Tuesday 4 - Glorious Food

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 9 of 2020...

Food Glorious Food!

Welcome to another Tuesday 4 started by Toni Taddeo and kept up in honor and memory of her.

 Let's talk about food  and shopping!

1.   How often do you find yourself shopping for groceries?

I do my big shop at Aldi's and Walmart once a month when I take a family member shopping (nearest grocery store is 20 miles away); otherwise I pick things up here and there as I need when I am out and about doing something else such as appointments and such. I also try to make it to the Amish and Mennonite stores periodically to stock up on grains, spices, etc.

2. Do you have a favorite night time snack?

Popcorn

3.  Do you buy in bulk and what kinds of tips do you have to save money on grocery shopping?

Yes, we buy whole grains, baking supplies, spices, etc. in bulk. The way we save money at the grocery store is, we shop Aldi first, then finish up at Walmart or elsewhere. Shop the ads, but only for good quality meat and vegetables (don't waste money and health on pre-packaged, processed foods) and, unless we hit a good sale, we try to buy most of our meat on markdown. 

4. Let's have a picnic in the park.
What foods are we packing and will we cook anything there or is it all prepared ahead of time?

Sliced Italian bread, an assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit, and grape juice 

That's it for this week!

Until next time...

Rebecca

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Tuesday 4 - Odds and Ends

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 8 of 2020...

1.  You're having a lovely dinner party for friends and family.  What will you serve for appetizers, main course, and dessert?

Probably the norm...pasta (spaghetti, lasagna, or tortellini), sauce, and homemade French bread. Depending on the season, holiday, or event dessert could be anything from fresh fruit to cake or homemade cannoli.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Lasagna

 2. Snow storm! You've got house guests and you're all stuck inside for the night. What do you prepare for dinner.  Will you  watch a movie? Which?

Been there done that before! A big pot of spaghetti with sauce and homemade bread. No movie. Games...most likely Apples To Apples or Wildcraft! The grandchildren love these two! 

Apples to Apples Bible Edition

Wildcraft!

3. We are going into New York City for the weekend. Where do you want to go?

To see the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Statue of Liberty

4. You are going to night school. They offer courses in writing short stories, painting, piano or guitar lessons, simple home repairs, baking, and gardening.

Which do you pick (or make up one of your own) and why?

I love art and would greatly enjoy taking a course in painting. This would be my #1 choice. A little further down the road I would enjoy taking a course in baking and maybe even one in gardening just to strengthen my skills and learn some new techniques. 

The Van Gogh Room
(a.k.a. My Office)

Hallah Bread

Zucchini By The Wheelbarrow Full

That's it for this week!

Until next time...

Rebecca

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Tuesday 4 - Toiletries and Cosmetics

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 7 of 2020...

1. What brand of shampoo do you think works best for you and what does it do for you?

Aussie and Pantene have been my top two choices for decades and I rotate using both on a regular basis.

Aussie is my favorite for every day use; Pantene is my preference for the first few washings after applying hair dye or when I just need a change from the Aussie. Both brands keep my hair soft and managable and give it body without weighing it down.

2. Do you have a favorite  brand and shade of lipstick and blush?

I hardly wear makeup at all anymore...in fact...it's been years, but, when I did wear it (and if I wear any in future) Covergirl is my brand of preference for lipstick and blush both - Iceblue Pink lipstick and something frosted and rosy in blush. 

3. Is soap your favorite for face washing or do you use other products?

The only thing I've used on my face for the past 30 years is Mary Kay's facial cleanser and moisturizer.

4. Do you have an all time favorite perfume or scent that you wear? If you don't wear perfumes, is there a scent that you love in general?

Some favorites over the years have been Emeraude, Ysatis, and Lady Stetson, but for more than a decade now I have only used Body Fantasies Signature Vanilla Body Spray. Everywhere I go people tell me how good it smells and it truly is my favorite scent of all.

Body Fantasies Signature Vanilla Body Spray

That's it for this week!

Until next time...

Rebecca

Tuesday 4 - In Memory and Honor of Toni Taddeo

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Tuesday 4 - Do You Want To Build A Snowman?

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 4 of 2020...

Photo Credit

1. Have you built snowmen, women or even entire families of snow people like little sister Tootie did in Meet Me in St. Louis? Did you use a carrot for the nose? Tell us all about how it.

Ahhhhh! I love snowmen ⛄, I love Meet Me in St. Louis! (it's one of my all-time favorites!) 💗 and I love Tootie's snow-family! ⛄⛄⛄⛄⛄ (That is until she starts knocking them all down!) 😲

Tootie's Snow Family in Meet Me In St. Louis

Yes! As a child I built a snowman, snowwoman, or entire snow-family every chance I got! (Made a lot of snow ice cream, too!) I used carrots for noses, raisins for eyes and to make the mouth, sticks for arms, and whatever embelishments I could find...old hats, gloves, scarves, etc. I usually added a string of popcorn, raisins, cranberries...whatever we had...draped over the snowman's arms as an extra treat for the birds.

