Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What’s the biggest change since your childhood in the way people think or act?

I think the fact that when I was growing up my Mom would tell us to go out and play in the neighborhood and when we heard the bell to come home for dinner. We rode our bikes all over the place, we played climbing trees, and running around. Now kids are in the house, either playing video games or doing homework. Many parents are simply too afraid to let them have that kind of freedom.

2. The Olympic Biathlon involves cross country skiing broken up with either two or four rounds of target shooting. Which part of that would stress you out more? Or would you love them both equally?

Oh shooting after skiing for sure. You know your heart rate would be up, and then you need to hit those teeny tiny targets! Yeah the shooting after skiing.

3. February is National Canned Food Month…what is your most often purchased canned food item? What was in the last can you opened?

Le Sueur Peas! I love them. Don’t ask me why. I am sure they are not all that good for you, but I love them. Whenever they are on sale, I buy a bunch.

4. What river (anywhere in the world) would you most like to cruise?

The Danube or the Rhine. I love Germany and I would love to cruise for an extended period of time both of those.

5. It’s the middle of the night and you can’t sleep…what do you do? Count sheep? Toss and turn? Watch television? Or do you get up and do something productive?

No, I turn on the TV. Usually I can find something that will bore me and thus I fall asleep.

6. How important is keeping your cool?

As I age, I have been learning that I need to learn to not allow myself to show every feeling I have every moment that I have them. My advice to the young would be to learn how to go with the flow and not let things bother you.

7. I’ve got white stuff on the brain so why not run with it? White lie, wave the white flag, white knuckle it, white wash a situation, or white as a sheet…which phrase could most recently apply to your own life in some way?

The white flag. Yeah, I’m waving it because I am so sick of the snow! It’s crazy here. We probably have 4 feet in the back yard. Hubby used the snow blower to make a path for the dackels and honest to goodness, the snow piles tower over them!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow is my first weigh in since returning to Weight Watchers! I sure hope I have done well.

1.What makes love last?

I think for me, it was marrying my best friend. I was married previously when I was very young. The cruelties of life caused that marriage to fail. The second time I married, I married my best friend. He is the first person I want to talk to in the morning and the last person I want to talk to at night. We also posses the ability to be there for the other person when things are tough.

2. The Beatles made their US debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what’s your favorite Beatles tune?

Oh I am a big Beatles fan! I have loved their music all of my life! My favorite song? Oh my, just one?  Well I am a romantic, and so my top two are very romantic. The first is not a typical Lennon/McCartney, but rather was written by George Harrison. It is called, “Something”.

The second one is a Lennon McCartney song called “The Long and Winding Road”.

3. Valentine’s Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you?

I really don’t feel that I should buy into the Hallmark Holiday. But I do try each and every day to make sure the people I love, know they are cherished in an extraordinary way! I will probably cook a nice meal for Hubby. He’s down and out right now with a cold.

4. Steak or burger…you have to choose. Now that that’s settled, how do you like it?

Steak. Medium rare! And with a side of creamy horse radish sauce.

5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power.’ Do you agree? Why or why not?

No I don’t agree. Having gone through terrible adversity in my life, I have discovered I am a strong woman. Many people would not have survived the things I have. And look at our elected officials in Washington, DC! Their characters have been tested and most of them have failed the test badly!

6. Honest Abe’s image is featured on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I’m wondering…what do you do with your pennies (or your country’s equivalent)? It’s been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been introduced proposing just that, but neither were approved. What say you?

I love my pennies. I save them up and then bring them into the money counting machine and every once in a while actually have a little mad money.

7. Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?

I think that today’s pop culture needs an overhaul! It seems every day I’m reading about people over dosing on heroine, or I see pictures of Miley Cyrus’s tongue, and people twerking. All I can say is…”Give Me A Break”!!!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We are due for more snow on Thursday. Perhaps as much as a foot. This has been a tough, cold and snowy winter. All I can say is…”Enough”!

