Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Winter in Hodgepodge, Wisconsin


Maple seeds, winter

Fence west of Anderson's


Finches at the feeder
It took them about a week to find it.

AND NOW...

Join Joyce and the Gang
for


She writes the questions;
we write the answers.
Plug them into your own blog
and join in!

1. Share a winter memory from your childhood.

I remember Mom taking this photo just
after unhitching the team of dinosaurs from our sleigh.


Snowbanks were huge, and that's not just because I was little. They were huge, a lot like the snowbanks of March, 2014. We spent a lot of time playing on the snowbanks, carving out houses, thrones, plates and bowls of snow. Wisconsin children had rosy cheeks.

Snowbanks near our house, March of 2014

Snow caves, January 2011

I realize that bloggers from the east coast are reeling from the huge, devastating storm of the weekend.  I heard one guy on the news say, 'We got all of winter at one time.' It will be no quick and easy task to dig out from all that snow.

2. What was on your blog this time last year? (Besides the Hodgepodge of course!) If you weren't blogging, what in the world were you doing with all that free time?

I looked back through my files and find that my blog is pretty much the same then as now: Barns, Fences, Grandkids, Snow, Churches, Quotations from favorite authors, Odds and Ends. I don't have as many recipe posts these days. That's probably because I've already posted nearly everything I know how to make.  I've been blogging for over six years! For a look back at the 28th of January last year, it was:

A Heart-melting Hodgepodge.

 From January 28, 2015 blog post
Waiting for Dad

3. Ellen Goodman is quoted as saying, 'We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.' 

Do you see more flaws or more potential in your life at the start of a new year? Have you done anything specific this month to address either one? Does the new year truly begin for you on January 1, or is there some other month of the year that feels like a fresh start and new beginning?

I guess I'm not as philosophical as Ellen. But in regard to when the new year begins, in Wisconsin, it feels like the new year begins on April 1. From December 26 through March 31, we're mostly waiting... April is full of expectation, the snow is usually gone, kids are once again playing baseball, and May with all its glorious greenness is just around the corner.

Grandsons visiting us in April of 2013

I take it all back. I just ran across the photo (above), taken in April of 2013. So let's make that May 1. We did get a blizzard in May of 2013, but that was an odd year.

 Deer in the alfalfa field,
May 5, 2013

4. Who's an athlete you admire or respect and why?

The amount of time I'm spending trying to even think of any athlete is an indication, I guess, that I'm not big into athletics. When I was younger, I could have told you the batting averages of all the important baseball players, but that was back when we had the Milwaukee Braves and I was also a fan of the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. Today it seems much more about money and politics and scandal.

 No cream, thank you.

5. Do you like cream in your coffee? Whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? Cream cheese on a bagel? Sour cream on a baked potato? Cream of wheat for breakfast? Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream? Of all the creamy foods mentioned, which one sounds most appealing to you right this very minute?

I used to use cream in my coffee, but haven't for about four years. I have a friend who said that she simply stopped using it [and surprisingly, the earth did not stop turning]. So I decided to try that too. Cold turkey. I've survived. I only add a wee bit of cream if the coffee is bitter, but I try to avoid bitter coffee.  Of all the above-listed items, I would probably choose cream cheese on a toasted onion bagel, but I haven't had one of those for a long, long time, probably not since we lived in Pennsylvania where they really knew how to make bagels.

 Bagels, made by our SIL who also knows how to make bagels!

6. Where were you last kept waiting for 'hours on end'? Or for what felt like hours on end? How well did you cope?

I don't even remember the last time, but it would have been B.K. (Before Kindle.) I do remember the rare times that I forgot to take a book along and ended up waiting for you-know-who for what DID seem like hours. I would read everything, anything, I could get my hands on, like any bit of paper that happened to be in the glove compartment or in the side pockets of the vehicle or the labels on the inside of my gloves, or ANYTHING at all!  Now I take my Kindle and have so many options. I love it. If the grid ever goes down, I will miss my Kindle the most (well, maybe after running water.)


7. Believe it or not, when next week's Hodgepodge rolls around it will be February. Huh?!? Bid adieu here to January in seven words or less.

January: Kinder than usual. Such a relief!

January's also been filled with grandkids, which has been wonderful!

 Two weeks ago, his older brother spent the week with us.
This week, littlest brother is staying with us, and homeschooling.

We met this sweet little five year old and his dad in Hudson, not quite halfway between their home in Minnesota and ours in Wisconsin. As he was riding with us to our house, which was still about another hour and a half away, this was part of the conversation:

G:  'You guys live in the middle of nowhere!'
Grandpa:  'So do you.'
G:  'No, I live in a free country!'

