Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When is your next big deadline? What’s it for?

Savannah’s Birthday. I like to make a montage of events surrounding her, and all of her loving family members during the last year.

2. May is National Barbecue Month. Do you prefer cooking indoors or out? What’s the best thing about a barbecue? What’s the last thing you cooked on an outdoor grill?

I love when food is cooked outside. Mandy and Matt had a cookout on Mother’s Day and I had my first hotdog of the season as well as grilled shrimp. YUM!

3. What is one thing on your “never again” list?

No more big dogs. I love Lili, but she is so full of energy and at times hard for me to handle. Unfortunately, I am simply not strong enough for a big dog puppy! I think I will stick to the dackels from now on.

4. What’s something that annoys you about people your own age? Something you love about your generation?

Not much annoys me. Perhaps when I see someone my age trying to act like they’re still in their 20’s. What do I love about my generation? Well at this point, we know who we are (most of us) and have settled down.

5. Lilac, iris, hyacinth, pansy…your favorite purple flower?

Lilac. Always and forever. We had a whole hedge row of them at my childhood home. I loved to go and sit under them and smell the sweet perfume of the flower! Still do. I have them planted all around my house.

6. Whats a song that always calms you down?

I have always loved this music. I first heard it when I went to see “Somewhere in Time”. Then I searched and found more from Paganini that I loved. But always, this is the first.

7. What’s the last thing you donated?

Clothes and shoes. I try to bring things down to St. Vincent DePaul two or three times a year. Especially in the Autumn, I try to bring coats in that we no longer use.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I went to bed the night before last, during a rain storm. I woke the next morning, and my trees had leafed out and the grass in my yard is bright grassy green! I repotted some of my vegetable plants yesterday and the two tomato plants grew like crazy, just over night!

1. What’s a phrase your mother often said to you? If you’re a parent, is this something you now say to your own children?

She used to say, “I love you quiet extraordinarily!” I never really listened or believed her. Now she is gone I miss that. I’ve always been very verbal about my love for my kids!

2. What is a scent you associate with your mother or your childhood home?

Lilacs. We had a whole set of them against the fence in the front yard of our home. Yes, lilacs are a family favorite.

3. What’s an activity you remember always doing with your mother (or someone who was a mother figure in your life)?

Tea time. Mostly with my grandmother. Tea, in china cups and saucers, served with some nice fine cookies.

4. Flared jeans, maxi dresses, and jumpsuits are 70’s fashion trends back this spring. Are you on board? Which trend would you be most inclined to try? For the men…flared corduroys, wide-collared shirts, and floral prints…what say you?

Maxi dresses. I loved those.

5. May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Day and also Nurse Appreciation Day. Is there a nurse or teacher you have especially appreciated along the way? Tell us why?

My dearest friends, Candy and Carol are nurses. They’re fearless and compassionate and loving. And my niece is an elementary school teacher. I am so proud of her!

6. If I came by your house, what would I find on your fridge door?

A collage of family pictures. I made up a big one and taped it on. We have stainless steel and no magnets stick. So I came up with the idea to make the collage online at Walgreens, and stick it up there.

7. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana made her royal entrance on Saturday, May 2nd. On a scale of 1-10, how much attention did you give to all the news coverage? 1=Who’s Charlotte? 10=sat glued to the telly, cuppa in hand.

10. I was so excited by her arrival and then the naming! I love her name, by the way! Charlotte Elizabeth Diana! I had the news channels on all day.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I went to the Dentist today. Yep, I got a clean bill of health. No cavities and no gum disease. When he pronounced that I was a little shocked. He laughed and said that over 50 you have to watch out for gum disease. Gosh, over 50, your hair turns gray, your metabolism slows down, and your gums can fail leading to your teeth falling out!

1. Have you ever had to wear a uniform? If yes, tell us more. Did you love it or hate it?

No, never had to wear a uniform. Thank goodness!

2. April 22nd is Earth Day. What is one thing you do personally to be a good steward of planet Earth?

Every year I plant a garden.

3. Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous…your healthy grain of choice? How often are one of the three on your menu at home? Given a choice between white rice, brown rice, wild rice, and fried rice which would you go for?

Love fried rice!

4. In your opinion, who has the best job ever?

A children’s book writer and illustrator. I would really love to do that.

5. What’s a situation in your life currently requiring patience?

My health. Or should I say, the lack there of.

6. Do you live your life around days of the week? Explain.

Not really. I do try to make it to Weight Watchers on Wednesday.