1. Are we always responsible for our actions? Are there any exceptions?

Yes, but there are exceptions. For instance, when something unexpected happens to you and how you react. We cannot always be held responsible for that. After all, something that happens in a split second (like a car accident) doesn’t give any warning or time to consider how to react.

2. Has anyone from your home town become famous?

Robert Ballard. He works at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. They have made many fascinating discoveries such as the Titanic. Also Katharine Lee Bates who wrote the lyrics for America the Beautiful.

3. January was National Slow Cooker month. Do you own a slow cooker/crock pot? Did you use it last month? What’s a favorite dish you make using a slow cooker or crock pot?

I do own one and I do use it often, but not last month. My favorite dish to make in the crock pot is a Yankee Pot Roast.

4. How do you feel about private companies collecting data about you?

I do not like it. In fact I don’t like anyone collecting data about me.

5. The Games of the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off with their opening ceremony this coming Friday….will you be watching? Which Winter Olympic event would you most like to see in person? Have you ever been to Russia? Any desire to go, Olympics or otherwise?

I’ll be watching. I love the Olympics. I would love to see the skating in person, or the ski jumping. I have been to Russia. And really, I have no desire to go back.

6. Share a good or bad sports related memory from your childhood or teen years.

In High School I took gymnastics. I loved it, despite my height 5 feet 8 inches. I got into such great shape. It was fantastic.

7. What’s a must have song for you on a work out play list? If you don’t work out, run, swim, bike, walk, or anything else that could be construed as ‘exercise’, then what’s a song that motivates you to at least get up off the couch?

Waterloo by ABBA. I love that song. It always gets me up and going.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year’s Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it? Do you like to bowl? Are you any good?

It’s been years since I have bowled. Mostly due to bad knees. I used to bowl and I really enjoyed it.

2. Should sports stars be role models?

Apparently not. If you look at the number of sports figures who have beaten their girl friends up, murdered them, or just plain been over the top obnoxious due to steroid use, I would say we need to steer clear of them.

3. January is National Oatmeal month…are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

I like oatmeal, just not too much. I really prefer cream of wheat.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

Tony Bourdain’s “A Movable Feast”.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

Relax and enjoy the ride!

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

Almost any chick flick.Lately, it has been “The Descendents”. Hawaii is so beautiful and this movie is George Clooney’s best work.

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

Bell bottoms, granny gowns and midi skirts. Oooops, that’s three, but all from the same era.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A week ago I was enjoying warm weather. Down right hot! Now, here I am in the frozen north shivering under my comforter!

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they’d like to see banished from the Queen’s English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen). Here are the words/phrases they’d like to see banished in 2014-

selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankrupt and Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you’d like to add?

I say Twerk/Twerking. and may I also add that I really detest Miley Cyrus! I just do not like that sort of vulgar behavior!

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?

My office. I know, I know. I have been talking about that for years. Maybe this year I can get it done.

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What’s your favorite soup?

French Onion Soup that I made on New Years Eve. I make it myself with Gruyere cheese! Then I bake it. Both Hubby and I love it. In fact, I think he married me for that one dish!

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job…which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.

Iced in, not snowed in, although we certainly have had our share of snow. Thankfully, we are in Boston and on our way to sunshine!

5. What’s the funniest movie you’ve ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?

A Christmas Story. We just love that mov ie!!!

6. In general, would you say you’re clumsy?

Ah yeah. It’s freaky, but true.

7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935. Are you an Elvis fan? What’s your favorite Elvis tune? If that’s too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least? Click here for a list of his songs.

Not really. I tend to get irritated by people who believe that they are better or greater than anyone. Unfortunately, Hollywood has not learned a lesson from Elvis. and then end up ending their own lives.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here we are in Boston. We fly out (hopefully) for Fort Lauderdale in the morning. I took the pups out before I left home only 8 degrees (F) and I’m sitting here in the hotel with a red slightly wind/cold burned face. Happy we are here, missing the pups, and looking forward to warmer weather and 9 days of reading my books! Love you Kindle!!!

