HUMP DAY HOPS!

Wow! Only one more Wednesday before Christmas arrives! That was FAST!

I have been reading your blogs but not commenting all the time. Why? Because I've been reading them from my phone and to comment takes me FORFREAKINGEVER! That dang keyboard is tiny and my fingers are not! I hope to get back to normal (whatever that is) soon!

If you're here for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch, the 25 Days of Christmas blogshare or Get Wired Wednesday only, then scroll down.

First up is WEDNESDAY HODGE PODGE from Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.  This meme is fun and sometimes even poses a challenge (read: she makes us use our noggins!).   

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate? I decorate everywhere except our bedroom. Of course, it is usually decorated with wrapping paper so, if THAT counts, then yes! Even the bathrooms.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why? I've never thought of this before. Hmmm....Which one is closer to Santa? Ok, if I have to pick one I'd pick Norway. Because that's where they hand out the Nobel Peace Prize.

3. What does the word faith mean to you? Believing without proof.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose? Any age before the teen years and Christmas eve at my grandparents! I still miss them so very much and they made Christmas so special. Every year.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe. I made punch for the baby shower Breezy and I hosted in August. But my favorite is my Christmas punch. The recipe will be up on the blog sometime before Christmas.

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts? YES! Some years they are emptied before, some years after. But the lovelies and BestSonInLawEVER would have fits if we didn't have stockings!

7. What takes your breath away? The lovelies and my husband. Without a doubt. I know, you asked what not who. So how about everything the lovelies and Hubs say and do? :)

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am counting down the days until the lovelies arrive- Breezy and BestSonInLawEVER on Friday; Deanie and NickelAss on Saturday; and Birdie on Sunday!!!! Hooray! 

Next up is a HUMP DAY HOP from Patrice at Everyday Ruralty called Chats on the farmhouse porch!

Questions:

1. Where is your favorite place to think, reflect, or pray? I think it has become on my walks. It's usually peaceful out there and as we walk/jog, my mind wanders about here and there and I get so much worked out!
2. Did you believe in Santa as a kid? What do you mean by DID and AS A KID? We ALL believe in Santa around here! My goodness!
3. What's your favorite kind of Christmas cookie? You can add a recipe if you have time. I love my dad's oatmeal raisin cookies the best. But I won't be eating those this year. It was one of those cookies that sabotaged my diet the first time around where I gained back all the weight I had lost. I won't be making that mistake again!
4. Did you grow up around any of your grandparents? YES! Both of my mother's parents and my dad's mother. I loved them all but was particularly close to my mother's parents- Grandmother and Granddaddy.
5. What's your favorite winter sport-skiing, skating,sledding, other(?) ? If you are in a warm place, what is your favorite winter sport to watch when the Winter Olympics are televised? I don't care for winter sports unless there's a football game on! And some basketball- college level. But no skiing, skating, sledding, etc. And I don't watch the Olympics-summer or winter.

Teaser for today's 25 Days of Christmas blogshare post:

 It's a pleasure to be sharing in this special blog share, The 25 Days of Christmas,  started by the Parga's Junkyard Blog. I hope you check out the other blog posts sharing the holiday season with 24 bloggers who have joined forces to make this season a bit more magical..

 The Bunnies of Christmas...

Often the Holidays can be a difficult or lonely time for those who have no family or friends nearby, or are left behind because it is difficult to manage having one come to visit for a holiday visit-perhaps due to constraints of illness.  Or sadder still, whether through ill family relations or neglectful family, the elderly or disabled family member is left behind.

It is usually difficult for an elderly or sick person in a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility, who receives few or no visits, to watch others receive visits or go out during the holiday season.  I have seen this first hand, having worked in nursing homes, a rehab hospital and mental health facility for about 18 years. Even the smallest gesture is appreciated by these people and can mean a lot.

On the other hand, the warmth of a hug, for example, is nice when given by perhaps a staff person or visitor from a church, it is not always the same as when these people participate in interactions with animals.  There is something about animals, that for most people will let them feel even more relaxed and free to enjoy the interaction than with people they aren't as familiar with. Often times the results are amazing!

For years, I have participated in pet therapy programs with various animals owned by facilities or more often with bringing in my own houserabbits (litterbox trained and all!).  Come share this recent holiday season visit at an assisted living facility and feel the holiday magic yourself with....

The Bunnies of Christmas in the Rabbit Slippers Blog  

Last but NOT LEAST: 

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