7. In a nod to the A to Z challenge happening around town this month, what ‘R word’ best describes your April?

Ridiculous! It’s been crazy busy, and I have not felt up to par. Get the first of my test results on Thursday.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

After getting my hair done today I came home and we were eating lunch, when all of a sudden the back of my head started hurting, and then my neck. Tonight it’s just on the right side. I’m thinking I pinched a nerve. How this actually occurred is beyond me. But it hurts like heck!

1. Speaking of April 15th…what’s the most ‘taxing’ thing you’ve done recently?

Taxes! LOL! Not, not really. Yesterday was grocery shopping and errand day. Hubby stayed home (he usually comes with me), and so I had to do the entire big shopping alone. By the time I shopped, got home, got everything put away, made dinner, and cleaned it all up, it was 7:30 and I was beat!

2. When did you last take a taxi somewhere and where was that somewhere?

Oh my, it has been a long while. Years. Probably the last time I traveled to Germany with Anneliese. That was 2009!

3. What’s something you can do today that you couldn’t do a year ago?

See my beautiful granddaughter, who has grown from toddler to little girl! She will be three next month!

4. How often is chicken (in some form or fashion) on your menu at home?

Once or twice a week.

Which of the following would you most like to see on your table tonight…a chicken salad sandwich, your mom’s fried chicken, a Chick-fil-A meal, Cracker Barrel’s chicken n’ dumplings, a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings, or ‘hold the chicken, I’m a vegetarian’…?

Roast chicken dinner. I have the best recipe HERE for a perfect baked chicken. Love baked chicken!

5. What was your favorite television program when you were a kid? What characters do you remember the most?

I loved The Partridge Family, The Brady Bunch, My Three Sons, and The Original Star Trek! Favorite character? Keith, (David Cassidy!) Although I also loved Katie, in My Three Sons.

6. What was the last piece of ‘art’ you made?

I went to a painting class in February 2015. We had so much fun! Left to right, my cousin Janet, daughter, Amanda, cousin Sue and me.

7. What frustrates you most about the Internet?

How sometimes it can slow waaaaaay down. Mostly, it is fast and gets me where I want to go. So I don’t have too many gripes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I hoofed it out today to get our free Ben and Jerry ice cream cone. He got Mint Chocolate Chunk and I got my favorite Cherry Garcia! The lines were long, but it was worth the wait!

1. Besides left over Easter goodies, what’s something currently kept in a basket at your house?

Laundry. I’ve never been much of a basket person, but I do have baskets of laundry…always!

2. ‘The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.’ ~Michelangelo Buonarroti ) So which one are you…the one who aims too high, or the one who aims too low? Have you ever seen The Sistine Chapel? Did you know Michelangelo’s surname prior to answering this question?

I’ve never seen the Sistine Chapel, but then, I’m not dead yet! I have done many things that people said could not be done, and yet, here I am.

3. April 7th is National Beer Day. Hmmm…wonder how that’s celebrated? Do you like beer? Have a favorite? If you’re not a beer drinker do you have any recipes you enjoy cooking that call for beer?

In my youth I drank a lot of beer. When I lived in Germany, and whenever I go back, I drink a lot! Best beer in the world, almost any German Beer. One I especially like is Andechs! It’s a Bavarian Beer made by Monks. And it is soooooo good!

4. When did you last travel somewhere new? Tell us where? How’d it go?

We cruised last November, and we stopped in St. Kitts. We took a tour of the Island, via train and that was a lot of fun. Although monkey’s are not indigenous to the Island, someone brought some over and now they are everywhere!

These are Vervet monkey’s. Cute, yes, but they bite, so beware

5. The value of ____fame and fortune__is greatly overrated.

6. What’s a pet peeve of yours when it comes to restaurant dining?

Screaming children, who run around, causing madness and mayhem. I love kids, but come on. I raised two girls, and when we went out, I made sure they had things to do so that they didn’t bother other diners.

7. It’s Poetry Month…share a favorite poem, either the title, a few lines you find meaningful, or the whole kit and caboodle.

Rudyard Kipling

Four Feet

I have done mostly what most men do,
And pushed it out of my mind;
But I can't forget, if I wanted to,
Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through --
Wherever my road inclined --
Four-feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round, --
Which I shall never find --
Somewhere that does not carry the sound
Of Four-Feet trotting behind.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Easter was simply magnificent!

Mandy’s beautiful dining-room.

The whole family.

The food was wonderful, the company, terrific, and my granddaughter, fabulous!

My daughter, Mandy is a natural at welcoming family and friends into her home.