I texted his mom today, warning her that he wants a hedgehog when he returns home. I made the mistake of showing him some YouTube videos of hedgehogs, after reading The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. 


8.  Insert your own random thought here.

There's a lot of random in my life right now, and I don't know where to begin. I think I'll put in another photo I took recently.

Taken on that trip to 'the middle of nowhere'


***


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Also linked to:
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Judy

62 comments:

April said...

Quite honestly, Judy...I kind of want a cute little hedgehog, too! How adorable! I can only imagine how much you and your husband are enjoying spending time with your grands. They will remember that the rest of their lives. Your photos are just beautiful, as always!

Maggie said...

Hi Judy! Like you I had a hard time coming up with an athlete, at least one who's living. Yes, the Kindle has made waiting a lot more bearable. It's made my treadmill/exercise bike time vastly more bearable too. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Deb said...

Once again, enjoyed it all. Love the old b&w. You were and still are adorable. lol

Tracy Batchelder said...

A floating hedgehog...I had no idea they could do that! It's so nice that you get to spend one-on-one time with your grandsons. I look forward to visits like that when our grandchildren are old enough to sleep over without their parents. I look forward to spring, too, and we don't even get snow here.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

LOVE that pic of waiting for Daddy! So darn cute! That floating hedgehog is a riot. Enjoy your week, dear Judy!

Joyce said...

Are you on Instagram? You take beautiful photos and would probably enjoy it. Pretty much just lovely photos and no drama. Anyway, there's a poster who has a hedgehog and calls her site 'hedgehographer'. She takes the cutest pics of her hedgehog with funny captions. So glad you had special time with your grandchildren this month. I'm sure that makes winter feel a bit less wintry.

Arlene G said...

I admire all you brave Northerners. It takes a special breed to live in a cold and dreary climate. My late father in law was from Minnesota but moved to Savannah Ga when he married my MIL and he said he would never be able to return to MN to live as his blood had thinned.:) The stories he would tell us about growing up in MN in the 1920s were so interesting, and foreign to us Southerners. I hate to tell you but our temps will be in the 60s on Saturday!! Yippee!! Of course, lots of people come South and wonder how we deal with the heat and humidity. Believe me, I wonder how we lived here before Air Conditioning but I did as a child. I am like you in the grands department...they just make life grand. I will be taking Elliott home today and it sure will be quiet here once he is gone. And Books...I have a Kindle but I still prefer a book and I always keep one at hand in case i get stuck waiting somewhere. And I hope your little grandson gets that hedgehog.:)

A Joyful Chaos said...

Those homemade bagels look delish!

TexWisGirl said...

loved the comment from your grand. :) i still take a bit of milk in my coffee. loved the snow photos. we had a huge snow fort in our wisconsin farmyard when i was a kid. well, snow cave was a better description as you said.

Barbara said...

Great sense of humor, Judy, with "unhitching the team of dinosaurs from our sleigh" Love it!

Also enjoyed the Hedgehog video. I know nothing about these little creatures. Very cute!

MadSnapper said...

I love hedgehogs and had no idea they can float like that. tee hee on someone wanting one.
i am with you on missing the kindle the most, and maybe even before water.. mine is a reader so no internet browsing on it. i hope to some day get a tablet before to old to learn how to use it. love the waiting for dad picture and all that snow looks great from here.

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
You are right on! Wisconsin January 2016 has been wonderful!!
I do think we need more snow. ;-)

I love the photos today.
Have fun with your grandson.
Carla

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

What fun to study Beatrix Potter with your grandson! xoxo Su

Debbie said...

Good morning! Oh I remember that photo from last year. I loved it then, and I love it now...soo sweet! Such glorious snow pictures.

Debby Ray said...

Beautiful photos... especially the one of those two little toe-heads peeping out the window...you have the cutest grands! Growing up in Ohio, we had our share of snow...a lot more it seems than what they get now. Like you, I fondly remember huge snow drift along the back of the house and we would dig caves out of them. I was telling this story yesterday to Cheryl, I think. We lined them with newspaper and they were so warm and cozy! Well...maybe not THAT warm but they sure were cozy! We also played Fox & Geese in the vacant lot next to the house....ever play that game in the snow?

CraveCute said...

Wonderful post! It brings back memories for me since I grew up in the country... esp. those snow caves, remember playing in those for hours and then mom would have hot cocoa for us... Love your photos, we still don't have much snow here in the Minneapolis area...

Pamela Gordon said...

We definitely had way more snow in the 50's to the 70's than we do now and this winter has been very kind to us so far. We usually get an abundance of snow in February though so there is hope. We played outdoors all winter long and skated on the rink day and evening so our cheeks were rosy too. Have fun with your grandson from the middle of nowhere.

