Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Bye bye April !

Where did this month go?
We are almost to May and the Hodgepodge questions start off with a little saying about the month of May.  Join in!

1. April showers bring May flowers or so the saying goes. Has your April been filled with showers? Do you carry an umbrella, wear a slicker, or make a run for it? Besides rain, what else has filled your April? 
Around these parts we have had a bit of rain the past few days.  Yesterday was a "wash out."   But, before that the month has been pretty dry - and sunny.   We needed some rain so I'm not complaining.
When I go out in the rain I keep myself dry with an umbrella.  I keep an umbrella in my car to be prepared.  
How did I fill April?  With the usual:  music rehearsals and a couple of concerts, gardening, and work around the house.  I also got to spend some time with some family members and some friends.  

2. What's something you could you give a 30-minute presentation on at a moment's notice and with zero preparation?

Hmmm.  I don't know.   I don't have any unusual, or special, knowledge that others might find interesting.  If you are reading this, give me a suggestion!?!   

3. Share with us a favorite food memory from childhood.

One favorite food memory is the homemade cheesecake that my mother made for us every Christmas... she served it with canned cherries on top.  I loved that cheesecake!   It had a graham cracker crust - and a sweet, smooth cheesy filling.  


4. What's a song you thought you knew the lyrics to, but later discovered you were wrong?


This question makes me laugh.  For the longest time I sang the old Bread song called "Everything I Own" wrong. It was popular when I was in high school and the lyrics are:  "You taught me how to love, what it's of - what it's of..."  and I thought it said "You taught me how to love, what a tongue - what a tongue..." and sang it that way.   My best girlfriend and I laughed and laughed when we realized what I was singing!!  

5. According to one travel website, the most overrated tourist attractions in America are-
Niagara Falls (NY), Hollywood Walk of Fame (California), Times Square (NYC), Epcot (FL), Seattle Space Needle (WA), and Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (Boston). How many of these have you seen in person? Did you feel like a tourist? Did you care? Tell us about a place (not on the list) you've visited that might be considered a tourist trap, but you love it anyway.


From the list above, I have been to Niagara Falls, Times Square, and Epcot.   Did I feel like a tourist?  Yes - and I was.  I didn't care - most people are tourists in those spots.

Another spot I have been to that is considered a 'tourist trap" is "South of the Border" on the state line for North and South Carolina.   That's all it is - one big tourist trap!!  And a dirty one it is!   It's best to just keep on driving and not stop there!! 

6. Your signature clothing item?

Variations and all kinds of flip-flop sandals.  

7. What's an experience you've had you think everyone should experience at least once? Why?

 I'm trying to think of an experience I have had that is a bit unusual, or different, or that is something not everyone knows about or does.  I can't think of anything. I'm not a dare devil, or a person that lives on the edge -  and I have no special talent.   I look forward to reading other Hodgepodge answers.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

May is one of my favorite months.  The weather is nice.  Some activities are winding down and I'm ready for a break from them.  Other summer-time activities are kicking in, like boating and concert going.   I like the summer-time 'state of mind.'  Less hectic.  Longer daylight.   I like a warm day, followed by a nice evening to sit out on my deck with a glass of wine.  What's a summer-time 'treat' you enjoy? 

I hope you get to enjoy it soon!     Have a great week ahead!

Monday, April 24, 2017

Monday thoughts...

Monday, Monday... can't stop that day!

And, another song comes to mind...today, it's "Rainy days and Mondays"...   we need the rain so it's not really getting me down.  But, I have some errands to run in a while, hopefully between the drip drops.

*  It was "Earth Day" a few days ago.  I remember one of the very first ones. I was living in Baltimore and a huge rally was planned in front of the Capitol in DC, and I went down for it with a couple of friends.  In reality, I think I went down for the music.   It was back in the days of Jackson Browne, and Bonnie Raitt, and that whole LA group - singing and speaking out for causes.

* "Earth Day"  is still so relevant!  It seems even more so now that we have a president de-funding environmental protection, and questioning science.   Geez.

*  I played handbells yesterday at St. Paul's and I have to admit that that group struggles at times BUT... yesterday, we played one of the hardest pieces that we received at the handbell workshop back in February AND we pulled it off!  In fact, I think we played it quite justly and the congregation loved it!  You know what? I think it has become my new favorite piece.   Woo-hoo for us!

