Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Hodgepodging Fall and Good Fences


 Coming soon to a ditch near you


Join Joyce and the Gang
for
She writes the questions;
we write the answers.
Plug them into your own post
and join in.
Thank you, Joyce!!


Note: Please excuse the poor formatting of this post. I need to have my daughter look to see why I'm having trouble with it on every single post.

1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home? 

I will welcome fall by enjoying every sunrise and eating lunch on the porch as often as possible. 

 Late September Sunrise

I love the scent of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apple - They're always added to my home when I make a batch of Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Stick, or Frosted Apple Spice natural vegan soap! See photo at end of post. (Thanks, Joyce.) ;-)


2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?
I love pumpkin pie, but it always gives me heartburn. I love apple pie too, but really only like those two if they're made the way my mom made them. (I know, picky picky :-) Pumpkin bread with pecans or walnuts rather than apple cake...warm apple cider rather than pumpkin spice latte...are my favorites from the question above.


 Apple Pie Bars
Would not help avoid an afternoon slump. 
In fact, would pretty much ensure one.


3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

An 'afternoon slump' would imply that I have energy and ambition before afternoon, wouldn't it. I actually do have quite a bit of energy and no longer ever have an afternoon slump. It all changed once I made sure I had at least 20 g. of protein with my lunch. Man (or woman) cannot live on carbs alone. It seemed to take me a while (like years) to learn that.

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

I think that women have possibly inspired me to be more creative, but the only relationships that might have helped me become a better person are those that encourage me to focus more on Jesus, to care about others, to live a life of faith, prayer, gratitude.



5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser? 
I like people and like to have fun with people, but I'm not going to compromise what I believe is right, nor will I flatter, just to please someone else. If it has nothing to do with compromise or flattery, both of which seem dishonest, then yes, I think it's wonderful to try to please people, to make people smile, give them a day that's brighter than it might have been, etc. What I see in some people pleasers is the inability to be true to their own convictions. I definitely don't see that as a good thing.


The Carmen Peppers are beautiful this year.
Yea! They're my favorite.

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

The Four Seasons - Vivaldi (change implied).  Other than that, I can think of nothing. I even looked up to see that one site has 107 songs listed that have some variation of the word 'change' in them. I know none of them.
Hey, I just thought of one:  
"The steadfast love of the Lord never changes; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness O Lord, great is thy faithfulness." 
(based on Lamentations 3). And I guess the word in the song is actually 'ceases,' but I'm going to substitute 'changes.'  And actually, His mercies never do cease, nor do they change. What a reassuring truth. God's mercies never come to an end!
 Sumac and fence on Fifth Avenue

7. What do you wish would never change? 
I wish summer and fall would never change to winter.

 I would never tire of this view from our driveway.

November through March
(I'm already tired of this view from our driveway and it hasn't even come yet this year.)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Remember that toe I was whining about last week? Well, I found out yesterday that it is fractured, so now I have a cane *and* a boot. Quite a fashion statement, huh!

And if that grosses you out, here are much cuter toes to look at:

Lucy and Grandpa
2015

***

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Also Linking to Theresa's Good Fences



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Judy

42 comments:

Preppy Empty Nester said...

So sorry about your toe, Judy. I broke my toe years ago and it was the worst pain I've ever been in! Love that pink September sky photo. I agree with your answer about the seasons changing into winter. Have a great week.

MadSnapper said...

Your photos today are absolutely gorgeous I love them. No wonder your toe is hurting very fashionable boots. I do suffer from afternoon slump and it's nothing to do with what I do it's always been that way I could not learn anything in the afternoons after 1 o'clock I stop learning I was that way in school and I'm still that way. I used to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning to study because what I studied at night did not stick in my brain I am an early person and when you get up at 4 o'clock by 1 o'clock you had in your whole day

eileeninmd said...

