Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

I always look forward to Wednesdays because it is a day of visiting with so many other bloggers who join together to share their thoughts around

Joyce's Hodgepodge Table.

So, hop other there and see how we all answer the following questions.

 

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?

 

No, I didn't watch it at all this year.  We just weren't interested.  I did hear someone remark that hearing the speeches this year was like being at a Democratic convention.  Thanks but no thanks!

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! 

 

I have never gone to a movie alone because I have never needed to.  Hubby is more than willing to see anything I am interested in seeing.  I have gone a time or two with a friend, but never alone.  I don't eat alone either as a general rule.  But, there have been times when I've been out of town for meetings that have required my eating all by my lonesome.  I can't say I am particularly uncomfortable as long as I have a book to read or people to watch.  Several years ago I ate alone on the River Walk in San Antonio the night before Halloween.  Now that was interesting!

 

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? 

The last was coming home to find a few shingles had blown off the roof of our house.  NO!  We would not have done that ourselves.  The roof is much too high and steep for that.  Hubby found some guys roofing a new house in our subdivision and paid them to come put them back on.  Whew!  He is so resourceful!

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? 

To answer the last question first, yes there are several in our city and we have eaten at a couple.  The most popular is Indigo Indian Bistro.  The food is very authentic I am told.  Indian food is not our favorite so we don't choose it over other choices as a rule.

5. A song that reminds you of your parents? 

"The Girl That I Marry" was my dad's favorite and he loved playing the record album featuring that song.  He loved my mother totally and completely and let us know that he would have chosen her everytime.

I also think about Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oh What a Beautiful Morning."  Mother told us that she awoke on the morning following their wedding night with Dad standing at the hotel window singing that song.  Is that not romantic?  Gotta love my 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? 

My mother and grandmother, who lived with us until her death, both read to us every night.  They read both fairy tales and children's poems.  I still have our favorite book of poems.  The stories that I most remember but have no particular memory associated with them are:  Henny Penny (The Sky is Falling), Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, The Princess and the Pea, etc.  Let me just say, that although we grew up with stories and loved hearing them read over and over to us, they are basically terrible stories.  Can a children's story get any worse than having your parents desert you and being threatened to bake in an oven?

7. What's a problem you solved yesterday? 

Which magazines to throw away.  No, not earth shattering, but I tend to be a magazine hoarder and getting rid of any of them is hard for me.  I don't even look at all of them but enjoy having them around in case I decide to.  Such an inconsequential decision when one considers the state of the world, but some days that's the life of a retiree.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Grandson Jackson will be

20

on Saturday! 

 We love you Big Boy and are so proud of the man you are becoming.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

It's a Hello Monday Morning!

Lea at

 CiCi's Corner

has given me permission to join her today for

I hope you will jump over there and see what Lea is greeting on this cold

Hello Monday morning.

Hello Teavana

My precious Daughter-in-Love gave me a set of Teavana Tea Essentials for Christmas.

She selected some of the most delicious flavors.

It brews so quickly and easily and is perfect for those little cups of hot herbal tea.

I have set it up on my beverage counter and everything I need is right there.

Thank you, Michelle.

Hello Words with Friends

Some of my grandkids got me started with this fun app at Christmas and we keep the airwaves busy going back and forth.  Now, one of my sisters and I are playing a couple games together.

It is fun and challenging and I must say, my granddaughter is winning most of our games.  Hubby and son are also enjoying some very competitive games.  Did I say competitive!

Hello Early Signs of Spring

I took my camera out one day this week when weather allowed to capture some signs of spring.

We are expecting sleet and ice early this morning in the south so I needed to know that in deed spring is going to happen.

There is nothing to remind us of God's renewing of our earth and our spirits like new shoots from the cold, dry earth.

And nothing like new buds to remind us that God's Hand of protection and provision is always faithful in our lives.

Thank you, Lea for letting me join you today. 

 

Friday Loved, Liked & Learned

LOVED

 I love that the income tax box got taken to the CPA yesterday.  Yippee!

I love that God's Word never ceases to speak to me.  For instance: The 3rd Chapter of the little obscure Book of Zephaniah 3:17.

"The Lord your God is in your midst,

A victorious warrior.

He will exult over you with joy,

He will be quiet in His love,

He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy."

Earlier, He gives a wonderful future promise to the Gentiles that all who call upon Him, He will save and in the millennial age we will worship Him only.

Hallelujah

 
Granddaughter #1 posted this on Facebook this week:
"The best valentine I could ever imagine. Thanks for treating me like a princess and being the man God has intended to be my life partner. I am so blessed by you."

I love that God has given her someone who loves and cherishes her according to His design.  Thank you Brad! They will be married on May 30.

 

LIKED

I have liked seeing all the Mardi Gras decorations on the houses in my neighborhood.  In Louisiana, Mardi Gras is a very big thing in the month of February and folks love to use that theme in decorating the outside of their homes.  Of course, some take it a bit further than others.

 

 Yard flags.

LEARNED

I am being reminded that the longer I go without picking up a paint brush and painting something on a blank canvas, the harder it is to do it.