*  Having a stomach bug for 4 days - with some serious D - was NO FUN last week.   Oh my.   I was exhausted for a day or so when it hit, and it has finally taken me this long to feel like I can safely eat anything again.

*  Although sick, I made it to our community band's spring concert.  We were playing pieces with "Space" as a theme... so some Star Trek and Star Wars medleys, along with Holst Mars, and Superman medley, and some Frank Sinatra (Fly Me to the Moon), and more.   One of our trumpeters arranged a flute piece for us - using the various Star Wars themes, and it was one on a part.  I had to be there!  It all went well - and I made it through without running quickly to a bathroom.  (Small victories!!)

* Despite still not feeling up to par, I went to the Tim & Faith concert Thursday.  Nothing would have stopped me short of a trip to the hospital!! lol    My review...   obviously I am a huge Tim fan so I felt there was not enough of just him singing.  He and Faith both had their solo times on stage, and yes, she is a great singer and looks like a million bucks, but I wanted more Tim!   He has so many, many more hits songs that he didn't do... including "Indian Outlaw" and he shortened "Live Like You were Dying."   He and Faith sang a few of their amazing hits together, but did not do "Meanwhile Back at Mama's"  and really there just wasn't enough time to do it all.    It was not a typical country music show because it had more staging and lights, and things going up and down, and the show rarely highlighted the band (and I missed that.)    In truth, those two can do no wrong.   It was a wonderful concert... and I look forward to seeing them again in August, and then again in October.

*   What a beautiful weekend it was here in the lowcountry!  This has been such an early spring, and now we are almost into May!  It's my favorite time of year!!  

*  Daughter #1 and her hubby are house hunting in the Raleigh market.  Oh my!  Twice now they have put offers on homes, just to have another offer come on top of theirs, and they then lose the homes.  The one yesterday they offered just $10, 000 below asking price...which is a good offer.  But someone came in with an all cash deal!   I feel so sorry for daughter and SIL!   They find a house, get excited, and put in an offer... a less than a day later its gone.   How about a prayer that the next one goes through?!?!

*  And a prayer for us?  Our house on the market didn't even have one showing this past weekend.  Oh what a difference between what they are experiencing in Raleigh and what we are here!!  

*  Daughter #2 was here this weekend, and was my concert buddy to Tim & Faith's show.  I'm so happy that tax season is over and she now has room to breathe, and has some traveling ahead.  In May she is going to go to Prague for work (classes on international tax) and will extend the time for some vacation and sightseeing.   Her dad is meeting her in Italy for some history, good food, and wine!

* I watched "Milk" yesterday On Demand - the movie about gay activist Harvey Milk.  He led a movement back in the 70's in the San Fran - Castro district.   True story.  Watching it I remembered it a bit (I was in college), especially the Anita Bryant push back,  but I learned a lot too - and as I watched I was amazed at how it seems little we haven't come that far since then. It's been almost 40 years and yes, homosexuality is more in the open, and understood...and accepted in some parts. But, not everywhere yet - by everyone.     I think our next generation (our kids and their kids) will be way beyond seeing it as a dividing issue, and will wonder what all the fuss was about.  Let people love who they want to! 

*  It was nice to spend some family time this past weekend... with Stan's niece Kim and her girls, Stan's sister Kathy & Ted, and then dinner with my cousin Kay and Bill.   Also having daughter #2 here.

*  Just wondering... is any Trump voter ready to say they made a mistake yet?  Don't worry... I will forgive you.  Just tell me you have seen the light!

*  Same goes for O'Reilly!!   Ha!   My brother:  What are you going to watch each night now??

*  I'm gearing up for our church garage sale again.  I'm in charge (mostly out of default) and it will be held on Saturday, May 6th.   If you are local, bring in your items now - and clear your home of unnecessary stuff, but things that others might need!   We serve the community by offering used but good items... AND we raise money that we turn around and give back to the community.   Habitat for Humanity picks up the leftovers for their Re-Store.  So, it's a win-win-win!

*  FYI - it's still the Easter season.  (Did you know it's not just a day?)   Hallelujah!  

It's time to get my Monday rolling... and to start scratching things off my list of "to do" today!
I hope your week is starting off well, and that you take time to appreciate this earth we all share together.  Be good to it.  And to each other.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Do you like to fly??

Here's this week's Hodgepodge questions and my answers.   Feel feel to join!

