Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Goodbye to 2014

Glowing glass photo especially for Sandra. :-)
This is a stained glass that my sister made. I love it.


Many thanks to Joyce for giving us this Hodgepodge platform every week, for 203 weeks!  There will not be a Hodgepodge next week, but when the Hodgepodge returns, how about joining us. Joyce writes the questions; we write the answers. Copy the questions into your own post, write your answers, then link up at 'From This Side of the Pond,' Joyce's blog. We'd love to have you join us!


1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.

That would be having the family together and playing games. Can't think of a single moment, but lots of moments together.

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?

The assassination of JFK.  And of course, we'll never know the whole story, but I think things would have been better now in this country, had he lived.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

A couple years ago I painted our library that color. Of course, back then it was called, 'Peppered Red.' 

A lonely exercise bike now sits where that brown chair is.
I've neglected it all throughout the Christmas season.


And of course the living room is not 'beige' and 'green,' but 'biscotti' and 'blue sage.'  In another year or so the names on that will change too, just to make us think we're getting something new and exciting, but making it nearly impossible to find more of the same color for touch-ups or to repaint.

 Suzan needs to give my living room a makeover!
The coziness is great for the winter, but when summer comes...


4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.

I want to meet both, and I fully expect that I will some day.  When I meet Mr. C.'s ancestors, I will ask them what possessed them to move from central England to Wisconsin. I will ask my ancestors why they moved from Sweden and Denmark to Wisconsin. (Not that I don't love Wisconsin.) I will ask my great grandchildren if their parents told them how wonderful and sassy their great grandma was. LOL


Ancestor, looking bored
I think she's my father's grandmother.
My dad obviously got his sense of humor from the other side of the family.

 My mom and dad, both now with the Lord


5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?

Research. Don't do the physical therapy they tell you to do after hip replacement. Let your body heal for 6 weeks first, rather than doing the band and steps exercises starting at 2 weeks.

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014? 

The lawn mower. It makes Mr. C. (and grandsons) happy. 



7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?

Traveling with our daughter and son in law. 

Our last trip with them, 2007

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am wondering how long my little blind and deaf dog will put up with freezing cold weather and walking across the ice and snow outdoors. Even now sometimes, she wants to lie down, rather than return to the house. She would freeze to death, of course. I hope this is not a bad winter.

Note:  I should have added this in the original post - that Misty never sets foot outside the house, winter or summer, without being accompanied by Mr. Cranberry or me. She also is always on lead when outdoors, because it seems like the lead is a sort of security for her. She is more confident to step out when someone is 'holding her hand,' so to speak.

In the days when Misty loved going on adventures, 
even in the blinding snow - 2005


Misty hating the snow and cold - 2013

Will you be staying up to usher in the new year?  Any parties for you? I would be more likely to consider it if I weren't awake by 4:30 AM each morning!  We'll see what happens. Maybe I'll celebrate with the Londoners.  Have a wonderful New Year's Day, friends.


***

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56 comments:

Vee said...

"Celebrate with the Londoners"...hahahahaha! If there's any celebrating, that's when I'll be doing it, too. One of the joys of having Pilgrim ancestors (Separatists) is that I know why they booted it out of England...twice! John is Swedish. His grandparents came to the United States because of what they considered greater opportunity here and a general decline there. When they returned for a visit in the 1970s, they felt as if their choice had been vindicated because of morality issues and taxes and government. There was a Swedish community in this state, which is how they landed here. They did finish out their lives in California.

Oh there is nothing much more pressing than having a beloved pet who is not doing well, My sister and I just experienced that scene at the vet's on Monday. Sigh.

Your home is so charming, warm, and cozy for a Minnesota winter. I am turning my Christmas tree into a winter tree for January and February, perhaps March, too!

Happy 2015!

TexWisGirl said...

i like the lawnmower, too. :) do stay warm and keep your sweet old pup safe. happy 2015 to you all!

Michelle said...

Hi, Judy!

I don't think I will be staying up tonight, but we shall see.
After reading other newsworthy moments I see my mind thought in a different direction.
I'm now beginning to think of several things I could have said. I don't know why, but I was also reminded of when I was in grade school and having to get under our desks for a tornado, or bomb, drill. They no longer have bomb drills, and they sit out in the hall with their heads down for tornado drills.

Seeing your picture is making me want to pull out my photo book and look at my ancestors. I don't know why but none of them are smiling either.

Happy New Year!!

Cranberry Morning said...

I might be wrong on this, but I think there are a couple reasons why we don't see grins on the faces of our ancestors. One, because life was hard. Two, because they had to sit very still for a longer time for that photograph, which is much easier to do in a relaxed state.

