Hodgepodging Childhood Memories

 My maternal grandma as a teen
She was at least one generation removed from the photo grin.
And I wouldn't smile either - with that stiff collar choking me!

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1. Growing up, were you close to your grandparents? Tell us one or two specific things you remember about them.

Oh yes, I was close to both sets of grandparents. I remember my maternal grandma bringing bananas and doll clothes out to the farm, I remember her sweet nature and her love of Jesus, her leading Child Evangelism classes in her home, and her generosity to her neighbors even though she certainly did not have an extra penny to her name. Even so, she paid for me to take a taxi from her house to my piano lesson (in town), gave me old copies of McCall's magazine so I could cut out the Betsy McCall paper dolls, fed me raspberry sauce as a treat, etc. etc. And I mostly remember that her house was cluttered and INTERESTING. (Take that, you spartans!)

My paternal grandma kept nothing extra, but she made up for it (having a kind of boring house) by making great homemade bread (and putting butter AND salt on it), teased my grandpa about the fact that he spoke Swedish when he was a kid, had a very dry sense of humor which I loved, and gave me fond memories of her - AND of my grandpa, whom I remember praying in church and crying as he prayed. Because he was an emotional person? No. He was a humble man who loved God, who was overwhelmed by the realization that God became man to rescue him (and all of us) from ourselves, from our sin, from eternal death - because God so loves the world. And I'm totally with my grandpa on that. It never ceases to choke me up.

You really got me with these first two questions, Joyce, and you can consider yourself lucky that my answers aren't longer than they are!

 Shammar looked kinda like this horse, 

with a white blaze the length of his face.

2. What's an item you were attached to as a child? What happened to it?

First, I was attached to my horse, Shammar, who kept me slightly scared of him the entire time, although I loved him. He was Arabian/Welsh and beautiful, scared of butterflies and would freak out if a fly or butterfly flew past him as I was riding. Then I had to simply hang on for dear life as he bolted back to the barn. I can't tell you how many times that happened. Sometimes I wasn't lucky enough to stay on and had to brush myself off and walk back to the barn. You can tell I wasn't a great horsewoman, but I loved that horse enough to decorate his side of the calf barn with photos of other horses, took him sugar lumps and carrots, etc. He totally didn't deserve me.  And when I was out of school, my dad sold him to some people in a neighboring village. I don't know whatever happened to him.

Secondly, I was attached to my shoebox full of baseball cards. All the best players: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bobby Richardson, Hank Aaron, Juan Marichal, Roberto Clemente, etc. etc. etc. And my mom threw them out the year I was in Bolivia. I've complained about this before, so I'll let it go without piling on. But they would have been worth something today. See? It pays to keep stuff.

 Henry and Mr. C. playing frisbee in the south yard

3. When you look out your window, do you see the forest or the trees (literally and figuratively)? Explain.

Literally, I see the forest. This is rural Wisconsin. Figuratively, although I love detail, I think I'm pretty good at seeing the forest, the bigger picture, and try to look at all angles of a situation and being willing to admit that I was wrong. Or that I've been wrong for years.

Greek Yogurt with Raspberries!

The raspberries in the garden are ripe about three weeks earlier than usual.

4. Do you like sour candies? Which of the 'sour' foods listed below would you say is your favorite?

No, I don't like sour candies, except for the sugared sour gummy things, whose name escapes me, but I don't go out of my way to buy them. If they happened to be the only candy in the house, I might eat a couple - if all the chocolate chips were gone.

grapefruit, Greek yogurt, tart cherries, lemons, limes, sauerkraut, buttermilk, or kumquats 

I don't think of Greek Yogurt as being sour, but I do love it - and tart cherries.

Have you ever eaten a kumquat? What's your favorite dish containing one of the sour foods on the list?

Not a fan of kumquats. I would love a tart cherry pie, but I'd probably be eating it all by myself while Mr. C. ate a bag of salty chips. So I'll pass on that one.

 The gluten-free cherry pie I made for July Fourth

I wasn't thrilled with the crust, but the cherries were good.

GF dough is nearly impossible to weave because it breaks.

And guess who ate most of the pie. Somebody had to get rid of it.

5. July 1st marked the mid point of 2017. In fifteen words or less, tell us how it's going so far.

Like every summer in Wisconsin, it's going far too fast.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 One of my favorite places:

The Amish community near Westby, WI

 Another Barn Raising nr. Westby

 I made the mistake of draping a fresh-clean blanket over the bench.
Tommy and Smokey, cute as usual

Linking to Maggie's Mosaic Monday

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Hide and Seek

 'Hey Mom. Shhh. Don't tell Tommy where I'm hiding.'

 'Hey Mom. Shhh. Don't tell Smokey where I'm hiding.'

A warm body, bits of string, and places to climb.

These are happy kitties for sure.

 

'Does she see me now?'

Tommy, being ever so helpful as I'm trying to clean closets!

For some reason, he really liked Mr. C.'s shirt.

And in case anyone's wondering, as our daughter did:

NO, I've never thrown away anything that belongs to Mr. C.

I accuse him of still having every shirt he's ever owned. :-)

(perhaps a slight exaggeration)

 

Linking to Eileen's Saturday's Critters
and Amy's Five on Friday*

and Maggie's Mosaic Monday

* Amy, I finally managed to have FIVE things: there are five different photos in this post.

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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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A kitty's life is so exhausting.

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HomemadeSoapnSuch Giveaway! (It's About Time)

 

Hi Bloggers and Instagrammers:

I'm hosting a Giveaway of my handcrafted, vegan soaps, from now through Friday night at 10:00 PM CDT. 

