Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Hodgpodging the Long Lash Look


Littlest Granddaughter, ready for winter


Join Joyce and the Gang
for
She writes the questions;
we write the answers.
Plug them into your own blog
and link up!
(Thanks, Joyce!)



1.  Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.

My story: The only story I can think of is that when I was about 12, after Christmas Eve dinner was over, the dishes were washed and dried, and all the gifts were opened, my grandma and grandpa, my aunt and uncle, and my cousin Bobby had gone home from our house. I again took inventory of my gifts, among which were the annual flannel nightie and undies. It wasn't until a couple hours later when my brother whispered something to my mom, that she flew up the stairs and returned with a box - for me. It was the ice skates I'd been wanting. She had forgotten all about them in the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve preparation. They were a size 8. I didn't wear a size 8 until I was about 22.  But it was understandable. There wasn't money to spend on a new pair of skates every year, and these had to last.




Mr. C's story:  " Way back in the middle of the previous century, I remember growing up on a small, family dairy farm and the excitement on Christmas Eve of hurrying through the evening chores, feeding the cows, feeding the calves, milking the cows. It brings back the sensory memories: the smell of the sweet hay and the molassesy feed and the warm bodies of the cows and the crunchiness of the snow. We were in a hurry to get done so we could go to Grandpa's house, nearby, for Christmas Eve dinner and presents. Regardless of any other gifts we would get from Grandpa, we knew that there were two gifts that we would get every year: A bottle of green olives and a cylinder of candy made from a toilet paper tube filled with hard candy and wrapped with Christmas paper and tied with a ribbon at each end. When we were quite young, the little people would end up climbing onto the bed and falling asleep on all the coats piled there."  

 A little like this, except this is our son
when he was young, and of course it's summer, not Christmastime.
But Mr. C. looked like this when he was a kid.


Our family now is so spread apart in age that I can't think of a story that's told about family members. We also almost never get together at the same time, which is very sad.

 Christmas Past
Left to right: Cousin Bobby, Judy, Gini
Now living in Montana, Wisconsin, Florida, respectively
(and I hope, respectably)
I could hear my dad saying that!

The doll was named Dody. Her life ended when some meanie pulled off her head.

2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?

I'm sorry, but I don't feel comfortable answering that question.

3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?


post-gazette.com

Hideous Emptiness


I had to look up the Pantone thing. And to tell the truth, that poor woman in the photo needs a good laugh. How can anyone be happy wearing that hideous coat?? I think political engineering is trying to move us rapidly into a post-beauty era. On The New York Times website, I found this statement re. the choice of colors:  It’s not about indecision, but social progress. That's progress? This woman needs to put on her Columbia jacket, blue jeans and hikers, and get outdoors. Take a dog, preferably a German Shepherd, with you. Walk to the woods. Stand next to a rushing stream, then walk to a hilltop out in the country and take a look at the view. Stand outdoors at night, away from the city, and look up at the stars and Milky Way. God made those. You are a mere speck in the cosmos. He is the creator and ruler of the cosmos, but He loves us with an unsurpassed love. Burn the ugly coat and quit your boring job. Make something with your hands. Get a haircut. Put on some lipstick (not mandatory). You can keep the shoes. Here is truth: God has put a lot of beauty in this world of His. Get out there and see it. Let it soak in. And praise Him for it! There is a God of beauty, joy, and love who cares about you. Turn to him.  He will take away your emptiness and fill the void with His love.

If the photo above is any indication of how those colors affect us, I will be avoiding them for sure.

4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?

If I were in a Christmas carol, it would be either 'Once in Royal David's City' or 'Jesus Christ The Apple Tree.' The first, because it's sung during the procession for First Sunday of Advent at St. Paul's Cathedral and also the first carol to be sung in The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and the other because I love the message. Actually, I love the message of both of them. The lyrics of any song matter a lot to me, which is why I refuse to sing some heretical hymns and some new 'Christian' choruses.

 JESUS CHRIST THE APPLE TREE

 The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree

His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
I missed of all but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.


Just close your eyes and pretend you're at King's.

