Wednesday Hodgepodge-Spring!

Joining Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge....come play along

1. Spring is in the air (at least in my neck of the woods) and the birds are singing...what's your favorite bird?

Bluejays or cardinals 

2. Speaking of birds...do you tweet? If so tell us your screen name and we'll come flocking to your Twitter site. Even if you don't let's all pretend here that we do-in 140 characters or less, sum up your week so far.

I do, but not that often....mostly during American Idol or DWTS chatty about performances!

My week so far.....recovering from vacation and cleaning my house! #Boring,#needacleaninglady!

3. Its been reported recently that employers are not only viewing the facebook pages of potential hires but they're also requesting your facebook password to have a look at what you've kept from public view. What say you?

damn I'm glad I don't work or use FB that much....I think I would be okay! 

4. It's April and you know what that means-Major League Baseball is back in action. What's your favorite baseball movie? If that's too hard, what's your favorite sports themed movie?

Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner and A league of their own with Tom Hanks!

5. Something else this season brings-asparagus. Yes please or no thanks? If it's yes please what's your favorite way to have it prepared?

Yes I love asparagus......tossed with olive oil and sea salt and pepper thrown on the grill is my favorite!

6. What drives you? (Don't you love how I sandwiched that one in between asparagus and jugglers???)

Completing a goal...checking it off the box....my hubby 

7. April 18th is International Jugglers Day...can you juggle?

No way not a lot of coordination here! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Just home from our Spring break vacation to Southern California .....had such a great time. Slowly getting back to reality....! Poor Sophie girl is wiped out from the farm aka boarding! So is so skinny and tired! Any ideas how to fatten a pup up quickly?

Happy Wednesday! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's the last job you did that required elbow grease?


Cleaning showers....our bathroom tile is really hard to clean...I hate it!


2. March Madness, aka the men's Division I basketball championship, is nearing an end. What sort of 'madness' has your house seen this month?


March has been busy here between my daughter's senior trip, our anniversary, her birthday, scholarship dinner and hubby working long hours...our calendar has been full. But it makes the time fly by...hard to believe April is around the corner!

3. What's your favorite shop for browsing?

There is many Antique Malls here, I like to browse them every couple weeks! I've been dress shopping a lot for upcoming events so lots of browsing and trying on has been going on! 

4. Is there ever a time when giving up makes sense?

When you can't change someone.....people are who they are....acceptance where there is not acceptance is tough one! 

5. What's a song you love that contains the name of a city, state or country in its title?

I love Alicia Keys and JayZ Empire State of Mind- 

6. When did you first begin using a computer?

In college back in the early 90's! It was a huge desk top and so slow compared to today's computers! 

7. Did you buy girl scout cookies this year? What's your favorite?

In the early fall here....my favorite is Samoas aka Caramel deLites followed up by Thin Mints....some people say oh freeze them.....they are gone too fast here...no freezing necessary! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today is my sweet baby-Katelyn's 18th Birthday! Love you Kate with all my heart! I hope your birthday is as wonderful as you are....much love! xo

Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodge! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge-Spring!

1. The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard? Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore? How about your least favorite?

I do sometimes...I like the planting part...it's the weeding and prep part I hate! I'm allergic to grass so I rarely cut the grass anymore, plus we have a riding lawn mower and I need to be trained on it!

2. What puts a spring in your step?

Having a productive day and getting my list done and still having time to relax! 

3. Describe a time when you had to spring into action?

Once while driving my daughter to school I witnessed a single car accident and usually I keep driving because other's usually pull over and not having any medical training I deem myself useless. For some reason this time I pulled over and helped, it was so surreal and glad I did. 

4. We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?

As a side dish raw for sure!

5. Do you take the shampoos and other sundries from your hotel room when its time to check out?

Depends if I like the brand or if I've already opened it.

6. What's the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?

I've been a part  two different Bunco groups does that count as a club....loved getting together once a month and chatting. Loved being apart of a book club as well....and a brief time a part of a tennis team....I think just being with a group of women with common interest is what it's all about. 