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This is open to all who follow me either on @cranberrymorning (Instagram) or on this CranberryMorning blog.

Please visit either my HomemadeSoapnSuch Etsy shop or my HomemadeSoapnSuch website and let me know (in a comment on this post) which TWO you choose, should you be one of the winners. You're all winners in my book, but you know what I mean.

Also, in the comment, let me know how you follow CranberryMorning. If you're an Instagrammer, please include your Instagram name.

So:  Must be a follower of this blog or @cranberrymorning on Instagram

        Leave a comment with your two choices and how you follow me.

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Giveaway closes 10 PM Friday, CDT. Winners will be announced next Monday, October 31, here on CranberryMorning.blogspot.com.

Thanks! And Good Luck.

P.S. On Friday night, Mr. C. will put his little paw into the magical Giveaway hat with all the entrants' names in it , and with eyes closed, will draw out three names. This is as scientific as we get. But we don't cheat. Hey! No peeking, Mr. C.

On the Thanksgiving Hayride

See last week's Hodgepodge post.

Christmas Soaps are Ready!

 
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Hodgepodging the American Bison

During the weekend, on one of Wisconsin's beautifully bright, sunny January days, we drove past North Star Bison Ranch north of Rice Lake. I don't know how many bison live on that ranch, but there were many, and they are such huge beasts! Hay had just been scattered on the snow and many were feeding on it. A few independents, of the you-can't-tell-me-what-to-do type, were using the hay for bedding, instead.  They must be the Alpha bison. In the summer months, North Star Bison has a chuck wagon at the local farmer's market and sells delicious bison burgers. You might want to pop in on a Thursday afternoon.

Join Joyce and the Gang

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She writes the questions;

we write the answers.

Plug them in to your own blog

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1. Are you ready for new? Is 2016 likely to be very different than 2015? Do you want it to be?

We never know what tomorrow might bring, which is why I'm often conflicted about looking ahead, rather than enjoying the moment God has graciously given me. That's also one of the reasons I'm making a better effort to enjoy winter, although it has less appeal to me than summer. And we do make plans, so one thing I'm looking forward to is the annual August family get-together at our place. I need to write to the family and remind them to get that on their calendars now. August 6-7, 2016. Although I won't be picking strawberries in June, I hope to be doing some good hiking by late fall.

 Strawberry Picker, Summer of 2015

2. January 6th is National Technology Day. Currently, what is your single biggest struggle or frustration when it comes to technology?

I struggle to see why people like Facebook or Twitter. I could get in a lot [more] trouble if I broadcast every thought immediately as it came to me.

 Green Beans, August 2015

3. It's that time again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2016. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-

So (at the start of every single sentence), conversation (as in hotly debated topics where we're invited to 'join the conversation'), problematic, stakeholder, price point, secret sauce, break the Internet, walk it back, presser, manspreading (common in larger cities where some men take up the entire bus or train seat by sitting wide), vape, giving me life (refers to anything that may excite a person or make them laugh), and physicality

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?


So, let's walk this back a bit. I don't see what's so problematic about using the word 'So' at the beginning of almost every sentence. I think that price point and stakeholder are legitimate, or maybe they're used in ways I'm not familiar with, but many of the others I'd never heard before. (Grammar police, please excuse my use of prepositions ending a phrase or sentence.) Conversation' has always bugged me, for often those who encourage us to 'join the conversation,' really only want us to do so if we agree with their perspective on things.

Oh, and one more thing...I hate it when I thank someone and they respond with 'No problem.'  Has 'You're welcome' disappeared altogether??

4. Share one of your current health related goals.

Walk, trot, gallop by late fall. But  sadly, with a different dog. 

 Past perfect

5. Let's talk fifty shades of gray. As in the color. Gray is currently a popular color in home decor, paint, wardrobes, hair, wedding party attire, and more. Are you a fan? Do you have the color in some variation in your home or wardrobe?  Gray hair, the old gray mare, gray matter, gray area...which gray idiom can you most relate to right now?


Gray has become one of my favorite colors. It's a matter of, 'if you can't beat them, join them.' I've discovered that when I wear gray, my gray hair doesn't stick out in stark contrast as much as it does if I wear, say, red. Gray is my friend, but light heathery charcoal is my favorite.

6. Certain foods are considered 'lucky' if eaten on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Cooked greens to bring economic fortune, black-eyed peas or lentils also symbolize money, pork which symbolizes progress, fish for good luck, and if you're in Spain 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Did you eat any lucky foods on the first day of the year? Is that a tradition in your home? Of the foods listed, which most appeals to you?

No. Of the above-listed foods, I would say that fish is the only one that would appeal to me, and it could only be considered lucky if I were eating it at The Cricketers in Canterbury or The Anchor in Cambridge. Any place else, it's just fish.

7. What's the single biggest time waster in your life and what, if anything, will you do about it this year?

I'd say that my biggest time waster would be hunting for things. Yesterday, it was when we were retracing our drive to Eau Claire because along the way, I'd stopped to take a photo of some darling little Highland cattle (coming soon) and later realized that my black leather gloves were missing. Sure enough, on the way home, nearly 5 hours later, there were my poor, cold little gloves, lying next to a snowbank on a county highway. I was so happy to see them, you'd think I'd just been reunited with a long-lost relative (one I liked).

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I'm including a couple photos of the pretty red barns near Frontenac, Minnesota.

Barn and silos, Wabasha County, MN

ALSO linking to:

Theresa's GOOD FENCES

Eileen's SATURDAY'S CRITTERS 

Tom's BARN COLLECTIVE

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