I am learning that I have to practice, yes, be willing to make a mess with the paints in order to hopefully create something that is pleasing.

I learned that there are not a lot of pretty champagne colored, long dresses out there suitable for 

grandmothers of the bride.

And finally, I learned about this neat DIY idea called an "Encouragement Hanging" from Magnolia Homes and it can be found
HERE!

Be on the lookout for what you Love, Like and Learn this next week and join me here on Friday.

Government to Bed Making Today

Another Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce

1. When did you last have to interact, either by phone or in person, with someone in a government run agency? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience? (10 being fabulous and 1 being pass the Tylenol)

PASS THE TYLENOL!  It was early 2013 and the Social Security office determined that I had been overpaid almost $10,000 and demanded repayment immediately.  Pay up now or else!  No recourse!  Not good and still doesn't make any sense.  I'm just glad I saved every SS check I ever got.

2. The current governor of Wisconsin is considering a run for President next time around. Walker attended Marquette University, but never graduated. In terms of any candidate running for the office of President (not asking here if you agree or disagree with Scott Walker's politics) would the lack of a college degree influence your vote or no? Would that be a factor in your support of any candidate running for public office, even a role less weighty than President?

 

Considering we have elected someone TWICE who's birth, elementary, high school, and college records have been completely sealed and whose background is beyond questionable, I find accepting a non-college grad candidate whose record is proven as a no-brainer.  That being said, I do think the standard for all elected officials should be extremely high educationally, morally, ethically, as well as possessing proven expertise in the field.

3. When did you last visit a place or site named for George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and what was that place or site?

We haven't stopped but have driven through various areas of Illinois associated with Lincoln on our way to and from our family in Indiana.

4. February 16th was President's Day in the US, but did you know it was also National Almond Day? I didn't think so : ) Do you like almonds? If so, what's a food/dish/recipe you enjoy that contains almonds?

 

Oh yes, I do like almonds. a. lot!  Tops on my list would have to be an Almond Joy candy bar(s).  I eat almonds in my cereal, in stir-fry dishes, green beans, tenderloin, baked fish, and just about any other dish where adding almonds can be gotten away with.

5.The television program Saturday Night Live celebrated it's 40th anniversary this past weekend. Were/are you a fan of the show? If so what has been your favorite (or one of your favorite) skits, sayings, or characters that came out of the program?

Am not and have never been a fan.

6. Anything purple within ten feet of you? What is it?

 Clothes:  tops, jackets, wool coat

7. Back in December I asked you to submit a question for a future HP as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I grabbed this one from those entries, submitted by Zoanna who blogs over at Penchant for Pens. Thanks Zoanna!

She asks, "How often do you make your bed, and how do you like to make it-pull the covers all the way up over the pillows, tuck the covers in around the pillows, or place all the pillows on top of the covers?"

  Hubby and I make up the bed together every morning.  This is easy because we get up together and just do it immediately.  One fluid motion.  I am very particular how my bed is made.  I don't like any wrinkles and the sheets, blanket and spread must be even on both sides.  The sheet header must be folded evenly over the top of the blanket. I stand bed pillows up on top of the covers against the headboard and then the decorative pillows are neatly arranged in front.  Told you I'm picky and have my mom to blame for that.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Not many random thoughts today for some reason and then again, maybe they are all too random to be worth much.

I did see this room in a magazine with a surround landscape of NYC, and was just speechless.  How would you like seeing this vista every morning and night?  I will admit that it is truly breathtaking, but I can't imagine the ride to get there knowing I had to go back down.

Incidentally,this apartment sold for a record-breaking $100 million.

I think I will remain content with my little one-story Garden Home.

Beauty From Head to Toe

I want to share with you one of the prettiest Beauty Salons in town.

And it happens to be where I go.

Twelve Oaks has been our home for eight years and we can't imagine living anywhere else.  We especially like that the developer saw fit to provide space for unique businesses just outside the gates.

Last year, John Morell decided to move his business, Alexander Salon & Spa to our subdivision.

Let me introduce you to John and Alexander & Company Salon & Spa.

 John has been a hair stylist in Shreveport for 25 years and is an expert colorist.  After extensive consultation, he and each of his stylists create signature styles and colors that fit the look and lifestyle of each individual client. I can personally testify to that!

 Additional to offering precision cuts, multidimensional coloring, they also have make-up services and elegant evening looks, to meet any need for any occasion.

 From the moment one steps into this bright, colorful space with abundant natural light, you know it's not just any beauty salon.

John was particular with every detail making this a place of avant-garde of hair design and art.  From the diverse yet complimentary wall colors, to the furniture, accessories, and the design of the stations, John accomplished his goal.

 John actually painted most of the art work which make such bold colorful statements.

The nail-care spa area is another example of John's eye for detail, design and color.

 The Salon-Spa also features the notable services of a licensed massage therapist who offers Swedish massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage and hot stone massage.

Welcoming smiles and friendly professionals are a major appeal of this salon.

 Every day there are fresh flowers adding beauty of fragrance of nature.

 Are these not fun light fixtures?