5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?

I will celebrate the fact that I have Phase One and Phase Two done of my Christmas Cake. I don't purchase from the bakery, unless it's on the rare occasion that I buy their floured dinner rolls. Kids love them. I tend to make my own stuff. I am currently 'feeding' my Christmas Cake, and in another week will put a layer of apricot jam on it, make the marzipan layer, and just before Christmas will frost it. I made my own because I wanted it absolutely stuffed with fruit and nuts. Purchased ones never have enough. In fact, for the entire cake, there is only one cup of flour and 4 eggs, which seem to act as the glue for the fruit and nuts. Elmer's Glue might work just as well. I'm sure that the Southern Comfort, all the nuts, and all the fruit would drown out any glue taste.


6. When it comes to holiday decorating_____________________________.

I am totally unenthusiastic this year. I did try to replicate the decorations on the Christmas tree from last year because I liked it that way.


And yes, Tuppence is here this year as well.

Her usual occupation

7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.

Mr. C. makes me laugh like that so often with some stupid little remark he makes. He has a very droll sense of humor and we laugh a lot around here. In fact, I was laughing my head off when Mr. C. was dictating his Christmas story (above) because I had to edit it quite a bit! I gave you the charmed version. He is a crazy man. I'm pretty sure that most of what we find humorous would present a real puzzle to others.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Next week I will be sharing my Christmas Cake recipe and also photos of my son-in-law's Christmas Pudding!  Stay tuned...

 Christmas Cake, Phase One

***


 The Photo Below is
Linked to
Theresa's GOOD FENCES

Taken in Wausau, the end of November.



What's Jazzie doing in the reading nook??

Linked to Eileen's

***

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Have a great Wednesday, everyone!

  
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43 comments:

wildirishrose said...

Christmas cake sounds fascinating--looking forward to the recipe!

MadSnapper said...

sweet Jazie looks so comfy. i agree with you 100 % on the coat and color questions. i will add one thing, she needs to eat some of your Christmas cake and do it fast. and i will not be using those colors. I enjoyed both stories of Christmas past and my mother used to wrap all kinds of thing is paper rolls, if she bought 6 pairs of socks she wrapped each separately so we had lots of presents to open..
I can only think of one story our family loves to tell and retell. one Christmas my brothers wife and my mother, each bought the other 3 presents each. when the gifts were oepned we nearly died laughing. three identical presents, they gave each other the same gifts, from the same stores. they lived 2 hours apart, but when they last shopped together, they talked about how much they loved the brass plant stand, the glass cake dish with lid and the 3rd i can't remember.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Hi Judy - Love your story about the skates. Your tree looks beautiful! Enjoy your week.

Arlene G said...

I want a piece of that Christmas cake!! Loved your and Mr C's stories of Christmas when you were children. Those were the days weren't they?

April said...

Your cake looks similar to fruitcake. I'm excited to see the final results. I'm sure it will be delicious! Your answer to number 3 was spot on! I'm with you 100%!

Barbara said...

Yes, I agree with you that we seem to be in a "post-beauty era." Do people not care any more about how they appear to others?!! And standards are so strange!

Also, (and you know this) I enjoyed the video from "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree." I had not heard this song before. Thank you for including the words so I could follow along.

Sunny Simple Life said...

That picture around the tree is precious. I too miss my folks so much at the holidays and now they are gone and I never see any of my family at the holidays because they all live in other states. That is one really hard thing when you move away from each other.

Susie said...

Judy, I loved you and your hubby's stories. That act is so cute. Dog and cats sure know how to nap. I have one word for that coat...UGLY ..no that's not progress and it sure isn't art...but then you know about the eye of the beholder..Designers need to know blue jeans, white t's, and good shoes never go out of style. Just ask R. L. hehe. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
I recognized Bobby right away. Sweet photos today.
Christmas cake...please bring the leftovers this way. Yummy!
Merry Christmas,
Carla

Joyce said...

