And The Hodgepodge Goes To....

The Wednesday Hodgepodge is back in action this week, marching onward into a brand new month. Answer the questions on your own blog, then add your link at the end of my post. Hodgepodge links only please! Here we go-

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

Well it felt like I was chasing my tail all the ding dong day.  I had a long list of to-dos, but that list was derailed several times by small interruptions. Sometimes you just need to embrace the interruptions, so that's what I did. And hey, it was a bonus day anyway, right? 

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

My prayer life. 

3.  Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I generally read a little something before seeing a film, but am probably more persuaded by short trailers on TV. If a film is based on a book I'll definitely read the review first, because I don't like film makers messing with my book plots. 

I watched The Oscars, and honestly I thought the show was awful. In fact I think it gets a little bit worse every year.  This might not be a popular sentiment, but I really wish they'd stick to films and leave current events out of it. Can't we just be entertained? I feel the same way when sitcoms tackle heavy issues.  

I hadn't seen many of the nominated Best Pics this year, two so far although a couple more are on my to-see list. And I don't know if she was best dressed, but the dress I loved most was worn by Naomi Watts. I thought her whole look was perfection. 

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

I don't think I've had overnight houseguests since the Christmas holidays. This is very, very unusual for us as we typically have a steady stream. We do have an extra bedroom and bath in the apartment, but the living space is pretty cozy.  I think once the house is built we'll be back to our usual 'bookings', and hubs and I are excited about that. We love company. 

As far as tips for being a good houseguest...

-Let your hosts know how long you're staying. I don't care if it's three days or three weeks, but I want arrival and departure dates.  Also, unless you're my mother three weeks is too long. 
-A gift for the hostess is a thoughtful gesture. 
-Keep it tidy-make the bed and don't leave wet towels on the furniture

I tell my houseguests to make themselves at home, and I hope they know I mean that. 

5.  March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I am more of a peanut butter liker than a peanut butter lover. I'm not planning to celebrate, but I wouldn't turn down a home made peanut butter cookie either. 

6.  Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

I think failure is unavoidable in life, and it's how you handle it that's important. Failing means you had the courage to try. Go you! And if you keep trying you'll eventually achieve something, which I think you appreciate all the more because it didn't come easily. Failure builds character, it helps keep us humble. When we fail (and we will) we need to learn from criticism. We need to keep trying, keep hoping, and keep working hard. 

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." -Henry Ford

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

My mother-in-law is celebrating a big birthday this month and I'm looking forward to making her feel loved and appreciated. My mom is coming down from NJ to join in the fun, and I'm taking both moms, my big sister, and my Daughter2 to a Lifeway Women's Conference in Asheville.  I'm excited for the fabulous speaker line up (including Lisa Harper and Annie Downs), and especially the music (Natalie Grant and Christy Nockels). 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Some of you know my Daughter1 has a blog and she's adorable, so if you don't follow her you should.  (Sincerely Shannon). She writes about newlywed life in the Pacific Northwest, her mischievous puppy, her travels, her faith and more. 

My Daughter2 started a blog about three years ago, which was also her first year teaching. She had to set it aside because do you know what first year teachers lack? Free time! They drown in paperwork and planning, and since something had to give she put her blog on hold. Recently she's picked it back up, and I'd love for you to pop over and say hi. She blogs about teaching, fitness, food, faith, and more. (It's Elementary)

Oh, and she is also adorable. 

What's a little nepotism among friends? 

Bibbidi Bobbidi Hodgepodge

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! I've been traveling, so I'm scrambling a bit to get this one posted. If you've answered the questions, add your link at the end of my post, then go see what your neighbors had to say.  Here we go-

1. Did you watch The Oscars? How many of the Best Picture nominees have you seen? (American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, Selma, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash)

Do you think actors should use their acceptance speeches as an opportunity to promote their political and/or social agenda? Does that sort of speech make you more or less inclined to change the channel?

I did watch The Oscars. All four+ ridiculous hours, plus some red carpet coverage beforehand.  We were at my sister's house and about halfway through debated calling it a night, but figured we'd lasted this long, might as well see it through. 

