Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Hodgepodging the Snowless Terrain


 Mr. C. and grandsons (staying with us this week)
On our afternoon walk
Another nature lesson
Note that serious walking stick

 Viewing our neighbor's mysterious,
gated property



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1. Speaking of April 15th...what's the most 'taxing' thing you've done recently?

Just thinking about tagging 2000 photos is taxing enough. I've just barely managed to tag the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. I've got to get serious about this project and get the images edited and tagged. Then again, who wants to be sitting indoors when we have such beautiful weather, 69 degrees and sunny (my absolute favorite!).

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?


Mr. C. and I took a taxi from Milton Keynes, north of London, out to a little village called 'Cranfield,' so we could see the churchyard where some of his ancestors are buried. The family records show the names of several knights and lords in his ancestry from the time the church was built, in the 1200s. Unfortunately, such noble blood doesn't get us free airfare.
St. Peter and St. Paul, Cranfield


None of those cheap, plastic flowers for Mr. C.'s ancestors, please

3. What's something you can do today that you couldn't do a year ago?

I can view snowless land in every direction from the top of our hill. And believe me, I do appreciate it!


The grandson, off to the top of the hill

Surveying his domain
 
April 13, 2015 view from the hilltop
Foreground:
The alfalfa field, which will be green next month.

April 2014
Cornfield, south of the house

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home? Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight...a chicken salad sandwich, your mom's fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel's chicken n' dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or 'hold the chicken, I'm a vegetarian'...?

 50 minutes at 400 degrees
Baked Red Potatoes, Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Brussels Sprouts with Onions, Almonds,
and a Sprinkle of Balsamic Vinegar

None of the above. I do like roast chicken, but I usually bake it and make it myself. Restaurant chicken? Never. Too much can go wrong. Too many ingredients, too much poison. I won't pay for the headache-inducing solution they put into chicken.

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

I loved Huckleberry Hound and Yogi Bear, and can still sing the theme songs from all the Saturday morning cartoons, should anyone ask. Surprisingly, no one ever has. I also loved Fury, the story of a boy and his horse. My favorite character was the horse. Of course. But actually, which ones do I remember? I remember all of them, and most of the theme songs. What else did I have to do? Ride horse, build forts, swim in the creek, pull bloodsuckers off my legs, and dust the furniture. Life was easy.

6. What was the last piece of 'art' you made?


I'm thinking of simply giving in and relegating my latest attempt at 'Lillie's Little Sweater' to the 'accidental art' category, - as long as I keep it in that beautiful wood knitting bowl. I've ripped out the hood twice, and this time I completely finished the hood and it looks terrific - with one minor problem. There are more stitches on one side of middle than there are on the other. I think I need a professional consultation before I start knitting the body of the sweater. It would be tragic if little granddaughter put the hood up on her sweater and it eclipsed one of her beautiful blue eyes. That would not be good.

On the other hand, she doesn't seem to be too picky about what she's wearing on her head these days:



She's going through a hat phase.


7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

Nothing frustrates me about the Internet, unless maybe it's the spam that manages to get through, despite my high filter settings. I don't have a personal Facebook page, well, not that I use, so I don't have all the issues that go along with Facebook.  I do have Google as my homepage and I love how much stuff I can learn with a simple quick Google search. It's wonderful.

Now ask me if I get frustrated with Etsy for continually changing their format.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.




We've been having wonderful weather this week, the week the grandsons are with us. It's been perfect for long nature discovery walks, basketball, playing on the porch, etc. (We now have two blackboards on the front porch to avoid the otherwise inevitable.)

Mr. C. teaching the grandsons about soil erosion

***

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51 comments:

lulu said...

LOVE this post! Your "camera eye" always amazes me! Enjoy those grands this week!
Blessings!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

I remember the horse, Fury!! That little Lillie belongs on the cover of a magazine! What a doll. The chicken recipe looks delish. Enjoy your week and your snowless landscape!!

Joyce said...

That is quite the walking stick : ) We've warmed up some, but still so many gray days. It appears to be sunny today, so I plan to get out and enjoy it.

A Joyful Chaos said...

Your grand daughters choice of head gear made me smile. What a fun age!

eileeninmd said...

Good Morning, your grandchildren are all so cute.. And that is a huge walking stick.. Love the one with the underwear hat..adorable.. It must be a real treat to have them visiting for a week! I prefer baked chicken too! Enjoy your day and the grands!

Unknown said...

First, the kids! Just swoon. They are so sweet and cute.

Second, family history. We did a lot of research on my husband's side and wow! We found out about royalty, marrying U.S. President's close family, rebellion which lead to having a hand in the beginnings of a major religion, etc. I would love to travel the road of the family history we have discovered all the way back to the beginnings of the family many hundreds of years ago.