7. Is cloning a sign of progress?

Yes of coarse! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring...I was out and about all day...So Happy Spring!

My sister told me about these babies and I found some while shopping yesterday! They are too cute for Easter and yummy! I'm of coarse going to make them myself at a $1 a pop I can make them for less to enjoy and share!

Aren't they the cutest! 

Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodge's 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Did March come in like a lion or was it something less ferocious in your neck of the woods?

It has been sunnier than usual but colder than usual also!  It's certainly not Spring yet!

2. Speaking of lions, which one's your film favorite...The Cowardly Lion(Wizard of Oz), Mufasa (The Lion King), Elsa (Born Free), or Alex(Madagascar)? You may notice I left Aslan off the list. Including him would have made this question way too easy for many of you.

Mufasa hands down....love Lion King! 

3. What's your favorite spot from which to view the sunrise or sunset?

Currently on our back porch but my favorite vacation sunset is in Cabo San Lucas....

 Or in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah!

4. To what extent is knowledge power and to what extent is truth power? What's the difference?

"Nourish the mind like you would your body.The mind cannot survive on junk food. Jim Rohn"  


I totally agree with this quote....if you only feed your mind....People magazine and "Jersey Shore" instead of a book or quality programs and conversations....soon no one will want to talk to you or hear what you have to say! 


"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. ~ Thomas Jefferson"


With truth you can speak freely knowing what you say and believe is honest and powerful...but to many the truth hurts...so sometimes we have to soften it.

5. What's something peculiar you've seen recently?

I wish I had a picture...but last week while at the airport I saw a female traveller wearing the highest high heels shoes know to man or women. I don't know about you but when I travel it's comfort, easy access to removing shoes, and with the potential sprint from gate to gate in mind! 

Simular to these but add a few inches! 

6. Bottled water...your thoughts?

I'm a bottled water user, part taste of water here, part the convenience...I just bought one of these in hope I can use less plastic. 

7. What's your strongest sense?

I'll say smell maybe tie with sight! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My baby is leaving tomorrow for her class trip to Disney World....she spent hours packing...seriously she would deny it but between homework and packing she was in her room from 3:00-9:30 stopping for a quick dinner! She said it's because it's hard to pack for another season than you are currently in.....whatever!  I'm going to miss her! 




Join Joyce @ From this side of the Pond for more Wednesday Hodgepodge! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?

I would say all would be nice but maybe George Washington...why...he was our first President, I think he would be interesting to know about what it was like. Also like to talk about his teeth and what it was like to eat with wooden teeth....etc...


2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?


PF Changs or Cheesecake Factory....yum!

3. I spied this question on the Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to steal borrow it-

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?

I think it's human nature to have some regret but all in all I would say it was good.

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?

I wish I like Grapefruit so I'll go with an orange...as is!

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?

I like cleaning and organizing my closet so I do it quite often. Last time probably two weeks ago. Right now our coat closet needs attention...all the hats and gloves are thrown on a shelf and a mess. Maybe today!

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?

Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper and Barack Obama

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?

Sadly maybe a 2-3....in all my years of driving not a lot of opportunity or maybe it was avoidance! Katelyn on the other hand is a pro but she is fresh off the Driver's Ed circuit !

My sister posted this video it's a friend of hers .....I love it and laughed and cried and totally can relate. If you have time watch it...it's funny! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more Wednesday Hodgepodge!

Happy Wednesday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge-Love ♥

1. What is something you are loving right now?

TOMS shoes came out with Ballet Flats.....I love my TOMS, they are so comfortable!
I can't wait to buy a pair of ballet flats...I'm thinking about these....

I♥ animal print! 

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

I'll say Venice because I've never been.....but I think personally Florence is my pick for the most Romantic city in the world...

3. Are you a romantic?

I think I am...not the love note leaving kind but I try to always do everything with love in mind. 