I thought the show was particularly bad this year. Bad as in NOT entertaining, and isn't that why we watch? Can't anything be purely entertainment anymore? Must everything have something weighty attached to it ? Yes this is America and everyone has a right to express themselves, but I do think there's a time and place, and The Oscars are neither. It matters not whether I agree or disagree with whatever cause or issue is being touted by the celeb, that's not what I want to see and hear when I tune in to a show called The Oscars. 

Kind of like you not dropping in here hoping to read a rant about Hollywood.   

An-y-way...I saw three of the nominated best picture pictures-American Sniper, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and The Imitation Game. I think I'd like to see Whiplash and will probably watch for it on DVD. 

2.Speaking of the movies...are you comfortable going to a movie alone? How about dinner in a restaurant (not fast foo, but an actual restaurant)? The second half of this question was posed by Carrie who blogs over at It's Not Easy Being Queen. Thanks Carrie!

I don't have a problem going to a movie alone, although I can't say I actually do that too often. If I'm spending money on a movie, it's usually an outing with the hubs. I wouldn't go to a restaurant in town and dine alone, but if we're traveling and hubs has an evening work event I'd have no problem dining alone in a restaurant.  I'd also have no problem staying in my jammies and ordering room service-ha!

3.What's the last home repair or home improvement project you had to pay someone to complete? In hindsight was this a project you could have done yourself?

Just today (Tuesday) we had a carpet guy here to re-stretch our bedroom carpet.  He was punctual, neat, reasonably priced, and we're very happy with the end result. It's not a job I'd try on my own. 

Most home improvement projects are not things I'd try on my own.  I'm not what you'd call handy. 

4. Have you ever had Indian food? Like it or no? If you're a fan, what's your favorite dish? Have you ever prepared this yourself at home? Is there an Indian restaurant in your current hometown?

I love Indian food, one of my favorite cuisines. I love spicy food and normally order chicken tikka masala and bhindi bhaji (an okra dish). I've tried lots of dishes though, and as long as they're not Vindaloo kind of heat I'm happy.  Hubs loves the heat and asks for diced chilies on the side. 

When we lived in the UK we ate in our local Indian restaurant at least once a week. The staff gave us big hugs when we moved, and everyone got a bit teary eyed. No Indian restaurant in tinytown, but there is a place we like several towns over. 

5. A song that reminds you of your parents?

Anything by The Bill Gaither Trio. Every now and then I'll see them on TV and I have to stop and listen.  

6. The 26th of February is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. What's your favorite, or one of your favorite, fairy tales? Do you have any childhood memories associated with a particular fairy tale?

When I was little my sister and I had a record (the kind you played on a phonograph) of songs from Hans Christian Anderson stories. We played that thing to death, and in fact just typing this I find myself humming the tune to Thumbelina.  

My mother spent hours reading to my sister and I all throughout our childhood, so hearing a fairy tale now awakens some very tender memories for me. It would be hard for me to choose a favorite, but I've always loved Cinderella. 

And while nothing beats a book in my opinion, I did love the movie version of this one too.  Lesley Ann Warren played the title character and when the fairy godmother turned her rags into a gown it was pure magic. There's a new version coming out in March, with Lady Rose Lily James in the lead role. I'm looking forward to seeing that too. 

7. What's a problem you solved yesterday?

Hmmm...yesterday (Monday) hubs and I spent a leisurely afternoon in Greenville South Carolina, so nothing  immediately comes to mind. Maybe where to have lunch? 

Tupelo Honey! Problem solved! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A little too much going on round here today to give this a lot of thought. Nobody minds if I just share another wedding picture do they? 

Good because I love these...

I love that my son-in-law recognizes handing over a daughter means handing over a little piece of a father's heart too. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 210

Here are this week's questions for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to share answers. See you there! 

1. Did you watch The Oscars? How many of the Best Picture nominees have you seen? (American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, Selma, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash)

Do you think actors should use their acceptance speeches as an opportunity to promote their political and/or social agenda? Does that sort of speech make you more or less inclined to change the channel?

2. Speaking of the movies... are you comfortable going to a movie alone? How about dinner in a restaurant (not fast food, but an actual restaurant)? The second half of this question was posed by Carrie who blogs over at It's Not Easy Being Queen. Thanks Carrie! 