Snowman That Our Youngest Daughter
(in her 30s) Built Just Last Week 

I love snowmen and use them a lot in decorating and craft ideas. Here are a couple of examples that I have shared with others in the past...

Snowmen Refrigerator Buddies

Chocolate Pretzel Snowman Craft

2. Are you hoping for snowmen to melt soon in hotter weather?  Tell us about your favorite time of year and please let us know why you love it. List some ingredient of that season that make it special for you.

Not necessarily. I prefer winter over summer for sure, but fall is, without a doubt, my favorite season...warm days under brilliant blue skies, cool, crisp nights, rustling leaves dressed in fiery reds, deep yellows, and varying shades of browns, golds, and purples, orange pumpkins, geese honking overhead, autumn bonfires, and more! I love it all...the sights, sounds, and smells! In fact, a few years ago, I did a 31-Day series on The Joys of Autumn. Anyone who is interested in reading more about why I love autumn is welcome to go there and check it out. 

3.Remember bundling up as a child? It took so long to do then you had to go potty and all those layers had to come off again! Is dressing up something you enjoy doing?  Why?

Yes, I do remember bundling up (BEING BUNDLED UP) as a child and I hated it!!! Under all those layers I'd get so hot and sweaty that I was almost claustraphobic. As an adult, I would still rather be underdressed and a bit chilly before being over-bundled and hot in cold weather. I like to layer my clothes so I can peel and un-peel as necessary. 😆

4. In Frozen, the little girl desperately wants to reconnect with her sister and reminds her of the happy times of building snowmen.  Are you disconnected from anyone you'd love to reunite with? What happy times with friends and siblings brings you fond memories and smiles to you?

I can't really say that I'm "disconnected" from anyone (I'm really good about looking people up...even decades later...7th grade art teacher 25 years later...an old friend...an artist...who lives in Paris and spends her summers on a yacht in the Mediterranean after something...like...30 years...yes), BUT...my best friend? Who lives half way across town...less than a mile away? We hardly ever see each other these days, so, yes, if there is anyone that I "feel" disconnected with, it is her. I need to contact her today.

My BFFF and I and Our Two A. Nicoles
(Me on the Left; Carla on the Right)
(My daughter, Amber, standing behind me; her daughter, Ashley, standing behind her)

I don't have siblings, but what happy times I've shared with family and friends over the years! Some of my most favorite memories have been made over a cup of tea (while sharing a slice of blueberry pie) or going on some wild adventure together! If I was going to "build a snowman" it would be with these folks right here! In fact, I think I HAVE made a snowman with most, if not all of them!!! ⛄

My more-like-a-sister-than-a-friend friend, Dorothy.
We've been together since 5th grade and are still very close.

Dorothy, did we ever build a snowman together? ⛄

My friend and used-to-be next-door-neighbor, Robin
(She passed away in 2012 and oh! How I miss her!)

I know that Robin and I built a snowman together. ⛄

My oldest daughter, Amber, and my Dad
(Dad passed away in 2016 - Miss him so much!)

And of course my dad built a snowman with me when I was a child and I did the same with my children. ⛄

My youngest daughter, Amanda, and I @ Spring Training 2016
(We both work for Missouri State Parks)

Me and My Two Aunts, Geneva and Bev
@ Missouri Town 1855 - 2019

And my two crazy aunts??? They were always there to build a snowman with me when I was a child! 💗⛄💗

I loved this week's 'do you want to build a snowman' theme! Didn't you? To join right in, visit Tuesday 4 and share your own answers to these questions! 

Until next time...

Rebecca

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Tuesday 4 - Hobby Girls

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 3 of 2020...

1. Do you have a hobby or a special interest?  Do you quilt, crochet, cook, sew, collect things, sing, play an instrument, love dolls, politics, learning, reading, biking, hiking, camping, swimming, flower arranging, watching TV? Do you love to entertain, set a beautiful table or just take a walk? Share it with us won't you? Why do you enjoy it? Can you tell us how you became interested or what particularly interests you about your hobby.
Would you share some photos or pictures of your hobbies or interests or lovely things you've seen along the way?

Unfortunately, I have too many interests to do any of them justice, I'm afraid. I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, visiting new places (including historical sites, museums, and art galleries), camping, hiking, spending time in nature, cooking, baking, visiting with family and friends, and more. The truth is, I enjoy just about every new experience and generally view life as one big adventure! 

As for collections...

Over the years I've enjoyed collecting many things...postcards, teapots, teacups and saucers, hearts, rocks, seashells, patches, stickers, buttons...but my favorite thing to collect is memories...and every one of the things that I've collected over the years takes me back to a specific place and time that leads to wonderful memories that have taken up permanent residence in my heart and mind. The things I collect are always tied to a specific person, place, or event in my life. These pictures aren't very good (they were taken with my old Ipod), but here are a few of my favorite collections...


