Postcards during the Pandemic

You've Got Mail

During this Stay at Home time .. during this Pandemic .. during this when everything is upside down time .. my sister has been sending me postcards.

On the back she will write a note sharing a childhood memory.

 ♥

Some days you just want to go back to being a kid playing with the cats and playing Barbies with my sister.

  ♥

Haircuts..

I did have my sister bring her favorite Barbie, Golden Dream Barbie, to my Barbie salon. Let me just say, Golden Dream Barbie did not look as lovely as she once did after I was done doing her hair. 

Fast Forward..

My dear sweet Aunt Sally, she thought my sister and I could cut hair. I am really not sure what she was thinking. Two teenage girls, Belinda Carlisle playing on the radio and we are cutting my Aunt Sally's hair shorter and shorter. 

♥

 Shopping.. fun times at the mall. We loved visiting my Aunt Sharon and cousin Kris, who lived in the city.  We would go to the mall shopping and pretend we had British or Southern accents. 

How Silly!

  ♥

Hope you all are hanging in there!

Stay Safe and Take Care

 ♥

Carla

A few of my favorite things..

 ♥ bubble baths

♥ freshly squeezed lemonade

 ♥ pretty pillows

 ♥ finding a penny heads up

 ♥ ice cream

 ♥ chocolate

Book Review X 2

 Lost in the Wild

Cary J. Griffith

Danger and Survival in the North Woods

Lost in the wild is about two different men who are lost in the 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

 

 I enjoyed Lost in the Wild. The Boundary Waters are only about 4 ~ 4  1/2 hours away from my home. We know many people who enjoy a getaway to the Boundary Waters.  I have not been to the Boundary Waters. I have new respect for those who do venture into this wilderness.

It was a fascinating read. 

 

 A creative novel by Katarina Bivald, she used books, many of them that we all have read, in her novel. It is well done, I enjoyed it and it made me want to open a bookstore.

Pink

  I spy Pink Lego's.

I was inspired by other bloggers to feature a color a month. 

It is all about sharing photos with the featured color in them.

The month of April, I have decided to feature pink.

Pink Jelly Beans

 

  

Pink Rose

 Pink Strawflowers

 Pink Kayak

  

Pink Frosting

 Pink Marshmallow

 Pink Center

Pink Water Balloons and Bucket

 Pink Sunset

 

She said, " I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

Audrey Hepburn

 ♥

 

Hang in There ... It is the Hodgepodge.

Can you help me give this photo a caption?

My cousin Kris shared this photo with me.

Donuts for these times?

Hey, it is Wednesday!

That means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?

I have resolved to read a book a month. 

I missed January.

Got back on track in February.

I read two in March.

I am currently reading, Every Living Thing, author James Herriot.

 2. Where do you go to find quietude?

Outside.. going for a walk, hike or simply working in the garden.

That is me, on a recent explore. I had to cross that stream. I had to skip across some rocks to clear the other side. Sadly, my skipping across rocks days are not as good as they once were. I got wet feet. It was worth it. It was an amazing day out.

 3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?

Grocery Shopping brought to you by the letter C

 Chicken

 Cheese

Carrots

Celery

Ciabatta

 4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.

Survival Mode 

Taking each day as it comes as we all take this journey together.

 5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.

But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
 Isaiah 40:31

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

 Rock Creek in the Blue Hills area of Wisconsin.

 

Positivity

Hello Dear Friends,

I recently  read an article sharing the power of positivity. 

"There are many who say, Who will show us any good?"

If we can be that light for people. If we can become like a small, shady oasis to people in our world. We can be calm, positive, friendly and hopeful when everything else is wilting or out of sorts.

 ♥ 

 Carla

 

On the Road Friday ~ Hayward, Wisconsin

I took a little trip to Hayward, Wisconsin in February. 

I met up with my mom.

We did some thrifting.

And my mom took me to her favorite candy store.

 What I found thrifting...

 I found this unique puzzle.

1976 George Gorvicki Wisconsin Puzzle

I paid .50 cents for the puzzle.

Just out of curiosity I found that our puzzle was selling for $30.00 on Ebay.