Do you light the Christmas pudding on fire? That was such a sweet memory you shared of your husband and those simple gifts and also the skates. I think we've lost sight of simple at the holidays, and I'm trying to recapture it a bit.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I enjoyed your Christmas stories. It is great that you and your hubby laugh often, I heard laughing is good medicine. Your Jazie is a cutie! Enjoy your day!

Linda Kay said...

Judy, such a wonderful post this morning, so rich with memories.

Cathy said...

I really enjoy looking at all your pictures on every post. I also enjoyed your answer to #3. So very true. There is so much beauty that our creator has made for us to enjoy! Our sunset was absolutely gorgeous last night.

podso said...

This is a good one, and what a Christmas story yours is! Hope you tell it to your grands! I do like blue, but agree with you on the coat and model. Wish she could read what you say. You should live long with all that laughing,

Empty Nester said...

You know, I was just thinking yesterday that models these days all seem so angry. When did looking angry or (or constipated) become a selling point? I love your Christmas stories. Christmas is the best, isn't it? Will you have the family for Christmas? Ok, I have a big announcement coming up next week. I bet you can guess what it is. But don't tell a soul, yet. :)

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I so enjoyed your post today, Judy. I love hearing old Christmas stories and seeing the photos too. Your Christmas cake is looking good.

My hubby and I laugh about a lot of things too. We have a good time together. It was him laughing in the same places in an old movie we once watched that drew me to him ... I always felt it important for couples to share a similar sense of humour (I saw what it looked like they didn't and it wasn't pretty).

Enjoyed my visit, Judy! Wishing you a beautiful day...
Brenda

Terri D said...

Great Christmas stories!! Joe makes me laugh all the time over crazy things. I really enjoyed your Hodgepodge and especially all the photos.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I read #3 out loud...all the way through and hubby and I had a discussion about it! You've written from your heart and said what I wish I could put into words. Well done! Hugs, Diane

Red Rose Alley said...

Judy,
The story about the ice skates is delightful. You must have been so surprised to open the box and see those ice skates. I have a similar story with a blue sting ray bike, if you remember those. The old Christmas picture of you and your cousin is a treasure, I really like that. National Pastry Day? Didn't know about that one. You know, I've never tried marzipan before. I heard that people either like it or they don't. I'll have to give it a try sometime. Your tree is so pretty with all the red balls on there. I think that's what I like best about Jess' tree. And your Christmas cake is starting to look so yummy.

It sounds like you have many traditions in your family, Judy, and it's nice to hear some of them today.

~Sheri

Vee said...

Wow! That cake looks fruit dense and intense. I am sure that it will be a masterpiece! Your tree looks wonderful and you have so many to share it with...your beloved Mr.C. and Tuppence, and us out here in Blogdom. Don't you love sitting by it sipping your coffee or tea? Some things we do for ourselves. It's important. Say, I got my hair cut today by a trained hairdresser. =D You make me laugh and you do not strike me as one who is afraid to speak her mind.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I love this post, Judy. You made me laugh out loud about the poor model! She needs some of your cake and a place under your beautiful tree and a snuggle with Jazzie and Tuppence and great stories from you and Mr. C. ♥

Under Her Wings said...

Thanks for that delightful post, Judy. How enjoyable! You do inspire me; maybe someday I'll start blogging again. Right now I'm too busy editing my granddaughter's blog and book, and schoolwork, and.....

Tanya Breese said...

i've never heard of christmas cake!

Christine said...

Super sweet memory stories! I think humour must be a thing husbands and wives develop - our sense of humour leaves others clueless too!
And I'm glad you do express your opinions so articulately and directly! Well said about so called fashion and heretical 'hymns'.

DeniseinVA said...

Your little granddaughter has the sweetest face and the most beautiful eyes. A precious child! All great memories and a very interesting read. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a very happy day.

Theresa said...

Wow, that Christmas cake is quite involved. I look forward to reading the recipe. I especially enjoyed your answer about the color of the year. Have a great rest of the week :)

Pamela Gordon said...

