Hodgepodging into February

More Wisconsin barn scenery


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1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?

The best day of January was when we visited both of our daughters. When traveling to visit Daughter 1, we stopped for a bit at Daughter 2's to see the kids (and the parents of course) and to get a break from the sitting.

The second best day was the day Mr. C. and I spent in St. Paul, visiting the Cathedral (coming in Friday's post), Como Park Conservatory, and having coffee (and pie!) at Cafe Latte.

My favorite: Fruit Tart

Because it's health food, of course :-)

You can see their entire Dessert Menu HERE

2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?

Mainly, the fan next to the stack of wood in the living room, which circulates air and helps dry the wood. After that, I'd say the very quiet whirr of the wheel on my recumbent exercise bike that I use twice a day to strengthen ye olde hip, music on the CD player, the whining of Tommy (Smokey is not a whiner) when he wants to be held, and NBC news, Wisconsin Public Radio, Laura Ingraham, and Michael Medved. I try to keep current with all sides.

Alas, I do not seem to have a photo of my recumbent bike in my files,

but when I searched them for 'bike' this was one that came up.

In 2013, these two cuties were using the bike as a rock(et) launcher!

3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?

I've read this through at least three times and I have to honestly say that I don't have a problem with any of the above. What I do have a problem with is my bad attitude toward winter, especially the last two years. Although it is beautiful, it is just Far Too Long here in NW Wisconsin. Except for a year when I lived in Bolivia (and got to ride motorcycle through the jungle and got to go alligator hunting in the Beni River) and a short time living in Arizona, I've lived in this area (NW Wisconsin) my entire long life. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, wouldn't you.

 Maybe I just need another German Shepherd

4. What is sacred to you?

Literally, the Word of God and places and friends that promote worship. If you're speaking figuratively, then I'd say the time I get to spend outdoors from May through October, and particularly walking. Walking in the country is the best thing. It gives me such an appreciation for the beauty of God's creation, his love and generosity toward us, and makes me feel refreshed, physically and spiritually.

 Look at that, I even need to clean out my Bible!
(Making great progress on main-floor rooms, btw)

5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?

Unnecessary mega carbs that I don't even particularly like. I could handle a tablespoon of oatmeal if it had about a half cup of pecans in it, I suppose.Or just give me the pecans.

6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?

My first inclination is to remark about the hair starting to grow on my knuckles. 

But aside from that, I'd say the need to think about what to make for dinner tomorrow, making sure the kitchen is clean and the cats are taken care of, and getting ready to either a) read aloud with Mr. C. - which we tend to do in the evenings, followed by b) digging out a good movie. Right now we're going through the Pie in the Sky series again. They're so much fun.

photo found online somewhere

7. Something you're looking forward to next month?

I'm looking forward to going to the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to see King Lear with Mr. C., getting a checkup from my (yeah, 'my,' like my own personal, Ha!!) hip surgeon at Rochester, and having our Daughter 1 (and her husband) visit us on her birthday weekend. Yea!!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

After watching the news yesterday morning, I am so thankful yet again that my parents watched me grow up a tomboy, pretending I'm Roy Rogers, drinking from mud puddles (I was pretty young), riding horse (not so young), playing football, swinging from saplings, building rafts to float in the creek, swinging from a rope over the creek and dropping in for a big splash, pulling bloodsuckers from my legs, building forts and lean-tos, not loving dolls or tea parties, camping with the neighbor kids, climbing trees, etc. etc. and that they DIDN'T try to tell me that I must really be transgender - or something. You can't convince me that these young children aren't being coached by someone with an agenda, or someone who's very confused in this day of the 'gender identity' smorgasbord.  From ABC News, here's a link to 58 current 'gender options.' Is our society confused or what? Can't kids be allowed to be kids, and what does a four, six, or eight year old know about sexuality? 

So, back to this old woman who desperately needs low-lighting and a haircut: Here I am today, with a wonderful husband who loves me, wonderful children and grandchildren who love me, and no inner questions or conflict about who I'm really supposed to be. Thank God for my parents and teachers who let me be a tomboy without worrying about my sexuality. 

Even now, at heart, I still am really a tomboy who would rather be outdoors than attending a tea party, often like the better colors found in men's clothing than in the ladies' department, and would rather drink from a mud puddle than play games at a baby shower. 

I think instead of our constant navel gazing, we need to look outside ourselves for a change: Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God and Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Psalm 145:17-19 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

 Roy Rogers (l), Dale Evans (r)
Who would want to be Dale Evans?

God help all young tomboys who have to grow up in today's American society. 

Linking to Eileen's Saturday's Critters

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