For .75 cents I purchased this flower press. 

 I fell head over heels for the picture on the front of the press. I just loved those bunnies.

The press was made in England.

When I came home I took the press apart to find that flowers were inside.

They had been in the press for a long time. 

I  thought that was an extra fun little treasure to find.

 

 For .50 cents I found this spring wreath, which is currently hanging in our entry.

Tremblay's is a well known candy store in Wisconsin.

They do have fantastic fudge.

  

A few more treats from Tremblay's

 My mom's favorite candy store in Hayward, Wisconsin is Lynne Marie's.

Click the link below to learn more about Lynne Marie's.

Lynne Marie's Candies

 I purchased my husband some Pecan Clusters for Valentine's Day.

Lynne Marie's also had these fun red raspberry and black raspberry gummies. 

 I purchased some for our family and for a friend who has a Valentine birthday. They just said summer to me, and this friend loves summer.

Thank you for coming along with me to Hayward, Wisconsin.

 

Baby It is Cold Outside and Inside!!

Baby it is Cold Outside and Inside!

We dipped down to 15 degrees Tuesday night. Brrr.

I was feeling extra cold because our furnace died. 

Oh Dear!

Wednesday morning we called our trusted Heating and Cooling Repair people.

My husband and I sort of joked as we asked "Do we need to spray him down before he comes in?"

I know this may seem very strange, but it felt very strange about having a stranger come into the house during the virus. Our family has been so good about staying home, washing hands, staying home and washing hands.

I am happy to report the Joe, the furnace guy, met us at the door and shared that he was not ill, and sanitized as he left his last job. He has helped us before a few years ago, so we caught up on life and of course talked about the virus. 

After Joe left, I spayed and wiped down everything, including the furnace. 

It took the entire afternoon to the get the house cozy again. 

A big Thank You to Joe .. I am so happy to be all cozy in my house, because the wind has just kicked up and spring has not sprung.

Think Spring!

 

It is a Tax Day Hodgepodge

I just realized I have not drove in a month! We have gone out hiking, but each time we head for an explore, my husband drives.

It is Wednesday and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Thank you Joyce for another fun Hodgepodge. And keeping it all going strong while waiting for the power to come back on.

Below note was from Joyce when she shared the questions with us.

Currently setting this up to post via my phone since we’re without power, and I can’t link the button. Hopefully by Wednesday my internet will be back in business.

Click here to join the fun!

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. I would be excited. #9 for sure! Have you ever actually done karaoke? I have not. I have played Rock Band. I played the Beatles version.We laughed and laughed and laughed. If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song? Garth Brooks - Friends in Low Places.

2. How do you listen to music these days? I listen from our I Pad that is plugged into a speaker. Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? A favorite app. Do you have music playing often in your home? Yes. Is there still a CD player in your car? Yes.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

What is taxing me are the people not taking this serious. Our high school senior son works part time at Farm and Fleet. He has his share of stories during this Stay at Home period, but this past Saturday was "taxing", he came home grumpy. "Mom, why are so many people going out and about? You will not believe how busy the store was today. And people did not buy anything, just dawdle around. The worst of it, a family of five came in, all wearing masks, even the little baby! They asked if we sold movies!"

Stay Home People you are "taxing" Atticus!

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

An Easter Blizzard dumped over 7 inches of snow in our neck of the woods. It is cold, with the lows in the teens and the highs just making the 30's.

I would offer to start a camp fire and heat up some beans, but it is too cold for that.

Instead, I will serve the following by candlelight..

Peanut Butter

Crackers

Cashews

Mixed Nuts and Dried Fruit

Chocolate

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

ALDI Grocery Store

Energy Drinks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Broccoli

Dahlias

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

An Easter blizzard was in the forecast. We planned to grill a roast for Easter Sunday dinner. We decided to grill the roast on Saturday. My husband put the roast in the dutch oven on Sunday. We made coleslaw, steak fries and dinner rolls to go along with dinner. For dessert we enjoyed our Easter Cake.

2020 Easter Cake ~ and ~ Joy List Monday

Easter Cake 2020

 Hello Friends,

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter.

It was just the three of us for Easter.