Hello, gorgeous scenery and photos. The fall colors and the sunrise are just beautiful. So sorry about your toe, I hope you recover quickly. I feel groggy in the afternoon only because I do not sleep well at night. I need a nap! Have a happy day!

Suzanne McClendon said...

I don't think that it is anything that you're doing wrong. Blogger has been acting weird for at least a week now. If you look in the html section when you're writing a post, there is all sorts of gobbledy-gook that didn't use to be there...at least that is how it is on mine. It was all I could do this morning to get my Not-So-Wordless Wednesday post to look anything like I wanted to. Blogger kept putting extra coding in there. I have no clue how to make it stop happening.

I'm sorry that you broke your toe. That is no fun at all! What a sweet picture of Lucy and her grandpa.

I love your last picture especially. Snow is an extreme rarity here on the Texas Gulf Coast. That is a beautiful church steeple photo, too. :)

I hope your foot will be fine very soon. Have a blessed day!

Loris Glassworks said...

Your photos are always so beautiful, I love the fall sunrise photo. If it were somehow possible I would keep Fall all year long. I just love the cool weather and everything Halloween. Have a great week.
Cheers!
Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Carla from The River said...

Oh my goodness that fashion statement ... at least you have cute painted toes ... sending extra GET WELL hugs.
I liked how you answered the people pleaser question ... well stated.
Have a great week.
Carla

Theresa said...

Oh, your poor toe! I love the verse you shared, praise God His mercies are new every morning. Your view is gorgeous and I would love eating lunch on your porch :) Have a great rest of the week.

Ruth Kelly said...

Love your fall colors and that cute picture of grandpa tickling the youngster. May your toe heal quickly!

Empty Nester said...

Marcy, who answers best when I call her, Lula Mae (LOL)and I were just listening to Vivaldi's Four Seasons this morning. I play classical music in the nursery for the most part. I know your winters are harsh but if winter never comes again, I'll be so sad. I'm like you with wanting things the way your mom made them. Except for me, it's my grandmother. She was quite the cook. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tired Teacher said...

Gorgeous photos!

I've learned adding more protein for breakfast and lunch makes for a better day.

Take care of your toe! Is it the same leg as your recent hip surgery?

21 Wits said...

Yes indeed it will be here sooner than we think! Good luck with your toe! I always enjoy catching up with your stories and fun family photos!

Terri D said...

Oh gosh, sorry about that toe!! You have just started moving around again and go and break your toe!! As always, I love your photos and that view from your driveway is pretty (even with the snow). I could never live back "up north" with ice and snow again. I'm so spoiled here. It was another enlightening Hodgepodge!!

Christine said...

Hi Judy! Happy Fall! The views from your porch this time of year are pretty awesome and i love the fifth Ave. fence!
Also very much appreciate you turning us to 'the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning!'
James 1 : 17

Wendy said...

Well I'm glad you got the toe checked out and can now protect it while it heals. Your photos are beautiful but I wouldn't want to be looking at that snow for 4 months either. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Chatty Crone said...

You know I always have to come see your photos! I love the first one the late September sunrise. I am sorry you just get your hip done and now your foot and toe. I would love to sit on the porch with you and have all those pumpkin smells and bread! It would be fun talking to you!

TexWisGirl said...

well, dang on the added boot! love the sumacian views. and the apple pie bars look divine!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I agree with Tex....dang! Love the good fences with some pretty Fall colors! Hugs!

Cindy said...

Such beautiful views from your driveway!

Anonymous said...

