Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your summer so far? Why?
(1=eh and 10=best summer ever)

Oh, I think I would give it a 7. The garden is growing, the grandchildren are marvelous and healthy and life, in general, is very good.

2. July 26th is National Aunts and Uncles Day. Did you have many aunts and uncles growing up? Were you especially close to any one or maybe all of them? Are you an aunt? (or uncle for the men who join here on Wednesdays) Share a favorite memory relating to one of your own aunts or uncles or relating to a niece or nephew who call you Aunt (or Uncle).

Growing up I had only one real uncle and his wife.  But, there was my mother’s cousin, George and his wife Betty. I always called them Aunt and Uncle, and in the grand scheme of things, Uncle George and Aunt Betty were the Uncle and Aunt of my heart. My favorite memory of Uncle George, was when he walked me down the isle when I married Hubby.

Uncle George was the finest man I have ever known. And, I was so blessed to be loved by him. He was never too tired, or too busy, to be there for all of us kids. I sure do miss him!

3. What’s your favorite food dipped in chocolate? What’s your favorite food dipped in cheese?

Almost anything dipped in chocolate is good. I cannot pick one. Dipped in cheese? Well a nice crust piece of home made bread!

4. When were you last astonished by something? Explain.

Finding out the plate in my spine has moved! I knew it in my mind, but to actually have xrays confirm it, really astonished me.

5. Surf board, paddle board, ironing board, Pinterest board, score board, clip board, bulletin board…which board have you most recently encountered?

Bulletin board. As I prepare for our trip, I am putting lists all over the house for our dog/house sitter!

6. What’s your favorite story from scripture? Why that story?

Suffering and Faith in God (The book of Job)
Job learned that bad things happen to good people and bad people alike. The question is, will you continue to trust God in the difficult times? Is he worthy of our trust when we don’t know all the answers and our lives are filled with pain?

This has always spoken to me because of the difficulties I have faced in life.

7. If you were to travel from the east coast to the west coast in your own country, which five cities would you most want to see?

I love New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Oregon. Would love to go to Nevada too, as I have not been.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m off for another MRI today. Thank goodness I am not bothered by being in the tunnel. After the test is done I will see my Neurosurgeon.

1. Pokemon Go…your thoughts? Are you playing? Do you even know what it is?

I do know what it is, but I simply haven’t got the time. After all, I can hardly keep up with Words With Friends! LOL 🙂

2. What was something you collected as a child? Do you still have that collection? If you’re a parent what’s something your own children collected? Have you ever camped out, stood in a crazy long queue, or paid a ridiculous sum for a ‘collectible’?

I collected Barbie Dolls. I had a little suitcase with all my dolls. I loved Barbie! Then one summer, my sister sponsored a young girl from Ireland. So, I gave them to her. There are times I wish I had kept them, but I still feel what I did was right.

3. “Collect moments, not things”…tell us about a moment you’ve added to your collection this summer.

I am trying to collect as many moments as I can with Quinn and Savannah. They both are growing and changing so much, so quickly. I wish we lived closer and I could see them more often.

4. What’s something collecting dust in your home right now? Any plans to do something about it?

I’m actually doing pretty well on that front. I did a big clothes clean out recently and donated to St. Vincent, and now I need to slowly work through a few more piles of things.

5. A favorite song relating to time?

Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce.

6. What’s been your most frightening or your most interesting encounter with wildlife?

Many years back now, I was walking one of the dackels outside after dark. All of a sudden I heard and saw a small black object running toward us. I grabbed up the dachshund and started to run, and when I reached the lighted portion of the yard I realized it was our neighbors Schipperke Dog! Kodiak. He was a sweet boy and really liked me and the dackels and Fritz. But that night, he scared me to death!

7. On July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong set his foot down on the moon. If you could travel to the moon would you go? Why or why not?

Years ago, I might have, but I am well grounded now with my daughter, my grandchildren and of course my dear Hubby! No, earth is home, happily so!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m taking my post from yesterday in to my Weight Watchers class to read. I sent it to my leader today and she loved it. So…wish me luck!

1. How did you welcome the month of July, and tell us one fun thing you did to celebrate the 4th. (or the weekend for any non-USA residents playing along today)

The fourth was a challenge. Two and a half year old Lili (White German Shepherd, 80 pounds) was terrified of the noise.

I used some Benedryl to calm her, but the poor girl was simply frantic.

I did make a nice roast and vegetable stir fry, as well as an awesome fruit salad!

2. Right now..what’s your favorite red thing? white thing? blue thing?

Red and blue, my fruit salad with watermelon and blueberries! White thing? Mmmmm, Gee, not sure. Maybe my coffee mug!

