Blogging Challenge ~ My Pets ~ 3/2/2022

This week's topic is:  

Tell Us Something About Your Pets:

Above is Delilah Sue, our oldest pet.  She is around 15 years-old and is a Black Lab/German Shepherd Mix.  We adopted her from the shelter when she was just a puppy.  She's always been a very good, obedient girl, but in her old age she is starting to get a bit obstinate.  I think it is mainly because her hearing and sight aren't what they used to be.  Lilah is gentle and loving and her favorite time of day is supper time.

This is Kona Mae.  She will be 5 on August 14th and is a Silver/Chocolate Lab.  I have to say that she is probably the most obedient dog we've ever had.  She loves to bark at the neighbor's dog and her favorite time of day (other than supper) is bedtime.  She is a total snuggler :)

And our newest additions!  We've recently (as in this week) adopted two, teeny, tiny kittens that were dropped off at a friends barn.  They wouldn't have made it in the barn on their own, so they are now house kittens!  There is one boy and one girl.  I'm fairly certain that Laken had decided to name the boy Flynn Orion.  The girl's name is still up for debate.  Some of the contenders are Meadow, Sage, Violet, Clover, Hali and Flower.  Which is your favorite or do you have a suggestion?  I'll pass it along :)

Can you tell me something about your pets?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Favorite Book Genre and Why ~ 2/16/2022

This week's topic is:  

Favorite Book Genre and Why:

This is a hard question!

I love to read a variety of books so that I don't get bored with the same genre all the time.  I'm very much a mood reader and like to mix things up.

That being said, it is very hard for me to pick just one genre!  So, here a "few" of my favorites:

~Regency

~Mystery/Suspense

~Romance

~Historical

One thing I don't particularly like to read is a book that is overly graphic.

What is YOUR favorite book genre and why?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Ways to Show Love ~ 2/9/2022

This week's topic is:  

Ways to Show Someone You Love Them:

~Tell them.  Don't forget the power of the words "I love you!"

~Make their favorite meal.

~Wash their laundry.  And put it away!

~Clear the snow off and warm up their car.

~Open the car door, gentlemen!

~Dance with them in the kitchen.

~Let them sleep in.

~Call on your lunch break.

~Talk them up to other people.  (don't criticize to others)

~R.E.S.P.E.C.T. them!

~Give the gift of touch.

~So many more but I'll end there :)

How do you show others that you love them?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Theme Song for 2022 ~ 2/2/2022

This week's topic is:  

Your Theme Song For This Year:

This is how I feel:

This is how I want to feel:

What's your theme song for this year?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Best Book, Movie or TV Show from 2021 ~ 1/26/2022

This week's topic is:  

Best Book, Movie or TV Show From 2021:

I think I'm going to pick Best MOVIE from 2021 to share about today.

And that would be...

ENCANTO!

Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure and in case you aren't familiar with this Disney movie:

Since this move came to Disney+, we've watched it countless times already.

The music is tremendously addicting!  I even read somewhere that "We Don't Talk About Bruno" has surpassed "Let It Go!" from Frozen.  Don't know if this is true but it is pretty catchy!

I also love the family aspect of this movie.  They have to work together as a family to accomplish their goals.  Great life lesson!

What do you think was the best movie of 2021?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Book I Want to Read in 2022 ~ 1/12/2022

This week's topic is:  

Books I want to read in 2022:

Below are just a few books I want to read in 2022.

Are there any books in particular that YOU think I should read in 2022?  I'd love to know :)

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Goals for 2022 ~ 1/5/2022

This week's topic is:  

Your Goals for 2022:

~ Get Laken (Youngest Daughter) through her Freshman year of Cyber Schooling!

~ Read my Bible daily to read thru the Bible this year.

~  Lose 1 pound a week.

~  Read 1 book a week.

~Get more committed to my daily routines.  (flylady, Secret Slob)

~ TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME :)

How about you?  What are your goals for 2022

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Sparking Creativity ~ 12/1/2021

This week's topic is:  

What Sparks My Creativity?:

First I'd like to say:  "Happy December!"

