Category: Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What’s one simple small pleasure on your summer ‘to-do’ list?

I want to go for fried clams. I know it is not everyone’s desire, but I sure love it!

2. Do you have strong feelings or opinions regarding the immigration debate in your home country? Feel free to share your thoughts, but please play nice.

I think that if someone wants to come here and goes through the proper channels, then this is a good thing. Now, that being said, I actually have friends who have come here from other countries and it has not been easy for them, even though they have gone through the correct channels.

So, we need to have one set of rules, and anyone climbing a fence can’t be allowed to stay, especially when people who do the form work, have sponsors, etc. still have to wait and wait.

PS: My Papa was from Germany, and came through Ellis Island. He was just a boy of 9, but loved this country as if he had been born here.

3. What’s something in your home or wardrobe that could be described as ‘star spangled’?

I have a three dish, red white and blue set that I use on the fourth of July!

4. Is your house set up for a party?

Yes. We have an open concept kitchen and family room and this opens onto a patio with an awning.

5. What one never-before-visited city in America, would you most like to see?

I think New Orleans. I have never been and would like to go, see the place, and eat!

6. Your favorite red food? White food? Blue food?

Red food? Boiled Lobster.

White Food? Mashed potatoes!

and Blue food? Blueberries!

7. What freedom do you value the most, and why?

The freedom of speech! I love writing my blog and putting down my thoughts. However, it is a scary time in our country, as more and more people are losing their right to “Free Speech”.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby finished fixing the air conditioner in the bedroom! I have a hairline fracture in my foot. Mom has been moved to a rehab center near my sister. Easier for all. And I am thinking it may very well rain all summer long! Yuck!

1. Summertime is a season of reunions, weddings, and other family celebrations and gatherings…are any of the above on your calendar in the next two months?

Not really. My mother’s birthday is on Friday and as many of the family as can, will gather to wish her a Happy Birthday.

2. June is National Iced Tea Month…are you an iced tea drinker? If so, how do you like yours (sweet, flavored, etc)?

Love iced tea, unsweet (but I add Splenda) and with a little lemon. Not much, just a hint!

3. When were you last nervous? Looking back, was the ‘event’ actually nerve-worthy?

I have several things making me nervous right now. My mother’s illness and my face. Mom is not doing well. Her kidneys seem to be failing and I think she has given up her desire for life. It’s so sad.

And my face, well, I am still disturbed at my appearance and the scars. In fact I had another hematoma on the nose today that broke. The doctor in Boston told me that this is quite common.

4. The bristle toothbrush was invented in China on June 26, 1498…not sure how that date was pinned down so precisely but, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being sick to your stomach and 1 being not at all, how nervous do you feel when you’re headed to the dentist? Do you see your dentist twice a year?

Ten +++++++. I get so nervous. You see we had a terrible dentist as a child and he caused me so much pain. I even bit him once and he slapped me. Then when my mother came to get me he told her and she slapped me too!

My dentist now is a lovely man. I have told him my tales of woe and he totally understands and works hard to make sure I have no pain at all.

5. What’s making news in your town this week?

Last night, while a huge thunder and lightening storm went through here, three towns away a troup of boy scouts were camping and as they huddled under a tarp, lightening hit the tree near them and the electricity hit all the boys. Luckily, no one was killed,a d the last two boys will go home from the hospital tomorrow.

6. Curtains, drapes, blinds…your window treatment of choice? Are there any bare windows in your house? Is that by choice or because you haven’t gotten around to covering them?

Curtains. I think they give the place a warmer look. The curtains are quite old now, but they still look nice.

7. Summertime is officially here (in the Northern hemisphere anyway)…what one song is a must-have on your summer playlist?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Here are a few tidbits. I burned my arm cooking. Anneliese was bitten by some bug near her eye and it caused a swelling. It’s looking better. Cherry trees are all netted against the birds. I have not had to water the garden in several days due to the heavy rain. Lastly, I will be glad when this week is over.

1. What do you think makes a good dad?

A person who listens to their child, spends time with them, teaches them to love and respect other people, and helps them to see the world with new eyes.

2. What’s something you learned from your own father?

It’s kind of a joke. Punctuality. Or being overly punctual. Growing up we all learned to be ready to leave 10 minutes before we were supposed to because Dad was a nervous wreck about leaving on time and arriving on time. Thus, to this day, I must leave early (there might be traffic!) and I am almost always early!

3. It’s your birthday-what kind of cake will we be having?

Okay I love a double fudge chocolate cake with white frosting. I love that! Chocolate is the best isn’t it? But chocolate cake and frosting is almost too much, unless the frosting is chocolate ganache.

4. When you’re faced with a big decision are you more of a go with your gut type of person, or are you someone who reasons it all out, weighing the pros and cons?

I’m a gut girl. Sometimes there is a lot to consider, but you know your gut instinct often is correct.

5. June is National Dairy Month. What’s your favorite dairy item? Most often purchased dairy item?

It’s a tie between Weight Watchers frozen cookies and cream bars and yogurt, which I eat every day.

6. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was born on June 11, 1910….what’s something you’ve recently discovered or something you’d like to explore?

Hubby and I would love to explore Alaska. There are cruise tours that take you around on a train in Alaska to see the back woods beauty, and then the cruise to see the glaciers!

7. Are you typical of your generation?

No, I think I was born about ten years too early.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I decided to try this format of questions and answers this week. The questions are all in color and my answers are in plain black fonts. This way I’m not highlighting and I don’t have to keep changing the color. What do you think?

1. Have you learned more from success or failure? Explain.

I have learned more from life. Things I never planned, but just happened to me. My car accident is a good example. That was such a defining moment in my life, that taught me compassion, empathy, and so much more. I learned about appreciating the life we have, and those in it, is the most important thing in life.

2. What did you call your grandparents when you were growing up?

I called mine, Papa Fred, and Grandma Honey. And Papa Sam and Grandma Elsie.

If you have children, what do they call your parents?

They had Mimi and Papa Jim. And Grammie Alice and Papa Bobby.

If you have grandchildren, what do they call you?

My granddaughter is lucky. She has Grammie Alice and Mimi as Great Grandmothers. Crazy Grandma (that’s me) and Papa Jack. Grandpa Bob and Grammie Diane and Nana and Grandpa Arthur.

3. You’re invited to a luau. In keeping with that theme, what dish will you bring to share?

I would try to do something with coconut. You see I’d love to do something with pineapple, but I’m allergic to it.

4. Besides Jesus, what one person’s life story do you think everyone should know about?

I loved Mother Theresa. She was such a good and selfless woman.

5. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Agree or Disagree? Why?

Trust me. The small stuff is not worth getting upset over. In life, there are so many more things to worry about.

6. June is National Rivers Month. When were you last on a river? What’s the prettiest river you’ve ever seen? What’s a river you’d like to see?

I have taken several cruises on the Rhine River in Germany. Just beautiful. I would love to go along the River Seine. I have heard it is amazing. Not to mention the French cheeses, baguettes and wines!

7. Speaking of rivers-paddling, fishing, swimming, or bird watching safely from the shore? Which activity would you choose? Yes-you have to choose.

Swimming. I grew up on Cape Cod and I love to swim in the ocean. Not so much in lakes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’ve been thinking about historical men in the military. During the Civil War, General Grant. In World War Two, Patton. What do you think of heroes like this? Were you taught about historical figures like these two men in history? Do you think that Seal Team Six will be remembered for all they have done in our War on Terrorism?

1. What question do you often ask yourself?

The question I most ask myself is, “What am I making for dinner?” as I cook nearly every night.

On a cosmic level, I wish I understood why things happen the way they do. That is probably my biggest question.

2. Do you grow roses? What’s your favorite color of rose? Ever been given a dozen roses? Where was the prettiest rose or rose garden you remember seeing?

No, I don’t grow roses and I never have. I’m not sure why. My favorite color rose is YELLOW. Yes, I’ve been given a dozen roses before. I think the prettiest rose garden was on Cape Cod. My Uncle Billy had a splendid garden and I loved walking through there.

3. Do you read the freshness dates on grocery store products? Will you use eggs past their ‘use by’ date? Take medication that’s expired? Buy a dented can?

Yes, I always check expiration dates in the store. If I have eggs that are just past I’ll whip up something and use them. Medication? Well, it depends on how far past, a month or two I do not worry, but if they are years past then I toss them. Buy a dented can? I try not to, but a tiny ding isn’t going to make much of a difference.

4. Should athletes be role models?

You know what? I think that for the money these people are paid (both athletes and actors and actresses) they should try very hard to lead good honest lives. After all, to those who have been given so much, they really should give back, even if it is just by being a good example for our kids.

5. Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first explorers to reach the top of Mt. Everest on this date (May 29) back in 1953. What’s something you hope to achieve in your lifetime?

If I can grow to be an old lady and be known as loving and caring all the days of my life, I will feel that I have accomplished something very important.

6. What would you do if you had twenty acres of land and the money to develop it any way you choose?

I would have fruit trees, a lovely vegetable garden, and a safe place for my dogs. Wait! That’s what I have now, but on a smaller scale!

7. If I invite you to a party with a 7 PM start time, what time will I actually see you there?

Oh Joyce, I’m terrible! You’d see me right at 7:00! It might even be 6:58, as I fear being late for anything! I blame my father for this quirk!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I got my peas and beans planted. Now this was big work. I did a full row of peas, a full row of green beans, a full row of wax beans and a full row of purple beans! It meant a lot of bending and kneeling and stooping. So tonight my back is sore, sore, sore! But phase one of the garden is in!

1. It’s National Bike Week…do you own a bicycle? When did you last ride a bike?

I do own a bike, but I live in a really hilly area and I’ve never been able to adapt. When we lived in Florida I tried to ride 5 times a week. In fact, I had a basket on my bike and I would take Shubi (my first dachshund) with me and ride all around. It was wonderful!

The last time I rode a bike was a few years ago at the gym. It was a stationary bike, and while biking I watched the TV.