1. Tell us about a time you felt like you were 'flying by the seat of your pants'.

I think there have been many times I have felt that way, especially when it's the first time I try doing something.   The first day at a new job comes to mind.  Also, the first time of walking into a group or meeting where I have never been before.   I just have to take a deep breath, put on a smile, and go forward.  To get rid of some nervousness, I  like to think "let go, let God."


2.  When or where would you most like to be 'a fly on the wall'?

I gotta wonder these days what happens inside the Oval Office.  I think I'd like to be a fly on the wall there.  


3. 'Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.'-Henry David Thoreau 

Would you agree? Why or why not?


In general, yes, I do agree with Thoreau.  Often happiness is the by-product of doing what you love to do, or in directing your life towards doing something that helps others.


I know people who try so hard to find happiness that they never know what to do, or they never stick with doing what they love, or they are just confused about life and their place in it.  Nothing seems right.  Their circumstances are never right.   If they could be content in the moment, and look for ways to help others, then happiness comes.


4. Share a favorite movie, book, or song with flying in it's title, lyrics, or theme somewhere.


My first quick thought was "Come Fly with Me"  by Frank Sinatra.

But I have to include a Tim McGraw song. It's called"Down to my Last Dollar (Fly Away)"
and here is the chorus:

1-2-3 Like a bird I sing
Cause yo've given me the most beautiful set of wings
I'm so glad you're here today
Cause tomorrow I might have to go and fly away
Fly away, fly away,


5. What is one task or chore you tend to do 'on the fly'? Is this something that really needs to be done another way?

Most of them! ha   I am not one of those who is regimented with cleaning. Like... If it's Monday then it is laundry day! Or Tuesday I clean the bathrooms.  No way! I know people like that. But, I usually clean as I see the need.  Don't worry: I always do a very thorough cleaning before company comes! 

6. What was happening the last time you thought to yourself or said aloud

Spring break.


These days when I hear the words "Spring Break" I think of more people coming here to the beaches, to my home -  where I live!  The roads get more crowded. The food stores are crowded at the beginning of the week and you can see people filling carts full, filled with fun vacation food.  The beaches themselves get more crowded.

But, I know that the Spring Breakers are vital for our local economy, so I am okay with them being here.


7. This Thursday is National Garlic Day. Will you add garlic to your menu on Thursday? Do you like garlic? What's your favorite dish made with garlic?

Well, funny you should ask about my Thursday plans! I am going with my daughter to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in concert together on their Soul 2 Soul tour. They are playing the North Charleston Arena.   So,eating garlic isn't my number one thought for Thursday! And perhaps I shouldn't eat garlic since I will be up close with my daughter and thousands of my close friends and music lovers!

Yes, I do like garlic - in moderation.  I like garlic bread with any Italian dish.

8. Insert your own random thought here.


So,  Springtime always gets me outside doing yard work, which I love - and it always gets me into the poison ivy.  Yep. I have it again.   It's become a part of my transition of seasons.   Are any of you like me?  If so, what has become your best way to fight the effects of it?   I'd love to hear advice on how to stop getting it (no, I'm not going to stop gardening) and how to treat it.

Have a wonderful week Hodgepodge friends!

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Life as a Christian


So, sometimes it is really hard to be a Christian - to live as a Christian, and to support actions (and non-actions) that promote the Christian creed. 

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day that Christians around the world remember the evening that Jesus sat and ate with his disciples all together in one room, and had the "Last Supper" with them (and what became the first communion), knowing what would happen the next day.  It was also when He said to do unto others as He would want you to do... which is to love each other, and to serve those who need you.  He went off into the garden and prayed for Himself, for strength, and for understanding. He prayed for us too.

Flash forward to now.

Today, Maundy Thursday,  our country dropped a big bomb on the mountainous area in eastern Afghanistan, the area where Isis hides in tunnels and lives away from others.   So, hopefully the damage by this bomb was in areas that left Isis leaders feeling more vulnerable and frightened. Their hide-ways were damaged.   We haven't heard yet about the numbers killed by the bomb, but certainly some were.  I'm praying that innocent people were not there, hurt or killed by today's actions.  

Every time something like this happens,  I feel conflicted.  We live in a world with such horrible, horrible people.  We live in a world where there is an amazing amount of pain, and hurting, and unfair decisions, and disrespectful action - every.single.day.    Dropping a bomb makes a big  statement.  

