Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

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Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs.  This week’s co-host is Jessica from Black White and a little bit of pink – she came up with the last two statements!

 Hilary really needs co-hosts, so please email me some statements! She would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…

This week’s statements:
1. I have always dreamed of retiring and going home(back to VA) but it will probably never happen - won't leave my daughter here with no family.
2. My son is my hero.
3. I love to read when I go to bed.
4. I will never forget how it felt to be pregnant with my children - it was the happiest time of my life.

Blog button?

I've decided that I need a button. I think I'll try to design one when I'm off for Christmas break. I've found some instructions but they all seem a little different. Any suggestions?

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday again! Time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:                In-Laws

I have to say that I have been very lucky when it comes to in-laws. My mil and fil were wonderful people. I loved them dearly and they loved me - in fact when it came to the divorce, they were on my side. They lived right next door until they retired and decided to spend winters in AZ. That was when my marriage fell completely apart -they were no longer there to "keep the husband in line." There were multiple times when he would be throwing one of his fits and my fil would come through the door, grab him and throw him outside. Literally. I loved my fil. I drove 55 miles through a blizzard to get my kids to his funeral when he passed. His son who lived two blocks from the funeral home was 45 minutes late for the services.  But I digress.

I now have a sil and a dil and I love them both. Both my kids picked wonderful people to spend their lives with.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 

This week's questions: 


1. Which do you prefer-pretty gift wrap with a bow or a pretty gift bag with/without a bow?  What percentage of your holiday gifts are currently (as in right this very minute) wrapped in some form or fashion? I like both wrapped and bagged gifts. None are wrapped yet.

2.  What is one item on your Christmas list this year? I don't really need anything.

3.  What makes a home? Love makes a home.

4.  Motown founder Berry Gordy celebrates his birthday on Hodgepodge Day-November 28th. Are you a fan of the Motown sound?  If so, who's your favorite Motown artist and/or song? Here's a list in case you're stuck.  Not a fan - don't know any artists.

5.  Red or green-which one is more prevalent in your closet? Definitely green - it's my favorite color. I've been told that I look good in red but it has never been a color that I like.

6.  True or false-bacon makes it better? If you answered true, what's your favorite dish made with bacon? True - I put bacon in my potato soup.

7.  Share a favorite holiday memory. Some of my favorite memories are of when the kids were little. Like the time my son was about 2 and got a flashlight in his stocking. He was so happy with that flashlight we had trouble getting him to open any of his presents.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.There was an accident here last night - semi trailer hauling hogs turned over in an intersection. Driver wasn't injured - didn't say how many pigs were (they were headed to slaughter). They say none of the pigs escaped - can you imagine pigs running round town? It took them hours to offload them to another trailer.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to head over to Patrice's porch for the weekly chat.

Questions

1. Do you still write letters (snail mail)? I haven't written a letter in years. I did receive a nice one from a wonderful blogging friend just a few months ago which was the first "letter" I have received in years. I must admit that it made me smile.
2. Do you sing? Rarely - it isn't pretty.
3. Did you participate in Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday? I have never heard of Small Business Saturday - that's one that might be worth participating in. No to the other two.
4. How many guests can you have spend the night at your house? Could Wendell fit? I can always make room! Let's see, I have one guest bedroom, the couch, and a couple of blow up mattresses that I could use. I could probably do 7 or 8. Wendell would be just fine in the back yard if the weather was nice. He could go in the garage if the weather turned bad but I doubt he'd care for the concrete floor.
5. Have you ever gone fishing? Many, many, many times. I am, of course a country girl.

Coffee Chat

Time for the Coffee Chat! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

The topic is: Is it too soon?
Yes, Christmas comes too soon to many places. I personally do not do any decorating until after Thanksgiving. I like to celebrate the holidays individually. BUT - for me the Christmas season officially begins on the day after Thanksgiving. I look forward to it every year. I don't do Black Friday shopping - want nothing to do with that - but I do all my decorating that day, with Christmas shows on in the background. I have a house down the street that looks very similar to one of Leslie's pictures and I totally agree that it is TOO MUCH. I especially dislike the big blow up figures.

Monday Quiz About Me

Based on the original Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old, Heather over at Acting Balanced  posts 5 questions on Sunday evening along with a linky for you to link up your post answers! Since Java is back , Heather has changed the name of her hop to "Monday Quiz About Me."

This weeks Questions:
 1. Do you decorate outdoors for the holidays? Yes I have my outdoor nativity and two candles, one on each side of the entry. I also have my Christmas Village set up on the enclosed porch.

 

2. What is the best thing about office Christmas parties? I don't know - maybe the fact that everybody is usually happy, the festivity of it all.

