Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

This week is Patrice's birthday, so it's a celebration on the porch.  Happy Birthday Miss Patrice!  Join Patrice, Wendell, and all the gang at Everyday Ruralty.


1.Are you enjoying spring?
Yes, of course!  Spring in South Florida means warm temperatures with cool breezes, rainy afternoons, flowers blooming everywhere, with the humidity still low enough that we can enjoy the weather.  

2.Where would you take Patrice for her birthday, if you could spend a day together. Wendell hopes you would bring her back!
I would take Patrice to beautiful Hollywood Beach to enjoy the sand and surf.

3.What's your favorite spring flower?
I just planted some petunias in my backyard planter, and they are looking so pretty!  I'll say petunias.

4.What do you do when you are going through a really stressful time?
The best place to be during stressful times is on my knees.  Jesus is the only One who can get me through the trials of life.

5.What kind of birthday cake would you get for Patrice? And Wendell?
Wendell would have to have a carrot cake, of course!  For Patrice, hmm, since I'm in South Florida, how about pie instead of cake?  If you've never had key lime pie, I would get you one so you can know what a delicious and refreshing taste it has.  I think you would love it.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I'm joining Patrice and Wendell on their farmhouse porch today.  Would you like to come too?  We'll be drinking tea and having fun chats at Everyday Ruralty.


1. What did you do for Easter?
We had amazing church services Friday afternoon, Saturday evening and Sunday morning.  Afterwards we grilled chicken and pineapple and had a pleasant afternoon at home.

2. How bad were you with candy or treats? (On a scale of 1-10. 1 being good, 10 being sugared up)
I would say I was at a 2.  I didn't eat too much candy but I did have a little.

3. What's one of the first things you'd like to do when you have consistent spring temperatures?
Open up the windows.  Summers in South Florida are sweltering.  Spring is breezy and comfortable.  I like letting that sweet clean air into the house.

4. How are you at gift buying?
I'd say I'm pretty good at gift buying.  I try to focus on what folks need, not just what's pretty or shiny or the latest model.

5. Do you have an projects in mind for the month of April?
Not anything specific.  I planted some flowers in the backyard planter, and if the weather holds up I would like to get the front yard fixed up too.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I'm taking a quick break to spend some time with my friends at the porch before my oldest son comes out for the beginning of his birthday celebration!  And what's even better, one of the questions is mine!  Thanks to Patrice and Wendell at Everyday Ruralty for hosting and letting me join in.


1. Melanie asks "What kinds of seafood have you tried and liked? What is the most unique seafood you've eaten?
I love all different kinds of seafood:  shrimp, lobster, clams, sea bass, salmon, tilapia, etc.  Crab I'm not fond of.  The most unique seafood I had years ago was fried eel at a sushi place.  It was surprisingly delicious.

2. Anne says, "An unforgettable holiday moment is_____________________. (She's on the other side of that BIG pond. I believe a holiday is a vacation on this side. )
I guess it would be the time we took my sister to Disney World.  Despite the fact that she was in her late 20's or early 30's (can't remember which) she was as giddy as a little girl.  Seeing her so happy made me happier still.

3. Arlene wants to know, "When was the last time you tried something new?"
Funny you should ask! (Or shall I say, funny I should ask, since this is my question, heehee).  I'm baking a cream cheese pound cake from scratch for the first time for my son's birthday today.  I'm really hoping it's a hit, otherwise I'll have to break out some Duncan Hines!

4. Becky asks, "Who or what inspires you?"
Missionaries inspire me.  Men and women who are willing to leave family, friends, and the comforts of home to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ remind me that any little thing I can do here to impact the kingdom of God is worthwhile.