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year….when did you last ‘drop the ball’ on something?

Haha! I try so hard not to drop the ball. You should see my lists! Oh I make lists for my lists in hopes that I will remember it all!

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

Well, even though I was afraid, I managed to have faith in Dr. P. and go through many operations on my face. And in the end, I actually started to accept my new face! It’s not the same, but I can definitely live with it.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Agree or disagree? Why?

Agree. I feel people, a lot of people sit around waiting for something exciting to happen. Sometimes you need to make your own kind of music!

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

A good young lobster with boiled potatoes and corn on the cob! Maine Lobster, the young sweet and tender ones are my favorite!

5. Share an anti-resolution…that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

I plan to return to Weight Watchers and stop my out of control eating!

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid. Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

I do have a shirt with this color weaving through this. It’s so very pretty, isn’t it?

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

What A Challenge!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is the best part of my 2013. My granddaughter, Savannah Rose. She can always make me smile and watching her grow and learn just made my year!

1. Do you believe in miracles?

Yes, I do. But I have also learned that sometimes God’s miracles are not what I might like or want. You know. Like when you were a kid and you prayed for candy bars? Well I’ve learned to pray for God’s will to be done. Sometimes a real miracle does occur. Other times my heart breaks and I lean on God to get through, thus providing a miracle of faith.

2. What’s a recent fad you admit to trying?

I am really totally fad-less! I’m so old and fixed in my ways, it is not funny. OK, if I have to say something I will admit to buying a paisley shirt!

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what’s your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?

Love peppermint! Favorite food containing peppermint? Oh at this time of year I love peppermint bark!

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally)…which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.

Break the ice. I have a lot of trouble telling people how I really feel. I am terrified of being rejected. This year I actually told someone how I really felt. (It went well.)

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else’s home? Still friends?

Yes. I fell all over myself with regret and I replaced the item, but the relationship was never the same. I sort of wonder if I ever really was their friend, and that this was an excuse. You see it was a bathroom light globe. I went right out and replaced it and Hubby installed it. But after that the relationship ended.

6. ‘Tis the week before Christmas…are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?

Buddy the Elf I guess. I am really into Christmas. Savannah’s present arrives today. I can hardly wait.

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas.

“Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love, Clarence.”
From “It’s A Wonderful Life”

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My favorite winter picture of Arnie!

1. Are you doing anything special to mark this season of Advent? If so please share.

My sister gave me a Jaqui Lawson Advent calendar. Every day I rush to the computer to see the new play.

2. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen…and of course you recall, the most famous reindeer of all…so, which reindeer name best describes you this week?

Rudolph. I still have a red and stuffy nose.

3. What’s worse-too quiet or too loud? Which have you had more of lately?

Too loud. I am one of those people who hates loud. I mean, hates it. I enjoy quiet. Sometimes even silent.

4. This question comes to you from Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens-thanks Zo!

When you are administratively gifted, how often do you find yourself not trusting less gifted people to do what they’ve committed to do? If you are not so gifted that way, but are reliable, how do you feel when the stronger person (in that area) goes ahead and covers it before giving you a chance to come through?

I suppose I try to take everything over. But in recent years I have had to learn to let it go, and let others handle things.

5. What is your most dreaded task relating to the holidays? Your most looked forward to holiday task?

Putting up and taking down the tree.

6. Facebook has released its list of the ‘most talked about’ topics of 2013. Pope Francis took the number one spot. Does that surprise you? He was followed by election, royal baby, typhoon, and Harlem Shake. Your thoughts? What was your most talked about topic in 2013? (Facebook, around the kitchen table, or wherever it is you talk)

Love the new Pope. I think he’s a marvelous selection. I love the Royal Baby, as I am quite the Anglophile. I am so sorry about the Typhoon and all those that died or lost it all. Harlem Shake? Not even sure what that is. Our most talked about topic in this house was cancer, facial reconstruction and Agent Orange exposure.