3. Gloves or Mittens? Gloves.

4. What do you think of Secret Santas?  They can be fun but they can also be frustrating if you don't know much about the person you are buying for.

My 5th Question: What is your main Christmas tradition - the one that makes it Christmas for you?

 Mine is putting the tree up the day after Thanksgiving.

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday is past but I'm linking up with Brenda's at Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:               A Disaster or Not

I wasn't going to do a post this week as you can tell since it's Sunday night and I'm just now doing it. The thing is that my entire holiday season has turned into a disaster. There are certain traditions that make the holiday for me - the main one being the Christmas tree. It goes up the day after Thanksgiving - or it's supposed to. It didn't. Biz was supposed to get it Friday after work. He didn't and my holiday is ruined. I put all the decorations back in the attic and don't plan on getting them back out. I do have my outside nativity and the Christmas village set up on the porch but that is all. There will be no tree. Am I being petty? I don't think so. If there's no tradition - there is no point. I will go to daughter's house enjoy her tree - which went up on Friday when it was supposed to!

Follow Friday Four fill-In Fun

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

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Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs.  This week’s co-host is Pam from Trooppetrie – she came up with the last two statements!

 Hilary really needs co-hosts, so please email me some statements! She would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…

This week’s statements:
1. I put lots of mustard on a hot dog
2. when it gets cold outside I want to hibernate.
3. If my house was paid off then I would be able to remodel a little faster.
4. If I was getting married tomorrow I would do a lot of things differently so we could  live differently now.

Another Grandson!

Daughter just got another sonogram and IT'S A BOY! I'm going to have another grandson!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to head over to Patrice's porch for the weekly chat.

Questions

1. What's the last thing you baked? Apumpkin cake over the weekend.
2. What's your favorite condiment? Mayo.
3. Do you have a smart phone, dumb phone, or no phone(we're talking about cell phones)? I just got my first smart phone about a month ago -and I'm still not smart enough to work it.
4. Do you have a favorite card game? Poker!
5. Tell me ten things you're thankful for - please:)

1. freedom
2. those that fought/are still fighting for our freedom
3. my kids
4. my grandson
5. my future grandchild
6. having a job
7. my home
8. friends
9. food
10. technology

I hope Patrice,Wendell and everybody that gathers on the porch have a great Thanksgiving!

Coffee Chat

Time for the Coffee Chat! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

The topic is: Pro? or No?
Very, very difficult topic. I'm with Leslie in that I believe every woman has the right to choose if abortion is or is not right for herself. For me - I could never do it. My children mean everything to me and I can't imagine how anyone could have an abortion. But then again - what if...........

• you knew the child would have some major development issues and may suffer their entire life?
• you were homeless and had no way to support a child?
• you were in an abusive relationship and was afraid your husband would abuse the child?
• you became pregnant as a result of rape?
• the pregnancy could cause risk to your life?

It's hard to say what one might do if they were put into some situations. For me personally, I wish more would consider adoption over abortion but it is still their choice. So am I pro-life or am I pro-choice? I don't know. Can I be both?

Monday Quiz About Me

Based on the original Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old, Heather over at Acting Balanced  posts 5 questions on Sunday evening along with a linky for you to link up your post answers! Since Java is back , Heather has changed the name of her hop to "Monday Quiz About Me."

This weeks Questions:

1. What are you thankful for this year? I am thankful for many things. A few but definitely not all would be: having a job, health, my kids, my grandson, my daughter's pregnancy, my home.....

2. What was your special dish that your parents made for you while growing up? Can't remember any.
3. How long are you willing to wait for someone before you give up? For someone? I guess it depends on the situation.
4. What is your favorite quote, poem, song lyric or prayer? I'm going to go with the 23rd Psalm. 

My fifth question: How many days are you working this week? I'm only working 2!

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday again! Time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:               Killing time
I haven't had much time to kill in the past 30 years! I have a really hard time "doing nothing." I feel guilty. I feel lazy. I go looking for something to do, something that needs cleaning. Why is that? I find that even when I do sit down for a few minutes, I am reaching for a crochet hook - something I can do while sitting there. I think it comes partially from habit - I've always worked, in fact I worked 7 days a week for 8 years straight when the kids were in school. I've always been "running" trying to find the time to do the normal domestic things that every mother has to do and simply did not have time to be idle. Now that the kids are gone, I'm still pretty busy between working full time and taking classes- not to mention trying to remodel a house. I like to think that staying active helps me to stay more alert, not necessarily young, but not in the rocking chair either.

