A FRIGID END TO A WARM YEAR!

This is the last Hodgepodge of 2014!  Where did the time go?  Joyce has done a fantastic job putting together the questions for us all.  She has a busy life and still, she found time to do this.  I'm impressed! Join us will you?

1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.

The favorite moment from this Christmas was when our grand girls saw their "Frozen Body Pillows" and curled up on the floor with them.  Later, I got a video of them sleeping on them for the night.  It made me very happy that they liked them so much.

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?

So far, I think that traveling in space has been the biggest news event during my life.  The fact that we traveled to the moon, and have landed on Mars with the Mars Rover to cover the planet in search of anything.  I love that someone has the guts to ask the question "What if?"  And then come up with a way to answer it.  I love the science news that we hear so often.
YUP Space Travel is the event that fascinates me.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

OK, I had to look this up because I didn't know what the color was.  It's beautiful!

It's a pop of neutral and I really do like it.  I don't know if it's in our home but I will get some tops in this color.  Reminds me of blush make up from the past.  

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.

WOW that is a hard question.  Meeting my ancestors would allow me to fill in the blanks as to why I am the way I am but meeting our great grandchildren would allow me to know if any of us is in them.  I choose both.  It's my blog, I get to pick the both.

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?

Good Health is something that I took for granted.  When the doctor tells me that I'm healthy I still laugh.  Healthy?  Then why am I sitting in the Oncologist office talking about living with Cancer.  Define Healthy Please?   So the lesson I learned, I'm better off than many and not as well off as some.

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?

We didn't buy a lot of things this year.  We don't need a lot to make us happy so I guess the purchase we made was our vacation in the fall.  The kids were all back to school (no lines), the weather was warm (unseasonably), and the company (Hubby and dogs) was the best.  It was relaxing, refreshing, and just plain wonderful.

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?

Getting back to my pre-cancer weight.  I have a plan and pray that God will bless it and allow me to get back into shape. I also want to get back to blogging on a regular basis.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

We don't have any snow, and the last few weeks it's been down right warm (in the 40's) for NH.  However, it's NH and so the cold weather will return.  In fact it did on Tuesday and will remain with us all for awhile.  But you don't shovel cold and we have the pellet stove going keeping us all warm.

GRANNY NIRVANA HODGEPODGE!

1. Besides U.S. Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week...what game have you played most recently, and who were you with? Have you worked a puzzle of any kind in the past week?

The last game was Domino's that I played with our grand daughters.  I've not worked a puzzle in a very long line.

2. What is one place you were thankful for this year?

One place I'm thankful for this year was Dog Mountain.  It's an amazing place to visit and to walk around.  I hope to go back soon.

3. Take a nap, watch football, go for an after dinner walk, or hit the stores...which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving day? For those of you playing along who aren't in the US, answer as it relates to any big holiday meal.

Well since we are getting a bit of snow, going for a walk is out of the picture.  A Nap is certainly in my plans for Thanksgiving day.

4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal?

WOW There are several favorites that I have.  I really love the meat stuffing we will have on Thanksgiving and Hubby will make it at other times of the year for me.  I like a nice pot roast that has cooked in the crock pot all day.  I like a lasagna especially the next day!

5. What product from an infomercial would you most like to own?

I tend to change channel when infomercials come on.  They make the product sound so good and after all it's only $14.99 to try it at home for 30 days right?  I wonder what happens after the 30 days and how much you are charged after that.  Not for me.

6. Christmas shopping? Have you begun? Finished? Will you shop on Black Friday? How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day? What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?

Christmas shopping is almost done! I will not shop on Thanksgiving  and I'm so sorry for those people who have to work on Thanksgiving.  If no one shopped, the stores would stop opening.  They will get the message by the amount of money it cost them to pay everyone to show up and do nothing.  But since so many are greedy, they shop.  It's sad that we talk about all we are grateful for and then leave the table to go to stores to get more.  If I do shop on Black Friday, it will be online.  A lot of my shopping has been online, more than 80%!

7. What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to your everyday life?

Life with Hubby adds beauty to my life everyday.  He enriches everyday with his tenderness and care.  He goes out of his way everyday to show me he loves me.  We still hold hands to watch TV and enjoy each others company.  We've been together for over 42 years and we not only love each other but like each other, respect each other and enjoy each other's company.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well the snow has landed here in NH. It's beautiful, it's white, it's snowman making snow and there is going to be a lot of it.  It really does make it feel like the start of the Holiday season and puts everyone in the mood for eggnog, fire in the fireplace, decorations and sharing things with good friends and family.
Happy Thanksgiving All!!