3. Wave the white flag, raise a red flag, fly your freak flag…which ‘flag’ have you flown most recently? Explain.

I have no idea what a freak flag is. None of the above fit. I am celebrating right now, as I am getting a lot done de-cluttering wise!

4. According to Cond Nast Traveler these are the seven best places to visit in July-

a boat safari in Botswanna’s Okavango Delta, Riviera Maya Mexico (it’s whale shark season and apparently you can swim with them), Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Pamploma Spain, St. Petersburg Russia, the Fuji Rock Festival at Mount Naeba Japan, the Salzburg Festival in Salzburg Austria

If time and money weren’t factors would you want to see any/all of these? Which would you most like to see and why?

Oh I would go to Salzburg, Austria! And since money is no object I would take my sister, daughter, grandchildren and cousin, as well as send for a few of my best friends!

5. Grilled cheese, pimento cheese, or mac and cheese…your favorite from the cheesy treats listed?

On a day when I have a winter cold and feel feverish, I find comfort in grilled cheese, with Campbell’s tomato soup!

6. What makes you sweat?

Since menopause set in, almost anything and everything!

7. Your favorite movie with a ‘patriotic’ theme of some sort?

Well, for fun I think the American President, with Michael Douglas.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am trying to adjust myself to learn to live and like coffee with no cream, and finding that a bit tough. I love my fat free creamer, but when I looked at the number of Smart Points in each cup I drank, I decided to kick the FF Creamer habit. Boy is this tough! Next is my tea.

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

The Starnbergersee. We have friends that live there, and they have a small cottage right on the lake. Many happy hours were spent there with them, and their wonderful dog, “The First Shubi”. That dog inspired me to get my own wire-haired dachshund, that I named Shubi.

On the Starnbergersee.

With the first Shubi! He belonged to our friends.

2. What’s your favorite ‘fruity’ drink?

Almost anything. With the exception of Pina Coladas. And those I love, but cannot have due to pineapple juice.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were: “clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead.” Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

A.) clean as you go,

Most helpful. When I am cooking I can go crazy and make a real disaster of my kitchen. I try hard to clean as I go, but sometimes it is a challenge.

B.) write down your daily goals,

I should definitely write down my daily goals. I get side-tracked so easily. Writing it down would be so helpful.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?

I was newly married and pregnant. I was enjoying my pregnancy, and getting prepared for Mandy’s birth. Of course back in the olden days, I did not know what sex the baby was. I will say, it was quite a magical time in my life.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what’s a favorite?

No. I don’t listen, and so I guess I am not.

6. Do you think today’s fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

Very different. In the 50’s Dads were usually the bread winners and Mom was home. Now a days, both Moms and Dads work, and so I hope that Dads are more involved with the home things. Am I right?

7. Tell us one way you’re like your father? Or not at all like your father if that’s easier?

My father has cursed me with the worry of being late. As a kid I rode to school with Dad most days. (He was a Music Teacher.) Well, if I was two seconds after the time he set to leave, there was hell to pay. Consequently, if I do not leave to go somewhere ahead of the time I really need to leave, then I get panic stricken! I am always the first to arrive, and sometimes, if I am too early, I will drive around the block a few times before landing at the designated event.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It looks like we have found the man to do our roof, skylight, and some other carpentry type things around the house. We both liked Mike and waited for his proposal. He was the best quote, and after spending time with him, both Hubby and I agreed that he was the one for us!

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I’m paraphrasing a little but basically…

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer’s Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city.

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What’s one thing you’d add to the list?

Now Joyce, that’s 4 questions in one! Let me see, 1.) I would love to go to a Farmer’s Market. Fun! Really into fresh vegetables these days!

2.) Going for a morning run is the least appealing. Old age and arthritis keep me from hitting the roads anymore.

3.) I will probably manage to do most of the things mentioned on the list. With the exception of running, of course!

4.) One thing I would add to the list…a visit to see my sister!

2. What’s something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Get an early bedtime and actually sleep until 7 in the morning. The dogs have been getting me up at 5:30 the last week or so!

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate…what’s your pleasure?

Any and all chocolate! But my favorite these days is an ice cream called fudge tracks. Totally yummy!!!

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Breaks down frequently, needs replacement of parts!

5.What’s the most interesting website you’ve visited in the last week?

With our skylight dying a slow death I have been on every repair/replace web page. Not super exciting, but definitely interesting!

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter…which season are you? Why?

Autumn. I like cooler temperatures and the beautiful Autumn leaves.

