The Super Hodgepodge...

It is that fun time of the week, it seems like here lately this is the only post I am sharing.  It will get better! Sometimes life just gets in the way, but that is a good thing!  Here is my version this week.  Join in the fun!

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

Our church service last Sunday morning.  We may not be many in number but our preacher is so on fire, if you do not feel the Lord's presence perhaps you need a trip to the altar.  - just sayin'  

2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?
Gospel Music - I love Southern Gospel. I enjoy all types including Contemporary Christian.  I heard Jason Castro for the first time this last week.  I really like his style.  Here is a link to hear him. youtube - Jason Castro

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   
I enjoy wings once in awhile, have not had them in ages.  I prefer hot, not the fire, or sweet and sour, teryiaki is pretty good too.  Oh who am I fooling, I like them all!

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  

I have not followed this story couldn't tell you anything about it.

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked? 
Hmmm besides How much do you weigh?  Perhaps,  Do you want to rent your house?  We have a small house in Arkansas where we stay when we visit, our home away from home.  There is always someone wanting to rent it.  

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?  
There was such an age difference between my brothers and I there was no competition.  I would of won anyways I am the youngest and the only girl, yes I was spoiled. :)   No really, I have never been competitive, always tried to do my best and let it go at that.

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?    

I would say either bowling or pool.  Love both of them, not real good at either, but I try.  I would say it has been over a year ago on both accounts.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
Not much going on around here lately.  I have been doing some crocheting.  Have any of you seen the scrubbies made out of tulle or netting.  I have been crocheting those.  They are wonderful for cleaning pots and pans or dishes.  Some people even use them for cleaning bugs off their cars, or soap scum out of their showers.  They are wonderful!  Will be offering them for sale probably on facebook in the near future.

until next time...nel

Wednesday Hodgepodge 110...

It is time for Hodgepodge again!  Jump over by Joyce and give her someone else to talk to.  She has been under the weather but still got the Hodgepodge together.  That is what I call dedication!  

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right? 
You know I can remember once upon a time when I really thought that was the right way to think, but not so much any more!  That is not living according to God's teaching.  

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?
Not so much.  If I had to pick a favorite probably Honey Nut Cheerios or Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds.

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details). 
Unbelievable...I think they are getting a little crazy.  I mean yeah I understand times are different now, but a bubble gun, and for it to stay on her record.  And for all the humiliation that girl is going to have to go through.  You know she will not be able to walk down the hallway without kids talking about it.  

4. Whatever happened to___________________________?
Janet Snow?  Janet was my best friend when I was in 1st grade.  We went to school in Hoffman Estates, IL.  I remember she had a double door closet in her bedroom and when you opened it, there was nothing but Barbies.  What fun times we always had there. Nothing like memories!

This is my class, I often wonder what happened to them.

Janet Snow

This would be me.

5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?
A check yesterday for my co-pay on a doctor's visit.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?  

No I have not been to Philadelphia and at this time it is not on my bucket list. :)

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  

Eden Jade who was five at the time, was waiting on her brother, standing there with her hand on her hip.  She rolls her eyes and says "Cain you know I am not getting any younger here."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Grandchildren are wonderful - Oh wait that is not random, that is a known fact!

I have been under the weather lately, a lot of colon issues. It has been off and on since the beginning of the month. I finally went to the doctor yesterday, decided it was not a stomach virus. He did blood work yesterday which came back fine - yeah! Today I had a CT Scan done, still waiting on results for it.  My doc is thinking it is diverticulitis.  If that is what it is he will put me on a round of antibiotics and guess I will be changing some eating habits. :(
-Wednesday Morning Note-  The doctor called this morning, results of the CT showed no infection!  So he thinks it is a severe case of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).  He is calling in a prescription this morning.  Praise the Lord! 

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge 109...

Join in the fun, hop over to Joyce's and grab the questions for this week.  She always does a great job!

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-
fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

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 were chosen.

fiscal cliff -  I am so tired of hearing about the fiscal cliff.  It is a financial crisis people, and I don't see a lot that you are really doing about it.  How about cutting some of those big salaries and retirement at the top!