3. What's the last home repair or home improvement project you had to pay someone to complete? In hindsight was this a project you could have done yourself? 

4. Have you ever had Indian food? Like it or no? If you're a fan, what's your favorite dish? Have you ever prepared this yourself at home? Is there an Indian restaurant in your current hometown? 

5. A song that reminds you of your parents? 

6. The 26th of February is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day. What's your favorite, or one of your favorite, fairy tales? Do you have any childhood memories associated with a particular fairy tale? 

7. What's a problem you solved yesterday? 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A Little Bit Of Linus and A Whole Lot of Nothing Much

Hello blog.  It's been a while, but not a whole lot to report or maybe too much, which is why I've been avoiding you. I've eked out the Hodgepodge these past couple of weeks, but that's about it, and I'm determined to say something here today.

Even if that something is essentially nothing.

Who thinks I've spent too much time curled up under my super soft blankie watching mindless television on our overly comfy couch? Do you remember the blanket I got at our neighborhood Christmas party? That blanket y'all! It just might be one of my all time favorite gifts ever.  I don't actually drag it around the house with me, but somedays I'm tempted.

So the weekend. You know the drill-ridiculously cold temperatures that make you wonder why you thought dinner out on a Friday night was a good idea. On the bright side we did not get the foot of snow originally predicted, and instead we got a whopping none. I'll take it. We still have a couple of feet on the ground, frozen so solid you can walk across the top of the 'grass' without falling through. I'm pretty sure I'll be posting photos here in June of the 'big rock candy snow mountain' at the top of our driveway.

Here's the boardwalk in tinytown-

Also, there's a lake out there, and benches in front of the water. 
You'll have to take my word for it...

...or you can wait til July and see for yourself.  

I always say March is the hardest month of the year for me. I won't utter a word of weary complaint about snow in January or February, in fact I love it. But then you flip the calendar and it's like the word SPRING literally pokes you in the eye. It's March, and I need winter to begin tapering off. When you can't see so much as a blade of grass it's hard to imagine that happening, but it will. The earth will not be restrained by a little thing like a snow mountain. Seasons changing are one of God's very best ideas, don't you think?  

We do have a couple of fun things on the calendar which helps, because I need something to look forward to in March. Also, last week I managed to book a couple of small getaways for later this spring, and just seeing the reservations written in my datebook makes my heart feel lighter.  

We watched some of the Oscars last night, hubs would say too much, and I'm inclined to agree.  I thought the show really dragged. I think Ellen DeGeneres is so funny, but even her bits felt like she was working too hard. I did think there were some beautiful gowns, and Charlize Theron is my pick for best dressed. She has the most amazing bone structure, and her hair, makeup, jewelry, and gown were flawless. I loved absolutely everything about her look.

I stayed up too late for a Sunday, but I was thinking we'd at least wake up to the couple of inches still in the forecast, and my 6 a.m. boot camp would likely be cancelled. Where are those snowflakes when you need them? I dragged myself out of bed and the whole ride to the gym I kept thinking how next weekend we spring the clocks forward, which means the 5:15 alarm will actually feel like 4:15. Daylight Savings Time is all a big mind game isn't it?

Last week I had a board meeting at my house and I like to always have a little token of thanks for the volunteers. Usually I make something relating to a holiday or season, and then try to be clever in wording the tags. This month I made these-

I did something similar last year for my daughters on St. Patrick's Day, only for theirs I used Mason Jars.  FYI-it takes a whole lotta Skittles to fill up a Mason Jar. This time round I got smart and used pretzel bags. They are just the right size and hold the rainbow shape. The gold 'at the end of the rainbow' is actually four Rolos, which I think are like gold in their own way. Also, for anyone trying this at home, it seems a bag of Skittles contains a disproportionate number of red and orange as opposed to yellow. I used two big bags of Skittles for eight treat bags, and had to monitor the yellow. There's less purple too, but does anyone actually like the purple?

So that's a little bit of nothing too important on this frigid, but thankfully (unless you count what's already on the ground) un-snowy Monday. I almost feel like digging in to my Spring Cleaning list, and maybe I will, but before I do there's this-

Sunrise from my front porch. If we didn't have winter, would I still have this? Maybe not.  And just when I feel bone weary of the cold gray winter skies God reminds me,"....for everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." March on!