Thank you Joyce for the questions,  If you all have time while your  bird is cooking, visit  others blogs and answer the questions.

Gratitude Hodgepodge!

Thanks Joyce for this weeks Hodgepodge about being grateful.  It's time to remember why and who we are thankful for.  I'm thankful for Joyce.

1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

Our Pellet stove and especially the man who feeds it!  I love our pellet stove and the heat it puts out.  Hubby cares for it, cleans it, fills it, starts it and checks on it.  I get to enjoy its warmth and I will turn it off.  I love our pellet stove and really, really love the man who cares for it.

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

Not a great fan of it.  It doesn't really have much color does it? It reminds me of dirt.  I do have one sweater and one vest that are brown but 'most loved', not really.

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?

Christmas wrapping for the west coasters and it's done.  Hubby now has to mail it out.

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women. Well that is according to wikipedia.  It used to be a movement to get equal rights for woman that men had already.  But now, it's all about 

bullying others who think differently.  Just this past week, a scientist landed a shuttle on a moving comet 

and he was picked on for what he wore!  Sorry people, he is a nerd and that is what i makes him what he is. 

Yes his shirt was tacky for TV and so he needs someone to dress him for TV but to bully him over it was just too much.  Ladies, grow up!! No I do not want to be described as a feminist.

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?

BBQ.  So I don't eat it in public.  It gets all over my cheeks, my fingers and my face.  So I use a knife and fork and eat it at home, with the door closed, and the lights off, and the curtains pulled shut.

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?

Last Sunday, I made a dog coat for a friend who has a little dog but couldn't find a coat for her.  Some little dogs are hard to fit.  It's either too short from neck to tail, or too small around the middle.  So I made her a coat.  The friend liked it and since it's reversible, she has 2 coats to put on her little girl.

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have 2 thoughts this week.
1. Hubby made stuffing for me.  It was not a dry run for Thanksgiving, it was just because I asked him to and it was so delish!! He made 6 pounds of it and it is all gone.  

2. The news is covered with pictures  of snow that has hit the the great lakes.  Here in NH it's cold - teens to 20's but no snow. I'm glad for that as I'm not a fan of snow.  Yes, it's very pretty. Yes, the ski area will be up and running. Yes, it's winter in NH.  However, still, I don't really like the snow.  The first snow people have to remember how to drive in it and it is just plain cold.  I like looking at pictures of snow from inside my home, by the fire and holding a cup of hot cocoa.  How about you?
For those of you  caught in the snow, I'm sorry and I hope you are doing OK.  Stay warm, stay safe.

SALUTE TO VETERANS HODGEPODGE!

I for one, look forward to the weekly Hodgepodge.  Last week Joyce took time off to get ready for her daughter's wedding.  I understand "time off". It feels like I've taken lots of time off.  I really don't mean to but once I get home and get through dinner or work on getting the outside  ready for winter, I just can't sit up and write a blog post.  I just need to sleep.  Joyce did in fact create a Hodgepodge for this week.  Thank you Joyce, I hope you got everything ready for the wedding.

1. We celebrate Veteran's Day in the US of A on November 11th. When did you last interact with a member of the armed forces (either currently serving or retired)? Have you ever written a letter to a soldier, bought a meal or coffee for a solider, said an unprompted thank you to a soldier you encountered out and about somewhere? If you're not in the US, comment on a similar holiday in your own country.

I was taking a picture of him while he was taking a picture of me.

I interact with a member of the armed forces every day.  Hubby was in the Air Force for 8 years.  I have written a letter to a soldier before, especially during Christmas time when they are still protecting our country while I enjoy my family.  I have also thanked a soldier while I was out and about and saw him/her in line at store, or standing on the corner.  I think it's important to thank as many as possible.

2. You can have fifty pounds of anything at all (except money)...what would you choose?

Fifty pounds of mulch would be nice to add to the yard next spring.

3. When did you last receive an invitation in the 'real' mail? What was it for and did you attend? When it comes to RSVP-ing, are you an 'early responder' or a 'last minute, barely-under-the-wire' kind of guest?