2.  When was the last time you rode a train?  Where did you go?
It is really kinda sad, I don't remember.  I have not been on a train, a real train since I was little bitty, and I do not remember a lot about it.  I don't count the ones at zoos and parks.  

3. Bagels-yay or nay?  Favorite 'flavor'?  Favorite topping?
I love bagels!  Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin, Plain, maybe with a little cream cheese on it.  I love the honey flavored cream cheese...mmm good stuff!

4.  'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?
I am not picky as long as Sam Elliott or Richard Greer are in it!

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you?  Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children? 
I can't see the benefit.  And no I don't think I would support it.  Kids need to learn together, life is not separated, we need to learn from each other.  

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
It is just us!  The privacy, you have to remember there are 3 living in our house.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice? 
I have not picked out a word, I probably should have.  If I did I think it would be "thankful."  I think that in the fast paced world we live in we all tend to take things for granted, even though we do not mean to.  I want to remember to be thankful for all things, but especially Jesus Christ, who gave us life eternal.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have been having problems with Anonymous comments that are selling things on my posts.  Before they were all going to Spam but now some of them are being published, and I hate it!  I am going to try the Comment Moderator, I am assuming I will have to approve all comments going that route.  Does anyone know is that how it works?  I hope this will solve my problem.

Hope all of you are enjoying the new year and staying warm!

until next time...nel

In Your Book...

I ran across a poem this week that I had forgotten about.  It is a poem that I had written back in 2001.  This was after a time of turmoil in my life, a time where I know the Lord was carrying me or I would of never survived.  If we will only turn our lives over to Him, He alone knows exactly what we need.

In Your Book

Lord, you are my best friend,

When I am feeling blue

Your message always tends to send

An answer to help me through…

When I have a problem in life

To Your Word, I should always go

The Answers are there to my trouble and strife

If I look, I will find it so.

But at times I try to do it all alone

And leave You completely out.

Then I tend to complain and moan

And get upset without a doubt.

When finally I stop and take a good look

It always brings me to my knees

Every answer is in Your Book

As I beg Father forgive me Please!

-Nel Curtis  @2001

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

until next time...nel

Cinnamon French Toast Bake...

Almost everyone who commented yesterday mentioned the recipe.  Many of you may already have it, but I thought I would share it.  I did get it from Pinterest.  What did we do before Pinterest? :) 
Here goes:

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

1/4 cup melted butter
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
5 eggs
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla flavoring
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Pour the melted butter into an ungreased 13x9 glass baking dish.  Separate both cans of refrigerated cinnamon buns, setting the icing aside.  Cut each bun into 8 pieces and place the pieces on top of the butter in the baking dish.  In a medium bowl beat the eggs, then add the heavy cream, cinnamon and vanilla and beat until they are well blended.  Gently our this mixture over the buns.  Sprinkle top with pecans and then drizzle with maple syrup.  Bake for 20 to 28 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for 15 minutes.  Microwave icing on medium (50%) for 10 - 15 seconds or until it is thin enough to drizzle.  Drizzle the icing over the French Toast Bake.  Can serve with additional syrup if desired.

This is a tasty recipe and it smells so good when cooking.  Enjoy!

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge Time...

It's that fun time of the week - Wednesday Hodgepodge.  A great way to make new friends and learn more about each other.  Join in the fun you know you want too!

1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you  have a plan to make it happen? 
I would have to say my craft area and my bedroom and the rest of the garage.  I have had all my craft supplies in my bedroom closet and some of them are still in Appleton. Yes, as a matter of fact I do have a plan, I have to acquire a few small tubs to separate things, move a few boxes out to the craft area and set up a few shelves then go through everything.  This summer we will bring other boxes home with us when we return from Arkansas.  We still have a few boxes in the garage to inventory and get pictures, then I need to put it all on the computer.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?
Actually I have never had to wear a uniform at any of my jobs.

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?  This question comes to you courtesy of Bettywho blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!
At Christmas we do sandwiches and finger foods.  Sunday evening we went to the Christmas program for the kids, so I put the ham in a roasting bag in one of those convection ovens and it would of been perfect, but...   I was in a hurry and forgot to put 1/2 cup of water in the bottom of the pan, so it was a little on the dry side. :(  It was still tasty though!  The left-over ham was really good in a pot of pinto beans a few days later; of course we had to include fried potatoes and cornbread.