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

The Notebook...

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.

According to the test I'm Pooh!

All I know is one of my favorite books is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. In his speech is talks about not being an Eeyore nobody wants to be around an Eeyore....it's much better to be a Tigger! 
Love that! 

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

I'd say in Germany they have the most amazing chocolate....There was this hot lava cake at this restaurant it was to die for! It took 20 minutes to cook! Other than that the chocolate bars there yum! Especially the Milka brand! Yum!

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

" I love you, not only for what you are, but what I am when I'm with you" Roy Croft

8. Insert your own random thought here.

February photo challenge Days 6 and 7

Day 6 -Dinner

Day 7-Button

I made this for my Americana office many years ago 

Now our bonus room is our Americana room 

The huge star one is my favorite, I copied it from some magazine 

it's hard to see but embroidered is the words 

Freedom

Justice

Equality

Honor

Liberty

Happy Wednesday

Please stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond 

for my Hodgepodge fun! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals?

We farm out the job only because of our house in Utah and NY taxes are so new to us. In  the past we always did them ourselves. 

2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....

Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain?

Pain for sure....it comes at you in all different directions when you least expect it. 

3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like clickhere.

I love the color...you won't find it in my house but I have several articles of clothing that color...but I just call it orange! 

4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly?

I collect blue and white dishes and such....I also have several Nesting Dolls all displayed, dusted recently...and a whole bunch of rooster stuff. 

5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare?

Do Cheerios count? Okay I like roasting veggies on the grill with a little olive oil and salsa Salmon...I think that is heart healthy. 

6. When was the last time you had car trouble?

It's been several months my heater went out in my car, before that dead battery and before that my tires kept leaking air! 

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend?

Less demanding...my attitude is there is always tomorrow! Probably not a good trend...but it all gets done! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy February!! Here is my day one photo a day for this month....
My view today...

My office, my space, my little getaway....we have a bonus room above our garage and on one end is an office area....perfect spot with french doors that close off from TV room....it's where Sophie and I spend our mornings! 


Have a wonderful Wednesday! Stop by Joyce's From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodge! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

Well I use amazing a lot probably too much!! Some of these words I have never heard of or used. I would probably pick trickeration mostly due to its nature plus I'm clueless to it's meaning.  Football terms should never been common language or at least in my vocabulary! 

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

Depends on the situation...I'm embarrassed for other people that embarrass themselves unknowingly by what they say or wear or act. 

3. What is your go-to snack?

Cheese....couple slices or a cheese stick.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

We visited last Spring break and loved it. It was my first visit to DC and I can't wait to go again. We were there for three days and didn't see it all. I loved the National Cathedral and it's grounds.

and Arlington Cemetery and the changing of the guards is another must see. 

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

Planks we do those almost every time in my Bootcamp we never have done a sit-up in all the time I've gone there.

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

I would have to say when we were living in Germany many acts of kindness were given during those awkward language barrier moments. I would be in the grocery store looking for something or trying to order something from the deli or bakery and be struggling  and a random stranger would help me. I appreciated those moments like none other in my life. 

7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

Yes it's been a while though since I've participated in a blood drive or donated. I need to do that...goal for new year!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Remember when men didn't care about decorating....before HGTV was around....suddenly my hubby has opinions and thinks he is Genevieve Jr. Needless to say our ideas are not the same and they are clashing. Compromising  and decorating is not meant to go hand and hand is it!! 

Stop by Joyce's blog and play along! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge-New Year

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?

Hard

Different

Fast

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared?

Yes I like it cold with cocktail sauce or in a scampi.

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down?

Yes I did it in stages. All of if was put away this weekend and house clean! 

I really like starting the new year clean and organized.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

No not really...I like murder mysteries but not Halloween type no way! 

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

Skiing....in fact I just booked our February trip to Utah last night. My favorite ski trip was when we went to Austria....I'm not a huge skier like my hubby and daughter. I'm a sunny day ski a few runs stop have some coffee, ski some more and soak up the sun on the deck kind of skier!

