Wednesday Medley for Thanksgiving

Barn near Colfax, WI
November


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Thank you, Terri, for the questions for Wednesday Medley!

 I was sure that I had a photo of a Thanksgiving turkey in my archives, but the only one I could find was this dead turkey I found along the road one fall. Look how beautiful that bird is. Look at the color!

A Thanksgiving (our Early Thanksgiving) past, October 2016.

Grandkids trying to coax the stray cat out from under the bench.

Unbeknownst to us at the time, that stray cat had already given birth to kittens, two of whom are

Tommy & Smokey

That amazing cat story can be found HERE

1.    What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?

Without hesitation, the answer to that would be 'stuffing.' But it needs to be stuffing that's been roasted inside the turkey, so that it's got that delicious turkey flavor mixed in. Perfect! 

 Barn near Bloomer

August, not November

2.   What’s the happiest Thanksgiving memory of your childhood?

I'm sure we celebrated Thanksgiving when I was a kid, but I honestly don't have any Thanksgiving memories that stand out. But it's possible that my happiest Thanksgiving would have been the one just after my dad got Shammar for me. Shammar was an Arabian/Welsh horse/pony colt (little and fuzzy with his thick winter coat) and I remember going to his stall in the calf barn and feeding him apples and carrots whenever there was a celebration in the house. Maybe that was only a couple times, but it is a childhood memory and can be adjusted as necessary. LOL

 August - not November

3.   Who is the most consistently grateful person you know? 

That would be my dad. He just had an attitude of joy and gratitude. And I'm really grateful that he was in my life. I thank God for him and the tremendous influence he had on my life.

 My favorite photo of my mom and dad.

4.   If you could thank one person today—near or far, living or dead—for their influence on your life, who would that person be?

I can't limit this to one person, so it would be my dad (stated above), N.T. Wright, G.K. Chesterton, and Bishop Robert Barron.  If you want more gratitude in your life, read these three authors/theologians.

 “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.”  - G.K. Chesterton.  (Who cannot love this man!)

5.   Who’s one person you’ve never thanked for their contribution to your life, but would like to?

That would most likely be my mom, for I was always closer to my dad and probably never made a special effort to make her aware of how important she was/is to me. But my mom not only gave birth to me after driving herself to the hospital because the men were busy in the fields, but she went on to be the world's greatest grandma ever. I definitely didn't inherit the wonderful grandma gene, but more the reader of theology gene from my dad. I miss my mom and so often wish that she and my dad could stop in or come over for dinner.

November.

Why I love August.

6.   Tell us something random about your Thanksgiving week.

To start with, this Thanksgiving week is COLD. We were at minus 5 degrees F. yesterday morning and are looking forward (according to the weather forecasters) to a mini Ice Age. For someone who is already missing my walk along Fifth Avenue because of ice and snow (already!) on the roads, I'm hoping they're wrong.

We'll be at our daughter's on Thanksgiving Day and after the weekend will be quickly packing our carry-ons (I know, it's become a pride issue - but it's not exactly about pride, it's about not being able to tolerate standing in long lines waiting for luggage) for 18 days in England. It will be cold there this time of year too, but dealing with 30s and 40s, rather than temps below zero will be like a heat wave to us. Also, England will be decorated for Christmas, and we've a number of cathedral visits, morning and evensong services on our itinerary, so I can't wait. And of course, tons of little quaint villages. There will be a lot of England photos coming to my blog ere long, so be forewarned. Also, I will most likely be posting photos on Instagram (@cranberrymorning) while we're on vacation.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone, and I'll see you back here, Lord willing, on December 19.

 Tommy & Smokey

Don't worry about Tommy & Smokey. Wonderful friends are going to living in our house and taking care of the birds, cats, and plants while we're away. And our son will be plowing the driveway whenever there's a plow-worthy snowfall.

 Tommy, napping beside the fire

 ***

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Hodgepodging Nostalgia

 Red Dragon Wing Begonias,
just outside the back door.


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Thanks, Joyce, for another fun Hodgepodge!

 

1. What's something in your house you'd like to get rid of but can't?

More books.

 

 'Here she comes with another armload of books!'

2. When is the last time you experienced a sense of nostalgia? Elaborate.

When I was trying to get rid of more books. I think especially the old (and I mean old) text books, any books about England (no, I couldn't part with even one), and books I especially loved reading. But I did manage to clear out 15 linear feet of books, so it should feel like progress - but doesn't really. My goal is 120 linear feet of books. I've still got boxes and shelves full of books upstairs that I need to go through. Some days all I can do is stand and stare at them. I know some of you can relate to this.

 Red Cedar Trail, Menomonie, WI

3. You're only allowed three apps on your smart phone or tablet...which three do you keep?

Daily Prayer from C of E, Amazon Music, and Snapseed.  Maybe. Definitely keeping the first two. It's unbelievable how many Google apps I never ever use are stored on my phone, from the factory. There's not a thing I can do to get rid of them, as far as I know.

Red Cedar River, Menomonie, WI

4. July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day. Who knew? Do you like blueberry muffins? If you were going to have a muffin would blueberry be your choice? What's the last thing you baked?