The last invitation, delivered by real mail that I got was for a baby shower.  I didn't go as the invitation showed up about 4 days AFTER the shower.  Talk about slow mail!!

4. What's something you really don't like to waste?

I'm Scottish, so there are lots of things I don't like to waste.  I use tea bags for at least 4 cups of tea. I  fold the trash to make more room in the trash can (saving more trash bags).  I guess if I have to pick one, it would be the craft paper I use to make cards.  I will use as much of the paper as possible before I toss what is left out.

5. Cheers, Friends, MASH, Seinfeld...of the ones listed, your favorite long-running sitcom?

Friends.  Watching those friends grow and become a real family was just so much fun.

6. What decision are you glad you made?

Hands up -marrying Hubby! He is the other half.  We truly have become One.

7. In this month of 'Thanksgiving' what is one thing that's different today than it was a year ago that you're grateful for?

Last year we were not able to watch the grand girls because I was too weak and couldn't be sure if I would catch anything from them.  This year, we get to see them often and spend time with them. I am so very thankful that we get to play with them.  If only our Grandsons were so close.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

My heart goes out to those of you in the middle states.  The news is covered with photos of the snow and cold that you have.  By the time is gets to us, the temps will be cold but it looks like the snow will only be light and scattered, If at all.  I pray that you have not lost power and that you are all safe and especially warm.

GRANNY NIRVANA HODGEPODGE!

1. My hubs spent last weekend pheasant hunting. Are there hunters in your family? If so, what do they hunt? Which of the following have you tasted-pheasant, rabbit, venison, duck, goose? Which of those would you most like to taste, or be most willing to taste?

Hubby spent many years hunting venison and we had many years of it to eat.  I relly do love the taste of it.  He hasn't hunted in a few years now and I miss it.  Of the ones listed, I would like to try Pheasant, it just sounds like it would taste good.

Vegetarians keep calm and Hodgepodge on.

2. What high spot have you visited that gave you a wonderful 'bird's eye view' of something below?

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park gave such a beautiful fall view of Bar Harbor, Maine.

3.  Do you have any birds in your home? These could be either real live pets or decorative, as in bird prints, knickknacks, fabric or pottery.

No

4. Tell about a time you 'killed two birds with one stone'?

Oh my, these are hard this week.  I can't think of anything.

5. Your favorite song with a bird in it's title?

I had to Google song titles with Birds in the title.  I'll pick Rockin Robin By Bobby Day and the Jackson 5 both turned it into a hit.

6. What most recently gave you goose bumps?

Our vacation at Arcadia National Park gave me the  goose bumps, it's so beautiful and to think God created it all!!

7. Halloween is this Friday...any plans? Did you trick or treat as a child? Carve pumpkins? Share your most memorable costume.

We live too far out for Trick or Treaters to come to our home so we will stay home and watch TV.  When I was a kid, we grabbed the pillow case of of our beds and ran around the neighborhood getting all the candy we could carry.  Then I ran home, emptied the pillow case and would go right back out.  It was common to empty that pillow case several times an evening.  Then my sister and I would go through the candy and trade off what we didn't like for what we did like.  I usually wore the "Hobo" costume which came from my dads closet.  We didn't carve pumpkins.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I am fine, just either busy or sleeping.  We are WAY behind in getting the house set for the cold weather that will be upon us soon.  The list is long to get this house ready for the cold weather.
Don't forget to Fall Back this weekend.  I sure hope that the dogs let me get that extra hour of sleep!!

WAHOO! YAHOO! BALLYHOO! HODGEPODGE!

Wednesday's has been Hodgepodge Day for a long time now and I must say, I  love the questions.  Thank you Joyce.  Come and answer them as well.

1. Elizabeth Lawrence is quoted as saying, 'Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." So have you done just that? And what did you leave undone in order to do so?

Oh Yes, I sat and watched the leaves turn.  I left dishes undone.  It was so worth it.  Now I'm watching the leaves fall on our grass so it's time to get them up.

2. Since we're talking turning...what's one thing you feel you're doing 'every time you turn around'?

Putting dishes in the dishwasher.  It's just the 2 of us but the dishes end up in the sink rather than 6 inches to the left and into the dishwasher.

