An Autumn Desert Hodgepodge

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1. Have you ever been to and/or lived near the desert? What did you think? Travel and Leisure lists the 'coolest' American desert towns as-

Palm Springs CA, Virgina City NE, Bend OR, Winslow AZ, Marfa TX, Grand Junction CO, Silver City NM, Moab UT, Taos NM, Yakima WA, Borrego Springs CA, Terlingua TX, and St. George UT, and Tubac AZ

Have you been to any of these? Would you like to visit a desert town? Which on the list would you most like to see?

No, I've never been or lived near the desert.  Never been to any of the places listed either.  I have no desire to visit the desert.  I am more of an ocean and mountains girl :)

2. What's a plan or project you've deserted in the past year? 

Just one?  There are many projects that were on my list this past year that have yet to be done.  Technically I wasn't the one who deserted them, but since I am not the one doing the work I have to wait on other people to do them.  One on the top of my list is painting the kitchen.  The can of paint is actually on the floor in the corner of the kitchen just waiting ;)

3. Desert-dessert? Share two or three words you find yourself having to think twice about when it comes to spelling.  

I love the trick I learned in elementary school about desert/dessert.  Dessert has 2 s's because you always want more dessert.  (I don't think s's is grammatically correct but ses doesn't look right either.  That one stomped me.)  I still check how to spell kindergarten and jewelry usually throws me off. 

4. High and dry, like watching paint dry, dry run, dry as dust, not a dry eye in the house...which phrase can you relate to currently? Explain. 

High and dry.  Let's just say I'm coming to the realization that some people don't really care if they leave you high and dry. 

5. How often do you frequent the dry cleaners? Starch or no starch?  

I haven't been to the dry cleaners in about a year.  The last thing I brought was my wool coat.  I wasn't given the option of starch.  I usually wash "dry clean only" items in my washing machine on the handwash cycle.  When I used to dress up for work I would bring my skirt and pant suits, but that was many years ago. 

6. What's a food or beverage you enjoy that's named for a place? 

Buffalo wings, which are chicken wings made with hot sauce and usually served with blue cheese dressing, carrot and celery sticks.  I'm tempted to say Long Island Iced Tea for a beverage but I haven't had one in years and don't think I will ever have one again.  I have dizziness and won't drink anything that may add to that ;)

7. Do you need solitude? 

Yes, every so often.  That is when I try to get to the beach.  If I can't get there my back deck often provides solitude, especially early in the morning or in the evening.  Last night my husband made a fire in my fire pit and I sat out in the dark, enjoying the cool fall evening. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

It's a Changing Autumn Hodgepodge

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1. Thursday (September 22) is the first official day of autumn in this part of the world...how will you welcome the season? I know some of you have been celebrating way too early, but it's official now so permission granted. House Beautiful recently listed ten ways to make your home smell like fall (you can read the list here) What's a scent you love this time of year and how will you add it to your home?

I decorated the inside of my home for fall this past Saturday.  I still would like to get some Mums for the front steps.  I love the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon apple.  I will add those scents to my home through candles and baking.  I do have cinnamon scented pinecones that I decorate with, but they seem to have lost their smell.  I saw today that Mrs. Meyer's came out with an apple cider scent.  I may have to try the hand soap and a cleaning product.  I like some of their other scents but apple cider sounds like it will be a favorite. 

2. Apple pie or pumpkin pie? Apple cake or pumpkin bread? Warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte?

Apple pie.  Pumpkin bread.  Pumpkin spice latte, made with either coconut or almond milk.  I like warm apple cider too but had to choose, right?

3. Do you suffer from what is sometimes referred to as an afternoon slump? What helps ward it off before it hits and/or tell us what helps you shake it off once it's here?

Yes, I often suffer from an afternoon slump.  I think a protein packed lunch helps ward it off.  Once it hits a cup of tea and a little sweet treat helps to shake it off. 