5. Madonna wants to know," How did you chose the names of your children. Wendell adds,"If you don't have kids, how do you choose pet names?"
Since I don't share my children's names on my blog for privacy reasons, I will just say this:  my oldest son's name is Biblical, my daughter's name I got from a cartoon princess, and my youngest son was named by his older siblings.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I'm joining Patrice, Wendell and all the gang on the porch for some chats at my favorite chatting place, Everyday Ruralty.  Some of the girls contributed the questions, so here are my answers:


QUESTIONS
1. Furry Bottoms asks: Did you grow up in a small town, or a big town? Did you like it?
I grew up in the city.  New York City.  The Bronx, to be exact.  I didn't like it at all.  I like where I live now, a small town outside of the big city.  I have all the perks of the city nearby, but not in my backyard.  There are cows in our area.  I like that much better.

2. Lisa wants to know: If you could pick one song to hear for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Amazing Grace.  It's beautiful, and expresses what I feel.

3. Karen asks: What are your pet peeves?
Leaving closet doors open.  What is so difficult about closing the doors?  It seems every time I turn around the pantry door in the kitchen is open.  Just shut the door, for crying out loud!

4. Colletta says: Do you remember your dreams? Are they in color or black and white? What is the craziest dream you've ever had?
I don't usually remember my dreams.  I wake up from a dream, I know I've been dreaming, but I'll quickly forget what I was dreaming about.  I do believe my dreams are in color.  I don't know about the "craziest" dream, but I've had several dreams where I'm a teenager living at home with my mom.

5. Rachel asks: What is the perfect pair of shoes for you?
Flip-flops.  I practically live in them.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

As usual, I'm arriving late at the porch - the snacks are probably all gone!  No matter, I can still enjoy my chat time with Patrice and Wendell at Everyday Ruralty.  Some of the other chatty Cathy's have contributed questions - this should be interesting (and fun!).


1. Beth asks:What's your favorite movie of all times? The one you've seen multiple times.
I don't know if this qualifies as a movie, it's more of a mini-series.  It's the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth playing the part of Mr. Darcy.  I could watch it everyday and not get tired of it.

2. Clairity says: Name three things that are permanent residents in your handbag or purse.
Two or more pens, my mini umbrella (because rainstorms hit out of the blue in South Florida), and my tinted lip gloss.

3. Red asks: What's the best way to your heart?
Do something around the house without being asked.  Nothing pleases me more than to go into the kitchen and it's been cleaned up, or the laundry got magically put away.

4. Mamaw wants to know: Do you like going to yard sales?
You know, I've never been to a yard sale.  There are always multiple ones in my area, but I've never stopped to see what is being sold.  I hate the thought of stopping and looking over people's stuff only to walk away empty handed, but I don't want to spend money on things I don't need.

5. Cathy says: If you could slide down a rainbow, what do you think you'd find on the other side?
Ireland, I hope!  Wouldn't that be so cool?!?!

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Welcome to Patrice's porch over at Everyday Ruralty.  Wendell the Wonder Horse is there too.  We have a really nice time chatting with all the gals there.  Join us for some interesting topics.


1. Who has the most outgoing personality in your family?
That would be my youngest son.  He is the only extrovert, the one who will strike up a conversation with total strangers.

2. How did you name your blog?
I was going through some major changes in my life and it was very hard for me.  I don't like change.  I had to learn to accept that God makes changes for my good, and so my blog was named Accepting Change.

3. What's your favorite topping for ice cream?
Sweetened condensed milk.  It is sooo decadent.  I don't have it anymore, seeing as I'm lactose intolerant, but it was my topping of choice when I was younger.

4. Tell me about someone you know who would make a wonderful character for a book. Oops- please.
Why, Wendell of course!  He's the most interesting horse I know!

5. Please tell me up to three questions that you think I should ask on future farmhouse chats.
Why Patrice, aren't you a wise woman!  Okay, let's see.  1 - When was the last time you tried something new?  2 - If you had the opportunity to teach something, what would you teach?  And 3 - How do you spend the majority of your free time?

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time to sit with Patrice and Wendell as we enjoy some porch chats.  I get my weekly fix at Everyday Ruralty.


