A Very Merry Christmas Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list?

I have to go shopping for a few last minute gifts, wrap all the presents, finish my baking and send out my Christmas cards.  My cards will be ready for pick up today so I plan on getting them out in tonight's mail.  My daughter wasn't feeling well so we only took our photo yesterday.  I did a ton of baking but have a few more recipes to make.  I think I overdo it on the Christmas cookies ;)

2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter? 

I actually like winter.  I love the quietness of the mornings, snuggling under a blanket while sipping hot tea, the stillness of the snow-covered woods, the excitement of the first major snowfall, going sledding with the kids and so much more.  I don't think I could name just one! 

3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not. 

This is a tough question to answer.  I guess I'll say keeping my emotions in check.  I'll leave it at that. 

4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016? 

Be thankful for each day.  Time moves quickly.  Try to create special moments in the mundane. 

5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? 

Yes, I love fried shrimp although I haven't had it in years.  I remember as a teen, going out to dinner with my grandparents in Florida and ordering the most delicious fried shrimp and French fries.  Great memories. Fried with tartar sauce is my favorite way to eat shrimp.  Yes, there will be shrimp cocktail on Christmas at my sister's house. 

6. What sound lulls you to sleep? 

Lately it has been the soft sound of my essential oil diffuser that has been lulling me to sleep.  I've been diffusing germ away in my bedroom.  I also like to use my sound machine and listen to the ocean waves or rainstorms. 

7. What one word best describes your 2016? 

Adjustment. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.   And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Let's talk holiday decorating. On a scale of 1-10 where do you fall? (1=Scrooge and 10= Clark Griswold). What's your favorite corner-room-table-space to decorate? Is it done?

I was thinking I was an 8, but last night we were at my mom's decorating her place and I decided I am a 10.  My daughter convinced me of that ;)  She said I am like the Sugar Plum Fairy putting red bows everywhere.  My favorite place to decorate is the top of our Entertainment Center (are they even called that anymore?)

2. Is there a nativity scene in your decorating somewhere? Post a picture or, if it's special to you in some way, tell us why. Or do both-it's Christmas!

Yes, on top of the bookcase in the living room.  My mother-in-law made it in Ceramics class many years ago when she first retired.  She made a set for each of her five children. 

3.  Do you live in a social neighborhood? If so are you glad? If not do you wish you did?

Tricky question for me.  I would say my town is a social neighborhood, but my block not so much.  I only know the neighbors on one side of me.  My in-laws moved into this house 54 years ago when the street was first being built on.  They had many friends on the street who have since moved.  I think I would know more people if my kids went to public school and I waited on the bus stop each day. 

4.  As the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present'. How does that ring true in your life right now?

As a reminder that we should enjoy and treasure each day.  For me to try to be the person I want to be and make small changes each day. 

5. Do you dread Mondays? Why or why not?

No.  I don't work outside of the home although it is the start of our school week.  I usually feel refreshed after the weekend, although some Mondays are like a recovery day from a busy weekend. I like the newness of  the beginning of the week. 

6.  Poinsettia, Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis-which on the list is your favorite holiday plant? Are any of these on display in your home right now?

Poinsettias are my favorite.  I have some artificial ones scattered throughout my home.  I like to use them in vases with pine cones and lay individual ones between my other decorations.

7. Share a favorite quote from a Christmas movie.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" — Linus Van Pelt

I just love that God's Holy Word goes forth on mainstream TV each year! 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of making small changes each day....today at vestibular therapy (physical therapy specialized to treat dizziness and balance issues) I tried the Elliptical machine.  I only did 5 minutes but my legs are hurting and it was difficult to walk when I got off.  That is a reminder of how out of shape I am!