Now on to the topic at hand :)

Lots of things spark my creativity but I'd have to say that the creativity of others sparks my creativity the most.  That is why I started my blog and why I've continued to blog for 12+ years.  I love seeing what project other bloggers are creating and the motivation we give each other.

Another thing that sparks my creativity is going to a craft store or even just the BIG "W"'s craft section.  I love just being among crafty things and notions.  Of course, that almost always means I'll be spending money!

Also, finishing a project always gets my creative juices flowing.  I have to always have a project on-the-go.  When I'm getting ready to finish a project, my mind starts whirling onto the next project!

So, what sparks YOUR creativity?

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Thanksgiving Foods ~ 11/24/2021

This week's topic is:  

Traditional Thanksgiving Foods That I Like (or Dislike):

I thought for today's prompt I'd give you a run-down of our menu for Thanksgiving Dinner and whether I like them or not.

Turkey (like)

Stuffing (like)

Mashed Potatoes (like)

Homemade Noodles (like)

Green Beans (dislike)

Sweet Potatoes (like)

Cranberry w/ Mandarins (dislike)

Rolls (like)

Pumpkin Pie (LOVE)

Apple Pie (like)

I'm very curious as to what dishes are on your menu for Thanksgiving.  Do you go traditional, like we do?  Do you go outside the Thanksgiving box?

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Paperback, Ebook or Audio? ~ 11/17/2021

This week's topic is:  

Paperback, Ebook or Audio??:

I used to be a paperback reader only and I swore that would never change...

Until...

I read my first ebook which I downloaded for free onto my Kindle!  I soon signed up for Kindle Unlimited and haven't really looked back.

As for audio:  I  haven't really given it a try so I can't say if I would like it or not.

So, what about you?  Paperback, ebook or audio??

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ What Makes Me LOL ~ 9/22/2021

This week's topic is:  

What Makes Me LOL?:

This is an easy question.

The Hubby makes me laugh out loud every day!

Don't get me wrong.  His sense of humor can sometimes be quite irritating but for the most part it makes me laugh :)

So, what makes you LOL?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Books in a Time Capsule ~ 9/15/2021

This week's topic is:  

Books to Include in a Time Capsule and Why?:

How do I pick!?!?

1.  The Bible,

because the way this world is headed it is going to be needed!

2.  Jane Austen...anything by Jane Austen,

because they are classics and timeless :)

3.  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott,

because it too is timeless!

There are so many good books but I think those are the main ones I'd include in a time capsule.

So, what books would you include in a time capsule?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Recharging ~ 9/8/2021

This week's topic is:  

What I Do To Recharge:

I've recently married one daughter off and got another daughter started into High School.  I've need quite a bit of recharging lately.

So, what do I do to recharge?

I nap.

I've always enjoyed a good nap.  I've never been one to fight it, even as a child :)

I also recharge by reading, swinging on my porch swing, crocheting, blogging or watching a favorite movie.

So, what do you do to recharge?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ My Best Dish and Recipe ~ 9/1/2021

This week's topic is:  

The Best Dish I Cook (and Recipe):

I'm more of a baker than a cook so I thought I'd share the recipe that has gotten the most views on my blog.  It is one that I posted way back in April 2012!

CHEESY POTATOES AND SMOKED SAUSAGE

You can view the RECIPE HERE!

So, what is your best dish?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ 5 Items I Can't Live Without ~ 7/21/2021

This week's topic is:  

5 Items I Can't Live Without:

In no particular order!

1.  Modern Medicine

2.  The Bible

3.  Diet Dr. Pepper

4.  My Computer

5.  My Car

So, what are 5 items YOU can't live without?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Saddest Book I've Ever Read ~ 6/23/2021

This week's topic is:  

The Saddest Book I've Ever Read:

I don't know if this book is the saddest I've EVER read but I do remember crying when I read a certain part of this book when I was young.  Sobbing, actually, and I don't remember that ever happening again.

That book would be:

I don't know if I was an emotional pre-teen and that was why I sobbed, but it hit me hard!

If you've never read "Rebecca" and would like to, stop here!

SPOILER!!!!!!

For those of you that have already read "Rebecca" or don't plan on reading it, I'll tell you why I sobbed.