Gayle said...

Kids say the darndest things (Art Linkletter)
Great photos; one and all!

Linda Kay said...

Black coffee for me. Thanks for sharing your winter pictures. It's supposed to be 80 on Sunday here in Texas.

Daniela said...

What lovely pictures of your Winter you always share, darling friend, I especially like the shots about your family, I seem to be there with you sharing your fun !
Sending blessings on the remainder of your week,
with love
Dany

Cathy said...

That is quite a lot of snow in those pictures. Hope you love it! Your grandson's comment was so funny.

Have a great day.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Loved the hedgehog video.

Terri D said...

I remember your winter last year. Yikes! Too much snow for me. Love the hedgehog video! So cute - I can almost understand wanting one for a pet. Almost. Yes, my Kindle is always with me these days. My purse has to be big enough to hold it, along with everything else. Fun Hodgepodge!!

podso said...

Always enjoy these. And it does seem your winter has been easier, but maybe the most is yet to come. Darling grands--that would be a highlight to me as well.

Denise said...

such a great post

Primitive Stars said...

Afternoon, love the Header picture... Cute black and white of you, love the deer, well, all your pictures. Enjoy your posts, Blessings Francine.

L. D. said...

It is another great read of your life. My oldest son things my wife and I should move to Wisconsin. He thinks it would be ideal for us. They live in Arlington Heights and he thinks we cold visit each other better. I haven't been in Wisconsin enough to make a decision but I do like seeing your photos. Great blog.

Elizabeth "Libby" Day said...

All that snow! We deep south Hodgepodgers have a hard time relating to that. I do counter the prayers for a late snow when we visit son and fam in northern Indiana for Christmas because I absolutely love it. I would love the opportunity to tire of the lake affect snow off Lake Michigan. Enjoyed my visit with you today as always and that is a cute little 5 year old you have there.

Tammy Enjoy Life said...

We certainly did get our winter all at once. Temps are to be on the up this weekend-so the melting will begin. December and January have taken it easy on us as well.

Susie said...

Judy, You have the best pictures. I love all the grands ...those waiting for daddy are precious. That is a lot of snow. I am glad ours has totally melted. Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie

21 Wits said...

Your photos are always just a joy to see, and your stories are fun as well. The old time photo of you out in winter, (huge snowbank behind you too) and you're hardly dressed for cold weather! Enjoy your week, it was great stopping by!

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Oh how I love these hodgepodges Judy. Not only wonderful photos...but also getting more insight into "you"!! ;)

Blessings dear Gal. xoxo
PS: Onion bagels are a fave by me too!

Chatty Crone said...

It has been a very mild winter here too. Glad it was that way for you too. Hope the rest will be just as nice. Love the two kids waiting for dad and your photos are so real - just love them as usual.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Judy, I love what the little grand had to say about his home! That is hilarious! I do believe a little hedgehog would be a fun pet! Have fun with the grands! We visited our two youngest today as they are still out of school because of our snow. Just lovely to hear what the children say ! xo ♥

maddie/cadesmimi said...

I enjoyed reading your answers today, and those "snow pictures" are awesome!!!

Kathy (from Reflections)

Unknown said...
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Judy S. said...

Sounds like you've had a good January! Enjoyed all your photos! Have a good week, and stay warm!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Love all the photos of the beautiful scenery and grands. Kids say the funniest things! I love all the cream suggestions, but I try to avoid them due to my thighs :) I do make cream of wheat once in a while for the hubs - he loves it. I grew up in New England and remember those tall snowbanks. We made igloos and had some amazing snowball fights behind those banks! I can even remember having to climb out my window with my Dad to help shovel out the walkway to the door! We don't get snow like that here in WA state too often. I miss ice skating on the ponds. Love the photo of the deer. xx Karen

NanaDiana said...

Hi Judy- GREAT photos and, of course, I love all your hodge-podge answers. I had to laugh at your reading anything- I do the same thing. One time I was sitting in the driver's seat and hubby came out and asked what was wrong with the car. I said --nothing-why? He said-well, what are you looking up in the owner's manual then? I started laughing and said- I was just reading it for something to read. He just shook his head. He thinks I am certifiable....lol
Trying to get a few blog visits in tonight while hubby is feeling good. xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

Hi Judy- GREAT photos and, of course, I love all your hodge-podge answers. I had to laugh at your reading anything- I do the same thing. One time I was sitting in the driver's seat and hubby came out and asked what was wrong with the car. I said --nothing-why? He said-well, what are you looking up in the owner's manual then? I started laughing and said- I was just reading it for something to read. He just shook his head. He thinks I am certifiable....lol
Trying to get a few blog visits in tonight while hubby is feeling good. xo Diana

Cheryl said...