3. How hard is it for you to 'turn the other cheek?'

Depends on the circumstance and the person.  If someone I love has offended me and it's the first offense, turning the other cheek is easy.  It gets harder as the offenses increase from the same person.

4. When did you last turn a drawer, your car, a room, or your entire house upside down looking for something? Did you find it?

I lose my shoes almost daily because as I come into the house I kick them off and we have a small dog who will walk off with one of them or I'll just forget where I was when I kicked them off.  But I don't usually turn the house upside down, I call on Hubby to find them for me.  He does it often.

5. 'One good turn deserves another'...were you most recently on the giving or receiving end of that sentiment?

Hubby and I often say that we each got the better end of our marriage.  So we think that each of us are on the receiving end of a great spouse.  Of course, I did get the better deal when I married Hubby.

6. Red, yellow, and orange are the colors of fall. Also the colors of fruit. If you were permitted only one color of fruit in your diet, which would you choose? This question isn't as easy as it sounds, at least not for me.

I love the dark colors of fall so it's not easy to pick just one color of fruit but since I need potassium  I'll pick yellow for banana.

7. The Hunt for Red October, October Sky, Halloween...which 'October' film is your favorite?

 I really don't like Horror films so I never say Halloween and I can't remember October Sky so I will go with The Hunt for Red October.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A few week ago, our grand girls were over and I showed them some boxes in my office of fall decorations and I asked them to help me decorate.  They took all the decorations in the boxes and placed them into my office.  It took them about 5 minutes to decorate the office.  I suggested that we share the decorations with the rest of the house.  They thought it was a great idea and began to decorate the house.  The girls are so much fun.  Grandchildren are the best!!

Vacationing With Dogs!

Going on vacation is always lots of fun, being able to bring your furry best friend makes it better and knowing how to make vacation extra special and safe for your older dog makes vacation awesome. Having 2 dogs of very different ages takes some planning, but with planning, the vacation works for everyone! 

If you’ve never taken your older dog out of state on vacation before, here are some tips on what to do.

1.     Visit your vet!  Make sure that the old girl/guy is healthy. It’s easy to miss something in your older dog because change can be very slow and subtle.  Make sure you are up to date on any changes in your old friend.  Ask about any health concerns in the states you are going to visit as that may change plans on where you go.  In our case, there were no outbreaks of Kennel Cough or Parvo Virus in the states we were going to visit so we felt safe taking them to dog parks.

The "kids" at a dog park, in the shade.  Chasing balls and getting some love under the trees.

2.     Make sure if your older friend is on medication that you have enough to cover you while you are away and even a little extra so that you can up the medication if need be (with your vet’s OK)

3.     Bring what your pet is used to. In our case we brought Becke’s orthopedic bed from home as well as her food, treats, harness, leash, and a fan that blows on her face while she is sleeping.  All the things she has at home. We have dog bowls in the car that both dogs have used so we used those rather than bring the bowls from home.

Becke's bed and her fan is in the upper right of the picture.  

4.     For Becke, who is 14 ¾ years old, her eyesight and hearing is going.  So keeping her safe is important.  She stays on a leash and connected to one of us while we walk and we walk slowly so that she can stop and smell the flowers (the nose still works).  We limit how far she can walk and then we stop.  After letting her rest, we can then continue.  We carry water with us for her to either drink or splash over her if she is getting too hot.  She also has some arthritis so she has medication that we give her in her breakfast and can increase it if needed.  At night she got a great hip massage from Hubby which made her feel better and kept her going the next day.

Don’t forget to plan for the younger, more active dog as well!!

5.     For August (who is 3 years old) we had his food, leash, long line, coats, clothes, bed toys, stroller with blanket to lay on, and blanket to put on top of the hotel bed for him to sleep on.  August  sleeps with us but it’s just plain polite to bring a blanket to put on top of the hotel bed to keep shedding and smells down to a minimum.

August all sprawled out on the blanket in the hotel room

6.     While Becke is sitting under a tree with daddy resting, I would walk August at a faster clip around the block or park that we were visiting.  When we all walked together he would be on a long line where he could move out and explore away from us but could still keep moving while Becke, Daddy and I sat and rested.

7.     Letting August play outside with some of his toys at the hotel early in the morning on the long line while Becke lay in the grass and watched allowed August some time to burn off energy while Becke conserved energy for the day ahead.  I drank coffee which made me livable. 