1. In honor of the date…when were you last sent on a ‘fool’s errand’?

Mostly I do not have time to be running around like a crazed person. A while back I began living a life with no drama, or at least I try.

2. Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, The Energizer Bunny, The Easter Bunny, Rabbit (Pooh’s friend), White Rabbit (of Wonderland fame), or the Trix Rabbit…which of these ‘famous’ rabbits can you best relate to right now?

I’ve been a Bugs Bunny fan all my life. Why change now. So, my answer is Bugs!

3. When did you last find yourself scrambling to get something done? Explain.

Last night. I made dinner for Hubby and myself and it was just horrible. You know, it doesn’t happen often. Usually, I cook pretty well, but this was a disaster!

4. Last time you were up at the literal crack of dawn? Why? Last time you stayed up all night? Why?

I no longer stay up all night. Just cannot do it. But, that said, I think if there was an emergency, and I was needed by Hubby, Mandy, Savannah, or another family member, I would be there. The crack of dawn? Unfortunately Lili gets me up far too early nearly every day.

5. Crack a book, crack a bottle, crack a joke, crack an egg…which have you done most recently?

Cracked an egg. Just made egg salad yesterday. I love eggs!

6. What’s your favorite part of a typical weekend? Tell us why that’s so.

I love Saturdays because on Saturday, I look to kick back, do something fun, or peaceful and not be hurried by appointments.

7. What’s something I’d find on a bookshelf in your home? Other than a book I mean!

Pictures rest on top of my book shelf. There is a picture of me with Shubi at sunset.

A picture of Hubby skiing.

And a picture of my dear friends, Uschi and her husband Volker.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am really excited about Easter this year. Seeing Savannah, and seeing the holiday through her innocent child eyes fills me with happiness!

1. This coming weekend is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. Do you celebrate Easter in your home? What was your favorite Easter tradition as a child?

Hubby and I don’t really celebrate too much, although I really want to cook some lamb. I love lamb! In fact, as a child Easter always meant, church, and a large family dinner with lamb and all the fixings! I miss that time. I miss all my dearly departed family members who shared that time. But then, I remember what Easter is all about and I rejoice for their being raised to be with Christ.

2. George Weinberg is quoted as saying, ‘Hope never abandons you, you abandon it.’ Agree or disagree? Share your own thoughts on the word hope.

I think I do. At times I have felt hopeless, but that was just me, inside. When I looked for God, and for hope…I found it.

3. Weigh in with a yay or nay on the traditional Easter candies. A solid milk chocolate bunny? Cadbury Creme Eggs? Peeps? Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs? Jellybeans? Coconut Cream Eggs? Of the candies listed, which one would you most like to find in your Easter basket?

Can you believe none of them? I’m a dark chocolate girl. If I was hunting for Easter Candy, it would have to have dark chocolate.

4. When did you last feel ‘like a kid in a candy store’?

Not recently, I’m afraid. With a root canal, new vision correcting glasses that can be worn comfortably with my nose scars, and filling my oil tank, I’m afraid my pocketbook is nearly empty.

5. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? Does that bother you? Does it bother other people?

Beat eggs. Most people use a whisk, or beaters, but I just use a fork. I love beating the heck out of eggs when I’m scrambling them, by hand.

6. Palm Springs CA, Palm Beach FL, or the PALMetto State…of the three mentioned, which sunny spot would you most like to visit right now? Which have you visited at one time or another?

Would love to be in Palm Beach, Florida. I have friends fairly close and we could all get together in the wonderful warmth!

7. If you could change the length of a day would you lengthen it or shorten it? Tell us why.

Not sure I would mess around with it at all.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I selected new glasses today. Not just new frames, but new lenses, as well. I like the look, I just hope they are comfortable!

1. Share a favorite song, book, or movie title containing the word green?

2. Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying, ‘Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.’ Would you agree? Are you a believer in luck?

I do believe in cause and effect, but I also believe in luck. And not always good luck either.

3. Spring water, Hot Springs, handspring, spring fling, spring break, spring fever, offspring…which ‘spring’ word best applies to something in your day, week, or life right now?

Spring fever. I woke today to find it is snowing once again! Yeah, I am definitely ready for spring!

4. What’s something you do to make yourself look or feel more confident?

I do my hair and make-up. I also try to wear something that makes me feel confident.

5. It’s National Celery Month…are you a fan? If so, what’s a snack or dish you enjoy that calls for celery?

There is so much. We love hot wings, served with celery stuffed with blue cheese. I use celery is every soup or stew I make. I also use it when I make potato salad, or tuna salad.