My Bekah (14) wants a hedgehog too! I keep reminding her that our resident princess (our cat Pinky) may not like a hedgehog, but that doesn't discourage her. They really are the cutest things though, don't you think? Ahhhh...Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle...

I laughed out loud at your little guy's summation of where everyone lives! I also laughed at your sleigh dinosaurs. :D

I'm glad to hear that January has been kinder to you this year!

Alex said...

So much to say, so little time ~ I'm off to my Dad's this morning. I do enjoy your hodge~podges, (this time a hedge~hog~hodge~podge!)all the geat photos and interesting comments. That much snow in April? Oh dear, that would be a long wait!

Jazzie did not escape my attention, in the banner and snuggled up with a little boy...that is so very (((sweet)))

eileeninmd said...

Hello, wonderful fence scenes. The snow cave is cool, I could do that here easily with all this snow we had. The hedgehog is cute. I lvoe the shot of the little ones waiting for Dad. Your grandson is handsome, it is fun having them visit. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day and the week ahead!

EG CameraGirl said...

I think we really did get more snow back during the time of the dinosaurs but then I lived near the Atlantic Ocean and when they get a storm it's heavy. A hedgehog sounds like a very fine pet. Very cute. ;)

Lynne said...

At the sight of huge snow banks and dug out holes, I was taken back to my youth and winters in Wisconsin.
And then I was transported to winter days of the late seventies . . . remembering, tunnels, wet snowpants, boots
snow houses, sledding hills, rosy cheeks. I think it must be why I love snow and winter . . . My memories flash
me to pictures of activity, creativity, happy days . . . To this day . . . the more snow the better.
As I compare Wiscoonsin to Michigan days . . . Wisconsin gets high marks for COLDEST and Mighigan gets high marks
for the MOST SNOW . . . I enjoy the "look backs."

Vee said...

Yes, well, thanks a lot! Now even I want a hedgehog! That is the CUTEST thing I have ever seen and I had no idea that they could make themselves into a little boat.

Tanya Breese said...

great post and i just loved the little picture of you as a little girl!

GranthamLynn said...

Great post. I felt sorry for the hedgehog I thought he looked cold!
Have a great day.

Theresa said...

Well, your "middle of nowhere" is sure beautiful. Your pictures of nature are so peaceful. I especially love the one with the finches. Have a great rest of the week :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, I rarely really LOL, but I sure did when I read the caption of the photo of your adorable little-girl-self!

Ida said...

Fun post.
I love those maple seeds, We call them Whirlybirds or Helicopters.
Man the snow looks deep in those shots. I loved your little girl shot from a past winter. - We use to have lots of snow in the 60's/70's but not so much any more. Everynow & then it dumps on us though. - Today it's rainy (again) but I shall not complain.
I use creamer on 1 cup of coffee in the morning. The rest of the day I drink it black.
Nice fence shot and I really liked the one at the end of the post.

Paula said...

What a wonderful Hodgepodge. Loved all the pictures. I can't imagine giving up the cream in my coffee!!

Amy at love made my home said...

Wonderful wintery moments and memories! xx

Rose said...

I bet you are enjoying the grand...I made the mistake of taking Lorelei to see baby chicks at Rural King...she still wants one! I would miss my kindle, too...just have to say that. But I do enjoy reading your hodgepodge so much.

Lois said...

Love those finches!

Lowcarb team member said...

Oh what a lovely post and so many great photo's to stir the emotions of us all.
Just wonderful, thank you.

All the best Jan

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love the photo of you, so darn cute! I agree, cream cheese on a toasted bagel is yummy. I love that your January was filled with grandchildren. Enjoyed all the photos. Have a blessed weekend.

eileeninmd said...

Good morning, I enjoyed this hodgepodge post and your cute finches. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

Christine said...

Wow! Those were high snowbanks but your grandsons were having fun on their fort!
Lovely shot of the birds at the feeder!
Have a lovely weekend!

Empty Nester said...

Sleigh drawn by dinosaurs...LOL Too funny! So glad you've had time with the grands! I can't wait to spend time with mine! :)

carol l mckenna said...

Judy ~ beautiful post and photo of your winter adventures ~ Happy and beautiful people in your shots as well ~ Loving and a treasure!

Happy Weekend to you ~ ^_^

Anonymous said...

Love the weathered wood fence scene. The Goldfinches found you! Had to laugh at dinosaurs pulling the sleigh. :D

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