And to top off the " different  Easter " our neck of the woods was hit by an Easter blizzard. We received over 7 inches of snow. 

We knew the weather was going to be frightful. And our plan was to grill a roast. So what does one do when a blizzard is forecast. Well, one grills the day before.

And without further ado...

Here is the 2020 Easter Cake...

 

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mr. Golden Bunny sitting on top as he ponders taking a nibble of the big carrot.

 The carrot is made using colored coconut.

Joy List Monday

♥  a weekly ritual   ♥

a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces

that make life magical and to set aside time

for gratitude each day

 ♥ Easter letters, cards and suprises left on the door step

 ♥ farm fresh eggs from a friend

 ♥ blueberry muffins

 ♥ hot coffee on cold mornings

 ♥ another week of avoiding the virus

 

Happy Easter and it is the Hodgepodge!

The tradition continues.. I will be making my annual Easter Cake. 

The big reveal will be on the blog Monday.

 Today is Wednesday and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun!

 

 1. How will you celebrate Easter this year?

 

It will be the three of us, my husband, me and our Senior in High School son, Atticus.

We plan to grill, make homemade fries, coleslaw and for dessert my annual Easter Cake.

 

 2019 Easter Cake

 

 2. Is it easier for you to receive grace offered or extend grace to another? Explain.

 I think it is easier for me to extend grace.

I like to bless others in little and big ways.

I recently went through an awful time at my work place with a bully. I extended grace each day I had to work with this person. It was extremely hard for me towards the last month I worked with her, but  I pressed on.

As far as receiving grace..

 
God’s grace is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. Grace is the most expensive commodity there is. Jesus died on the cross to pay for it.

Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished three things in our lives:

• It paid the penalty for sin.Someone had to pay for the penalty for our sin. If you have a relationship with Jesus, he has taken care of your penalty.

• It broke the power of sin. Jesus’ death on the cross gives us the power to change the habits, hurts, and hangups that derail our lives.

• The presence of sin will be obliterated. One day all who follow Jesus will go to Heaven, where there won’t be any sin.

The costly grace God offers will change everything about your life.
You just have to accept it!

I am so thankful to have a relationship with God. He helps me each and every day and I know I can not do it with out Him.

3. Do you say grace before meals? Yes, we do. If so do you have a standard dinnertime grace or is it more 'off the cuff' ? We have a standard dinnertime prayer and we take prayer requests. Do you say grace when dining out? We do. Do you have a favorite grace? I do, it is a special prayer I learned when I was in Girl Scouts, that we sang before we ate. Any special memory associated with 'saying grace'? My second favorite grace is sung to the tune of Edelweiss.

4. What are some challenges you think the next generation will face? (Generation Alpha-born between 2011 and 2025)

Hate .. there is so much anger and blame out in this big old world. 

 5. Share a favorite quote or lyric featuring the word faith.
 

 ~ source ~

 6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 Happy Easter my Friends.

♥

~ below photo taken at the Como Conservatory last Easter ~

Recipe ~ Star Starter and other news...

All Purpose Breakfast Batter

The following recipe is from Martha Stewart.

I used it to make Baked Doughnuts and Raspberry Muffins, 

both recipes received thumbs up from my son, Atticus. 

Click here for the recipe

   

 On to other news..

2020 was going to be my first year attending the Garden Bloggers Fling.

It has been canceled. 

The good news is Madison will be able to host the event in 2021.

The Madison Fling is officially postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Seattle/Puget Sound committee has graciously offered to reschedule their Fling to 2022.
So, our new dates are Thursday, June 24, through Sunday, June 27, 2021. Many aspects of our itinerary will change, but many will be similar. We'll take a break from planning for the time being. 

Stay tuned for more updates—here and on our Garden Bloggers Facebook Page

And on to other news..

Our Wisconsin National Guard Son, has been deployed to help in Dane County/Madison.

Praying for all on the frontlines, medical, delivery people, cashiers, associates, postal workers and our truckers.. who are getting supplies to where they need to be and helping get supplies to our local stores to restock our shelves. 

Thank You

and 

Praying

for 

you!

 

Stay Safe my friends.

Love, Carla