Wednesday's Stopping To Smell Pink Roses Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. This time last year where were you?

I was home.  I just checked my planner and there wasn't anything written in.  It was the last week of our school year so I was probably doing paperwork.

2. In honor of National Pink Day (June 23rd) tell us your favorite pink food or beverage. Was it on the menu at your house yesterday? Do you like to wear the color pink? If we came to visit would we find this color in your home decor? Blush-fuschia-salmon-raspberry-your favorite shade of pink?

Watermelon, even though it is usually red, sometimes it is pink.  No, it wasn't on my menu yesterday.  We bought one a few weeks ago but it wasn't sweet so I think we have to wait a few more weeks.  I like to wear pink if it bright, I look washed out in pale pinks.  I use pink in my spring and summer decor, like the artificial flowers I have on my dining room table.  Fuschia is my favorite shade of pink.  It is my go to nail polish for my toes :)

3. Stop and smell the roses, looking through rose colored glasses, a rose by any other name, not all moonlight and roses, no rose without a thorn...which rosy saying currently fits your life in some way? Explain.

Stop and smell the roses.  I think this has been a good time to do that.  With being at home more and things forced to slow down or come to a stop there is plenty of time to appreciate the everyday things we often take for granted.

4. Are you a 'reader'? Do you tend to read lighter books in the summer months? Do you have a summer reading list? If so, give us a title or two.

Yes, to some degree.  Right now the books I am reading for the summer are not lighter.  I have a mental reading list.  I am reading Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss, Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick, The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel and Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. I am doing a book study on Idols of the Heart and Trusting God is a reread.  I have read it several times but it is still excellent every time.  I also started reading in the book of John and hope to get through Revelation by the end of the summer.

5. Share with us one rose and one thorn from your weekend.

Our church reopened for Sunday Worship Service.  We had to wear masks and it isn't easy trying to sing and breathe through a mask.  Still I am thankful, even with the many restrictions in place, to gather in person with the saints to worship.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Today we enter Phase 3 of reopening.  That means there is some indoor dining allowed, and nail salons and other cosmetic procedures are allowed; all with restrictions like limited capacity.  It is not unusual to see women sitting outside of salons while their color is being processed these days.  My husband texted me the other day saying there was a woman sitting outside with foil on her head, lol!   

Wednesday's Almost Summer Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Saturday marks the first official day of summer! Whoohoo! Your favorite thing about the season?

My favorite thing about the summer is being near or in the water.  Whether it is swimming in the ocean, floating in a pool or sitting with my toes in the sand I'll take it! 

2. Love it!, labor of love, not for love or money, no love lost, love handles, love does, love-hate relationship, misery loves company, tough love, love will find a way...pick one and tell us how it applies to your life right now.

Labor of love!  My laptop crashed two days ago.  I tried and tried but couldn't even get to my start menu.  I finally gave in an called HP.  I paid for a subscription to their technical help services and it was worth it.  I spent probably about 10 hours on the phone at different times.  Between those calls I was waiting for various updates, etc.  I backed up all my files before resetting my computer and thankfully my photos and documents were there but I can't seem to get my saved emails and contacts.  I think I may have some of them on my older computer so I will look there next.  

3. What's one thing currently causing you to seethe? One thing currently making you smile?

Well I am trying not to, and wouldn't exactly say I am seething but I find it ridiculous that many products are having to remove their labels because they are suddenly offensive.  I think we ought to focus on what makes us all alike (that we are all human made in the image of God) and stop pointing out physical differences trying to divide us.  

I am smiling because our church is opening for Sunday Worship Service.  We have to be at reduced capacity and there are many social distancing rules in place but we can meet!  

4. Of the following to-dos found on a summer checklist (here) which three would definitely make your personal list of summer want-to-dos?

roast marshmallows over a fire, go berry or peach picking, dangle your feet off the end of a dock, sit on a porch swing, watch the sunset from a beach, nap in a hammock, go barefoot in the grass, collect seashells, play tennis, go fishing, build a sandcastle, catch fireflies, eat a soft serve ice cream cone, make a pitcher of Sangria, swim in a lake, stargaze, ride a bike, paddle a canoe or kayak, make a summer road trip, throw a frisbee

1- roast marshmallows over a fire

2- watch the sunset from the beach

3- eat a soft serve ice cream cone

Do you make an actual list?