 Austrian Alps

 Soaking up some sun

Spent some time on the ground too!

I love how a picture was snapped before helping me up....!

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

I remember setting up forts everywhere....under pool table, dinning room table....outside my sister's and I were masters of fort building. 

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

As of lately Pinterest...I'm in the process of redoing our Master and next is our living room....so many ideas on the net! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It finally snowed here...it's bitter cold. It's Katelyn's first winter driving solo....is it possible to pray for her safety too much. Tonight she is working at the ski resort...she is driving in the dark at night with snow and ice....did I mention she is a new driver and my only child...! ugh!! It's all too much for me!! 

Happy Wednesday all please stop by Joyce's blog and wish her a Happy New Year and join the fun! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Share something you loved about your Christmas Day.

Her smiling face....

2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?

1.  An Ipad because it's the great invention of all time.

2. An Iphone for the same reasons as above.
3. Bottle of vitamin water, for the shear fact it exists. 
4. Picture of our family 
5. Fashion Magazine like Vogue big book! 

3. What do you like on a cracker?

Cheese....I'm a big sharp cheddar girl!

4. Do you make resolutions at the start of a new year? How'd that work out for you this past year?

Not always, but I think change is good and refocusing on ones life goals etc.. is a good thing! I'm focusing on once again losing weight and getting fit. Last year I started intense workout class....this year I'm hoping to add the nutrition part needed and step up workouts at home. 

5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?

Adele's " Rolling in the deep" big song this year....plus I love her. 

6. How will you ring in the new year?

We are attending the Ice Ball in Buffalo...it's a 9 event venue with 2 acres of fun!! Not sure what to expect....we are going with our neighbors. I usually don't do fancy but this year we are....It's a first! 

I'm excited to wear my new shoes....they are super comfortable and look awesome with my outfit.

My Dansko are the highest shoe I've worn in years!! I don't own high heels so this is a stretch....if you own Toms you know the comfort I'm talking about!!

7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?

My daughter's High School graduation....it's an exciting year and lots of changes around the corner. 
As sad is it is for me thinking ahead to the empty nest etc...I'm excited for her to start the next big chapter in her life.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It's an exciting week here in our house. My hubby is off work and is busy painting our Master bedroom...yay!! I'm training for 3 days this week for a job I'll work every Sunday for 4 hours at our local ski resort. It's fun getting out there again. It's completely different than what I've ever done....just nice to be in customer service again. People are interesting....lets just leave it at that!!


Happy Wednesday!! Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodge! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Are you cooking Christmas dinner? How many will be round your table this year? What are we having?

Yes I'm cooking Christmas dinner, but just for the three of us. We are having a simple meal of pot roast, mashed potatoes, veggies and carrot cake for dessert. 

2. What is one must-have Christmas cookie in your house?

Frosted sugar cut out cookies.....love them....they don't last long here.

3. Santa likes a glass of milk with his cookies. Do you? What kind of milk is on tap at your house-skim? almond? soy? full fat (Gasp!)

Some times...not really a huge milk person. We buy fat free milk.

4. Time magazine recently named their 'Person of the Year' for 2011. This is the person the editors believe had the greatest impact, for better or worse, in the past year. This year they chose 'The Protester'. Your thoughts? Who would you name Person of the Year for 2011?

I guess I would agree by the definition "The Protester" fits! It's hard to say there has been a lot of news this year. I'm with Joyce at least it wasn't a Kardashian or worse yet Casey Anthony! 

5. December 21st is National Flashlight Day... when was the last time you needed a flashlight and did you know right where to find one?

It was when we were in NJ this summer during Hurricane Irene. My brother in law was so prepared  next to our bedside sat a flashlight. Today if needed in my own home I would head to the garage work shop. 

6. candy canes...yum or yuck?

