Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Wednesday Hodgepodge


This is the first time I've ever joined Joyce From This Side of the Pond and the weekly meme, 'Wednesday Hodgepodge.'  I've always enjoyed reading the contributions to Hodgepodge, and this time, just for fun, I thought I'd join in. Thank you Joyce!




1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?

Getting a hip replacement. It's not exactly something one can forget. I'm on week 8 now and walking without a cane. Just saw the surgeon who asked me why I was limping. I told him it was because he cut my leg off! (Duh!) But it is getting better and he gave me another exercise to do to strengthen those particular muscles. All's going great!

2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???

I don't think there are many household chores I've never done, but I'm never the one who cleans and bleaches the shower. My husband has a lower tolerance to filth than I do, so he does a great job regularly keeping germs at bay. My tolerance isn't extreme, mind you, but certainly enough to wait it out.:-)  I sure hope he doesn't read this.

3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?

Nature is what we're given, and of course it sets our personalities. Still, what we do with those God-given personalities is up to us. We are called to follow God and build godly character through practicing making good choices, in order for them eventually to become 'second nature.' One pet peeve of mine is hearing people say, 'That's just the way I am.'  Well, yes, that may be true, but that doesn't mean it's the way we must remain, nor is it an excuse to do so.

4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?

I loved banana and cherry popsicles when I was a kid. Every Sunday night after church (in the hot summertime) my friends and I would walk the couple blocks to the A&W root beer stand and go up to the screened window to order popsicles. I remember hearing the bugs frying on those bug killer things they had hanging from the eaves.  Anyway, I haven't had a popsicle for years, and it would probably put me in a coma on the couch within 20 minutes, but just thinking about it makes me long for that wonderful sweet icy treat. I loved it when the frost was just starting to go out of it and it became a little softer. The worst part about the popsicle was when part of it would break off and fall into the dirt. At least if it had fallen into the grass, I could have brushed the grass off.

5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?

I definitely treasure my sense of sight the most. I can't get over the beauty that God so generously has shared with us. The amazing sunrises, sunsets, blue skies, clouds, snowstorms (yes, they're annoying at times but still beautiful), the green of the alfalfa field, the beautiful creatures (cats, dogs, German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels, Poodles, etc. Did I say 'dogs'?  What is more beautiful than a German Shepherd face and those penetrating, melting eyes. I just saw a huge male shepherd today that reminded me so much of Bridger, my sweet German Shepherd who died last year. I'm so eager to get a GSD puppy! Yes, I tend to digress. And even the deer in my yard are beautiful to look at as they chow down on my sweet little McIntosh apple tree (which I now have to replace this spring.)



I love seeing the spines of books in my library. I love the sunlight on our barn in the early mornings.



I love seeing the color of vegetables from my garden. I love seeing the photos of my grandchildren.

I miss that sweet little grandson face.
The older one is sweet too, and I'm glad I get to see it daily.


I would definitely miss the wonderful sense of sight the most. And when you think about it, what extraordinary design is the human eye, and what an amazing gift from our Creator.


6. What's the best music, theatre, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?

Probably the most memorable was attending a performance of the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, in Mexico City. It was a spectacular event, so full of color and sound and precision. I want to say that it filled up my senses, but that dredges up a disturbing image of John Denver in his wire-rimmed glasses, singing... BUT, the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico was beautiful and memorable! I would love to see it again.

Oh, but wait! Maybe it would be choral evensong at Westminster Abbey or the choir at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February.


So go, snow. No mo.

 Not that it isn't beautiful, but I'm ready to share it with someone else.


8. Insert my own random thought:


So here it is, the month of February isn't even over and we're already out of Downton Abbey. How did this happen so fast? We don't get Season Five until next January - unless we cheat, and watch it in September with the Brits. Which, of course, I fully intend to do. I'm not waiting any longer than absolutely necessary. Downton Abbey is like audio/visual comfort food. I never tire of it.  I do get tired of Thomas's never-ending attempts to get Branson into trouble with the Crawleys, but I love the whole upstairs/downstairs theme. As long as Julian Fellowes remains the writer,  I'll want to be watching future episodes of Downton Abbey. I'm even starting to like Edith. A bit. A very little bit.


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26 comments:

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Cute post, Judy! Great questions. I sure wish Greg had a lower tolerance for filth! There's plenty of it here that I would gladly share with him. What does he do instead? Cleans off the trailer outside or his storage unit.

April said...

Do you know that I never watched one episode of Downton Abbey? I feel like I've missed out.

Trace4J said...