QUESTIONS
1. Is there a room in your home that you'd like to redecorate or remodel?
There is always a room I'd like to redecorate since I love decorating.  If I had to choose one, it would probably be the dining room.  Our dining room furniture is almost 13 years old and is starting to look its age.

2. Did you watch the Oscars?
I did, but only because my eyes were tired and burning from so much reading and there was nothing else on television.  I wasn't familiar with any of the movies, didn't know half the actors, and the only time I got excited was when the movie Brave won for Best Animated Film.  Quite the waste of time.

3. How many pair of blue jeans do you own?
Two pairs of long jeans and one pair of capris.  I only wear the jeans when I'm doing yard work to keep from getting a hundred mosquito bites, and the capris are kind of tight so I don't wear them too often either.  I'm usually in a skirt or dress.

4. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Wow, tough one.  I loved my toys so much.  I do remember having a rubber poodle for many years.  It got ruined during a fire in our building when it got soaked with the water used to put out the fire and the stench of smoke wouldn't go away.  I was pretty brokenhearted about that.

5. If you could visit a country in Europe, which would you choose?
I would like to visit Spain so I can see the country my ancestors came from.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Grab a cup of tea and join me, Patrice, Wendell and the gang on her porch for some chats at Everyday Ruralty.


1. What's your favorite fruit?
Seeing as I'm a native New Yorker, that would have to be apples.  In pies, in sauce, or just like it comes off the tree.  Raisins come in second.

2. Wendell would like to know if you've ever been horseback riding.
You know, I never have.  My uncle had a horse but it was so big it scared me and I never rode it.  Silly me.

3. Do you carry a small purse, a big one, or just a wallet?
I usually carry a mid-sized purse.  Not too big, because then I'll over fill it, but not too small since I always carry my folding umbrella in it.  If you live in Florida you know that an umbrella on hand is a necessity.

4. If you could travel to one state for a day (all expense paid), where would you go? If you're not in the US, where would you like to travel within your country?
I would visit Washington DC, or historic Virginia.  I love learning about the history of our great nation.

5. What was your first car?
A Buick Regal.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Good morning!  It's a lovely day in South Florida, and I'm visiting with Patrice and Wendell on their front porch.  Please join us at Everyday Ruralty.


1. Have you ever been on a boat? (Motor boat, sail boat, cruise ship, ark, or Good Ship Lollipop)
Yes.  About 10 years ago I went with my husband to the Bahamas on a one day cruise.  It was extremely relaxing and fun.

2. Do you need an alarm to wake up in the morning, or do you wake up naturally? If you have an alarm, tell us what type.
I do have an alarm clock, one with a CD and radio plus a buzzer, but most times I'm awake before the alarm goes off.  I have it as a safeguard, just in case I doze off.

3. Have you ever had a yard sale?
Nope.  I wanted to have one but the hubs was totally against it.  We live in a cul-de-sac that is out of the way so it would be hard to get much traffic here anyway.

4. Do you like kitchen gadgets? What are some of your favorite?
Why of course I do - my favorite is my crock pot (or crock pots, since I have 3).  I also like my mini food processor, though I don't use it as often as I could.

5. Do you read labels at the grocery store?
If I'm purchasing something I haven't purchased before, yes.  I like to know what I'm getting myself into, or rather what is getting into me ;).

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I can't get through the week without visiting my dear friends Patrice and Wendell on their porch at Everyday Ruralty.  Though I must say, my porch is nicer this time of year, Patrice - it's 74 degrees out, sunny with a nice breeze.  Come on down for a visit, we can have some yummy Southern sweet tea if you like!


1. Do you eat eggs? What is your favorite way to serve them?
I do like eggs, very much.  I like mine over-easy or scrambled.  Or in an omelet, with ham, peppers, onion and tomato.  Yum!

2. Do you have a favorite item that you really like having around? (a pillow, a chair, a sweater, a teddy bear, etc.)
The recliners in my family room.  They are about 10 years old but they must be the most comfortable chairs in the universe.

