January Rewind & Episodes 4 - 5

January Rewind 

I am going to share a few highlights from January and Episodes 4 - 5 from our 52ish weeks.

Birthday Pie

My husband celebrated a birthday in January. I made him a pecan pie, without using corn syrup.  This recipe is a little more time consuming than using corn syrup, but it is so good. The secret ingredient is bourbon. 

 

 January has been brisk, but we have been brave and got out and about a few times for walks along the river.

 

I have been receiving cribbage lessons from my husband. So far I have not won a game. Hmmm.. should I start to wonder about my instructor? 

Ha! 

Texas Grapefruit in season at the market. I like to sprinkle powder sugar on my grapefruit.

 

Episode # 4 of 52ish weeks

We hiked along the Red Cedar river. It was snowing lightly during our hike. 

As we walked all of a sudden this mouse came out from under a tree, he came right up to us. We had Ernie with us too, so I was in shock how this fella actually posed for a photo. Our dog Ernie was in shock as well, he did not even bark.  

What are you people doing out in this weather?

 

Episode #5

We had different plans for our day datn' but the weather did not want to cooperate.

 Plan B it was with movie night.

My husband makes the best popcorn. 

 

Birthday Memories and it is the Hodgepodge

 

 

Happy Wednesday, one of our favorite requests to celebrate birthday's .. 

Highlander Grogg Filled Cupcakes

 

 

 After all that drooling, it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

1.  Are you more life of the party or more party pooper? If your answer is somewhere in the middle which side of the middle do you lean towards more? 

Birthday party, beach party, cocktail party, dinner party, charity fundraiser, surprise party, costume party, garden party, Christmas party, reunion...what's your favorite kind of party? 

I am in the middle, I join the fun, but I probably would not be the person to start the shenanigans, but I would join in. 

I love celebrating our families birthday's with a special meal, dessert and presents too.

 

2. Cheese, wine, and balsamic vinegar all improve with age. What would you personally add to the list? 

I will add, Carla, to that list. I have improved with age. One of the areas that I know I have improved on is patience. I take time to listen, that skill has improved with age. I chew on the things I am told and I will research and study before giving my two cents.

 3. How do you feel about your birthday? How do you want to be celebrated? Or don't you? 

I like my birthday. My birthday is December 12th. My favorite way to celebrate is spending the day with my family.

 4. What remarkable feat, interesting piece of trivia, or historical event occurred on your birth day and month? Not necessarily your same birth year, just the same date/month.

Frank Sinatra shares my birth date, 12/12.

5. Share two good things about your life right now. 

My husband and I recently had to make a difficult decision. We both feel good about the decision we made and have peace about it.

My family... my family means so much to me.

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

One last photo... delicious. 

 

 

Say Cheese and it is the Hodgepodge

 

Happy June

It 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. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

We love to celebrate birthdays, but it usually is not on that loved one's day because of distance and busy schedules, but we do celebrate with a lot of fun for the entire day.

Below is a photo of last year's birthday celebration that we had for our son Sam. We celebrated by meeting up at a favorite Wisconsin state park. We hiked, had a picnic, opened gifts, explored Lake Superior and then went out to our favorite bar for burgers.

I completed Sam's T-shirt quilt for his birthday. 

My birthday is in December and my sister is a New Year's Baby. Our joke when we got older was how many times our birthday gifts were wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper. Our parents always made our birthday's special.
 

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate.

 Pink or Yellow

I do get accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses. 

My accuser might be correct. I limit my intake of current events, so I do not always know what society is up too.

 3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese? 

We do a lot of picnics during the summer months. We usually will have cheese and crackers in the picnic basket. 

Oh yes, we will celebrate. We have a cheese drawer in our refrigerator, I eat cheese just about everyday. I am from Wisconsin. Hee Hee!

 4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

No weddings in June, but we have one in July.

 What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

COMMUNICATION

and 

TEAMWORK

I think communication is the key. And teamwork makes the dream work!!

 

 5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

My husband and I are going to Bayfield, Wisconsin to take part in some garden tours. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.

Alfred Austin

 

 

 

  

September Birthday ... No, December Birthday and it is the Hodgepodge

 

Northern Lights the night of September 16th 2024.

Hello Friends, it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. Something that's had you 'chuffed to bits' recently? 

 

 

 Our garden harvest, flowers and fresh veggies. And the Northern Lights.