How fun to learn so much more about you friend.
Im sorry they chopped off your leg.lol
And your able to walk with a cane.
I too love banana popsicles.
Oh the Downton. SO sad its done for season already. I too am liking Edith more.
I just love Mrs. Patmore.
But oh my romantic heart just gushed when Mrs. Hugh's & Mr.Carson held hands walking in water.
I think it was my fav part of the whole season.
Woolie Blessings to you Friend

Joyce said...

Well look who's in the Hodgepodge today! : ) Glad you joined in! I almost said Royal Albert Hall for my venue as it is spectacular, but in the end went with Italy because the trip itself was so much fun. My hubs also cleans the shower. Very similar there...I could have writtten that sentence too-ha!

NanaDiana said...

I read every word of your random thoughts post and loved it! You have a lot of depth in your answers and we are alike on several levels.

How are you able to watch Downton Abbey in September? Is there a channel that runs it-or is there a DVD offered of it? I LOVED the closing scene this year.

Glad you are walking despite the fact they cut off your leg. xo Diana

Theresa said...

Nice to "meet" you. I enjoyed reading your answers. I will go take a look at your soaps. They sound wonderful.

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, loved your warm and cozy post, so comforting. Beautiful pictures too, Blessings Francine.

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, I am one of the few who has never seen DA. I need to catch up with all of you!
I love reading about your childhood memories of popsicles. Banana was my fav!
What lovely photos you have shared today.
Wishing you a blessed day and continued healing with your hip.

MadSnapper said...

I am with you on the eyesight. my mom went blind 2 years before she died, and that is the thing i treasure most of all.
i am starting a new diet, i can eat only what is on a stick... woo hoo
hope the snow goes

Debbie said...

Soo glad you joined in and gave me a chance to visit you. I see we have much in common! So funny you should say that about Edith as I had some very similar thoughts about her for the first time. Soo sad it's over, lol. I envy you having your hip replacement behind you. I need to do BOTH of my knees and have been dragging my foot (almost literally, lol)Glad your doing well!

Vee said...

Made me laugh! Did it make the doctor laugh? Ahhh, yes, how shall we get on without Downton Abbey?

Debby Ray said...

What a fun post and great getting to know you better! I'm so glad I am not the only who doesn't bleach the shower regularly...lol! Many things in common here...Downton lover, eyesight is precious to me after thinking I was going blind due to premature cataracts removed last year and I am thinking shish-ka-bob would be my favorite thing on a stick!

Unknown said...

Oh I loved reading this Judy !!!
( and I'm p'd off that Downton is over - it's not long enough - can't they just be on every Sunday for the rest of my life?
XOXO

TexWisGirl said...

loved your message to february. :) we're getting one more freeze tonight in texas, too.

food on a stick - has to be caramel apple AND fletcher's corny dog, both of which i get at the state fair when i go.

Rebecca Jo said...

Poor Edith. She really had a role this season, didn't she.
Thomas... ugh!!! He gets on my nerves so badly. I love how he loves Sybil's little girl though :)

Your pictures are beautiful. Exactly why I said I didn't want to lose my sight also.

Ruth Kelly said...

I enjoyed reading about your life and especially the pop cycle sticks on Sundays.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for joining the Hodgepodge, and for visiting my blog, 'Reflections by Kathy'.
You had some great answers, and I love your blog header, as well!

I'm a Downton Abbey fan, as well. I'll hate having to wait so long to watch the next season!

Carla from The River said...

I enjoyed this post Judy. Thank you for sharing. :-)

bj said...

What a delightful post. I loved your answers....
I've never watched Downton Abbey...not sure we even get it.
hugs, bj

Denise said...

Enjoyed your answers.

Terri D said...

I was so disappointed when Downton ended the season last Sunday. Maybe I can figure out how to watch it in September, too. Share you secret, please!! I took a "test" on Facebook this week, to see which Downton character I am most like. I got Bates! Isn't that a hoot!?!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Having your leg cut off does not sound fun. Glad that you are improving. I really enjoyed this post! I treasure my sight also. I love Downton and was so sad that it was the finale last Sunday. Although it ended wonderfully!
hugs,
Jann

Chatty Crone said...

Have you had enough snow - teehee. You know I still have a limp - what is the exercise they gave you? I am shorter on my right then my left so I imagine there is not a lot i can do. But you go girl I am so proud of you.

Chatty Crone said...

Have you had enough snow - teehee. You know I still have a limp - what is the exercise they gave you? I am shorter on my right then my left so I imagine there is not a lot i can do. But you go girl I am so proud of you.

Donna said...

Funny and honest answers! Your photos are divine, especially the one of the grandson. Your comments about sight are really bittersweet for me. I am so glad that you don't take that gift for granted.

Rosita Vargas said...

Me gusta esta gran familia me gustan todos los animales los adoro y la vida en el campo,bellìsimo blog,abrazos.

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