this week)

Thursday...Mac & Cheese & Chicken *Harley

Friday...Baked Tacos

Saturday...Chicken Broccoli Supreme

Sunday...Salisbury Steaks, Mashed taters, Corn Fritters

 

 

 

A favorite quote for today...

How profound! We all need to chew on this for a bit!













 

A peek into what we are drinking...

Working my way through my second cup of French vanilla laced coffee! Then I plan to switch to ice cold water.

One of my favorite things...

This little girl spent the weekend with us! She is Paige's mom's little doggie. Meet Massey!

I am memorizing...

James 1: 26-27 This is the last of our verse.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world

n is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
 

        
What is going on with you this week? I am linking with The Simple Woman's Blog.

               

Typing Options

Typing Mode

Type Everything - Speed

Type Everything - Accuracy (NEW)

Type First Letter of Each Word

Verse Reference

Type It
Don't Type It

Punctuation

Force Me to Type It
Keep Going if I Miss it

More Options

Cancel

Save

 

 

 

****************************

Friday Letters

 

 

 

Hello friends and family! We are gearing up for the weekend. Do you have plans? Harley will come home from camp on Saturday. Whoo who! I missed her. Darian is spending the weekend with a friend before school starts. And Justin and Paige are coming. She is bringing her tiny dog, Massey, with her for the weekend. So we should be jumpin' around here.

 

 

Dear Road Construction People: I understand that roads will eventually need repaired. But is it really necessary to be working on every main artery road at the same time? Trying to get across this town is a nightmare with all the road crews out there. I've often wondered why they can't work at night. Less traffic, lower temperatures. Makes sense to me.

 

Dear Ice Making People: No, I do not have an ice maker in my fridge! And I am so grateful to you for keeping up with the demand. Even when it is partially melted by the time I get home (in my un-air-conditioned car). Our heat indices today read 108*. Now that is hot !  Thank goodness the humidity is only 30%. I'm off to fix me a tall glass of iced peach tea. Anyone else want one?

 

 

Dear Command Hooks: What did we use before you came along? You are so strong. And I love how you hold up over time. Until you don't!  When you quit working the other night (in the middle of the night) and dropped my shoe organizer, on the back of the bathroom door, (it holds shampoo, hair spray, combs, brushes, etc.) it scared the pee-wadding out of me. Good thing I don't pack a gun or that bathroom would be full of bullet holes. Now I am off to hang new ones.

 

 

Have a great weekend! See you Monday for The Simple Woman's Daybook!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Hump day is here! Yesterday was a difficult day for me. But it was made so much better by my family and friends! I cannot thank my blogging friends enough for being with me on this hard anniversary. To read two beautiful tributes please visit my friend Ellie at HoneySuckle Hollow and my friend Gram at Goodnight Gram's Blog. Also, my friend, Wendy, left me a great message on my Facebook page.  All of you mean so much to me. And in My Simple Woman's Daybook post on Monday I mentioned Harley being at camp. I wondered if she would remember what happened a year ago. At 11:30 p.m. last night I received this text. My kiddos are the best!

Now let's get on With Wednesday Hodgepodge and link at From This Side of the Pond.



 1. Is your home air conditioned? If it's not air conditioned, is that by choice? Did you grow up with air conditioning? If not how did you cope with the heat? Share about a time or place you remember as being too hot-the temperature kind of hot, lest anyone be confused.

Thank goodness our home is air conditioned. We are so spoiled! I grew up without A/C and don't remember it being all that horrible. But I think I would now find it unbearable. When I was young I remember my mom would hang wet sheets and then blow a fan through them. This was supposed to cool us down. Can you imagine? Right now my car does not have A/C. I try not to drive in the hottest part of the day. But sometimes we have to!

2. What's something in your life right now that falls under the heading 'up in the air'?

Oh my goodness! I feel like most of my life is "up in the air" right now. I think it is due to this past year of adjusting to life without Richard. It's like I am having to re-learn how to live. I also will admit that I haven't done much towards moving forward. His shirts are still hanging in the laundry room. His glasses are still on the entry table. His shaving supplies are still in the bathroom medicine cabinet. I have plans to change all of that within the next few months! I'm in no hurry.


 3. Your favorite light and airy dessert?

When I worked in the nursing home an Amish lady told me how to make these Lemon Bars. I wasn't quite sure, the first time I made them, they would turn out okay. She insisted it was only the two ingredients. So I tried them! And they were delicious. A good summer treat! Make them and let me know what you think!

You'll Need: 2 Cans Lemon Pie Filling
1 Angel Food Cake Mix

Preheat the oven to 350F

In a mixing bowl pour in the cake mix- there will be 2 separate packages in the mix, the powdered egg whites and the cake flour mixture, use both. Dump them into the bowl and mix them with a fork or whisk. Don't waste your time with an electric mixer on this one, you don't want to over-mix it by any means. Add in both cans of lemon pie filling mix. Mix just until incorporated, but again, don't whip it or it will overflow when you cook it and change the texture and volume of the bars.

Pour into a 9x13 Pan and bake for 26 minutes. Cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. The powdered sugar makes them pretty.

 

 4. When did you last feel like you were 'floating on air'?

I laughed when I read this prompt. I can't remember the last time I felt I was 'floating on air'. It might have had something to do with more than one glass of wine!


 5. Airport, airmail, airtight, airhead...which have you most recently encountered? Explain.

Another prompt that caused me to chuckle.  I last encountered an 'airhead'. I live with her. We tease her about it. She isn't blonde. But we think she might still have some blonde baby roots. (I am not trying to offend any blonde haired people). My granddaughter, Harley, sometimes just can't see things clearly. And sometimes the funniest things come out of her mouth. Like the time she was talking about the band Candyland. What? I haven't heard of that band. She meant Sugarland! We love the girl!!!


 6.  Have you ever been to the Alps? If so where did you go? If not, is this a destination on your must-see list? If you were headed that direction this summer, which of the following would be your preferred activity...a gentle walk, a serious walk, a bike ride, a boat ride around one of the lakes, or summer snow skiing?

I have never been to the Alps. I have never had a desire to go to the Alps. And if I ever find myself in the Alps then a gentle walk is all I have in mind!!


 7. What is one saying or phrase that was considered 'cool' when you were growing up?

When I was a teen we used to call police officers 'the heat'. Once when my cousin was home on leave from the Navy we were all out dragging main street one night. My cousin was driving. Someone said, "Look out! The heats on." My cousin started fiddling with the dials on the car's heater saying "No it's not" We teens howled at how 'dumb' he was!! But he was a 'cool cat' (another phrase) and didn't get mad at us.




 8. Insert your own random thought here.

I saw this on Facebook last night! There is so much to chew on here. Do you have these three kinds of people in your life?
I can think of names right off the top of my head. I am doing to CHOSE to concentrate on those who fit into #1. What will you do?