Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Hodgepodging the Five Year Old Mind


Red Dahlia, October 4



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1. It's October so let's get this out there first thing...have you jumped on the all-things-pumpkin bandwagon? How so?

No, although I do have both pumpkins and squash in the garden, which I will probably have to bring indoors in another week or so.

Mr. C. recently bought a loaf of very sweet and moist pecan pumpkin bread somewhere. I took a bite. It was dangerously delicious. So I sliced it up, put the slices in individual baggies, and stored them in the freezer. I don't need that stuff sitting on the counter staring at me. Mr. C. will be able to pull a baggie out and take it in his lunch. I tend not to steal things from the freezer. At least up until now.



2.  "We have more power than will; and it is often by way of excuse to ourselves that we fancy things are impossible." Francois Duc De la Rochefoucauld  

What's something you once thought impossible, but in hindsight see as more a matter of lack of will?

Cleaning off the vegetable garden. It is a horrid job. Horrid. I love planting, I love canning. That's about it.


 Wood violets near the driveway

3. The rose is America's National Flower, but every state also has its own (click here to see the list). Are you happy with yours? If you were in charge what would you declare your state's flower? If you're outside the U.S. what bloom would you like to see labeled as your country's national flower?

Wisconsin's state flower is the wood violet. I'm happy with that. They're a beautiful little flower. I love how they are out so early in the spring - and then I work at pulling them out so they don't take over. I would prefer that they would stay where I want them without my having to constantly remind them.

4. What have you lost interest in recently?

Decorating for fall. Fall is beautiful all around us, so it's a little hard to get too excited about trying to compete with God's handiwork... besides the fact that I tend to be unmotivated about that kind of thing.



5. In your opinion, who's the best living musician?

Hmmm. Well, I think John Williams the composer would be high on my list. John Rutter, composer, conductor, arranger would be also.

6. S'mores-love 'em or no? Ever make them indoors? Last time you sat around an outdoor fire? Are making s'mores and sitting round a fire pit on your autumn bucket list? Do you have an autumn bucket list?

 Grands, at their backyard campfire
sent to me by our son

I hate S'mores. They're way too sweet. Just give me some chocolate (and it needs to be very dark) and you can keep the rest. I do love sitting beside an outdoor fire, but haven't done it yet this year. Good grief! How did this happen? I love campfires!

No autumn bucket list.

7. Your favorite small town? Why?

 Near Hawes (I think)
or it could be Reeth

My favorite small town would be Hawes, North Yorkshire. It's so near so many places I like to visit, near my favorite sheep, near my favorite cheese, and in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. So much to love.

8. Insert your own random thought here.


Photo August 2015
Best friends
Just before a fight

And now they're both five years old.
So here's how the five year old mind works:

The one on the left:  His mom told me that when she mentioned to him that tomorrow was photo day at school, he said excitedly, 'Oh, I'll have to wear something with polka dots!  Oh wait, I don't have anything with polka dots. Hmm. That could present a problem.'  No idea where the polka dot idea came from.


The one on the right:  He was demonstrating to me last weekend, how he catches bees. 'I just catch them by their wings.'  Don't they sting you?? 'No, they just buzz, and then I let them go.'  His dad tells me that it is true. He's caught three bees that way and is convinced, although his family has tried to dissuade him, that bees don't sting -  because he's not yet been stung. Nothing can talk him out it...except, I would imagine, the first bee that stings him. It's only a matter of time.

***

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41 comments:

A Joyful Chaos said...

I love violets too. They're one of my favorite flowers.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Love the pic and stories about your grandsons. Gorgeous pic of the dahlia! Have a great week.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

We have some wild violets that grow naturally in our yard. I love them. I've had some wood violets pop up in my garden and I have had to pull some of them too!

I have a favorite pumpkin recipe and it is full of sugar, but since I am doing a special eating plan, I haven't made it. I am trying to modify it without changing the taste of it so I can enjoy it this fall. We'll see.

