Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What lesson has failure taught you?

To keep trying. I may have failed at things, but I am not a defeatist. I just stop, think, regroup and try again!

2. What decision are you glad you made?

Lets see. Most recently it would be to keep both Arnie and Anneliese. I was just saying to Hubby the other day that it is such an amazing feeling to have two pups that you helped deliver and have literally been part of their lives since they took their first breaths!

3. I’ve been a little bit surprised to see fully lit and decorated Christmas trees popping up for the past several weeks in friend’s Instagram feeds. So tell the truth-is your tree up and decorated, and if so when did that happen? If not, when will you be decking the halls?

No mine is not up. I was ‘thinking’ about it yesterday. Perhaps the day after Thanksgiving.

4. Solitaire-Poker-Rummy-Hearts-Go Fish-Old Maid…which game of cards would you most like to join?

I play solitaire on my computer when I am bored. Lately I am reading two books, and working on projects, so needless to say I have not been bored.

5. This question comes to you courtesy of a Facebook friend, who once upon a time had a blog…When you’re feeling stressed do you snack a lot or are you more the ‘can’t eat’ type?

I am a stress eater. Which explains my weight gain this year. My sister can’t eat at all. Which is why part of the time I want a DNA test to make sure we are really related!

6. Have you ever reviewed a product or service on line? Was your review favorable or less than favorable?

I review for Trip Advisor as well as Amazon.com. And yes, I have give a couple scathing reviews. I do not like to, but when it deserves it… Mostly I can find good in almost anything.

7. What was the best conversation you had yesterday?

Ones with Hubby as we drove down to the VA for his appointments and then back afterward. Sometimes I think we talk the very best when we are driving around in the car.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I get my stitches out today. I can hardly wait to see what my eyebrow will look like now!

1. Describe a typical Sunday from your childhood.

We always went to church. Sometimes the children’s choir sung and then I would be in church, other Sundays I would start in church and then run down to the parish hall for Sunday School. After church there was always a Sunday Dinner. Sunday was always family day.

2. How comfortable are you with uncertainty? Explain.

Oh I hate it. I fret, worry, and it literally makes me ill. I like things cut and dried, and with no doubt in it.

3. What have you accomplished recently that might be described as crafty, as in ‘arts and crafts’ crafty? If crafty doesn’t work for you, how about handy? Or both?

I have been going through my three year old file pile! I’ve been organizing and cleaning and the office is slowly taking shape. I saw a great Christmas decoration at a local Christmas Fair, and now a friend of mine want to make them! Details to come!

4. Have you ever worked in a ‘food place’? What did you take away from the experience?

My home is my food place. I guess I’ve learned that disasters can happen along the way. Poor Hubby claims that he is my guinea pig!

5. Cold turkey, talk turkey, what a turkey…in recent days, which turkey phrase or idiom best applies to you and why? Click on the word turkey if you need to read more about the meaning behind each phrase.

How about find a turkey? I went into our grocery store the other day for a “few things”. That’s when a nice small turkey (10 pounds) jumped into my basked for 59 cents a pound!

6. If you could have any one guest join your Thanksgiving dinner table, who would it be?

Easy. My daughter Katie!

7. What is one thing you must accomplish today?

Nothing much. I need to have a quiet day on orders from my doctor. I need to allow my forehead to knit.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I want to congratulate Joyce on 150 Wednesday Hodgepodge questions. I love the Hodgepodge and look forward to it every week! Thanks Joyce!

1. What’s one way you’re like your siblings? If you don’t have siblings how are you like your lifelong best friend or cousin?

As much as I love my sister, I think we are very different. We’re both people who value love and honesty, but the way we do things in life are very different.

2. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of yourself at age eighteen?

Labor. I was expecting Mandy and a month after I turned 18, I gave birth to my first child. I felt such immense joy, as though no one else had ever had a baby!

3. Sculptor-actor-painter-dancer…if you could excel in one of these arts, which would you choose and why?

Painter. I have always wanted to be able to express myself on paper or canvas. When I was a teenager I actually could do this. But after a head injury I seemed to have lost my second sight to draw.