Judy, love all your fall colors! So far I've seen some brown dry leaves on the ground but there is nothing but green on the trees. Those apple pie bars - Yum! Do you have a recipe for them? I think I love apple pie more than pumpkin pie. It seems I only make pumpkin pie on my husband's birthday (his favorite!), Thanksgiving, and maybe Christmas. I think that I will celebrate tomorrow by making pumpkin muffins. :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your toe! May you have a speedy recovery with that.
As always, your photos are just breath taking!
Kathy (Reflections)

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi! So sorry to hear about your toe and your boot! Hope you have a speedy recovery. On the bright side, it isn't snow season quite yet - so no slush or flakes in your boot to worry about! Love your gorgeous photos and some really great fall thoughts. Such a lovely time of year. Jane

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I'm glad there was an explanation as to why only one toe had polish on it. lol - Hope your toe heals quickly.
We have a lot of sumac lining our country roads and it's so pretty in its fall coat. I just read recently that the farmers' almanac is calling for lots of snow this winter, wonder how accurate they are? Usually bang on, aren't they?

Tammy Enjoy Life said...

Wishing you a speedy 'toe' recovery. Love this time of year for watching the sunrise and sunset.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hope the toe is on the mend soon. Love the view ffrom your driveway and the grogeous autumn colours

Joyce said...

My favorite verse! So sorry about your fractured toe...hope you're on the mend soon. We had gorgeous sunrises from our front porch in NJ. Here in the apt we get beautiful sunsets. And I will enjoy both on the lake! Have a great day!

Lynne said...

Loved your photos, hodgepodge reflecting but I must say . . .
this one short sentence
and the photo above it
made my michigan day and wisconsin heart . . .
I'm still smiling . . .

Coming soon to a ditch near you

Boot and cane, quite a statement . . .
Hope you feel like "kicking something" soon!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, sorry about the toe! I'm heading off now to check out those apple pie bars sure to cause an afternoon slump!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, no wonder the apple pie bars would ensure an afternoon slump -- TWO cups of sugar?! I'd probably use half that. But, as you said, the crusts for round pies are definitely easier to handle.

Cranberry Morning said...

I think that's my aunt's recipe. She was a good Norwegian who always made life sweeter. Way sweeter.

Lea said...

Autumn is my favorite time of the year!
Pretty fence with the Sumac beside it.

Lowcarb team member said...

Sorry to hear about your toe - hope it heals quickly.
Love all your photo's, Autumn is a fabulous season

All the best Jan

Vee said...

Wonderful photos! You know, Judy, that boot is not bad looking and I certainly hope it keeps you from reinjuring the toe. That's about all they can do. I have taped a few toes in my life...often wring them around a chair leg or something...that's what I get for running about the house in my bare feet. Haven't learned my lesson yet.

I am feeling the need for apple pie or pumpkin bread. Perhaps when it cools down this weekend.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

So fun getting to know you here....

Summer said...

Those apple pie bars look so tempting! Nice learning about you ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

podso said...

Finally getting to read this winsome piece. Sorry your toe is the real deal. Oh my. What a view you have--I'd take the first one year round too. But maybe we wouldn't appreciate it so much if we didn't have comparisons. I enjoyed all your answers today and hope you have a wonderful fall weekend.

Cheryl said...

Oh, no! The toe is broken! I suppose you'll be hobbling a little bit longer...

My answer for question #2: Yes! (I love fall foods, sweet or otherwise!)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Lunch on the porch sounds lovely. That is great advice on the protein. I have to try that! That is a good wish to always have summer and fall. Sorry about your toe!

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Fabulous shots, CM, esp that one with the mist that you'll never get tired of - I can understand that. Really sorry to hear about your toe!! Mrs B is having an op on her foot soon - nowhere near as drastic as the stuff you've been through though. Take care, all...

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Oh my, but that snow picture makes me really treasure the days ahead before we are covered in white and my whining begins!
Thanks for sharing about your Carmen Peppers. I just did a little research on them, and I think we will try them next year. They sound really good!
Hope your toe heals soon :)

Ida said...

Your fence with the sumac is so pretty. I so agree about "skipping" winter! Oh my your poor toe, you've had it rough for sure.

cloches and lavender said...

Judy catching up and I love the post for many reasons. That sky and the mountains which looked like fog or mist was gorgeous.

Seeing your granddaughter getting her toes tickled was priceless.

Cindy

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with #7, and I think you have cute toes, too. :D

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