I have a 5 year old granddaughter, so your comments from your grandsons made me smile! Mine is 5 going on 25, in her mind!

Deanna

Anonymous said...

I used to go absolutely nuts for decorating this time of year. Since my life is so busy now with work and 3 kids, I just don't have that same drive. It's kind of sad, too.

Debby Ray said...

I'm with you the S'mores, Judy. I can't say that I hate them but I will say I can only tolerate about one bite. The combination of the rich milk chocolate and the marshmallow is just too much richness for me. I do enjoy the fun of making them around the fire...I would rather have a campfire pie cooked in the pie irons any day though (bread filled with pie filling or the savory variety)... and YES...I have cooked the marshmallows over the burner of the stove with my grandboys when the camp fire got rained out :)

Arlene G said...

I admire your will power Judy!! Pumpkin is not my favorite flavor but add some pecans and if it is good and moist, I am in!! My husband has a birthday coming up and he loved Carrot Cake. I can do without that one but a chocolate cake...no will power at all. Love the little grands comments...hope that sweet boy does not get stung!!

Joanne Noragon said...

Ohio's flower is the carnation, I believe. Red, to match the state bird, the cardinal. I don't care for carnations, but I do love the pinks in my garden.
Chinese checkers; what an old game. I still have one in the game drawer.

Linda Kay said...

Judy, the five year old comments are delightful. I could not keep pumpkin bread out on the counter either.

Barbara said...

Your autumn photos are wonderful. You live in such a beautiful part of the country.

The story about catching bees by the wings -- amazing. I wonder what this boy will do for a living in future years? He's a brave one.

MadSnapper said...

I am happy to know there is one other person who doesn't eat smores. i have a sweet tooth but not for these. i have lost interest in everything but reading. blogging is at the top of the list. i am taking a few days off. love the kids at the fire and of course the fire. nice pumpkins to and i would be picking the violets to bring inside

Carla from The River said...

John Williams....me too!! :-))
His music for Schindler's List gives me goose bumps. So much talent and he is doing the music for the new Star Wars movies at age 83!! Awesome!

I love the 5 year old mind. :-))
Carla

NanaDiana said...

GREAT post, Judy. I love these random question ones. I have never heard of a kid catching a bee by it's wings. That is hysterical. Love the little wood violets but we don't have any around here! xo Diana

Susie said...

Judy, I love your photos. The boys and what they said is wonderful. They can squeeze our hearts and make us crazy all at the same time. :):) I love the bee story. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Tired Teacher said...

I grew up playing Chinese Checkers on a similar board: I bet the marbles are stored in the side rails and the top had sliding closures for the rails. I loved playing that game.

Jill said...

Wonderful post! I love all your photos! Have always enjoyed the thoughts of a young child, hence why i love to teach! Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,
Jill

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

A marvellous read adn post. Aren't children great. we generally do not decorate for autumn although they do inchurch at harvest time but I preferr to see the wonderful autmn colour outside as nature presents them.

Cathy said...

Love the five year old's picture and their thoughts. Too cute!

I really like your other pictures too. You always take such beautiful photographs!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I love the comments by the children, Judy! They really do say the "darndest things." Catching bees--oh no! Of course your photo in the Yorkshire Dales makes me swoon. I agree with you about John Williams---he is a genius! Have a beautiful day. ♥

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Great idea in saving the pumpkin rather than being tempted to keep eating it now! Such a pretty state flower. I'm really not ready for the holiday's to arrive. Your favorite small town sounds perfect. That is very interesting about the bee's. Gotta love the polka dot answer!

Bricks & Laurel said...

Those stories about your grandsons are priceless ("that could present a problem")! And I am loving this small town question--with every answer I add another travel destination to the (endless) list of places I'd love to visit.

Terri D said...

Those two young men are SO cute! I haven't played Chinese Checkers in years and years. Wow. How can that be?! I enjoyed your Hodgepodge! So far I've only found two bloggers who actually named a musician for #5! I think I need to make some pumpkin bread. It's time.

Paula said...