1. I so enjoyed your's and Mr. C's Christmas memories. And the photo of you girls at Christmas having tea is precious and brings back many memories. 3. The colour of the year? It's blue like the sky which I guess is supposed to be calming but the look on that model's face says it's depressing and coupled with the awful yellow just doesn't make me happy at all. I almost bought a blue sweater yesterday but they didn't have it in my size so I got pale grey. :) I really appreciated what you shared in #3. It was beautiful and encouraging to read. Your Christmas tree looks pretty. I wish you a blessed day Judy.

Celestina Marie said...

Such wonderful sweet stories from Christmas past. These are the kind that are so special and stay with you a lifetime.
Your grand is so cute with those long lashes and pretty eyes.
Laughing is great medicine isn't it? Great photos and I love the vintage pics from Christmas.
Your cake looks luscious! Great post! Merry Christmas

Cheryl said...

I so enjoyed reading this post and there is much I could chat about, but time is short so I will only say that your granddaughter is so pretty and that photo of her is captivating!

EG CameraGirl said...

The model wearing two shades-rose quartz and serenity is way, WAY too thin. Those colours look dreadful on me and I don't think they are doing the model any favour either. But - like you - I'm much too afraid to voice my own opinion. ;)

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

Loved reading your responses. I too am lacking enthusiasm this year. I have a tree up...and presents bought and wrapped...but the house is not decorated like it has been in the past. Your tree was pretty. That grandbaby of yours has the most gorgeous eyes.

Lowcarb team member said...

Goodness, what a great post ... loved the read and the photo's too.
Thank you.

Your grand-daughter looks so adorable.

Hope your week is going well.

All the best Jan

Paula said...

I totally loved your answer to #3. I'm so with you on that one! Enjoyed reading your Christmas memories. The song lyrics you shared were new to me. Have a blessed day! :)

Anonymous said...

Your granddaughter is beautiful. I love seeing your sweet pet photos, also.
I have enjoyed reading the memories from Christmas' past, too.
Have a wonderful evening.

Jenny Woolf said...

That cake - the sight of it makes me want to make one, but most of the people in our family don't like it and I dare not risk having to eat most of it myself!!

And I agree with you about the coat. The lemon yellow sweater with it doesn't help.

What a beautiful little granddaughter you have!

TexWisGirl said...

sweet dairy christmas memory. :)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, looking forward to your post about the cake. Of course, any self-respecting Anglophile will also be making mincemeat and mince pies! Love the Blogger and Assistant photo in the sidebar! Is that new? Or did I just miss it until today?

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Yea well if you two are having a little Southern Comfort for yourselves every time you add some to the cake no wonder that you are laughing so much. :) :) Seriously I cracked up at the model in the blue, because someone on a Facebook quilting group had posted about this Pantone combo and the reaction from most was not complimentary and you just took it to a hysterical level here!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Those runway outfits are always hideous, who would ever wear them or buy them!
I have to say your cake sounds amazing and delicious.

Deb said...

I always enjoy your answers and have a good laugh at many of them. You, too, have a dry sense of humour like Mr. C. The old b&w at Christmas is a great photo and I love the one of your son and the collie. Collie's make good farm dogs, I hear. My mom had one, too. Hope you are enjoying your days leading up to Christmas. "Hi Tuppence & Jazzie."

Deborah Montgomery said...

Loved reading the Christmas memories; sounds like Little House on the Prairie (or Farmer Boy) for your husband. And your response to the underfed, depressed coat wearer. Maybe she should have some of your delicious cake.

Anita Johnson said...

THESE POSTS! I have to keep paper and pen at hand so I can comment on everything. First there is the picture of your granddaughter, how perfect is that photo? Then I was going to comment on family stories, but I feel exactly the same way about that pathetic model who looks ridiculous. I don't even want to know about the colors. I hope we meet someday, I feel like I am reading about myself somedays, but you are much funnier. 😊 Finally, I had to get moving and there for the first time I saw your family and pet pictures. Have they been there all along? So cute...pets leave a big mark on us, don't they??

Ida said...

I like that Deer decoration behind that fence. Your cute dog and cat made me smile. Always interesting and fun to read your answers to the questions.

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