7. “You lose sight of things…and when you travel, everything balances out.” ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

I have always found that when I travel I see the world through new eyes. Sometimes I get bogged down seeing the negative in the world, traveling opens new doors and I am reminded of the good in the world!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As I was driving to an appointment today I was chatting on my cell with a WW friend. I was telling her about going to a Greek Baptism and party and that I had made very good choices at the dinner.
But I also had a slice of Greek sweet bread and a slice of chocolate cake. I felt no guilt.
When I got home I was not too hungry, had a nice cup of tea and then the next meal started in back to counting all my points.
The thing is, I plan to live this way for the rest of my life, and I can live with this. It’s all about making good choices and living the plan.

I weigh in tomorrow, and we will see how it goes!

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.

Lunch with my cousin, Janet at Pickity Place! I am so excited about going and having this time with her, at our favorite restaurant!

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?

Now, I am so careful. Sun screen, long sleeves, floppy hat. If I could go back and tell my teenage self one thing, it would be to stay out of the sun. I have paid dearly for my abuse of my skin, with skin cancer. Not fun, people. Take care!

 

The worst sunburn, age 13.

My surgery in 2013.

3. Describe a time when you wanted to ‘throw in the towel’?

Just one? Probably during my divorce. I felt like such a failure. But time has gone by, I met the love of my life, and today my former husband and I are friends.

4. What’s a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics?

There are so many. Here’s one: Monday, Monday, by the Mama’s and the Papas.

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one’s your favorite?

Strawberries.

What’s the most recent berry dish you’ve eaten?

Just plain blueberries.

Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin?

Muffin, for sure

6. What’s something you want to do before your next birthday?

The next birthday isn’t a big one. I think that getting my weight under control and to be in better physical health.

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let’s all say something nice here.

Today, I was out in the yard with Hubby and I looked up into the sky, and it was deep, robin’s egg, blue. There were no clouds and it was almost like looking directly into Heaven.

 

1. Tell us about a time you found yourself ‘in the middle of nowhere’. Was this deliberate?

Way back, many years ago, Hubby and I were sailing the Intracoastal Waterway. At night fall one day we found ourselves just off Fort Frederica National Monument, on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It was the quetest place we ever anchored, and as we still had light, we took our dingy and went ashore to look around.

Fort Frederica National Monument, on St. Simons Island, Georgia, preserves the archaeological remnants of a fort and town built by James Oglethorpe between 1736 and 1748 to protect the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish raids.[4] About 630 British troops were stationed at the fort. A town of up to 500 colonial residents had grown up outside the fort; it was laid out following principles of the Oglethorpe Plan for towns in the Georgia Colony. The town was named Frederica, after Frederick, Prince of Wales, son of King George II. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

It was the best night sleep we had as we were the only boat there, and no people were around. It was truly lovely.

2. What’s something you’re ‘in the middle of’ today or this week?

Laundry? I decided to put away our winter blankets and spreads, but before I can do that I needed to wash everything. I still have many loads to go.

3. At what age do you think ‘middle age’ begins? What does it mean to be ‘middle aged’?

I would guess I am middle aged, or perhaps slightly passed it now. To me middle age is sort of a place where you have gotten all your youthful experiences out of the way and can use the information to have a better life. At least I hope that this is the case.

4. Ravioli, stuffed peppers, samosas, deviled eggs, steamed dumplings, pierogis, or a jelly donut…your favorite food (from this list!) with something yummy in the middle. Your favorite not on the list?

I love deviled eggs! I make them for almost all family gatherings. I even will make them to have at lunch for Hubby and me. My least favorite thing on the list is, well there isn’t. That is why I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers!

5. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying ”In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’ Would you agree? Have you found this to be true in your own life? Feel free to elaborate.

Yes, and no. Now if we are talking a difficult computer problem, I’m your girl. I may not know what to do at first, but even if I labor for hours on end, I figure it out.

In life, no. Sometimes there are things so painful, so heart wrenching, that there is nothing more to learn, other than I did not die from the pain.

“She Stood In The Storm, & When The Wind Did Not Blow Her Way, She Adjusted Her Sails” -Elizabeth Edwards

6. What’s a song you remember loving from your middle school years? Do you love it still?

Penny Lane, by the Beatles. And yes, I still do love it!

7. May 18th is National Visit Your Relatives Day. Will you celebrate? Which relative would you visit if time, distance, and expense were not considered.

My sister. She isn’t that far away 4 hours and 15 minutes by car, but we both have so much going on in our lives! We need sister time. We may get that this summer.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Only one thought. When will Spring finally get here? I am freezing up here in New England!

1. This is the last Hodgepodge in April. Share something you learned this month.

I’m reading a book about singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson. I was amazed to learn that he was really gifted with numbers, working in the early banking/computer department handling deposits and withdrawals. I also learned that he had an Eidetic Memory. (Known as a photographic memory, but with more precision, like exact dates, times, etc.) Do you remember Harry Nilsson?