Hodgepodge

Welcome back to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Be sure to add your link to the bottom of Joyce's post and then go visit the neighbors. After all, that's part of the fun! 
Joyce survived the hurricane! We're glad she had minimal damage.
This week's questions: 

1.  What rule of life should never be broken? The Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

2.  What's your favorite family recipe? My Grandma's pound cake.

3.  Is the media manipulative? I believe it can be if you let it. I try to stay well informed but I'm sure I've been a victim of manipulation at times.

4. Hubs and I saw Skyfall last weekend...are you a fan of the Bond films? If so, who's your favorite Bond? Not so much - but if I had to choose it would be Sean Connery - he fits the part. Not that Pierce isn't nicer to look at though!

5. What is one thing you hope people never say about you? That I am lazy. I was raised to have a very strong work ethic. I can handle being called ugly, boring . . . whatever - but not lazy.

6.  What's a nearby tourist attraction you'd like to see, but haven't gotten around to visiting? There's not much around here to see. I guess it might be Tom Sawyer's Caves in MO, don't think I've ever been there.

7.  Where's your favorite tree? Where? The first tree that comes to mind is one that is out in the country where I used to live. It was the prettiest tree in the fall! I believe it was a River Hickory. The hickory nuts from that tree were the size of walnuts.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. My mind is swimming with computer jargon. I have a test in my Computer Forensic class today. I think I have it down pretty good but it can be somewhat confusing - especially Unix - direct, indirect, double indirect and triple indirect pointers (and I have to explain all that in an essay question)! Wish me luck.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to head over to Patrice's porch for the weekly chat. She is in the middle of the 
backlash from the hurricane. Cold and lots of rain. I hope Wendell stays in the barn.

When I talked to my brother last night, they were expecting some heavy snow but they are further down than Patrice. 

Questions

1. What's your favorite Thanksgiving side dish? For anyone not in the US, what's your favorite fall side dish? The stuffing!
2. What's the first thing you do when you have a headache? I try to ignore them - usually get a cup of coffee. Most of my headaches are from a lack of caffeine- that's how addicted I am. If it's really bad I'll hold the cup to my temples (for the heat). I don't like to take pain killers of any kind so I just tough it out.
3. Do you like to "people watch"? (Observe people in public while waiting for something or relaxing) I love to people watch. It can be quite entertaining.
4. Where's your family most likely to eat for a day to day meal? (Read= not holiday) Usually in the kitchen. I have a little bristro table there. My dining room table makes a great place to fold and stack laundry! But I won't give it up, even if it isn't used except for once or twice a year.
5. Tell me about your plans for Thanksgiving Day. Or tell me something special you will do soon. I'm going to cook! Then I'm going to eat. Then clean, then carry up boxes of decorations for Friday.

Coffee Chat

Time for the Coffee Chat! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

  The topic is: Lessons Learned

I had my post all written (in my head) but decided to read Leslie's before putting it down in words. Now mine seems so trivial in comparison that I'm almost embarrassed to write it but here it is:

Last week, I told you that my dad taught me to "always have a plan b." That one lesson has served me SO well over the years. I've been through two downsizings which threw me into the world of unemployment. With the last one - I was totally prepared! I had my "unemployment" budget worked out five years before it actually happened. Worked out - on paper - detailed spreadsheets - I was ready, at least as ready as anyone can be. I have to say that having that plan, knowing what I had to do, helped alot. I'm not sure I could have stayed afloat without that plan.

So now that I am employed, and things are MUCH better - do I still have a Plan B? You bet! Plan A, Plan B, and even a Plan C. I've been told that I'm somewhat anal when it comes to my budget.

So there it is - nothing nearly so deep as Leslie's but it is what it is.

Monday Quiz About Me

Based on the original Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old, Heather over at Acting Balanced  posts 5 questions on Sunday evening along with a linky for you to link up your post answers! Since Java is back , Heather has changed the name of her hop to "Monday Quiz About Me."

This weeks Questions:

1. What is your favorite kind of soup? Potato soup!

2. When was the last time you saw snow? About 5 minutes ago. I didn't get snow at home but they did here where I work!

3. What is a must have trait if someone is going to live with you? Cleanliness - I won't tolerate someone who doesn't pick up after themselves.

4. Who was your favorite James Bond? Sean Connery (sp?) - He just fits the part.

My 5th question: Does it seem to anyone else that they work harder over the weekend than they do during the work week, or is that just me?

No Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

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Normally, every week, Hilary over at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs.  But she was affected by Sandy and is trying to start the recovery process. Hopefully, she and Marc will soon have electricity back. Stop by her blog and let her know that we are all thinking about her.