I like blueberry muffins, but my first choice would be a crusty-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside lemon poppyseed. The last thing I baked was a batch of gluten free chocolate chip/walnut cookies, and they're in the freezer downstairs so that I don't eat the whole batch at once. Mr. C. does not have a sweet tooth. He's all about salt.

 

 Red Barns, Dunn County, WI

5. What's the biggest way you've changed since you were a child? In what way are you still the same?

Sometimes I don't think I've changed at all, except gotten bigger with gray hair and wrinkles. I've always liked to spend time outdoors, near water, but I no longer drink from mud puddles or lick salt blocks out in the pasture.

 

 

 

Yes, it was a REALLY bad hair day.

Warm and near or at 100% humidity

And I actually wore this out in public.

I should've kept my Roy Rogers hat.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 

I had a lovely lunch with Martin Shaw out on our screen porch yesterday, thanks to Vee. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, I'd already eaten all the salad and all that was left was a little bowl of pistachio shells. But it was an interesting hour. Vee knows I like the George Gently mysteries and Martin Shaw was featured in 'Who Do You Think You Are?' which I watched on YouTube. Thank you Vee!

 Tommy wasn't impressed.

***



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Hunting for Spring

Mr. C. and I are tired of waiting for spring to arrive in NW Wisconsin and are heading to Arizona to visit our oldest son for a week. Tonight there were three deer under our bird feeder, having trudged their way through the snow to try to find something to eat. I wish they liked meatballs and rice. I have some I'll have to throw out before we head out of here tomorrow.

 

Another son will be staying at our house, taking care of Tommy & Smokey, which involves feeding, watering, and throwing mice around - oh. and the litter boxes, all four of them. It is so nice to be able to leave and know that the house and kitties will be taken care of. 

 Note the silo's hat is on crooked

Most of the photos in this post are from southern Wisconsin and we have a lot more snow  at our house. The following photo was taken March 31 and we've had a snowstorm since then that just added to the depth (of despair).

 Always winter and never Christmas

 This photo was taken in Coon Prairie, WI

Note the snowmobile. I was hunting for a satellite dish in this photo, not an uncommon sight in Wisconsin backyards, but don't see one. There is, however, a wood pile on the right, a pleasant sight to anyone who burns wood. And that reminds me: the last time we visited this area, we purchased (from an Amish friend) an entire pickup load of slab wood for our wood burning stove, and were charged only $15. That was certainly $15 well spent! We just burned our last stick of wood last weekend, so it's time to use the gas furnace or head south/or both.

Tommy & Smokey

 I came across this sign in Jackson County, on the way home from Westby.

Have a great weekend, everyone!
See you next time.

***


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The Super Huge Luge Hodgepodge

My favorite red barn in the area
mostly because of that stone foundation
NW of Rice Lake, WI 

Join Joyce and the Gang

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1. February can be a little bit tricky given the weather and the winter and the whatnot. I read a list (here) of things you can do to make your February brighter which included-start planning your next trip, take more baths, make your own chocolate covered strawberries, and exercise in preparation for swimsuit season. Anything on the list you might try? Which suggestion on the list appeals to you most? Tell us something not on the list that helps make your February brighter. 

Planning a next trip is always a great idea - even if you don't actually take it. I love planning - researching, checking airfare and comparing accommodations, looking at maps, etc. It's all fun. Taking more baths is not a fun thing in this climate if you heat with wood, because the bathtub is upstairs in the cold part of the house. If I made chocolate covered strawberries, I would eat them all. I don't intend to get into a bathing suit at any time in the near or far future, but reading and discussing books, making soap, Instagramming, watching 'Escape to The Country' on Netflix or a British mystery on Amazon or Acorn, all are pleasant ways to move February along.

2. Tell us about something you've seen or done recently that you'd say was 'super'?

I try not to do super things. I can't risk giving away my true identity. But I've read some super books, seen some super sunrises, watched some super-cute kitties, tended a super fire, eaten some super soups, and watched a super movie: The Greatest Showman.

So after watching the movie, Mr. C. asked me what I liked about it. Was it the acting? the dancing? the story?  I told him it was just about everything. All of those things, and most of all, it struck me that it was a picture of the Kingdom of God. 

All of those people who were societal outcasts, brokenhearted, poor, neglected, found a new home, a home that was not judgmental, where they had work, where they could find love and fulfillment and happiness.

Okay, bear with me. Here are a few verses from Scripture that show what the Kingdom of God looks like (and is coming to look like) 

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb...

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

He is near to the brokenhearted, saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Come unto me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

...anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.

Don't blame God if this is not what you see when you think of the word Christian. Because this IS what Christianity is all about. 

'God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be rescued.'

Note: For an explanation of the Kingdom of God on Earth as in Heaven, check out 'Surprised by Hope' by N.T. Wright.

***

Oh. And if anyone wants to comment that Hugh Jackman is the most incredible actor, singer, and dancer, feel free! :-)

3. Best thing you ate in a 'bowl' last week?

Soup. Homemade chicken vegetable soup and it was delicious! Popcorn made by Mr. C., the king of popcorn makers. GF pretzels from Aldi. They're the best. And I put them in a small bowl just so I don't eat the whole bag. They're not only good, but they have that amazing, irresistible crunch - the kind that brings intense crunch satisfaction but doesn't break a tooth.