No, I don't actually make a list.  

5. Thursday is National Splurge Day. What might you splurge on in order to celebrate?

Chocolate?  We bought a Pound Plus bar of Belgian Milk Chocolate from Trader Joes yesterday.  We usually get the extra dark one which is really good but milk chocolate is a rare treat.  

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Too much random in my head right now to pick a thought that can be easily expressed ;)

Have a great week :)

Wednesday's Yes No Way Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Last thing you said yes to? Did you regret it?

I said yes to taking a ride to Costco with my husband.  No I didn't regret it.  I roasted two chickens for dinner and have lots of leftovers.  We had chicken with gravy, stuffing and carrots for dinner last night.  I think we will make chicken pot pie today.  

2. No big deal, no contest, no dice, no hard feelings, no ifs ands or buts, no kidding, no offense, no pain no gain, no way...choose one and tell us how it applies to your life currently.

No way.  I tried answering this question a few different ways but all my answers led into negativity so there is no way I am going to answer it ;)  

3. Thursday June 11th is National Making Life Beautiful Day...in this strange season how are you adding beauty to your days/life? 

By enjoying nature.  Early in the morning I open the windows and enjoy hearing the birds chirping and the curtains blowing in the breeze.

4. According to an article found here, these six foods taste better in June than at any other time of the year-strawberries, asparagus, peas, peaches, beets, and garlic. How many of these have you tasted so far this month? Anything on the list you'd say 'no thank you' to trying? Rearrange the list starting with your favorite (1) to your least favorite (6).

I have had strawberries and peas so far this month.  I don't particularly care for beets but could eat them if I had to.  My list in order of favorite to least favorite:

1-Strawberries

2-Peaches

3-Garlic

4-Asparagus

5-Peas

6-Beets

5. Describe your current mood in three words.

Reflective, Uneasy, Hopeful

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Wenesday's June Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Go for a walk at the beach.  I plan on going later this afternoon.

2. June 2nd is National Rotisserie Chicken day. Who knew? Are you a fan of rotisserie chicken? You've purchased one at your local market for tonite's dinner. Will you serve as is or make something else using the chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is delicious and Costco has the best!  I will serve it as is with a couple of sides.  

3. I read a list recently (go here to read more) of 20 of the most beautiful places in America. How many of these have you seen up close and in person? Of the sites on this list that you haven't seen, which would you most like to see?

Antelope Canyon Arizona, Kenai Fjords Alaska, White Mountains New Hampshire, Crater Lake Oregon, The Palouse Washington and Idaho, Grand Prismatic Spring Wyoming, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Oregon, Horsehoe Bend Arizona, Na Pali Coast Kauai Hawaii, Antelope Valley California, Lake Tahoe California, The Berkshires Massachussets, Maroon Bells Colorado, Angel Oak South Carolina, Acadia National Park Maine, Grand Teton National Park Wyoming, Turnip Rock Michigan, Central Park New York City, Niagara Falls New York, and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields Washington

I have seen two.  My favorite is The White Mountains in New Hampshire.  I've been there twice.  Once on my honeymoon and then a few years later for a family vacation.  I would love to go back.

I have been to Maine but not to Acadia National Park so I would choose that one to see.

4. What's one pretty spot you'd add to the list in question #3? Are there travel plans of any kind on your calendar right now? Does that make you happy, anxious, excited, sad, or relieved?

I would add Montauk, NY, the eastern tip of Long Island.  There are no travel plans on my calendar right now.  That makes me feel relieved.

5. Tell us one un-COVID related thing you're looking forward to in the month of June.

My daughter graduates high school with Honors, even without a formal ceremony for now.  We will present her with her diploma and have a little celebration at home.  Hopefully we will be allowed to have a formal ceremony later in the summer.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

"And turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."