Teacups and saucers...

Every single one of these pieces (and these are just part of my collection) go back to a specific person in my life with whom wonderful memories have been shared...

My grandmother's button jars...

I have added a few buttons to the jars to finish filling them up, but most of them are the originals that Grandma had in them when I was little. I loved looking through these jars as a child; when my grandmother passed away, my aunt let me have them. What a blessed treasure!

And this...

My friend, Bev Cooper, of Wooden Mosaic Treasures put this (and several others) together for me after my dad passed away in 2016. I had a couple of boxes of old jewelry that belonged to my mother, her mother, her grandmother, and her aunt, plus a few pieces that had belonged to my dad. Many of the pieces were broken, some were missing settings, etc., so I sent the whole collection to Bev and she turned the old jewelry into beautiful initialed wall-hangings...one for us, one for each of our six children and their families, and one for each of my mother's sisters. What a beautiful treasure to remind each of us of the generations that have gone before!

2.  Gardening is a hobby for some.
Do you garden or grow house plants? What do you like about it? What are your favorite plants inside or out? Pictures? We'd love to see  photos of your house or garden plants or hear about ideas you have for growing things or creating beauty with plants around the house.

My husband is the vegetable gardener here and I do have a few houseplants, but my favorite thing is my flowers...crocuses, irises, and purple-headed coneflowers being my top choices.

Lavender Irises
(These are my favorites! They smell just like grape Kool-Aid!)

Purple-headed Coneflower 

3. If you could design a dream garden or park, how would you do it? What would it contain? Maybe include a picture from the net of one you think closely fits your dream garden.

My dream garden would contain my favorite old-fashioned flowers and bushes (lilacs, roses, and irises) mixed with native wildflowers and grasses. It would look something like a typical English garden (house and all)...like this...

Photo Credit

4. Do you like being outdoors? If so, what attracts you to the great outdoors and, if not, what keeps you inside?
Do you walk in the rain? Are there parks near you that you like to visit?

Yes...I do like being outdoors. I love being out in, and studying, God's magnificent creation! What keeps me in, though, is excessive heat and TICKS! (This is also why summer is my LEAST favorite season!) I love walking in the rain and YES! There is a park near me that I love to visit! It is Prairie State Park and it just happens to be where I work as a naturalist! 😁 I enjoy visiting state, city, and national parks and...that reminds me! Two more things that I am currently collecting are Missouri State Parks and hiking trails! My goal is to eventually visit every park within the state system and to hike as many of their trails as possible. 

In Memory of Toni Taddeo

That's it for this week!

Until next time,
~Rebecca

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Tuesday 4: Wayfaring

Tuesday 4: Wayfaring

It's Tuesday and it's time for Tuesday 4! Here are Annie's questions for Week 2 of 2020...

1. Where have you traveled and what is the furthest you've been from home?

I live in southwest Missouri. I've traveled as far north as the Candian border, south as far as the Gulf of Mexico (North Padre Island), west as far as the Rocky Mountains, and east...only as far as Alton, Illinois.

2. Is there a location other than where you are, that you think would be a nice place to live?

Northern Minnesota and Cody, Wyoming

3. Do you have a photo or story from a favorite place to visit?

Ely, Minnesota is my second home. From the time I was 7-years-old, on up until I was well into my 20's, my parents and I would vacation there once...sometimes twice...a year. 

Shagawa Lake is the lake I 'grew up' on. The little white cabin, there
in the background, that overlooks the lake, is the cabin that our
family most generally stayed in while vacationing there.

My dad enjoyed fishing on the lakes and would catch, and freeze, enough northern pike and walleye to last us from one year to the next. My mother and I would spend our days visiting local places of interest and exploring the vast beauty of Superior National Forest.

One of the many lakes along the Echo Trail.

Many happy memories occurred on our trips to Ely. It was there that I saw my first black bear in the wild (a mama bear with twin cubs crossing Number 1 Highway on our way to Duluth), saw my first moose (a mama with twin calves down in a swamp along Fernberg Road), saw my first wolf, my first porcupine, and my first grouse, fed chipmunks out of my hand, listened to the chilling and, sometimes, crazy calls of the common loon, heard the call of a lone wolf, and picked daisies to wear in my hair. 

Coming Up on Lake Superior From Number One Highway

4. What dream destination do you have tucked away in  your heart? Do you think you'll be able to visit them one day or are plans in the making?

Someday I would like to visit Tennesee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. I want to visit the Shenendoah Valley, visit the graves of my Revolutionary War hero granddaddies, and see the Atlantic Ocean. Do I think I'll do it? Yes, I think I will...someday. 💗

In Memory of Toni Taddeo

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