Post Party Post

Did you watch The Oscars last night?

Hubs and I managed to see almost all of the nominated movies this year which I think is a first. We missed Winter Bone and in fact I'd never heard of it until the awards rolled around.

And we skipped 127 hours because watching someone 'trapped' for that length of time would make me hyperventilate.

But we did watch the show last night and here are my thoughts in no particular order-

1. Natalie Portman is stunning.

2. Reese Witherspoon =adorable.

She looked a little bit like a Barbie Doll but in a good way.

3. I enjoyed the opening number...

they spoofed the nominated movies in a very clever way.

4. The hosts were eh.

5. But Anne Hathaway looks amazing in absolutely everything she wears.

How does she breathe in this one?

6. Some of the winners should just say thanks and move along Melissa Leo.

I loved her in The Fighter but dropping the big bad word in her acceptance speech at the Oscars was eww.

7. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis presented an award together.

I loved her dress but had no clue what all their banter was about.

I think I might be old.

8. Who knew Zachary Levi could sing?

9. Gwynneth Paltrow has really grown on me this year.

10. My pick for Best Picture was Best Picture...

if you haven't seen The King's Speech you should.

So, did you watch?

Did you have a favorite dress?

A least favorite dress?

Hollywood is so full of themselves sometimes I can hardly stand it.

But I enjoy going to the movies and I thought there were some really wonderful films last year.

And I do love beautiful clothes.

And its a rainy Monday morning here...

since I did my weekend recap yesterday what else is there to talk about today?

Pre-Oscar Party Post

Answer me this...

why are the weekends so ding dang short?

This one seemed to positively fly.

Although hubs said last weekend that he was through painting and wanted to hire out the rest of the work, guess what he did yesterday?

He painted.

Yay hubs!

Like I said, if he weren't so good at it and didn't work for cheap I might consider hiring someone, but until then he's my guy.

Saturday he spent the day painting daughter1's bedroom.

Technically daughter1 has her own apartment and bedroom several states away but that's neither here nor there.

This is her room when she's home and we chose a color called Khaki.

(Insert sound of daughter1 shrieking here)

She has never been a khaki kind of girl...

Guess what color she would have chosen?

We want warm neutrals in the bedrooms and her room

gets a lot of sun so it can handle a darker tone on the walls.

It turned out beautifully and I'd post a picture except we don't have the furniture put back.

We decided we're buying new for her room.

It's time.

I look at the sweet wicker dresser that has been in one daughter or the others bedroom since 1990 and its a little bit hard to let it go.

Until I inspect it more closely, and then I realize its past time.

Daughter1 would agree.

In other weekend news we went to a fun dinner party on Saturday evening where the main course was raclette.

Oh yum!

Have you ever had raclette?

It's a bit similar to a fondue party in that everyone cooks their own meal.

Instead of dipping into a pot you place your cheese under a special cooker that looks something like this one which is from Williams Sonoma-

The photo is from their website.

Can I do that?

I hope so.

If it helps, I love the store!

Anyway, once your cheese has melted into gooey deliciousness you scrape it off the dish and onto your plate which is covered in potatoes, vegetables, onions, pickles, and dried meats like salamis and sausages.

If you like cheese this meal will make you deliriously happy.

Raclette originated with the Swiss and you see Raclette restaurants dotted around many of the Swiss and French alpine towns and villages.

The traditional set up looks more like this-

The last time I had raclette it was eaten here-

in France...

Saturday night it was eaten in a NJ suburb but it was still a whole lotta fun.

Speaking of fun...

I brought dessert to the party so while hubs was painting yesterday I was baking.

I made an almond amaretto pound cake

and a plate of chocolate peanut butter truffles

I'd seen both recipes in recent issues of Southern Living and both are keepers.

And here it is, a brand new week and I'm already off on food tangents.

C'est la vie.

I must end this post tres rapidment as the Oscars are on and I need to see the clothes and the hair and the craziness that is Hollywood.

Hope your weekend was filled with food and family and fun too~