2. It’s National Poetry Month, and we all know you can’t escape an April Hodgepodge without a little poetry. Keeping the first line as is, change the rest of the wording in this familiar rhyme to make it your own – ‘Hickory Dickory Dock…

The dog ran up the clock, The clock struck four, the dackel did roar, hickory, dickory, dock!

3. What were one or two rules in the home you grew up in? Growing up, did you feel your parents were strict? Looking back do you still see it that way?

Looking back to the 1960’s, the big rule was that you had to be home before dark, or when Mom rang the dinner bell. This meant that one had to be in the neighborhood, and close enough to hear the bell. I somehow made it and I don’t recall getting into trouble for that. Of course, now a days, you can’t just let your kids out to roam the neighborhood like we did. It just wouldn’t be safe.

4. Tell us about a kitchen or cooking disaster or mishap you’ve experienced. Do you have many from which to choose?

This goes back to my first marriage. I decided to try a recipe I saw in a magazine for a tuna roll. Looked easy enough. I chopped and cutup things and then got to the “roll” part. Well, as I started to roll it, and the tuna “roll” just fell apart! Oh it was terrible! I was mortified. Mostly because my former husband was a better cook than I was then. Anyway, he came home, and didn’t really say anything I can recall, but we grabbed the kids and went out for dinner.

No, I really don’t have too many disasters. I’ve spent time, and I’ve taught myself to cook. It’s now something I enjoy doing. Especially for large groups of people.

5. Plant a kiss, plant doubt, plant a tree, plant yourself somewhere…which on the list have you most recently planted?

 

Kiss. Hubby, grandchildren, dog, and I am a firm believer of showing your love for your family and friends.

6. What’s your most worn item of clothing this time of year? Are you tired of it?

My three season jacket. I am just sick to death of it! Enough said!

7. I’m wrapping up the A-Z Blog Challenge this month and our Hodgepodge lands on letter W. What’s one word beginning with W that describes you in some way? How about a word to describe your home, also beginning with W?

Welcoming. I would like to think that my family and friends are always welcomed by me.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It’s already been a busy week for me. Tuesday I ordered new glasses and sunglasses. Special deal, very cheap. And I am very happy. My prescription changes so often that new glasses each year are a real must! Today is my first weigh in after my first week on the new Weight Watchers program. I have weighed, measured, and counted my points. I’m hopeful!

1. What’s the last thing you did that could be described as ‘taxing’?

Helping Hubby with our taxes! Oh I hate this time of year, when every document, every little expense must be accounted for.

2. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would be in it?

Successfully? I would plant a garden of eggplant! As it is, I do garden, and raise zucchini, summer squash, butternut squash, tomatoes, and tomatoes.

3. April 10-16 is National Library Week…will you celebrate with a visit to your nearest library? When did you last make a trip to the library? What are you reading right now? What’s one title on your want-to-read list?

I haven’t been to our library in a bit. Much of what I used to go in for can be done on line. When I drove to Mandy’s last week, I noticed their library, and I was thinking of learning when their story times are and perhaps taking Savi.

4. Share a saying or an old wives tale you heard while growing up, you believed to be true or that you paid attention to ‘just in case’?

Too many cooks, spoil the broth. I love to cook, but I tend to shoo people out of my kitchen.

5. Are you a fan of onions? Garlic? Ginger? What’s a dish you love that contains one, two or all three items listed?

Oh, I love Onions, Garlic and Ginger. But mostly, onions and garlic. I have a great recipe for a mushroom risotto that I add onions and garlic to and it is fantastic!

6. Where does nurturing end and indulging begin? What are some skills or qualities a person needs to posses in order to be viewed as mature?

My daughter is a great example. She nurtures her children in a loving and gentle manner. She is never too busy to hold them, and comfort them, and yet she also has set limits with Savi and her behavior.

I think the one thing I realized that a person needs to be mature is the ability to listen and accept another person’s views and ideas. Sadly, I am discovering during this presidential campaign season, that many, many, people do not posses this ability and instead of graciously listening, they attack and try to tear down the person expressing their views. Sadly, I have never read so many vile and hateful things written by friends, about other friends. Now there is a contradiction.

7. What leading figure in any field would you like to hear speak, and why?

If time were no matter, I would go back and listen to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many people have interpreted his word, his teachings. Imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to listen to his words.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Greta’s tests came back and she is doing as well as any 12 year old lady doggy. So, good news!

My computer Guru was here and he got my laptop cleaned, my smartphone organized and got Jack’s laptop cleaned and our desktop trouble shot. Our old desktop is XP, and whether we like it or not, it is now obsolete. Time for Hubby and I to shop around for a desktop for basic organization.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!