MadSnapper said...

sweet Misty looks so cold.. brrrr... we just celebrated New Years this morning at 8 am at the therapist office, the front desk said the fireworks are going off in Australia right now.. so i was up for theirs, will be asleep for ours.the only ancestor i want to meet again is my granddaddy, my mothers mother. i loved him so much and he died when i was 9...

MadSnapper said...

OOPS forgot to say thanks for my stained glass.. can we see the hole thing? i love the colors

podso said...

And another reason for stern photos is because they had bad teeth or were missing a lot, so smiles would not be pretty.Oh the questions we will ask--if we still are curious when we get to heaven. I wish I had asked more when my parents and grand parents were around. I love your library. Is that a little nap alcove near the brown chair? That would add to the coziness of an already cozy house!

Linda Kay said...

Judy, loved your responses to the hodge podge questions. Your home looks absolutely great! Bless poor Misty, hope she get through the winter okay. I'm sure her old bones will look forward to spring. Happy 2015!

retired not tired said...

We are dancing in the New Year! Wishing you a healthy, happy new year!

Kim said...

I loved reading the answers to all the questions. I found myself answering along with you! Lots to ponder for sure!! Tonight, we will be making the rounds in a progressive dinner! I hope you enjoy the evening and Happy New Year! :)

Arlene G said...

Judy, loved reading your hodgepodge..especially the question about ancestors and descendents. I would answer just as you did! Why did my family leave England and Ireland to come to America? As for ringing in the New Year...all the firecrackers that people shoot off for New Years usually rouses me from my sound sleep!lol Happy New Year!

Nancy said...

Love all the photos!

No celebrations here; it's going to be too cold to be out and about!

Suzan said...

Love your picture of your Dad's Great Grandmother! And of course the stone/rock ruins!!! AND the one with the grandkids in the tractor!!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love the beautiful colors of the glass! And what a beautiful library you have...if you move that chair back in! Happy New year my friend! (not sure if we'll stay up...we'll see) Hugs!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

The bored ancestor part just cracked me up : ) Have a happy new year :)

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Hi Judy, Enjoyed catching up with you as you wind up the old year. Look forward to blogging with you in 2015.

Happy New Year filled with many blessings....

Brenda
xox

Eileen H said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. I expect we are about eight hours ahead of you here in the UK although I haven't checked for sure. I probably won't be awake at midnight so I'll see you in the morning!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I bought the new LOGO game this year and we enjoyed playing it! Enjoyed reading your answers. Happy New Year!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love your library, Judy! And that is what I'll be doing this New Year's eve...reading a good (I hope it's good!) book.
Happy New Year to you and yours!

Linda said...

Beautiful photos. Happy 2015. :)

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so sorry about Misty, I did not know that. Her pictures are really wonderful, especially the one of her walking away. LOVE the riding mower picture and the beautiful faces. Your rooms are just divine, Looking both classy yet lived in and inviting! I hate it when the paint stores change the names of paint! You can never find your color and have to jump through hoops to get more. YES, I would say J.F.K. for me, too. Where were you when it happened?

Zoanna said...

"Ancestor, looking bored" made me laugh out loud.I have a lot of questions I would ask some of my ancestors, too, starting with, "What was the big attraction to KANSAS?" Miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. (To their credit, those "miles" mean farm and food--kind of important!

I love your take on the Pantone colors changing names but remaining almost the same. Changing just enough to make it hard to repaint. haha

Primitive Stars said...

Always enjoy my visits with you. Love the pictures, sweet old pup. Happy New Year, Francine.

Lynne said...

Please keep an eye on the doggie . . . I would be heart broken if he froze . . . I need a new mower . . . do you recommend the Snapper?
Happy New Year . . .!

Debby Ray said...

These were really some good answers, Judy. I have often thought I would get onto the hodge podge bandwagon...so far I have just enjoyed others...we'll see what happens in 2015. The photos of your home do look so warm and cozy. I can definitely see myself all curled up watching Downton Abbey in there :) May you have a peaceful and blessed 2015!

Cranberry Morning said...

Oh yes, Misty only goes out on lead these days. Otherwise she would simply wander until she froze to death. She has doggie Alzheimer's and is confused most of the time. Poor girl.

Susie said...

Judy, I am wishing you and your family the best new year ever,. I know your dog makes you anxious...bless her heart and yours. I too am wishing for a mild winter. xoxo,Susie

Cathy said...

Our plans are to stay home and relax tonight. Right now I think I'll stay up to usher in the New Year, but as the night goes on, who knows?

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Hey- those new zero turn lawnmowers are SUPER! If I were to ever meet my ancestors I would have so many questions I would probably scare them all to death with my enthusiasm. Blessings and Happy New Year!

Terri D said...

We never go out on NY Eve. Never. We will go to Mass at 6:00, then come home for a dinner of Philly cheese steaks, potato salad and slaw. It's what Joe said he wanted, and is fine with me. We will eat good tomorrow, with company here to help.