6. What’s one thing you wish you’d learned sooner?

To brush AND floss twice a day from the moment I popped my first tooth. Good dental care for children is so important.

7. Would you like to own a second home? If so where would you want that home to be?

Falmouth, Massachusetts. My childhood hometown. Down near the beaches I grew up on.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Snow? No! I am ready for Spring to come!

1. What’s the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘spring’? Which phrase best describes the season of spring where you live right now (today)-sprung! almost there, or still waiting?

Still waiting for spring. We have about 2 feet of snow in the back yard, so this year, the image that will help me feel spring is here, will be seeing my green grass again!

2. Bed, couch, stapler, garage door, computer mouse, recliner, flashlight, door knob…which household item containing springs most needs replacing in your home? Speaking of springs…did you ever own a Slinky?

Yes, owned a slinky as a kid. Right now, my bed needs replacing.

3. March is Women’s History Month. Share a favorite quote by a woman.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ~ Mother Teresa

4. What’s a question that looms large in your mind right now?

Is winter over? It was close to 50 degrees today and sunny. It actually felt warm! Is Spring here?

5. Are you a sugar freak? By that I mean how much do you love sugar? With all the bad press sugar gets these days, have you made any efforts to reduce the amount of sugar you consume?

Oh goodness I try not to eat too much sugar, but I do love it! I have a terrible sweet tooth!

6. Would you rather have less work to do or more work you enjoy doing?

More work I enjoy. Like babysitting Savannah. Right now that is my favorite thing to do!

7. Ever been to Texas? Of the top ten Texas tourist attractions which would you most like to see-The Alamo, The San Antonio River Walk, The State Capital, Dallas World Aquarium, Padre Island National Seashore, Houston Space Center, Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Moody Gardens, or Galveston Island?

I’ve never spent time, just passed on through. And let me tell you, driving through Texas takes a long time! That’s one big state!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I think we can safely say we have entered New England’s Fifth Season. Commonly known as “Mud Season”. Hubby and I went out to vote today and all the formerly frozen dirt roads are now mud. Deep, slimy, mud!

1. ‘In like a lion, out like a lamb’…does the first part of this saying describing March weather ring true where you live?

Oh yeah. In fact as I write we expect 4-6 more inches tomorrow!

2. March 4th is National Grammar Day. What common grammatical error bothers you the most?

There, their, they’re. That’s the one that makes me the craziest.

3. William Arthur Ward says- ‘The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.’ Which one are you?

I guess I am an optimist. I expect it will change. This surprises me, as I tend to think of myself as being a bit of a pessimist.

4. What’s something you need to ‘march forth and conquer’ this month?

My return to Weight Watchers. I have messed around all winter and it is time for me to crack down and get on track and stay there.

5. An ongoing debate around here…do you dust first, then vacuum or vacuum first, then dust? Of the two routine household chores, which do you dislike the least? How’s that for wording?

I hate to dust. It usually leaves me coughing and sneezing. Vacuuming is okay. I tend to vacuum first

6. According to thrilllist.com, the ten most photographed sites in the U.S.A. are- Cinderella’s Castle in Orlando, Southernmost House in Key West Florida, The Space Needle in Seattle, The Site of the Boston Massacre in Boston, The Bellagio Lake/fountains in Las Vegas, The Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, Coit Tower in San Fransisco, The Art Institute of Chicago, Niagara Falls, and snagging the number one spot-The Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

How many on this list have you photographed? Which on the list would you most like to visit and photograph?

All but the Art Institute of Chicago and The Bellagio in Las Vegas. I’ve done my fair share of traveling.

7. Fifty years ago Monday (March 2, 1965) The Sound of Music premiered at the Rivoli Theatre in NYC. Have you seen the film? Do you own a copy? On a scale of 1-10 how much do you love it (or not)? Ten=best movie ever. If you’re a fan, what’s your favorite scene or song from the movie?

I love the Sound of Music! In fact back in 1966 I played Gretl in our Community Theaters production of the Sound of Music. Here I am, age 8 years old, and the youngest member of the cast.

It was a magical time for me, and even now, when I sing the songs, I get teary eyed. I know the words to every song and for me, I recall the men, women and children who were in the play with me. It was a wonderful group and I have only happy memories.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My root canal went well, although I’ve had a sore jaw for most of the week. Thankfully, it is getting better. Today I go in and get fitted for the crown. And then this tooth problem will be a thing to put in the past!