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?Pray a lot!  I always try to find the good in everything and everybody.  Life is to short to be negative.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree? 
I think my dad, however a lot of people say I remind them of my Aunt Arvie which was my mom's sister.  Everyone says she favors both of us, I think she favors her dad physically but she has more of my attitude and personality.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?
No unfortunately, I only have a shower in our bathroom.  The tub is in Patt's bathroom.  I do love a bubble bath once in awhile, with music and candles.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah),  Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnival (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?
Quebec Winter Festival - I have always wanted to go to Canada. The other places do not really interest me.  New Orleans I love but not during Mardi Gras.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I usually do not cook here at Willard, Patt does the cooking but hold the phone, I did tonight.  I made Cinnamon French Toast Bake.  Talk about good!  It was a hit with everyone, and it smells soooo good when it is cooking!

until next time... nel

Childhood Memories...

I have been toying with the way I wanted to write this post and share some pictures.  I think what I need you to do is shut your eyes and think for a moment about your childhood.  Did you ever enjoy playing dress up?  I cannot really remember playing dress up a lot but at times when I was over at my cousins we would.  There were four girls in their family along with a brother, but he never played with us.  Two of the girls were my age then there were two older ones.   I can remember us younger ones would dress up in the older ones dresses at times.  I can remember a few lacy ones perhaps they wore them to dances.  The one fun thing about dressing up was you could be anybody you wanted to be.  The sky was the limit.  It was such a good feeling, a feeling of freedom and happiness; some of the best times were dressing up.  Perhaps that is why I wanted to give that opportunity to Eden Jade, my granddaughter.  So once again for Christmas I added to her Dress-up Wardrobe.  I hope she will get much enjoyment from her clothes and she too will have wonderful memories of dress-up.

She had a box full of dresses, purses, shoes, mink coats and jewelry.  

Daddy thought he needed in on the fun too.

She looks like a teenager from the 60's in this one.

 

She is such a ham.

Could be part of Happy Days!

I enjoyed putting the clothes together for her.  Most of them we picked up at yard sales and I just reworked them.  It was a lot of fun! Nothing like making memories.

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge Time...

1.  How did you ring in the new year?
Unfortunately I was sick all day.  I was feeling better later on so we watched the ball drop sitting in bed.  Stan went to sleep and I watched TV for a little while.  A real wild bunch here!  Feeling better today though.

2.  What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
Gosh I am not sure.  I guess getting my craft room completely organized like I want it.  And hoping to make a trip to the Chicago area - old stomping grounds.  Would like to meet up with a few friends I have not seen in years and see my brother and his family.  

3.  Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying, "All of us every single year, we're a different person.  I don't think we're the same person all our lives."  What say you?
Basically I think we are the same but hopefully we all have learned new things and have realized that material things are not everything.  It is how you treat people and what you do and say...it's what is in your heart that counts!

4. The Pantone color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Like or dislike? Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe in 2013? 
It is a pretty shade of green. I am not one to change my home or wardrobe because that is the "in" thing.  So probably no I will not be adding that color unless I was looking for something and it happened to be in that color and I like it.

5.  Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone?
Favorite you mean one?  I think turquoise and aquamarine would be at the top.  And of course rubies, opals, star sapphires, peridots, need I say more.  Just give them all to me...lolol.

6. Share a favorite book or movie from 2012.
We are big Disney fans so I think movie would have to be "Brave."  As far as books I have read so many it is to hard to pick just one.

7.  What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year?
This is going to be a wonderful year and no matter what you accomplish it will be enough as long as God is your co-pilot!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have so many random thoughts going on right now it is hard to pinpoint one thing.  Soooo, I will just take this time to say Thanks to each of you who read my blog, and a special thanks to those who leave comments.  It's a funny thing even though we have never met, I feel like I know a lot of you.  Am I the only one that feels that?  When someone does not post in awhile you wonder what is going on in their lives.  Again Thanks and I hope and pray 2013 brings the best healthiest New Year ever and you remember to give God the praise He deserves!

until next time... nel