Rebecca is sent to live with her two spinster aunts.  It was a rough transition to the new living arrangements for both the aunts and Rebecca.  After somewhat settling into a routine, one of the aunts passes away!

Like I said above, maybe I was an emotional basket-case at the time or maybe it was the author's writing but the death of Rebecca's aunt really struck me in a tender spot.  Therefore, I would consider it the saddest book I've ever read :(

HONORABLE MENTION:

I have to have an honorable mention this week.

"Marley" was also a tear jerker!

So, what is the saddest book YOU'VE ever read?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Best Part of Each Season ~ 6/16/2021

This week's topic is:  

The Best Parts of Each Season:

First:  Happy Soon-to-be-SUMMER!!!!

I assume that is why we are talking about the seasons today.  It should be interesting to read everyone's different view points on this topic!

Winter:  Christmas is of course a big deal in Winter.  I love Christmas but am in no hurry to get there.  I'm already seeing people posting how many days until Christmas on Facebook!  Another favorite aspect of Winter for me is Groundhog's Day.  Not because it is when good ole Phil comes out to see us but because it is the day my second baby girl was born in 2007 :)

Spring:  Spring USUALLY means the beginning of nicer weather.  (Not so much this year.)  However, MY birthday is just a few short days after the official first day of Spring so I always look forward to that.  I'm the kind of person that LOVES my birthday :)  (The hubby and Kaylee were born in the first part of June, so technically they are Spring babies also, but I always think of them as being born in the Summer.)

Summer:  Ahhh....Summer!  We've made it through another long Winter and crazy Spring.  Always such a good feeling.  One of my very favorite days of Summer is the Fourth of July.  I love the cookouts and fireworks and spending time with family celebrating the birth of the U.S.A :)  I can't wait!

Fall:  I absolutely adore Fall.  It might even be my favorite season of all.  I love crisp air after the suffocating heat of Summer.  I love the coziness of a wearing a sweater around a campfire.  AND our Wedding Anniversary is in the Fall.  (at least I consider September 17th the Fall).

So, what do you think are the best parts of each season?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ My Fantasy Vacation ~ 5/26/2021

This week's topic is:  

My Fantasy Vacation:

My ultimate fantasy vacation would be a long, extended trip to Hawaii!  I think the whole summer would suffice. :)  However, that isn't going to happen any time soon.  Maybe one day...

I'd also like to visit Australia someday.  Probably won't ever happen but a girl can dream.

Oh!  And then there's Ireland and Scotland!  Again, I would probably need a whole summer to explore.  Again, probably won't ever happen for this Mid-Atlantic, Pennsylvania girl.

So, for now, I'd just be completely happy with a cabin by a lake :)  Any cabin.  Any lake.

Until then, maybe I can escape reality in a good book.  Any suggestions?

So, what is YOUR fantasy vacation?  

Colletta

Blogging Challenge ~ Binge Watching TV ~ 3/31/2021

This week's topic is:  

TV Shows I Binge Watch(ed):

The hubby was on second shift last week so I did a lot of binge watching my favorite TV shows that had begun piling up in the DVR.  Here are a few of my favorites :

Prodigal Son!

This is probably my favorite show!  It is in its second season and I haven't missed a single episode.  Technically I don't really binge watch this show because I watch it soon after it airs.  Best show ever!

NCIS!

This show I ended up binge watching about 4 episodes in a row to get caught up.  The original NCIS (the one I'm talking about) is my favorite.  I've tried to get caught up in the other NCIS spinoffs but Mark Harmon remains my favorite :)

FBI!

I think this is the second season for FBI.  Maybe the third...  I had around 6-7 episodes to watch.  It took me two evenings to get caught up.  I love Maggie and OA's characters as well as Jubal and the JOC.  Love this show :)

FBI:  Most Wanted

This show is a spin-off "FBI".  I still have a few episodes to catch up on.  I like "Most Wanted" but I like the original a tad more...

A few more:

There are a few new shows that we have DVR'd but haven't started yet.  They are "Clarice", "Debris" and "The Equalizer".

So, what are some TV shows that you binge watch(ed)?  

Colletta