Cranberry Morning said...

Sorry, forgot to address the Snapper issue. YES, it is amazing. Cuts the mowing time in half.:-)

Cranberry Morning said...

Mr. Jostad's history class.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

An interesting post answering questions and so true about colours being renamed and changed ever so slightly so that touch ups don't match. (been there done that)
My dog will be 12 next year but has never been able to endure the cold for long. Many times on our walks I have to carry him part way because his feet are cold.
Happy New Year Judy.

camp and cottage living said...

Enjoyed your post. Judy!
Your home looks so warm and charming. Poor Misty, it's hard to see the decline of a beloved pet...
Hope you have a Happy New Year.

L. D. said...

Enjoyed your post. I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Chatty Crone said...

Love your photos and family pic.
Happy New Year.

Eugenie said...

A Happy New Year to you and yours, Judy! Please keep an eye on Misty; it is painful to think that she may get lost and freeze. I know you are a very good owner though and know everything better than I; it is just that I am deeply touched by her photos and your words about her.

Theresa said...

So long to 2014 and welcome 2015! Have a blessed day and Happy and Healthy New Year ahead! HUGS!

This N That said...

Happy New Year Judy !!Great post!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Happy New Year!!!

I love seeing this year go. Isn't that awful? I am so glad 2015 is here.

I also enjoyed reading your answers. That is so true about colors. Everything old is new again. I love how they try to repackage things. I just hope that traditional decor will make a comeback because I love Country English and a jumble of things. This mid century modern stuff is as boring as it was when it was popular back then. Fortunately, my parents didn't follow trends, they set them, with me anyhow! ;-)

Happy New Year, my friend. I hope you are feeling better in 2015 and that your sweet pup is not plagued by cold.

Love to you and yours,

Sheila :-)

Life SPW said...

I enjoyed reading your blog this morning. I wish you a nd your entire family a very Happy New Year full of God's blessings.

Debbie Harris said...

I enjoy reading your Hodge podge answers, Judy.
I would love to met my ancestors on my mothers side as nearly all of them died young. I was blessed to have had ten years with my dear granny before she passed away.
Your Misty is precious, and I love that someone always walks with her. :-)
Now that stained glass your sister made is awesome! Vibrant!!
Many blessings to you and your loved ones in this New Year ahead of us.

Joy to you!
Debbie

Anonymous said...

The stained glass is pretty. I like your warm colors, I'd think that warm, cozy feel would be a necessity in Wisconsin. You actually have summer up there? ;) It's hard to watch our beloved pet's health declining.

A Colorful World said...

This was an amazing post! I loved everything. (Except for poor little Misty's troubles). It made me want to join in to the hodgepodge and maybe I will next week. The questions were just so good this week! Hope you have a wonderful new year!

A Colorful World said...

Just re-read that hodgepodge won't be back till the 7th...

Buttercup said...

So enjoyed your post. I am most looking forward to a trip to Japan -- long looked forward to -- in April. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Cheryl said...

The ages of your pets is a great testament to your loving care for them. That warms my heart.

A blessed New Year to you and your family!

Bethany Carson said...

Awesome photo of Mr. C with the grandchildren!

It is interesting the stern expressions so many of our ancestors donned for photos! I think it will be pretty neat when we do get to talk with them and ask a few questions!

Happy 2015!

Anonymous said...

Such fun shots. It was nice getting to know you better.

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

Happy New Year and the soap looks amazing.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Misty *is* adorable (even though it was her misfortune to not be born a cat!). Re #4: I often think of meeting my ancestors and have lots of questions for my maternal grandmother's parents; she was such an interesting person, I want to hear all about her younger years. Your parents look like such warm and kind people.

Bonnie Schulte said...

I enjoy your blog so much, and just have to tell you that I LOVE your library, and the cozy living room. We had a adorable fox terrier for 15 years, that also was deaf and going blind before he died. I know how very sad it it for you with Misty, and how we try to do everything we can, to make them happy and comfortable in their senior years. I too am hoping, that this winter is not going to be as wicked as last year. Happy New Year, and enjoy all of it..
Bonnie, your neighbor kinda, in cold ,white Marshfield, WI

Anonymous said...

Poor Misty! I know how she feels. I'm looking forward to spring too. Happy New Year!

Angie Vik said...

The stained glass is so pretty. Love the vibrant colors. I enjoyed reading your answers to your friend's questions. Hope your holidays were nice and we have lawn mower envy. Blessings on the new year.

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
I am excited to hear about your up coming traveling. :-)

Stay warm...baby it is COLD outside!

Empty Nester said...

You are such a kind, loving pet owner. Your sweet pets are so blessed. I love that lawnmower picture- such happiness! I chose ancestors. I just love history and anything to do with ancestors. There are some interesting characters in my family history. Many even some lunacy. Ha!

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