 

 2. Tell us about an instance recently where you were tempted to 'throw a wobbly' (expression used to describe tantrums thrown, usually by adults or people who should know better) 

 

Well... some current events have made me 'throw a wobbly'.

 

3. Something everyone seems to love but is not your 'cuppa tea'? 

 

Flavored coffee... just give me a good dark coffee with a little cream.

 

4. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding...which entree would you choose? Yes, you have to choose.

 

Fish and Chips

5. Something you want for your birthday this year? 

 

At a recent wedding for a friend.. our boys.

 What I want for my birthday this year, is to spend  time with those two in the above photo. 

 

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

 My husband installed some new lighting in our greenhouse. I love it. With the nights creeping in earlier and earlier, the extra light helps me finish my garden chores. It is getting dark here at 7:30 pm already.. oh that is the hardest part for me.. saying goodby to all our spring/summer light.

 

It is a "I DID IT" Hodgepodge

 

Happy Mother's Day

a little hanky and photo of me and my mom

Hello Friends, 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. Did you watch the Kentucky Derby this past weekend? No, I did not.  Have you ever been to a horse race? No, I have not.  Ever ridden a horse? Yes, I have. Did you enjoy it? Yes, I did. My uncle and aunt use to own a riding stable. They had a lovely business. Beautiful trails in the woods and very gentle horses.   Have you ever been to Kentucky? Yes.. just a drive thru. Do you like Bourbon? Yes.

2.  What's something you wish you'd placed in a time capsule fifteen years ago? 

Memories that I made fifteen years ago, that I cannot seem to remember today. Ha ha!

3. Are you adventurous? Elaborate. 

I will say, Yes. When we canoe or go kayaking I will be the first to say, how about we paddle down this stream. The last time I said this we got stuck on a sand bar on a little creek, we could not really turn around, it was a true adventure to get out. 

4. Something you want to make this year? It can be a new recipe, craft, diy project, a milestone you've set for yourself...anything at all. 

I just finished a huge project (for me) a T-shirt quilt for our oldest son.

I finished it Friday, May 3!!

We gave it to him for his birthday on Saturday, May 4th.

Note.. his birthday is April 7th, but he was away with the Wisconsin National Guard during his birthday, we celebrated this Saturday.

 

 

Using T-shirts from when he was a little boy, to a teen boy. It was a lot of fun to create this special memory quilt for him.

 

We celebrated Sam's birthday at Pattison State Park. Pattison State Park is Sam's favorite Wisconsin state park. He was very touched by the quilt and it made my heart swell!! We enjoyed a day of hiking, a fun picnic and birthday cupcakes.

 

5. Cinco de Mayo was also celebrated this past weekend...do you like Mexican food? I do. We have a fantastic Mexican Restaurant in our area,  Casa Mexicana . If so what's your favorite dish? Chimichanga de Tinga  Have you ever been to Mexico? Yes.  Margarita-yes or no? Yes.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 A few photos from our day out at Pattison State Park.

 

 

December Birthday's

 Hello Friends,

Happy December Birthday!

It is always fun to learn about who shares a birthday with you. I have several special friends and even a famous singer that share a birthday with me.

The day after my birthday we celebrate a very special birthday, the U.S. National Guard.

 The birthday of the U.S National
Guard is celebrated on December
13th and although this is not a
federal holiday it is still an
important event to be noted.
Since, 1636, the National Guard is
the oldest military organization in
America. The members of the
National Guard serve during times
of war and emergencies.
Let us all take the time to honor
those who have protected our
country for centuries and
centuries to come.
The U.S National Guard birthday is important because it
is part of our history. This birthday of this prestigious
militia reminds our country of the past and can be used
as an opportunity to move further into its history. By
celebrating the birthday of the National Guard we show
our respect to those who risk their lives for America and
its citizens.

157th Brigade December Newsletter was the source for the above information.

Happy Birthday National Guard

I am a proud National Guard Mom!

 December 12th Birthday's

I share a birthday with a very special blogger Nana Diana .

My friend Angie gave birth to twin boys on 12/12! I am honored to share a birthday with two amazing young men.

My childhood friend Nellie, she too has a 12/12 birthday. 

 

That famous singer is Frank Sinatra, he was born December 12th.

 

 I just recently found out that Caroline "Ma" Ingalls  was born December 12th.