3. Is most of the furniture in your home dark wood, light wood, painted, lacquered, or distressed?
I have a variety.  The furniture in my dining room and family room is light wood.  The TV stand in the living room is dark wood but it works alongside the lighter wood items in there.  The bar stools are also dark wood.  I don't care for the distressed look.

4.  Please fill in the rest of this sentence. "I could write a book about____________."
I could write a book about being thrifty.  I love looking for bargains.

5. If money and calendar/family obligations weren't an issue, would you prefer to spend next weekend at a Bed and Breakfast, a posh hotel, a cabin in the woods, or on a sailboat on a calm body of water? I guess the last thing, the sailboat, would have to be someplace warm. :) (It's 30+ degrees here.)
Well now, let's see...I don't think a sailboat would be my dream mini vacation; I would most likely get seasick.  I'm not the cabin in the woods type, unless the cabin has all the amenities.  That leaves the posh hotel and the bed and breakfast.  I think I'd go with the B&B.  It sounds more homey and casual, and I'm a homey/casual type of gal :).

Chats On The Farmhouse Porch

Time to join our friends Patrice and Wendell on their porch for some chatting!  Pull up a chair and join us at Everyday Ruralty.


1 What was your favorite game as a child?
We played a lot of jacks when I was a kid.  I wasn't great at it, but I loved playing it.

2. Have you ever had your own business? (home business, a shop, Etsy, lemon-aid stand, etc)
I sold Christmas decorations and home decor through House of Lloyd and later through Kingdom Treasures.  They were party sales companies, like Tupperware.

3. How's your spelling?
I am a member of the grammar police.  Seeing a word misspelled makes me break out in a rash.  Yes, that bad.

4. How are you about going to the dentist?
I don't enjoy it, but I'm not terrified of it.  My daughter, on the other hand, is getting ready to have her wisdom teeth removed.  She is not liking the dentist a whole lot right now.

5. Do you enjoy board games?
Oh my yes!!!  We love playing board games!  Our favorite is Apples to Apples, but I also love playing Trivial Pursuit.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

Patrice has called us inside for our chat this week because her weather is so cold.  Well Miss Patrice, if you want to escape the cold weather you're more than welcome to come to sunny South Florida where it's currently 67 degrees.  It's a bit humid out today but still pleasant.

This is what we're chatting about this week over at Everyday Ruralty:


This week's questions:

1. Do you make New Years resolutions?
I don't make resolutions.  I find that most people don't even take resolutions seriously, but even those that do don't hold to them past January.  They're quickly forgotten.  I try to set goals that are attainable with the help of the Lord.  These are more about improving my character.  My goal this year is to show more compassion and to be more encouraging.  My daughter has the gift of empathy.  I do not.  Maybe I can learn from her.

2. What do you hope to accomplish this year?
That's a tough question for me, because I don't live my life year to year.  I live day by day.  Each day I hope to live a little more for Christ.  To be a little more like Him.  If I can improve just a fraction of my life in this way, this year will be a victorious one.

3. Tell me about your favorite place to think, create, or just relax.
My home is my sanctuary; I can relax here and feel most comfortable.  An exact spot where I like to think or create?  Hmm.  I'm usually at the kitchen counter when I'm creating blog posts.  Scrapbook pages are created on the dining room table.  I read and think best in one of our comfy recliners.  I guess anywhere in my home is a good place to be creative.

4. Are you a fan of old movies? (Like the ones that were originally black and white.)
Oh yes, very much so!  I think the old movies are romantic without being sexual, scary but not gorey, funny without the need of vulgarity, and so well written they get remade by today's Hollywood all the time.  I would love it if filmmakers took their cues from films of the past.  The story lines were so good they didn't need the shock factors of today to sell tickets.