4. What’s a scent that takes you back in time, and where does it take you?

A roasting turkey. It brings we right back to all the Thanksgivings spent with long gone and greatly loved family.

5. November is for Peanut Butter Lovers (National Peanut Butter Lovers Month). Are you a lover or a hater? What’s your favorite dish/recipe that calls for peanut butter?

I LOVE peanut butter! My favorite peanut butter treat is the fluff-a-nutter sandwich!

6. What do people thank you personally for most often?

My jellies or jams. I take the fruit from out trees and vines and make jams and jellies. And I always share!!!

7. What event this year are you most thankful for?

Savannah’s First Birthday, back on May 31st! I am so blessed. Savannah is simply put, sunshine and happiness!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I was doing some random shopping on Amazon last night when I started reading a book by Nicholas Sparks, “The Longest Ride”. Well I finished the “free” part of the read and I was hooked! I can tell this will be a quick read, but a fun one! Anyone else read this book?

1. What’s something you’re dealing with that might be described as tricky?

Mmmmmm. Let me see. This morning I woke to Arnie acting strangely. I took him out to monitor his bodily functions, and all was well. I took his temperature, and that was normal. Yet he is walking about with a hang dog look, and occasionally stops and his whole body shakes. As I write, he is still not 100% and I am worried, but I think (fingers crossed) that he is a bit better.

2. What’s your treat of choice?

Oh easy, anything dark chocolate! It’s my favorite. But really sweetness in general. I’m basically a sugar-a-holic! Cakes, cookies, danish, donuts, anything that is sweet can be craved by yours truly!

3. Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional ‘Jack’ would you most like to meet in person? Why?

No. I didn’t carve a Pumpkin. I hate to watch them die. Perhaps when Savannah is older I can do it with her. This year, her Daddy did it with her.

Isn’t this adorable?

Now as far as Jack’s go, finally after all these years I will tell you that Hubby’s name is Jack! Actually John, but no one has ever called him John. Including me. So, he is my Jack!

4. In your opinion, what’s the grossest sounding word in the English language?

Now there ‘s a question. There are several swear words I find very distasteful, but just plain words, I guess something like puke.

5. When did your heart last skip a beat?

It actually skips them all the time as I have a slight heart palpitation. A normal heart goes beat…beat…beat…beat. Mine goes beat…beat…beatbeat…beat. Then it repeats after that. It’s quite odd and did not start until after menopause. Oh, the joy!

6. Monster Mash by Bobby ‘Boris’ Picket, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.’s Ghostbusters…your favorite ‘scary’ tune?

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. Yeah well, what can I say. I would have been a peer of Michael’s had he lived.

7. It was a dark and stormy night when..

the monster at the end of the street came to call, taking all the pumpkins and candy that he found along the roadside!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here is my darling, my heart, my little Bumble Bee. She is just precious, yes?

1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?

Always saying “please and thank you” with a smile. I also hold the door for the elderly, and smile at people as they come my way. You never know when your smile might just be the only one a person gets that day.

2. Let’s open a proverbial can of worms…Common Core. Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)? If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?

This is an issue I’d just like to step away from. I am not impressed with our local public schools.

3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.

Princess Kate. Also known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. She is so good at mixing and matching and wears outfits again and again. I also like the fact that she always looks easily put together.

4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?

Love them. Each season in their own way makes me happy. Right now we are at the end of Autumn and the leaves are falling from the trees. I can hardly wait for the first snow. After winter, I love the spring, with blossoming trees and flowers and summer is the growing season and canning for me. Yes so many great things, year round to look forward to!

5. Scariest book you’ve ever read?

Nope, don’t read them. In fact my cousin, Janet will tell me not to read this or that book because of the scare or gore!

6. What time of day are you most hungry? What’s your go-to snack?

2PM. My go to snacks are apple, popcorn, rice cakes, or bananas.

7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?