Pamela Gordon said...

Great post Judy. I love that Mr. C's ancestors have some history. Nice to see all the snow gone there. (ours is disappearing quickly) I also remember those Saturday morning cartoons and can still sing some of the theme songs (Bugs Bunny Show). Enjoy your day. Blessings. Pam

Unknown said...

You have a beautiful view, and I agree with you about that snow! Good luck with the sweater, but like you said, I doubt she'll notice a slight stitching error :)

Farin

Terri D said...

I forgot about Fury! I like that one, too! Great photos, and those big blue eyes are beautiful! Love her "hat"!! LOL I enjoyed your Hodgepodge today, Judy!

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

I loved this post, Judy! So many beautiful photos. You know what's funny? I can't remember what I did a week ago, but I, too, can sing you all the theme songs from when I was little. I've really got a lot of useless information stuck in my brain! Sometimes when I'm all alone, I break out in song, just to see if I still remember all the words. Scary, isn't it?!

NanaDiana said...

Love your random thoughts, Judy. I agree, I am glad to see no snow this time of year. I loved those same programs when I was a kid- Fury and My Friend Flicka was another one.
Love the underwear on the head. Isn't she a little young to be a "party girl"? lol
Hope you have a wonderful WI day! xo Diana

Linda Kay said...

Judy, looks like you and the kiddos were having a great time out on your hike. And I love the little Cranfield village you visited...that fence is very strange with the stones standing on end.

Arlene G said...

Love that pretty church and cemetery...isn't it wonderful to research your roots? I have put aside my genealogy research for a while but I intend to take it up again. By the way, my Tankersley family is from Yorkshire and I would love to visit that part of England.

Diane said...

"Snowless" has such a nice ring to it. I agree on your Etsy comment. Great pics!

Theresa said...

Your grandchildren are so cute! Looks like they are having a blast with you. I enjoyed your photos and seeing all the land around you.

MadSnapper said...

love love love the next to the last photo of trees against that sky. WOW what a view and what a sky. gorgeous photo. I really like ALL your family shots, they tell a story of family and happiness.
one taxi ride in 1983 in Rome GA and it is not something i want to remember.
i can not think of one thing i can do now that i could not do a year ago.
not a chicken lover but like chic fi la or fried chicken if i have to eat it but only the breast.
the internet doesn't frustrate me but my computer sure does ... it and its hiccups

MadSnapper said...

forgot to say Google Chrome frustrates me a LOT

collettakay said...

That "hat" is hilarious! I have to say my kids have done the same thing. lol

I hope you can stop by:

http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2015/04/hodgepodge-41515.html

Colletta

Joanne Noragon said...

The grandson with with rolled up jeans! A trip back to my childhood, my brothers and the thrift of all the mothers of sons in the neighborhood. Insurance the boy will not out grow the jeans before he wears them thin.

TexWisGirl said...

love the blue skies, puffy clouds and snowless fields! hooray!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I always enjoyed Yogi Bear. Enjoyed all of your wonderful photos.

Carla from The River said...

LOL - Atticus liked to wear underwear on his head too. ;-) Do not tell him I shared that with you.

I love your chicken recipe. Yummy, I will have to try it.

Enjoy this beautiful week of lovely weather in Wisconsin.
Carla

Carla from The River said...

Sam wants to say ~ he loves Brussels Sprouts :-))

September Violets said...

Just love that shot of the fantastic 'hat'!! Kids are such sillies ;) My son always had a walking stick for his walks with his grandparents too, a sweet little tradition. The skies in your photos are just gorgeous! Enjoy this weather & the grandkids! Wendy

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your sky pictures are beautiful! And your grandson is so funny with that walking stick. It must be twice as tall as he is! that stone fence is so unusual, the way the top is. I have never seen one like it. Your chicken and potatoes look wonderful! We eat chicken a lot! I do not eat beef or pork (on doctor's orders) so all we eat is fish and chicken! Lillie is adorable!

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Love the cemetery pictures! Yey for no snow! We were very excited to spot little bitty leaves on the trees this weekend.

Debby Ray said...

Oh yes...miss those days of Saturday morning TV shows...it started out with Mighty Mouse cartoons..."Here I come to save the day!...That means that Mighty Mouse is on his way!"...lol! On our line up, it may have been "The Little Rascals" reruns, "Sky King" and then "Fury" (not sure about the order) but they stopped right about lunchtime. And then we never missed Lawrence Welk every Saturday night at 7 PM. Fun days, fun memories! :)

Barbara said...