     

8.     Bring medical info in case you need to go to a vet. It will come in handy for the Vet if you will info on your dog’s medical conditions and vaccination’s.  If you have a smart phone, it should all be in there with a current photo of your dog.

Yes, it takes planning to take two dogs of such different ages and needs to have a great vacation, but it’s no different than planning a vacation with kids of different needs I suspect.  After all, the idea is for everyone on vacation to have fun.

Have you ever taken your dog with you on vacation? Do tell

Arcadia National Park

Part of our vacation was going to Arcadia National Park.  It is a beautiful place where we were able to walk around and tour some of God's beauty.  The picture above is at the peak - Cadillac Mountain.  It was super cold up there and the wind was blowing so bad we left the dogs in the car. August would have become a kite and Becke would have been a tumbleweed.  Hubby had to hold me down and we got someone to take out picture so that we could get back in the car and drive down the mountain.

One of the sights in Arcadia is "Thunder Hole"  where the water hits the rocks just so, the sound is that of Thunder. While we were there we didn't hear it, but boy is it beautiful down there.

 Sand Beach is another beautiful place in the park and at this time of year dogs can go into the water.  The only problem that we didn't know about was that there are only steps to get down to the beach.  Becke would get down, but not up as it was a lot of steps.  So she and daddy stayed up and August and I went down to the water.

August chased the water back out to sea and I do believe that he feft that he was making the water go away as he chased it back out to sea.  He had on a shirt just to keep the wind off him a bit and give him a little bit of protection from the wind.  He really did like it out there and did draw attention to himself as he chased the water away.

Here is just one group that came up to ask "What is that?" as they pointed to August.  August is used to standing behind me or his sister while we explain that he doesn't have a lot of confidentce and how to meet our little man.  They were wonderful as one of the ladies has a Papion and knew to sit on the gorund.  It was wonderful to see someone who understood and August immediately climbed into her lap.

At some point on our tour of Arcadia National Park, August became overwhelmed.  At that point, we placed him in his stroller and although some people looked at us all like we were nuts, August was able to relax and calm down.  The stroller is a wonderful thing and helps him to enjoy all our outings without having to be overwhelmed.  Have you ever seen a dog in a stroller?  

He loves to look out and see the world and not have to be a part of it.   He gets lots of looks but not no touching!!!

HUBBA! HUBBA! HUBBY HODGEPODGE!

Thank you Joyce for this weeks questions and thank you Hubby for copying them for me.  Between you both, my day has been great.

1. What's your favorite time of day? Why?
Anytime I get to be with the Hubby and/or the Grand Girls.  I love spending time with them, that's why.

2. Waffle iron, toaster, coffee maker, mixer, blender...which small appliance would you say most needs replacing in your house? 
None on this list.  They all work very well (except the waffle iron because we don't have one.).

3. It's National Grouch Day (October 15)...what's something that makes you feel grouchy?
When I'm over tired, I get grouchy.  I don't like it but it does happen.

4. Ever been to Canada? Is that a country you'd like to visit? According to Trip Advisor, the top ten best destinations in Canada are-Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria, Calgary, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Halifax. Which city would you most like to see?
Yes we've been to Canada. Quebec City was beautiful.  We got to see the changing of the guard at the Citadel.  Hubby spoke french growing up and it sure did come in handy a few times.   I've seen Niagara Falls  from the USA side,  I would like to see it from the Canada side.

5. What was your favorite food (or one of your favorites) when you were a child? Is that still a favorite?
My mother was not a very good cook but she did make a good American Chop suey.  I still like it but now either myself or Hubby make it.

6. Do you cry easily?
Yes.

7. Have you started your (gasp!) Christmas shopping? If so when, and how much? If not, when will you even begin thinking about it?
I haven't started yet, but we will get going on it soon.  We have kids and grandkids on the west coast and we need to get stuff mailed out soon to avoid the rush.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
1/2 way through our vacation, we had a doctor's appointment with the transplant doctor.  It was a 2 hours appointment between the blood tests, talking to his nurse and then meeting with him.  The outcome was that I'm in remission and not sick enough for a stem cell tranplant.  He will see us in 4 months!! That news made the second half of our vacation a real celebration.