 Caroline “Ma” Ingalls (Dec. 12) was born in 1839 in Wisconsin and became the beloved matriarch of the Ingalls family.

 

  Caroline Ingalls  Click here for more information. 

 

Photo Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An April Birthday Bash

 

We enjoyed celebrating our oldest son's birthday in April. We enjoyed grilled chicken, pasta salad, fruit salad and homemade Honey Butter Rolls.

For dessert I made Highlander Grogg Filled Cupcakes. These cupcakes are so good! They made for the perfect way to celebrate a special birthday!

We went for a hike in the woods after dinner ~ before cake and gifts. 

"You may run, walk, stumble, drive or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way."

Gloria Gaither

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day Hodgepodge

 

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It 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. This week's Hodgepodge lands on St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear green? I will! I am delivering Meals on Wheels this week. Celebrating the holiday will bring smiles. Eat corned beef and cabbage? Corned Beef and Cabbage is on the Meals on Wheels menu for today. My husband will make us Reuben's for dinner. Drink green beer? No Have you ever been to Ireland? No Is it on your travel 'bucket list'? Yes!!

 2. Something you think is 'worth its weight in gold'? 

Family

 3. Something that makes you 'green around the gills'? 

Unpleasant Odors

 4. What puts a 'spring in your step' these days? 

Making plans to celebrate upcoming birthdays!!

 5. Write a limerick using one of the following as your theme....March, St. Patrick's Day, Covid, 2020 and/or 2021, the color green, or life lately. Yes, you can do it. 

There once was a Twenty year old,

 who said, "Let's be bold!

 I will keep chasing my dream

  and making whipped cream

Until I turn Twenty one years old.

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My husband got into writing limericks as I was writing mine. Here is Jeremy's debut on the Hodgepodge with his limerick.

 there was a man who turned twenty
who thought he had plenty
then covid hit
He said thats it
my bank account is empty

2 #StayatHome Birthday Celebrations

Happy May 18th!

A special day today! Our high school senior son, Atticus is 18 years old today.

Happy Birthday Atticus

18 years old today!

He is excited to graduate at the end of the month.

He has taken on the challenges that COVID19 has brought at his work place.

As well as the disappointments that COVID19 has brought with his senior year and wrapping up his school years.

He loves to fish.

He is a good friend.

He encourages his older brother.

He does his best to help others.

Me with my boys during a hike last Autumn.

We hope to all get together in July to celebrate birthdays and graduations.

Keeping our fingers crossed.

April 7th, our oldest turned 20! He celebrated his birthday with his first COVID19 deployment to Madison, Wisconsin.

How about you? Any #stayathome birthday celebrations in your family?

On the Road Friday ~ A 12/12 Birthday in Green Bay, Wisconsin

For my birthday this year my sister and mom treated me to a trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

 It was quick trip because the weather turned ugly and we needed to venture home before things got worse. We traveled to Green Bay on my birthday 12/12. We visited the Atrium at Lambeau Field. We had a lovely dinner at 1919 and ended the evening with a concert.

 Even if you are not a football fan, you will find the Lambeau Field Atrium unique and a fun experience. There are three different tour options.

Your destination for everything Packers!

Experience the Hall of Fame

Take a Stadium Tour

Dine at 1919 Kitchen and Tap

Shop at the Packers Pro Shop

 Everything is decorated in Green and Gold even the Christmas trees.

 My mom and sister.. I am looking down from the big football.

 I loved this truck in the gift shop.

 Hey.. It is me on the field.

You are able to take fun photos in front of the mural.

 Off to dinner we go to 1919. Many of you know blogger Nana Diana.. she happens to have a 12/12 birthday too and she lives in Green Bay. Before heading on my trip I asked her advice for fun places to eat in Green Bay. One of the many she suggested was 1919.

Nana Diana Take a Break

 

1919 is decorated with rustic wooden tables and shares notable moments from Packers history, including retired jersey numbers, unforgettable plays and historic firsts.

Gleaming copper pipes lead to 80 taps, serving nearly 40 varieties of beer. An open - concept kitchen invites glimpses of sizzling sears and saute's.

 My birthday dessert. Yum!

It is off to the concert. We attended Swing for the Holidays .. Featuring Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite at the Weidner Center.

It was the Nutcracker Jazz style.

Featured Vocalist Courtney Sherman was amazing. It was a special 12/12 birthday event for me.

Thank you for coming along with me to Green Bay, Wisconsin!