7. What’s something you consider a necessity that others might view as a luxury?

Getting my hair done. I need that so much. Many people would and probably do consider it a luxury. But if my hair looks bad, I feel bad!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m planning to set up my Christmas tree today. I just need to get one box of ornaments and one box of bubble light down from the attic. Since we’re using the smaller, pre-lit artificial tree it shouldn’t take me too long.

1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is ‘selfie’. Your thoughts? When did you last take a selfie? Do you post them online somewhere? Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?

I was taking ‘selfies’ all year long as my facial reconstruction went on. I think sometimes you have to taken them to reassure yourself you are getting where you want to be.

2. Will you send out Christmas cards this year? If so, are they ready to go? If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?

Yes, I will. Just today I brought them out to begin addressing. It’s not as big a deal as it used to be. So many people left our world this year. Quit sadly!

3. Do you trust easily?

Not really. I think I have always had trust issues.

4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)…of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?

Cinnamon. As in Snickerdoodles. As in my favorite holiday cookie ever!

5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?

Yesterday, Neither. I just lay in bed and slept.

6. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it’s back there now : )

7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?

Columbus. Must have been exciting to find the new world!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The fever broke and I am starting to feel a little better. This trip into illness has been worse than the last. I guess I need to talk to my doctor about building up my immune system.

1. Are you settling for something?

Yes. But in a good way. My face is not “Hollywood” perfect after all the surgeries. However, I have now decided that perfection is over rated and I will accept and enjoy my beautiful, patch work quilt face!

2. It wasn’t that long ago almost every store in the US locked doors and turned out lights on Thanksgiving Day. This year many will be open all day Thursday, giving shoppers a jump start on ‘Black Friday’. In your opinion is this a good thing or a not so good thing? Will you be shopping on Thanksgiving Day?

No, I will not be shopping on Thanksgiving. I believe that simple old traditions are best left alone. People deserve one day, to sit with their family, give thanks and not be forced to work.

3. Speaking of shopping… I saw a recent article on the twelve best shopping cities in the world. In order they are-

New York, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Dubai, Madrid, Milan, and Seoul.

Ever shopped in any of the cities listed? In which city would you most like to pull out the plastic or cold hard cash?

I’ve shopped in New York, not impressed. I’ve shopped in London and dream about going back. I love Vienna, but I would dearly love to go to Hong Kong and go wild!

4. When did you last dine by candlelight?

Dear me, I cannot remember! I will be setting up the table on Thanksgiving with candles and making it special.

5. What do you have too much of?

Everything! I need to go through and start weeding out things. Sell some old sets of china, and give away blankets and coats to the homeless.

6. The Hunger Games…are you a fan? Did you read the book(s)? Will you/have you seen the movie? Will you/have you seen Catching Fire? No spoilers please!

Not a fan. My whole family is but I did not get into the Hunger Games nor did I get into the Twilight Saga.

7. Share your plans for Thanksgiving Day. The who, the where, the what…especially the what! As in what’s for dinner? If you’re one of my International visitors, whose homeland doesn’t celebrate American Thanksgiving (the whole world doesn’t ya know!), then still tell us your plans for Thursday.

Who: Me and Hubby. Where: Home. What: Spinach and artichoke dip, crab dip and champagne for appetizers while I’m cooking. Dinner: turkey, stuffing, gravy, yukon gold mashed potatoes, garden green beans, garden butternut squash, mashed with butter and brown sugar and cinnamon, boiled sweet pearl onions. Dessert: Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As I write there are delicate snow flakes falling on my lawn. So very pretty. I wish it would just do this for the next two days, but the weatherman has said that starting tonight we will have torrential downpours, washing away all this loveliness.

Oh well.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!