More vacation stories - Dog Mountain

The first half of our vacation was spent in Maine. The second half of our vacation was spent in Vermont at a place called Dog Mountain.  It's a private spot on a mountain top in Vermont.  150 acres that are always open to the public and their dogs.  Here the dogs are cherished and there is no leash law so well behaved dogs are encouraged to be off leash and are welcome inside any building who's doors are open.

Picture this, you have 150 acres to walk around in, take pictures of and play in.  There are ponds for the dogs to swim in and while they are still wet, they can then go into the stores and run around and play.  It's an amazing spot and this time of year, it's beautiful!!

We kept August Rush on a leash since he was overwhelmed with all the bigger dogs running around off leash and playing with each other while their owners were talking and tossing a ball for the dogs.  Becke had her leash on and at times we wrapped it around her harness as we walked around but since she has limited sight and hearing we wanted to keep her safe.  

There is Dog Chapel up there where people post photos, and notes about the animals in their lives who have gone on.  

Here is Hubby just outside the doors of the Chapel with Becke and a lot of statues that August was sure were real people and dogs.  It took a while but he finally did go see for himself that they don't move!!

Inside the chapel you will find thousands of notes, letters, photos, and even ashes of dogs who have died. These notes and photo's are never taken down.   It's a place of love, sadness, joy, prayer and reflection.

Can you see the notes and photos in there.

August sat in one of the chairs looking around.

Seats to sit and think, pray, cry or just be still.

All the seats have dog statues either on the side or in the back of them

Stain glass windows are everywhere.

The walls are called Remembrances Walls and there are note pads, pens as well as push pins and tape so you can write and post your message on the walls.  All are invited.

Everywhere you go there are dog statues, hidden in the tall grass, standing along the walk ways, and outside of buildings and ponds.  There are even statues of cats outside the Gallery peeking out from the corner of building.  Pets are truly cherished here and they know it.  The dogs who go there often, know where all the drinking bowls are and each is refilled thoughout the day.

What a magical place to go. We saw lots of dog themed furniture, dressers, mirrors, place mats, and chairs all with dogs on them. 

                                 Even the sink in the bathroom is a dog. Pull down the tail for water!!

Becke and August had a blast and frankly, so did we.  

Is there a magical spot for pets in your neck of the woods?  Do tell!!

Hodgepodge Time agian!!

Thank you Joyce for the questions again and I can't believe that we all are zooming in on 200 hodgepodges!  Join in on the fun.  

1. Do you manage your own money or do you have a financial planner who helps in some way? Do those kinds of conversations stress you out? A lot or a little?

We manage our own money and yes conversations about money always stress me out, a lot.  I hate to hear that we something that broke or gave out and we have to replace/repair it.  That ends up being money we had planned for something else.

2. The second week of October is Pet Peeve Week. Off the top of your head, share TWO of your current pet peeves.

People who cut me off without even so much as a blinker to warn me that it's about to happen.  

3. What is one thing you'd like to learn right now, this very week if you could?

How to groom my own dog, August.  He is a great dog and I would like to know how to shave his face like his groomer does. Or he ends up looking like this photo above.

4. How concerned are you about the recent health related news concerning Ebola? How about Enterovirus D68?

Not concerned at all.  Now that I'm living with Cancer, everything else seems small somehow.  If I catch something, my doctor's are right on top of it and I know that in the end God is in control. 

5. Garfield, Nemo, or Tigger-your favorite orange cartoon character?Tigger is my favorite orange cartoon. 

6. I'm going to see Gone Girl with my neighborhood book club this week. So often books made into film are disappointing. What's a book turned film you thought was well done, in that the casting was 'like you pictured' when you read the book, and the film plot remained mostly true to the book plot?The early Harry Potter movies.  I really liked how the casting  matched the book and the plots in the movie were as I saw them in my mind as I read the books.

7. What is one story your family always tells about you?Most of my family is gone so there is not a story that I can remember them telling about me.  Sorry. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week, Hubby and I went on vacation.  It was our first vacation in 3 years.  It was so nice and relaxing.  I've been showing pictures and telling stories about on this blog this week.  Living in New Hampshire one thing we do have is lots of pretty colored trees this time of year.  People coming from all over the country just to see out trees.  What a great vacation we had.  Then again, anytime I get to relax with this guy I'm thrilled!!  I so love this man. What fun we have whenever we are together.