Wood violets are beautiful! Love the picture of the boys with Chinese Checkers!!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Beautiful photos, Judy - love the grands! My son used to catch bees and ants when he was that age, too, until he got bit by a carpenter ant one day. We were just talking about that when he came to visit with his new little baby last weekend. Kids are so funny. Oh, to have wood violets taking over my garden! I would love that :) xo Karen

Chatty Crone said...

I just have to tell you as usual - I just love your photos - the flowers are so beautiful. I really like the beautiful one in the header.
Okay if I get Halloween candy too early I eat it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I do like S'mores - and making them is fun - kind of a cool thing to do in the fall.
The fall there is just gorgeous!

Joyce said...

The house we sold had a spectacular view of the woods and I always felt like you about too much decorating. Look out the window! Now this apt is another story although we do look out on woods. I might add a pot of mums to the tiny deck which feels a little bare.

podso said...

Loved that #8, of course. Boys! And your outside autumn decor is the best! Gorgeous photos.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

You have a bee whisperer in the family : )

genie said...

Pictures and stories...they go so well together. The colors are beautiful. Love the serenity shot. I need more of that in my life.

Lorrie said...

Those little ones of yours say the cutest things. I hope your grandson doesn't get stung by a bee. That would be a hard way to learn that lesson.
I'm with you on the smores - just give me the chocolate and no one gets hurt.

Red Rose Alley said...

Judy, these Autumn pictures are so pretty, and I know what you mean about nature.....all the colors of this glorious season makes me smile every day during this time. It is my favorite season. Wisconsin's state flower is pretty. I love that picture with the pumpkins. That reminds me, it's time to get some pumpkins for my front porch.

These are truly wonderful pictures today, Judy.

~Sheri

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I have a patch of violets that like to tiptoe around the yard so I know how they can get out of hand. I made two cranberry pumpkin loaves and was smart enough to give one away but do have a slice of the other every afternoon with my tea. I think I've given my husband a piece - oh well, he doesn't need to remember it's there. :-)
This young man that can catch bees by their wings is very talented and I hope won't take an instant dislike to these important pollinators when he does get stung. And polka dots? Both stories had me chuckling.
Funny how I grew up with milk chocolate and it wasn't until a European friend gave me a piece of dark to try that I found what I really like. I agree, s'mores are just too darn sweet...and sticky.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, I love that wood violet, too. And Michigan and Arkansas have the apple blossom, Florida the orange blossom, New Hampshire the purple lilac, Virginia and North Carolina the dogwood -- I like those best. Like you, I hate s'mores, but you can keep your chocolate, I'll just take the graham crackers (a bit like Britain's digestives).

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

I'm wondering how many of your fellow participants listed Hawes as their favourite town. I'd have a small wager on 'not many'!

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

You pictures were amazing and the dahlia was breathtaking. My grandmother used to have them in her yard and I loved seeing them. The sheep picture you posted me reminded me so much of several I have taken when in Wales or Ireland. You cannot describe how absolutely breathtaking it is to look at...especially with a morning haze.

Debbie said...

My house looks like someone vomited pumpkins!!! The dahlia is gorgeous.....and Chinese checkers, I have not played in years!!

Judy S. said...

You're right about violets. Some years ago, thanks to my WI upbringing, I planted 1 violet, and now they are everywhere! I love John Rutter's music also; our choir sings selections of his fairly often.

Lois said...

A couple of cuties there in that last picture! My two oldest grandkids can be so sweet to each other one minute and the next they act like they are trying to kill each other. Those violets are gorgeous by the way!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful colours!

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm with you about S'mores. Please hand me a square of very dark chocolate. ;))

Cheryl said...

I am extremely impressed by the grandboy who catches bees by the wings...not only the fact that he hasn't been stung, but also the fact that he can do such a thing! He must be quite coordinated...and fast!

Chocolate is definitely the best part of the s'more!!

Happy weekend to you!

Ida said...

Beautiful photos as always. - The story of the 2 grandboys is precious.
Really you don't like S'Mores...that's sad.

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