When I heard about it this afternoon I felt a bit scared.  No lie.  I wondered what will happen next.   Will there be retaliation from Isis?    Because, there usually is.  Will it be here in America?    An eye for an eye.   Will it be a surprise event?  When?     It's a scary world - and events like what happened today make it even scarier.  

So, what should I think?  

As a Christian,... HOW should I think?   

Sometimes I feel I live in two parallel worlds:   The Christian world of loving and accepting everyone, and being open to differences (in fact celebrating them) and reaching out to help those who need it.     And, then, the other "real" world of living in a country that gets involved in world political and social conflicts... a country that considers itself the 'leader' of the world, and sometimes acts in ways that goes against the Christian creed. 

So, where do I fall in my belief?  And what do I do about it?  For sure,  I am happy that I live in a country that allows freedom of religions and doesn't officially put one before another.  (Although, does it really?)  I like that the US says it accepts all... as long as we can live in peace together. 

But, what would Jesus think about military action against this evil?    Jesus was the opposite of how we normally think...  he said to show love to the enemy.  He humbled himself instead of being ego driven.  He turned everything upside down. 

So, what to think of this all?  

Deep thoughts for me on this Thursday before Easter.     And, who knows, maybe it brings home the meaning of Easter.   Pain, and differences, and confusion - and death - is not the end of it.   As a Christian I believe that.  




Monday, April 10, 2017

What's good...what's not.

Hi all. It's Monday - so I'm quarterbacking....   and I'm thinking about what's good and what's not so good.

What's good?

This weather!   It's another beautiful day here in paradise, here where I live in this little corner of the lowcountry.  

Also good:   The weekend was lovely!  I spent time with hubby, and we planted in our new garden in the backyard, and I spent time with cousin Kay and Bill Saturday evening, and played in our community band dress rehearsal for the folks at Lakes of Litchfield retirement center (even though we had some rough spots in a couple of pieces that need to be worked on!?!).   Palm Sunday (yesterday) I played with Marjorie a wonderful flute duet piece at both church services.   And then the weekend finished up with a great ending to the Masters as I watched Sergio Garcia finally win a Major event, after years of being a professional golfer.  I was so happy for him!

Not so good?   The continual scary world happenings and the frightening political decisions.   The bombing of the church in Egypt by Isis, and the US decision to bomb in Syria.  What consequences will happen from it? 

Also, today a shooting at an elementary school in San Bernadino, CA.   Two children were shot (and hopefully will be okay) and two adults are dead - the shooter, and a teacher.   It sounds right now that it was a domestic dispute...but why oh why would someone come into a school with a gun?  When so many innocent, young children are around?   Obviously the shooter was not thinking clearly.  Gee... there's something new...NOT!   A person upset, with a gun... and doing something crazy and deadly.   I'm sorry all you gun owners who think you will never be that type of person. But, I know humanity well enough to know we all have the capability to 'lose it' and do something stupid in a quick moment.  If you have a gun when you have the stupid moment....  even YOU can do something you will regret.

Good?   It's almost time for "Happy hour" ...   my wine hour (or two.)

Also good?   TV watching tonight: "Southern Charm" is back!  I think this is the third new episode for the season airing tonight.  The continuing trials of Katherine and T-Rav, and the antics of Shep!

Not so good?    I'm still waiting for the house to sell.  I spent a couple of hours there yesterday cleaning up after the painters and floor installers.  Dust and dirt everywhere.   Hubby cleaned the decks and railings.

Good:  Today is "Sibling Day" as claimed on Facebook.  I have two.  So cheers to them!  They are in Ohio, probably thinking about me today....ha!   Remember, I am ALWAYS the youngest!  ( :

Good:  It is Holy Week and I am looking forward to the services, and the joy of Easter... and the worship, and the music!   And, I am looking forward to having daughter #1 and her hubby here for the weekend.   Not good: it will go by too quickly!!  I also want them to check out all the stuff in our garage we pulled from the house for sale.  We need to decide what to save, what to take to the church garage sale, and want to just throw away.   

Good: I got a mani-pedi today.  The first time in weeks.  It didn't seem worth it while I was cleaning and gardening.  But with Easter in a few days I hope I can keep my nails looking okay.

I hope you have mostly GOOD things happening to you this week.   There's always something good happening!  Just look for it!  














Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Growing flowers and faith

Hello again everyone! It's Tuesday afternoon and I am taking a few minutes to answer this week's Hodgepodge questions.  Join in.   Comment here or on Facebook.