4. Ladies-how have your friendships with women inspired you or made you a better person? For the men here today- how have your friendships with men inspired you or made you a better person?

Yes, they have.  My friends make me want to be a better person.  They inspire me, cheer me on, and remind me of what is important in life.  When my perspective is right, I think I am working on being a better person. 

5. Are you a people pleaser? If you said yes, do you think that's a good or bad thing? If you said no, do you wish you were more of a people pleaser? 

Yes, I am a people pleaser.  It is good because I like to make people happy, but bad because at times I put too much pressure on myself. I have to remember that I can't please everyone and not to make myself sick trying to. 

6. The seasons are a-changin'...share a favorite song relating in some way to change (not necessarily seasonal change, it could be change of any kind).

"Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. 

7. What do you wish would never change? 

I am stumped by this question.  All I keep thinking of is how God never changes.  I am thankful for that. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Fall is my favorite season.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and this year our 15th wedding anniversary falls on Thanksgiving Day.  I look forward to the brisk air and the sound of crunching leaves under my feet.  It's still been warm here but that should be changing soon.  Happy Fall!

A Classical, Puzzled, Stand Up Hodgepodge

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1. What's changed in your life, home, or community since your last birthday?

Well since my birthday was in July, I'm going to answer in relation to the year before that.  We moved out of our home and into the house my husband grew up in to help his elderly mother.  We actually have more space and it is easier to care for her from upstairs than driving over multiple times a day.  It's been an adjustment but overall it is a win/win situation for everyone involved. 

2. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like/listen to classical music? If so what's a favorite piece and/or who is a favorite composer? 

Yes, I like classical music.  I don't know much about pieces and composers but love Pachelbel's Canon in D.  My daughter plays it so beautifully on the piano.  I think it is also a popular choice for wedding processionals. 

3. Besides The Bible, what's a book that has positively changed your life, relationships, career, or perspective? How so? 

"The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace.  I would say it has helped me be a better wife and thus positively changing my relationships.  I attended a women's conference when I was engaged and Martha Peace was the guest speaker.  I've read several of her books.  Another favorite book by her is "Attitudes of a Transformed Heart".  I love to reread both of them. 

4. I read (here) these ten hobbies will make you smarter...play a musical instrument, read voraciously, meditate regularly, work out your brain (puzzles, sudoku, board games, etc), exercise often, learn a new language, write your feelings down (blog, journal, just write), travel to new places, cook different kinds of meals, participate in sports actively

Are any on this list your current hobbies? Which hobby on the list would you be most inclined to try? 

I like to do crossword puzzles.  I read that doing word puzzles is good for your brain and they make me tired so I like to do them before bed.  I pray regularly so I guess that can be considered meditating, meditating on God's Word.  I'd like to be better at that but it is hard to get my mind quiet.  I would be most inclined to cook different kinds of meals. 

5. What sports traditions does your family have? 

I don't think we have many.  We do watch some of the Superbowl and I like to make fun foods like hot wings, nachos, and other hors d'oeuvres.  

6. In a few words, weigh in on the current football/National Anthem brouhaha. Keep it family friendly please. 

It is ridiculous!  I like the policy of some coaches who have stepped up and said if you sit on the bench during the National Anthem, you will sit there the whole game.  I am all for our rights protected by the Constitution, but I think they are acting like a bunch of spoiled brats!  It makes me sad to think of how our veterans must feel to see that. 

7. Where do you have loads of patience, and where do you most lack patience? 

I've been told I have loads of patience when it comes to dealing with those with mental or physical disabilities.  I don't think much about it, just have a heart for doing what I can to help out.  I lack patience for selfish people.   

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Congratulations to fellow Long Islander, Mikey Brannigan, who won the Gold in the 1,500 meter race at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio! Mikey is only 19 years old.  I love what his mom, Edie said, "Autistic people can be elite athletes.  They can, because now someone has done it."  Way to go, Mikey!