Oh, I am definitely way too needy. I’m working on it all the time. I try not to be, but it is hard. I think it’s difficult for me to handle other needy people, as I cannot give to them all that they need.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I had my retinas examined today. All went well, and I am good for another six months. I have known this marvelous surgeon for eleven years. He is a very rigid and precise man, but after this long, and so many surgeries, we have become friends. Which is so nice. It’s also great to know that all is well with my eyes.

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago? Is it still a worry?

5 years ago I had my first surgery for cancer on my nose. It seemed that they got it all, and I was left with a small scar.

It faded quickly, and I let it slip from my mind until December 2012 when I noticed the spot was back. I went in and most of 2013 has been spent first getting the cancer out and then repairing my face.

March and August

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day…what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you’re feeling grouchy?

Lack of sleep. What cheers me when I am grouchy? Well a good long nap!

3. In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?

It never bothered me at all. Now, since my surgery to my face and forehead, I am very photo-sensitive. Although I must say, I am getting less sensitive as the results of my wonderful Boston Plastic Surgeon, become evident!

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path? Explain.

My maternal grandparents. I lived with them most of my teen years and they really had a lot to do with the way I think and feel.

5. The crisp days of autumn are here …what’s something you like to eat, but only if it’s crisp?

Crackers. Potato Chips. If those things are soggy or old, they get tossed. I cannot stand either!

6. What’s the most useless object you own?

A recipe file box. It used to be so important. But in the age of computers, I have all my recipes on my computer and they are available quickly, and with a fresh paper, not a used up file card.

7. Share a favorite fall memory.

Working at Hubby’s Apple Farm before we actually started to date. I worked packing apples, pressing cider, and making store deliveries.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’ve made Apple Crisp twice and one Apple Pie. I bought the Already Made Crusts this week as I plan another sugar free apple pie.

1. The USA will mark Columbus Day this year on Monday, October 14th. What’s something you need or want to explore (literally or metaphorically speaking)?

I need to explore learning to relax. Perhaps meditate. I get quite nervous and wound up and need to learn to let it go!

2. The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, Ursula from The Little Mermaid, or Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty…who do you most love to hate?

The Wicked Witch of the West. I do a mean imitation of her!

3. Is open-mindedness a virtue?

Yes. I think so many people are very closed minded. Look at the mess in Washington. No one is willing to actually sit down and talk. Both Republicans and Democrats. Shameful! I think they should all be voted out!

4. How often do you weigh yourself?

Too often. I’m afraid this year I have gained weight. I have all sorts of excuses, but the fact is, I keep weighing in, hoping I have lost some weight. I’m afraid I need to really get off my chair, really watch my diet and then things will come together.

5. This question comes to you courtesy of Rebecca over at Making Memories, so thanks Rebecca!

Costa Rica was recently named the happiest country in the world on the Happy Planet Index. What’s the happiest country in the world to you, and what makes it so?

That is so weird, I have always heard that Denmark was. I do not know really. I love Bermuda and the people seem so nice there. Having been to Costa Rica, I cannot agree that it is the happiness place, as there i so much suffering, poverty and illness.

6. Besides The Bible, what is one book you think should be mandatory reading for high school students? Why?

War and Peace. It is by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, and first published in 1869. The work is epic in scale and is regarded as one of the most important works of world literature.

7. I went shopping at some nearby outlets last week, and while I was there, I picked up a couple of Christmas gifts. How about you? Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

Yes I have. Just a few little things.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m actually “good” tired tonight. I had my own Plastic Surgeon’s appointment on Monday, which required me getting up very early. Then today Hubby had a test that required me to go with him and drive home after. Another early morning get up. Here I sit at 6:30 in the evening and I feel like I could fall asleep! But it’s good, because I accomplished something and was productive!

1. What’s one thing you learned in September?

How truly loved I am. Going through my mother’s death and funeral, I found my family surrounding me with love and support. Even my little Savannah knows who I am, and shows me so much love. And since I have been sick, Hubby has stepped up and taken very good care of me.

2. Acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, yellow squash, zucchini squash, or blech! hold the squash… what’s your favorite squash? What’s your favorite way to prepare your favorite squash?