 1. April is Lawn and Garden Month. On a scale of 1-10 what's the current state of your lawn and/or garden. (10=a showpiece, 1=send in the professionals). Tell us about any lawn or garden plans you have for this month.

Our lawn needs work so I will give it a 3.  I have already put some weed killer on it in spots.  I plan to "weed and feed" it soon.  But, I am not today because we have heavy rain in tomorrow's forecast.   We are currently getting a new little walkway put in in the backyard, going in on the shady side where only moss seems to grow.  My hope is to add some shade-loving plants on each side of the walkway once it's done.  The other side of the backyard is lawn (mostly weed) and I am determined to get it looking healthy this spring! 

2. "Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there."~Thomas Fuller  What does this quote mean to you?

I think this line can mean that although the work you put into something can reap benefits that are expected, it can ALSO reap other good things!  I suppose it can reap bad things too, but I prefer to be positive about the outcome.   So, whenever you put in work you have an idea what should happen, but life gives you little surprises.  I guess you can expect the unexpected!  

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about God?

First thing -  since we are talking springtime and things growing already in this Hodgepodge, I think of God as the creator of it all.  God set up this beautiful world for us and we are the tenders of it.   The plants and flowers, and the birds in the air, the animals, and even the snakes that I don't want in my yard! (Yes, I have seen 3 of them the past couple of days. )

I try to pause. and purposely thank God for the gift of nature!




4. If we were chatting in person, how would I know if you were nervous?

I would probably say something stupid!  ha   When I am nervous my brain starts to race, and I think of too much too fast - and sometimes it just doesn't make sense.  

And  - I would probably try to escape quickly, to get out of the nervous situation. 

5. Do you like the color yellow? Would I find any in your home or wardrobe? Daffodils, tulips, roses, sunflowers, day lily, black eyed susan...which yellow bloom on this list is your favorite?

I love yellow!  It's cheery and uplifting.  It's an interesting question because right now we are updating our home that is on the market.  (I know you already know about this...yes, I have been writing about it! LOL)  The walls WERE deep yellow in the entryway, great room, and kitchen.   We just had the walls painted and now they are in cool gray. Yellow is not in right now.  ) :

Oh, wow, picking a favorite flower from the above list is difficult!   I love them all!   I suppose my favorite of favorites is the sunflowers.  My daughter used sunflowers in her wedding bouquet and in other wedding arrangements.  It looked beautiful! It was perfect for the outdoor event, and with the other decorations used. 

6. Flip flops or bare feet?

Definitely flip flops!  I wear them all the time!  Truly...I wear them 9 to 10 months of the year!  If it's 60 degrees or warmer I am in them.    I live in flip flops and I have them in various colors!  

7. Tell us about any Easter plans, celebrations, or traditions you'll carry out this month.

I just got back from Bible Study and we talked about Holy Week and the changes of the way Christians spend their time during it.   I grew up with the week starting on Palm Sunday, then we went to Maundy Thursday service, and Good Friday service - and the week ended (and we can say life started) with Easter!   We discussed the ways American Christians don't participate as much in the middle of the week services...remembering the impactful Last Supper, and the time of prayer in the garden, and then the crucifixation.  Some go from Palm Sunday - right to Easter.   The full meaning of the joy of Easter Day is unfortunately lessened or missed without experiencing the week.

So... that said,  hubby and I are ushering for Palm Sunday.  We will help hand out the palms to everyone.    I have the usual musical rehearsals during the week, and then I am playing one part of a flute duet during the Good Friday service.  It is a beautiful rendition of "Where You There?"   

Daughter #1 and her hubby are arriving Friday night and they will be with us over the holiday weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing them, and spending time together.   During two of the Sunday's Easter morning services I will play as part of the handbells group at church.  




8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

 I wrote a blog post right before this on that brings up some random stuff.  If you have time, scan down and read.    Have a wonderful week everyone!! 

you might also enjoy...

Monday, April 3, 2017

Monday: QBing

Here I go again...

A little Monday morning quarterbacking!

*   First, congrats to the Lady Gamecocks of the University of South Carolina!  NCAA Women's basketball champs!   And, congrats to the Gamecock men who made it into the Final Four and gave us all some thrills along the way!