5. Tell me something that made you happy since our last porch visit. If you're new to the chats, tell me something good that has happened to you lately.
Due to safety issues and concerns of conscience, my daughter had to leave her job at the orphanage, which was a tough decision.  She is still interning at the church, but that's unpaid, and she needs to pay her bills.  Thankfully, God has provided (as He always does) and she got a job at Old Navy.  Working retail is not a dream job, but it will allow her the flexibility to continue her internship at the church and also allow her to take some counseling courses so she can become a certified counselor.  I'm so thankful to God for His provision and guidance.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

I finished dyeing my hair and now I'm having dinner.  I'm gonna squeeze in some chat time with Patrice and Wendell before I head off to our Awana's Happy Birthday Jesus party.  Let's have some coffee and chats at Everyday Ruralty.


QUESTIONS
1. What would you like to see under your Christmas tree?
The new Tim Hawkin's comedy DVD.  That man makes me laugh till I cry, he is the funniest comedian EVER!

2. What is your best color for clothes?
I find I look best in shades of purple.

3. Tell me your favorite kind of cookie.
Chocolate chip.  The crunchy kind, not the soft ones.

4. What's in the middle of your dining table right now? (flowers, a lazy susan with condiments, Christmas decorations...)
A candy dish filled with colorful glass ornaments, and two reindeer candle holders.

5. Please help me spread Christmas cheer to my buddy, Wendell. Please a wish for him here. :)
Wendell, did you know your ancestors were the first to see the Baby Jesus when He was born?  They were in a stable, and the Baby was placed in a manger, maybe belonging to a distant family member of yours!  That makes you very special!  I hope you will think about that as you enjoy celebrating the birth of our Savior.  God bless you.

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch

It's time for some chatting, so I'm joining Patrice, Wendell, and all the gang at Everyday Ruralty on the porch.


Questions
1. What's your favorite ornament on your tree? If you have no Christmas tree, please tell me about something pretty in your home that you enjoy.
I found an ornament a few years ago of Santa kneeling in front of the cross and praying.  It made me think of St. Nicholas who was a devout believer, and the Santa Claus the media has portrayed him to be.  If Santa were real, he would still bow before the Lord.

2. What do you do when a telemarketer calls?
Thankfully I no longer have a land line in my home, and I rarely get telemarketing calls on my cell phone.  If I don't recognize the number I don't answer.

3. What was the last kind of candy you had? Admit it- you had one tiny little bite. We understand:)
I had a pumpkin spice Hershey's kiss after lunch today.  I still have a few left.  They are so yummy!  I'm gonna miss them when they're gone.

4. Do you send out Christmas cards? If not applicable- do you use snail mail?
I send out only a few Christmas cards.  Most I give out to my neighbors in person.

5. Please finish this. I sometimes wonder___________________________.
I sometimes wonder why God puts up with having to teach me the same lessons over, and over, and over again.  He really must love me to be so patient.

Chats on the Porch

Today is a very special day over at Everyday Rurality.  Patrice and her horse Wendell are celebrating the first anniversary of Chats on the Porch.  Isn't that wonderful?  I only found the chats last week but I love the fun and simplicity of it - and I love how Wendell gets his chance to chat as well!

In celebration of this occasion, Patrice will have a daily giveaway with one question.  It's party time, and all the questions will relate to partying on the porch.  I hope you'll all join in and celebrate!


QUESTION FOR TODAY
1. What food would you bring with you to the party? Bring enough to share!
The weather across the country has been so HOT that a casserole would be too heavy.  Out of the question.  I'm assuming there would be outdoor cooking so the kitchen doesn't turn into an oven, so I'd marinate a whole fryer (cut up, of course) in Italian dressing to put on the grill.  Following that same theme, I'd then prepare a cold pasta salad, consisting of tri-color rotini pasta, black olives, chunks of salami and mozzarella cheese, tossed in Italian dressing to tie in with the grilled chicken.  Anyone for seconds? ;)

Remember, there's a giveaway everyday.  Don't miss it!