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday again! Time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:              Independent

I have been told that I am TOO independent but it is something that has developed out of need. I have had to depend on myself because there was no one else to depend on. I've been single for 20+ years. Before that I was married for almost 10 years to a man who had no desire to help me with anything. I was able to go to my dad when things were DIRE but that option was a "last resort." 

I wish I had had the opportunity to be able to depend on a partner to help me but since I wasn't, I've learned to be a very independent person. That, at times has probably been a factor in why I never remarried. I've gotten used to doing things my way and I have a very hard time trusting anyone else to help. It was "me and my kids" for years and it really still is. I would turn over backwards to help them if they needed it - and find a way to make it all work out. Plan A, Plan B, Plan C.......... "if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again." That's the way it is with me and I don't forsee it changing. 

So... independent? Definitely, and actually quite proud of it. What is mine, is mine because I have worked for it and will continue to do so. 

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to head over to Patrice's porch for the weekly chat. She is in the middle of the 
backlash from the hurricane. Cold and lots of rain. I hope Wendell stays in the barn.

When I talked to my brother last night, they were expecting some heavy snow but they are further down than Patrice. 

Questions

1. Are you planning on doing most of your Christmas shopping in stores, or online? Daughter and I do a big shopping trip.
2. Have you ever been to a bonfire? Lots of times - I'm a country girl.
3. What would "simplifying life" mean to you? A cabin in the woods with a big garden out back, chickens and maybe a few other critters hanging around.
4. Tell me about one blog you really enjoy reading. There are many blogs that I enjoy reading. I'm not sure I could pick just one.
5. Have you ever had someone who isn't in your family, but felt just like family? My BF is more like a sister than a friend. Since I have no family around here, hers kindof adopted me.

Coffee Chat

Time for the Coffee Chat! If you'd like to join, head over to Leslie's at Time out for Mom.

  The topic is: Who inspires you.

I'm going to have to say that my hero and the one who inspired me was my dad. I am the person that I am because of him. He instilled a very strong work ethic in me. He taught me that this world does not owe me a living. He taught me to always have a plan b - just in case. He was the one that I could always go to if I needed help. I could count on having to listen to a lecture first, but then he would help me. There were only a couple of times in my life when I had to go to him for financial help and I am proud to say that both times, every penny was paid back. Dad has been gone since 2004. I still miss him.

Monday Quiz About Me

Based on the original Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old, Heather over at Acting Balanced  posts 5 questions on Sunday evening along with a linky for you to link up your post answers! Since Java is back , Heather has changed the name of her hop to "Monday Quiz About Me."

This weeks Questions:

1. What is your favorite thing about November? Thanksgiving dinner of course.

2. What was the last thing that you bought that you regretted soon afterwards? The shrimp I bought on Friday - I picked up popcorn shrimp by mistake.

3. What is your go to snack food? Usually popcorn

4. Do you believe that newspapers should charge for their online content? Not sure - the ones around here usually have parts that are free - I've never paid for a subscription online.

For my 5th question this week:

Dressing or stuffing?

 

Follow Friday Four Fill-InFun

Welcome to the weekly Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop!

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Each week, Hilary over at Feeling Beachie lists four statements with a blank for you to fill in on your own blogs.  This week’s co-host is Beckey from really, really, real housewives  - she came up with the last two statements.

 Hilary really needs co-hosts, so please email me some statements! She would LOVE it if you could please help her spread the word about this hop…. So, please tweet, FaceBook share, and add the linky to your post…

This week’s statements:
1. Growing up in a small town had both advantages and disadvantage.
2. Wouldn’t having the whole family together for Christmas be wonderful?
3. If I hadn’t had kids, then I never would have known the joys and sorrows of being a mother - and probably wouldn't be as strong of a person as I am today.
4. When I get up in the morning, I like to head straight to the coffee pot.

Pondering With a Purpose

Thursday again! Time to do a little "pondering" with Brenda from Ponderings of an Author.

Her rules are really easy:

1. Grab the Pondering with a Purpose Badge (in her sidebar)

2. Look at the week's prompt

3. Post something on your blog that relates to the prompt - it can be a story, a poem, a picture -- anything you want it to be.

4. Go back here and add the URL from your post to the linky list on Brenda's.

5. Go check out the other bloggers who have added their links to the list.

6. AND most of all.... Have fun!

This Week's prompt:              Devastation or displacement

I can only imagine what those people are going through. I have been through one tornado that left lots of destruction in it's wake. I was just a child but I remember it vividly. Thankfully, the house we were living in at the time was spared but many others were not so lucky. I remember my dad taking us out to see the damage and thinking that there was no way to clean it all up. It took months. There have been many tornadoes since then - I do live in Illinois - but none that severe. It's something you don't forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who must now face rebuilding their homes and lives.