*  I'm not a huge basketball fan in general but it's fun to watch during March Madness.  I filled out a bracket before the games started and I picked UNC to go all the way!  They may just take it all!  (PS - it's the only time I ever root for the 'other' Carolina! )

*  You know I have to say something about the ACM Awards last night!!  Right?      In the past, there have been a few performances that were lackluster or questionable.... but NOT last night!  I thought ALL the performances were awesome!   I normally don't like the collaborations with non-country artists, but since Florida-Georgia Line has a song on the radio with Backstreet Boys, it made sense to have them perform together.  I gotta admit it was good!  Of course, I loved Keith Urban - and thought he should have won Entertainer of the Year.   And, I love Tim...and Dierks, and really all of them.  I'm glad the Brothers Osborne won for best Duo!  They are awesome in concert!    It was a great night of country music!

* And, you know I can't QB without saying something political.  My hubby told me Friday night that I turn people off with all my Facebook posts on the subject.   He said I'm not changing anybody's mind... and they get annoyed with me.    I know he is right.  Really, I know I am not going to change anyone's mind. But, I get SO SO SO frustrated sometimes!   Facebook (and this blog) is my only outlet for my frustration.  So, I continue to apologize.  Really.   You all don't know ALL the posts I see on my timeline that I "like" or laugh at, but don't re-post.   I try to restrain myself, and I am successful - sometimes.    Again, I apologize.    And, as I have said before, I continually question how much 'activism' I should do - because I don't want to be a part of the silent majority, or don't want to live my life without having passion... or don't want to see the pain of those who suffer from inadequate systems. 

*  Speaking of....   hubby and I also talked about how Sean Spicer Press Conferences have become "Must See TV!"   Never ever before have I turned on the TV around 2:00pm in the afternoon on a regular basis to watch White House press conferences!  But, these are different times... and I enjoy watching Sean do what he does. From 'day one' he has had a boss that keeps him on his toes, and has him trying to figure out how to rationalize tweets, etc.  

*  So, I have mentioned handbelling before.  Yesterday I played in a handbell trio at church.  It's a different feel when you are only 3 (and piano) . We played two pieces at both church services.  It went pretty well. There were a couple of mistakes among us (bells that didn't ring out enough, etc.) but all in all, it was fine.  We had to change bells between the pieces - and had practiced doing it.  But somehow (?!?!) I had placed the E 5, instead of the E 6, in front of me to play - and I didn't know it  until I struck it.  It surprised me - but I tried not to show it on my face.  That's a part of performing:  don't show mistakes on your face because often nobody knows anyway!  lol  

* House update:  Our home that is for sale is still 'in process' of updating the interior.  It should be done by this coming weekend and then we will update the pictures on the MLS, and Zillow.   We had a realtor bring a woman through on Wednesday.   I think she liked it.  She was there a long time.  But... but...    who knows!?!   Can I ask for a few prayers on this?

*  As timing would have it, the house we live in is having some landscape work done right now too.   Everywhere I go:  work people!     They all have been nice - and have done good work.  The landscapers have an irrigation issue.  A broken pipe or something?!?   But, it happens.

* Is April the giraffe even pregnant?  How can the zookeepers be so off on her due date?!?!

*  For years now I have lived away from my family... my Ohio family.   I moved away, really away - across the country - when I got married some 31 years ago.  Hubby and I have lived in different areas of this country, but never back close to the Ohio group.   It makes me think of the saying about the "family tree" that has the same roots but that the branches go out in all different directions.  We are still the same tree.  I'm just a branch that went 'errant' somehow.  LOL   A branch off alone at times.   It makes me sad because I don't know much about what the Ohio branches are doing.  But it is how trees grow, and how life takes us.   It still makes me sad.

*  Speaking of family, daughter #1 and her hubby are coming here for Easter weekend!  I can't wait!  I haven't seen them since....  Christmas?  Can that be right?    oh my.    Daughter #2, the CPA, has to work because the tax deadline has been pushed back until the 18th.   I look forward to seeing her when we go to the Tim & Faith "Soul 2 Soul - 2" concert in North Charleston a few days after.   She has always been my concert buddy!   (I raised her right!  ha  Other daughter:  I know you love concerts too... and I raised you right too. )

*  Time to run.  I am helping our church quilting group this afternoon.  What a wonderful group of ladies!  No - I don't quilt, but I lay out the squares and pin them.  And, I tie.   We all pitch in and make many, many quilts that go out to Lutheran World Relief, and to local charities and members.

Have a great week everyone!!   HELLO APRIL!!!