4. Something you're 'cheering' for right now?

I am cheering for spring, kind of, a bit cynically, I must admit. While other people think of March as spring (because the calendar tells us so, right?), those of us in northern Wisconsin know better. My daffodils don't appear until May, so that gives you an idea of how long winter is up here. I guess we've survived every other year, so we will probably survive this one too, although it's been an unusually cold winter. Pretty, but cold. And I definitely have appreciated all the sunshine (cold sunshine) that we had throughout January and now this month too. Once it warms up and the snow begins to melt, then we'll have cloudy skies. I am not a fan of cloudy skies or wind.

I AM cheering for the Full Moon Walk with Carla and her family. It probably won't happen until May, but maybe if we have an unusually warm April. She sent me a Susan Branch bookmark with the dates of the full moon for 2018. It is so much fun and something to look forward to! Thank you Carla! :-) xo

5. The Winter Olympics begin Friday, February 9th in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being all in and 1 being no interest whatsoever) how interested are you in the games? Which event do you most want to see (you'll find a list here).

I'm glad you brought that to my attention, for I don't watch TV and wouldn't probably have known about it otherwise. Yes, I love to watch the Winter Olympics (something to cheer for), but only the Alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, luge, and bobsled. They're the ones that would make me tune in. Unless Acorn puts up another season of Vera. Because Vera trumps everything else. Almost.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Now this is a picture of optimism! We're sitting here in a landscape covered in deep snow, the temperatures have been below zero F. each morning, and this is evidently what keeps the owner of this boat sane through the long winter - the thought of getting out onto one of Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes beginning in May. 

Smokey refuses to act ladylike.

Sunrise, February 4

Selfie (yes, believe it or not) for Instagram

Tommy and Smokey

Another good book (this one's short)

***

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Judy

Hodgepodging July in Wisconsin

I don't know how I could have lived in this area for so many years and not known that the red barn above even exists - and right in a residential section of Rice Lake. I'm sure that it was part of a farm that has long since been replaced by homes, sidewalks, curb and gutter. I hope the cute little weathered barn stands for many years to come. I'll check in on it from time to time. I'd sure hate to see it disappear. For any who know Rice Lake, it's just a little NE of the armory.

Join Joyce and the Gang
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1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday? Is that typical? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?

First of all, Joyce, it is amazing that you have come up with 315 weeks worth of Hodgepodge questions. That is quite a feat. And I know we all appreciate your dedication! Thank you!

I have no idea. That was about three weeks ago - it seems. It's been a busy week already. I was probably eating some almonds and a bite of very dark chocolate. On a scale of 1-10, my energy level at 3:15 PM is about 6, with it dropping to -5 after eating dinner, often with an ensuing nap. I pretty much sleep in installments, rather than one long stretch. That's why it's nice to have my Kindle close at hand at 4 AM.

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.

No tantrum, no throwing in the towel, no parties until August 5, etc. etc. I can't think of anything I've thrown anywhere, except for throwing clothes into the wash.

3. What are three things that would help you right now. Tell us how or why.

1. Self-cleaning floors

2. Self-cleaning bathrooms

3. Self-linens-changing beds

Family coming.

4. Do you think you're strong? Why or why not? What makes you strong?

I'm probably strong in most ways except physically, but that's improving. There is an exception, however, when Mr. C. walks into the room unexpectedly (SNEAKING IN) and I'm reduced to a 'mass of screaming, quivering jelly,' I think he calls it. I know he loves doing that, but of course he says it's completely unintentional that he scares me half to death! If that's true, then why does he ALWAYS have a grin on his face afterwards?? 

But I'd say that any strength emotionally that I might have is because I believe in a sovereign, loving God.

5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What's your favorite book set sometime in the past?

Fiction isn't my favorite thing. I've forced myself to read some of it and enjoyed Jane Austen and others, but it's not my first choice. However, if I read fiction, it would be historical fiction. My recent favorite that I can think of right now is Pillars of the Earth about the building of a cathedral (like Canterbury Cathedral.) It was a lot of fiction but also in an historical context and was entertaining, plus I haven't met a cathedral I didn't love. I just started reading the sequel, World Without End - in between non-fiction stuff.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

 times two

I've just committed to renting two pontoon boats for the afternoon of the birthday party weekend. Should be fun. In August we have our family reunion, a bridal shower for our granddaughter, a wedding, and the next three or four weekends after that are also busy. This is Wisconsin in the summertime. We cram everything into the summer (six birthdays in July and August!) so we can spend all long, cold winter doing nothing at all except complaining about the icy roads and ash from burning wood and having to go anywhere after dinner. It's DARK.

Backyard, Christmas Day, 2013
And of course it just accumulates until sometime in March or April
I really dread this. 

Linking to Maggie's Mosaic Monday
and Eileen's Saturday's Critters
 

***

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...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at
 
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Enjoy the rest of your week!

'Get him off me! I was here first!!!'

(Tommy & Smokey)