Butternut squash. I peel it, cut it into cubes, boil until tender, drain, mash with butter, brown sugar and a little cinnamon. Yum!

3. The older I get the__more sleep I need.

4. What’s your favorite television theme song ever?

5. What do you wish you’d spent more time doing five years ago?

Paying attention to keeping my weight off. Unfortunately, I didn’t and now I am back to where I was! (**groan**)

6. What item do you most need (or want) to add to your wardrobe this fall?

A comfortable pain of jeans.

7. On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts cartoon was introduced to the world. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?

Always has been snoopy!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well folks we are coming in on three weeks that I have been sick. I think I am a little better today…finally…but I sure have a long way to go!

1. What’s one thing that’s still the same about you as when you were young?

I thought about this for a long time. My hair is gray under the color job I get. My eyes have both been operated on. My nose no longer resembles the one I had. Even my appendix scar is ‘larger’ than it was at age 3-3/4. But, I still love The Beatles music! Almost any one of their songs can put a smile on my face!

2. What’s more important-history or science? Why?

Oh tough question. Both are incredibly important. Without History we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. But without Science there will not be cures for illnesses, new drugs to treat medical conditions nor will we have advances in cell phone, TVs, or other products.

So I guess in the end, Science. (Although, as I said BOTH are still important!)

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?

Purple Beans! Ha! They grow a deep aubergine color in your garden. When you cook them they turn a dark green. Their taste is a lot more nutty than a normal bean. But they are delicious!

Our elderly neighbor came down one day as I was setting out my garden, 5 years ago. He handed me a container of dried bean seeds. He told me to grow them. Well I did, and I have been planting them ever since!

4. What’s something people come to your town to do?

Leaf Peep, Boat, Camp, Dine. Fish. Ice Fish. We have so many thing you can do here, all year long. I think that is what makes it so much fun.

5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.

Two months.

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?

New Years Eve in Sydney Australia. They have one of the best firework shows and the city is simply one big party!

7. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a writer?

Allow your hero or heroine to be human. They will be far more interesting, and people will be able to relate to them.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Well, I am still struggling with this virus. I think last night was the hardest. I coughed and coughed and coughed until I almost couldn’t breath. I hope that last night was the turning point.

1. When did you last sing happy birthday to someone? When were you last sung to? Does that embarrass you or do you enjoy being the center of attention on your special day?

We called up and sang Happy Birthday to my sister in July. Yes, on my last birthday I did get sung to. No, it doesn’t bother me to either get attention on my birthday or for people to know my actual age. Some people really flip out about about that.

2. Name a famous or ‘infamous’ person (living or deceased) who shares your birth day and month. Is that someone you’d like to meet in person if it were possible?

Rock Hudson, Martin Scorsese, Lauren Hutton, Danny DeVito. There are a ton more, but these are the most notable. I think probably Martin Scorsese. He has had a long and brilliant directing career. Danny DeVito would be second.

3. Someone hands you a box tied up in a lovely bow…what are you hoping to find inside?

There is very few things I want in life. Perhaps two tickets to Germany! Or maybe two tickets for a cruise.

4. What can you guarantee about yourself?

That I will always be there for my family. Good times or bad. I will be there.

5. Talking art and beautiful cities here…’The Last Supper’ in the Santa Maria della Grazie Abbey in Milan Italy or ‘The Mona Lisa’ in The Louvre, Paris…which would you most like to see up close and in person? Why?

The Mona Lisa. I have never been to the Louvre and I so want to go!

6. Your favorite dessert?

Hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream!

7. This coming weekend marks the official start of autumn (in the Northern hemisphere)…what is something you do to get ready for fall?

Switch out my closet clothes from summer to winter.

What is one thing you’re looking forward to on your fall calendar?

The Autumn County Fairs. I love Fairs with the animals!

Spring or fall-which do you prefer?

Fall! I live in New England, with trees that turn the most awesome shades of yellow, red, orange, burnt orange and a sunset red.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My fever broke in the night on Monday. I still feel rather weak and lousy, but I hope the worst is over!