Christmas Hodge Podge

Joyce at This Side of the Pond suggests, tongue in cheek, that we might not have anything to do four days before Christmas. I figure that since she was willing to come up with questions, I could, at least, provide some answers. This is the final Hodge Podge of 2016.

❈1. What's left to be done on your Christmas to-do list? 

Too much, from wrapping to baking. I may have the cleaning done if I can keep up with it. It is with joy that I report that the fridge is spotless! ☺

❈2. The Hodgepodge lands on the first day of winter this year. What's your favorite thing about winter? 

Its beauty. Certainly not its chill nor its cost.

This morning, I was out the door by eight to do some grocery shopping. I thought the air felt odd, still, and very cold. I backed out the drive and then looked up to see the thermometer on the garage. Couldn't quite make the temperature out, even with squinting, so drove back in to take a closer look.  It was -12°F. That's when it is so cold that the tires feel like Fred Flinstone's on the highway. 

❈3. In what area of your life are you immature? Feel free to elaborate or not.

No, I am not elaborating. I have no time for elaborating. I still feel awkward in social situations.  

❈4. What was the most (or one of the most) important lessons you learned in 2016?

 I learned all over again that God has this, whatever this is. I have only to yield it to Him. He will take care of me and lead me along.

❈5. It's Fried Shrimp Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite way to eat shrimp? Will there be shrimp somewhere in your holiday feastings? 

No, I do not care for fried shrimp. I like my shrimp well disguised. I have probably given this recipe before, but it's Christmas and I'm feeling generous. This is my favorite way to eat shrimp and, yes, it makes the holiday A list.

-a package of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix

-a tin of East Point tiny shrimp

-a package of cream cheese

-a container of sour cream

Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature and combine with sour cream. (I use my mixer. A blender can also be used. Do not over mix unless you don't like those little bits of cream cheese that I like so much.) Add 3/4 of Italian salad dressing mix packet. (That's all I can handle; the recipe calls for the entire packet.) Mix well. Rinse and drain shrimp right in the can.(Hoping that you understand that direction.) Then carefully fold drained shrimp into mixture. Chill and serve with potato chips, crackers or even veggies.

If you have a good dip recipe to share, feel free! (I love dip. Way too much. This might belong on question 3. )

❈6. What sound lulls you to sleep? 

Oddly enough, the laundry going in the dungeon laundry room just below my bed lulls me to sleep quite well.

❈7. What one word best describes your 2016? 

Loss

Faithfulness 

as in Great is Thy Faithfulness

❈8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well I cannot leave it there. While there has been loss and change and sorrow, there has also been love, faith, hope, and even joy. Many things will change in this life, but we look to Him Who Changes not.

My blogging friends have been among my many blessings. You have prayed me through. Don't stop now!

⛸ ⛸ ⛸ 

Pictured are some pretty gifts of Christmas from Deanna and Deborah and Abby. Deanna sent the handpainted Noel ornament, Abby sent the Advent calendar ornaments, and Deborah sent the gift of teas and a poinsettia hanky that I am using as a napkin. Ahhhh...it was a sweet little Christmas tea.
Thank you for reading today. Many blessings...