  As you can see, nothing was left to chance.  And I love that John pays equal attention to my hair!

Loved, Liked, Learned Friday

Loved

That 50 years ago this month I was invited to meet special friends of Hubby-to-be.  They are still our very special friends and we are so grateful for them.

Bill & Velta Morris

 (Just to put this in perspective, their adorable little boy is now a very successful family physician in Lancaster, SC - Dr. Art Morris. - with grown children of his own.  Oh I'm old!)

Circa Feb. 1965

Liked

That we were able to have our nephew Ben and his fiance', Ashley for dinner last Saturday.  They will be married on April 4th and Hubby will be doing the ceremony.
Are they not the sweetest and cutest?   We could not be happier for both of them.

I liked that my little white mini vases looked so sweet with the small red carnation buds as a centerpiece for the dinner table.

Very Valentine-y and romantic!

I also liked having a vase on a side table in the living room that we are enjoying.

Learned

That a Shreveport author, Charles Lawler has written a novel about a couple finding love using Hurricane Betsy as the starting period.  Betsy hit our South Louisiana town of New Iberia a few days after Hubby and I got married and moved into our little duplex apartment in September of 1965.

Honeymooners are oblivious to storms but we will never forget standing at our front door in the middle of the night hearing the wind and rain lash against the trees and house, and seeing the devastation all around us the next morning.  We were fortunate but many others were not so.

I have not read the book yet but if you are interested,

you can find it HERE.

I have learned that Fifty Shades of Grey, in theaters for Valentine's Day is a horrid movie based on a best-selling book about a college student and her torrid affair with a 27-year-old billionaire with a penchant for bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism.

Janet Denison had this to say about it on her blog:

My greatest concern about Fifty Shades of Grey is this:  Will the "Mommy porn" of today be the Harlequin romance of my granddaughter's generation?  Will the culture fade towards the blacker shades of grey or turn the other direction?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to

 everyone who believes"(Romans 1:16).

Please think twice before buying a ticket and endorsing this pornographic movie.

Surely this Valentine weekend will offer you much to LOVE, LIKE and LEARN.

I am linking with
Friday's Unfolded at the following links:
Nancherrow 
Sew a Find Seam
Frazzled Joy
Skipping Sideways

Love, Love and More Love Today

It is all about Valentines today and isn't it fun to have one special day a year when it's all about LOVE?

Join Joyce and many others today for their answers on this topic of love.

1. Have you ever written a love letter? Have you written one recently? Had one written to you? Did you keep it?

Written love letters?  You better believe it!  When one "courted long distance in the 60's, letter writing was the only way of communicating.  Hubby and I both kept every letter we shared in our short courtship and I still have them.  (I also have my parent's letters.  Isn't that great?)  These are the very first letters Hubby and I exchanged only two days after meeting on Feb. 6, 1965.  Yes, 50 years ago last Friday!

2. What's a movie that ends in a way you especially love?

One of my favorite movies is "Sleepless in Seattle" and although I love that they found each other on the top of the Empire State Building on Valentines, I want more at the end.  But, I still love the movie.  Can't really think of another one that I like as much.

3. Something that makes your heart sing? And for those of you who are parents, I mean something besides your children that makes your heart sing?

Waking up with Hubby every morning.  We get up early to go to the gym together, but we always have a snuggle time before getting out of bed.  Although I hate the alarm, this special time does make my heart sing.



4. What's the last event you had to attend, phone call you had to make, routine task you needed to complete, or meal you had to prepare, that you did do, but only half-heartedly?
That's an easy one.  It is income tax time and I am busy getting all the final paperwork and spreadsheets done to go to the CPA and I can tell you, it is all being done half-heartedly!

5. Tuna fish salad-yay or blech? If you said yay, how do you like your tuna salad prepared? Hey, this is the Hodgepodge, right?
Tuna fish salad - ya-ech.  It is not my favorite and I can't tell you when I last had it, but I'm not adverse to eating it.  Just not my 1st choice.  I grew up on tuna fish sandwiches though.

6. What's something you 'know by heart'?

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Now, that is a love story!

7. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, what two or three word phrase would you write on a conversation heart for someone you love? That someone could be a spouse, child, parent, cousin, bestie...anyone at all whom you love.

To my Hubby, children and grands:  YOU ARE MY HEART!

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

As I wrote earlier, Hubby and I met 50 years ago last Friday on a blind date in New Orleans.  We always remember this date and enjoy reliving our first day together.  I thought it would be interesting to go back and reread those first letters to each other.  I'll just share a line or two with you.  Needless to say, it was "love at first sight" for both of us.

Dick wrote his first letter on Sunday night after our meeting on Saturday:

"Are you a dream?  All I've done today is try to remember everything you said and how you look."

Mine was written on Tuesday after getting his letter.  I must have been much more reserved back then.  HA!

"We have more in common than I thought.  All Sunday, Monday and yes, today, I have found myself with the biggest smile.  Sometimes I feel so full of happiness that I doubt being able to contain it all."

Now, how about that for romance!

 Happy Valentines to you and your sweetheart.