Your pictures are just wonderful, and how good that the snow is gone?!!! We expect rain-mixed-with-snow tomorrow. But we need the moisture, too.

Your granddaughter is a little doll!

L. D. said...

You share such wonderful things. I like seeing all that is out there in your neck of the woods.

Mama Hen said...

That dish makes me want brussel sprouts now. Mmmmmmm! Today was beautiful here and I am loving the snowless grass. It was a long winter. Little Chick would love where you live. It is so beautiful! Have a great day!

Mama Hen

Love Bears All Things said...

That is a beautiful sky...enjoyed dropping by for a visit.
Mama Bear

Unknown said...

I enjoyed reading your post today. The grandson's walking stick and the granddaughter's hat...both good for a chuckle!

Love your photos. I'm hoping to see more of your images from England.

21 Wits said...

Did you know that snowless is my new favorite word ever! It is. Thanks for such a fun post, and great captures. Enjoy your day.

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

Judy, you're too cute! Oh boy, is that ever a walking stick? And that undie hat, too cute!! Having chicken fajitas tonight. Love chicken pretty much anyway. Hmm, can't remember the last time I took a taxi. Been years for sure. Sounds fun! Enjoy those cute grands!
hugs,
Jann

Susie said...

Judy, As usual I love your pictures. The g.sons with their grandfather...adorable. I hope they remember one day something they heard him say that day. Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie

April said...

Every time I see your photos, I just "Ooh" and "Ahh"...so pretty, Judy! What a great eye you have!

Michelle said...

How wonderful to see those grandsons out walking the land. Always did that with my kids when they were younger and now the do it on their own. And, everyone needs a serious walking stick :)

Cheryl said...

What is it about boys/men and walking sticks? The boys in my life also seem to take one/find one when going for a walk in the woods.

It looks like your husband and grandsons are having a fine time working and learning and enjoying the out of doors! What a blessing to be having such fine weather for this week!

vivian said...

great post! so much to take in, Im not sure what to comment on! lol! fun to read about you though. lovely pictures. It looks like you have beautiful property.
loved huckleberry hound and quickdraw mcgraw! (was that his name?)
have a great day!
xoxo
vivian

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed your uplifting post! I'm glad spring has found it's way to you, in earnest, and it sounds like you're making some great memories with those grandsons!

Vee said...

This fun and easy way of learning makes me happy. For some crazy reason or not so crazy reason, grandparents can teach grands more easily than their parents. The easier way of saying that is that grands listen more to their grandparents...usually. Fun to see those naked fields...fun to learn that your husband has such illustrious ancestors and that you were able to find their resting places. The 1200s is a very long time ago! Your chicken meal looks delicious! Hope that you give your project a bit of time each day and thereby get it accomplished without too much time at the computer. Have fun and don't get lost in all those files!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous clouds and such a charming old church!

This N That said...

That walking stick looks dangerous..Great for both you and the grand kids to have that time together..

Pamela said...

Stopping by from Wednesday Hodgepodge - this is my first week and I am amazed at all the wonderful links. I'm loving all the "favorite television show as a child" answers because so many of the bloggers are in my age bracket!

I feel your pain with all the photos to tag - I am in much the same position myself. I haven't visited your blog in a while - I commented some time ago when you had a picture of Kettlewell - I am so glad to find you again.

Chatty Crone said...

What beautiful photos!! And from England too. Your two grans are so cute. 2000 pictures to label - good luck! Have a nice evening. sandie

RURAL said...

Where you live looks like here...with maybe a touch more mountains around...well then I guess that makes it not look as much as it does here...lol.

I meant the brown fields soon to be green.

Jen

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Perhaps Grandpa can fashion a shorter walking stick for that poor little fellow! They are a handy thing to have along on a walk for poking things.
What is it with underwear on the little heads? I think all of ours have worn them at some point and our daughters used to wear their leotard leggings on their head for long hair. LOL

Bonny Bonafilla said...

What super photos of your home farm. It's real big-sky country and looks so beautiful and majestic. I'm really happy that you're getting to enjoy some nice sunny days: it sounds like you've earned them by living through a long, hard winter. Your knitting looks really nice: I love that duck-egg blue colour. Don't give up: I'm sure you can turn it into a wonderful garment for lovely little Lillie. All the best, Bonny

Tired Teacher said...

Yes, indeed, that is one serious walking stick!

I love this post and all the photos. Enjoy the Grands' visit and walks.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

His noble blood doesn't get free airfare but do you at least curtsy to him sometimes? :)

J_on_tour said...

It might not be the comment you're expecting but those clouds in the last two photos are amazing, great captures.

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