Yum I love candy canes but they have to be Bob's candy canes they are the best! 

7. What Christmas carol lyric means the most to you?

Joy to the world....

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I always go out the day after Christmas to places like JoAnn Fabrics, Target etc..for discounted wrapping paper etc... yesterday I was in JoAnn Fabrics and all the Christmas was marked down already to 70% off and they were wiped out! I quickly grabbed some bows and ribbons....but my most amazing find was this.....

This is my most favorite Easter candy....who knew they had a Christmas one too????!!!! Not me and they were almost gone..I snagged a few packages, barely made it out of parking lot before I tore into a package! I'm happy I didn't know about these sooner...to think of how dangerous this could have been on my waist line! 


Happy Wednesday all....stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodge! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joining Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

Every room except the bathrooms and my bedroom has some kind of Christmas decoration.

Our newest decoration was found at my new favorite consignment shop. It's a mini Steinbach Nutcracker. Isn't he cute...he's about 3-4 inches high.

Great find anything with West Germany marking is rare.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

I've been to Norway and loved it, I would love to visit Finland or Sweden....After traveling in Europe there isn't a country that I wouldn't love to visit someday. 

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

Faith to me is believing in something you have no control over.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I had a wonderful childhood don't get me wrong....I wouldn't want to go back to that awkward time in my life for anything . 

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

It's been years....certainly back when I lived in Utah. No party was complete without some kind of punch. I'd say recipe sprite and frozen lemon/limeade. I personally have never made it. 

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

Yes we do...it's probably my favorite part of the gift giving process. We always open them first.

A standard in our house is always a Terry's Chocolate Orange. 

7. What takes your breath away?

Not so much of what but more like who.....

The love of my life....and my baby girl!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday afternoon there were five deer playing in my back yard I couldn't get a clear shot but it was a sight. Some were eating the neighbors tree while the younger ones chased each other around the yard playing in the snow....it was so cute to see! I wish I could of captured it! I texted Katelyn who was babysitting next door....the kids scared them away!! :(

Happy Wednesday! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special for your guests to make them feel at home? How long should a house guest stay?

No not this year....

2. Walter Elias Disney was born this week (December 5) back in 1905 ...what's your all time favorite Disney movie? Here's a list in case you're struggling...and yes, you have to pick one.

The Lion King

3. What was the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?

I'm going with The Genie Bra.....totally promised miracles and it did not deliver!!

4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?

I did a bunch on Cyber Monday...I'd say 30% of my shopping is online .

5. Amaryllis-snowdrop-poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?

Amaryllis 

6. What is one thing on your personal Christmas wish list? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this answer an actual item.

Perfume...I always run out right around my Birthday or Christmas...and world peace! 

7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?

Unbelievable.....I feel like I say that every time I drive somewhere...WNY drivers are unbelievably bad or every time I watch TV....unbelievable news...people etc... 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

17 days until Christmas.....17! Yikes I'm not ready are you?

Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond for more WH! 

Happy Wednesday all! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

Yes I do send out Christmas cards, about 50-75. We usually do a family picture, but I am totally behind this year.....! I always display my cards usually tape them to a door. I received my first one yesterday! Yikes I better get on it. 

2. When do kids become adults?

When they get married...or graduate from college or live on their own or all of above!

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

No not really...I perhaps use more lotion during the winter. 

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

Apparently a lot of people do not share the love of PEEPs! WHAT !! 

I know weird!!

Source

5. Gloves or mittens?

Gloves

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?

Recently on Black Friday at Lord & Taylor's shoe department it was a freaking nightmare. One hour to get the shoes and a half an hour to pay for said shoes! 

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?

Right now just Christmas.....but things could change, you never know! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We have been decorating for Christmas...it's been a battle! Why you ask! Well I would like to minimize and the family wants every inch of this house covered!!

So this Christmas I feel like it's a very gaudy West Christmas! 

Happy Wednesday all! Stop by Joyce's at From this side of the Pond and play along!