2. What’s something you learned in school that wasn’t part of the curriculum?

School wasn’t a great place for me and I was not always happy there. I met my first husband when I was 15 in school. I suppose that I learned about love. Not real grown up love, but first, puppy love.

3. What’s a food you’ve never tried, but want to try? What’s a food you’ve tried and will never try again?

Real Soba and Udon Noodles. They look wonderful and after seeing Anthony Bourdain go to Japan eat them after he watched the making of the noodles, I want some!

Let’s see, a food I’ve tried and never will eat again…tripe. All I can say is yuck.

4. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Why? Do you think that’s a good trend?

I’ve started to be a bit more demanding of myself. When I started to feel depressed I found I was sitting around doing nothing. Now I am working with my plants, cleaning the motor coach and keeping up with the laundry. Busy, busy, busy! But oh so good!

5. Who is your favorite book, movie, or TV show villain?

Favorite Book and Movie villain is Professor Snape from Harry Potter. TV show villain, Red John from the Mentalist!

6. How concerned are you about identity theft?

Pretty concerned. I do what I can to protect my privacy.

7. I saw this last question on Dawn’s blog a couple of week’s ago and asked if I could share. Everybody hop over and say hi, but first answer this…would you rather have an ordinary home in an extraordinary place or an extraordinary home in an ordinary place?

I will answer this way. I would rather have any home anywhere that my loved ones are. Houses are simply sticks, stones and empty shells. It’s a family that makes it a spectacular home!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We had a visit from some people we met recently. I do not know these people well at all. The woman is elderly and frail, but when we sat down to talk she took my hand and spoke softly to me, telling me about my life.

She would be the first to say she is not psychic, but as she read my palm she was so accurate that the hair on my neck stood up. I listened with rapt attention as she went from one thing to the next.

Once she had gone I came to the computer and wrote down everything she said.

My question to you all is this…do you believe in psychics, mediums, etc.? Have you ever had a psychic reading?

1. May is National Blood Pressure Month…what sends yours soaring, either literally or figuratively? What calms you down? When did you last have your bp checked?

Since I have incedibly low blood pressure, not much makes it go higher, even when I am upset. However, I totally get angry when someone is careless in their own life, and it could affect me. A good example of this was yesterday. I was driving my car down to the mechanics and I was waiting to pull out into traffic. I waited, timing my entrance into traffic and then just as I started to pull out the man in the right lane turned left onto my road without using his directional signal. The bad part was that coming toward me was a large truck, pulling a tractor. I came very close to losing the car vs truck battle. It really scared me!

2. You just found $1-what do you spend it on? How about 10$ 100?

Lately I’ve been saving for a rainy day. Even a dollar can ad up to something wonderful!

3. Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food has been proposed, but not enacted in the US. How much attention do you give food labels before you buy? Are you in favor of labeling if it means an increase in food prices? Is this an issue you’ve been following and feel strongly about, or is this the first you’ve heard of the controversy?

I am pleased with calories, fiber, and ingredients. I don’t mind too much about the whole GE thing. After all many seeds are genetically engineered so that crops last longer and for me, my curbit vegetables don’t die from disease.

4. May 15th marks the birth-date of Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. At this point in time, are you more in need of brains, courage, heart, or a trip back home? Explain.

I think I need both courage and heart. The last few months of my life has left me feeling frail and in need of both those things.

5. “There’s no place like home” is an oft repeated line from Baum’s book. When was the last time you felt the truth of that statement?

After my surgeries. Especially the second one. I just wanted to come home and be here. And I have hidden here quite a bit.

6. Steak…yes please or no thank you? What cut do you prefer and how do you like yours cooked? Sauce or no sauce? Besides your own kitchen, where’s a place you like to go to get a great steak?

Steak, yes. Love steak. Matt made steak tips last weekend on the grill and they were fabulous. Since I would rather cook than go out for a steak, I can’t really say. I did have a great Prime Rib at the wedding we went to last month. I like mine rare, very rare!

7. When was the last time you were in a genuine hurry?

We were on the way to the hospital for my second surgery and I was a wreck. We were late, late, late, and I was already nervous!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I went to the King Arthur Four Museum, gift shop and cafe on Tuesday. It was terrific!

This picture I borrowed from their web site.

They had all sorts of baking and cooking items and an area where you could watch them bake their own bread!

1. This week’s Hodgepodge is Volume 123. What’s something you’ve done recently that was as easy as 1-2-3?

It seems that lately, nothing has been as easy as 1,2,3. Maybe it’s the ability to look at my daughter and granddaughter and feel such incredible love. That is so easy that I don’t think about it, it just is.

2. The Wednesday Hodgepodge also happens to fall on the first day of May …what is something you may do this month?

The first day of May is my busy day. I have three doctor’s appointments that day, and get my stitches out. This requires a 45 mile drive each way. I’m glad Hubby will be with me.

3. The Englishman Horace Walpole is credited as saying, “The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think” How do you see it?

If I didn’t laugh at most of what happens in my life, I would be crying! Mostly, I try to laugh and not let thin gs get me down too much.

4. May is National Hamburger Month…how often do you eat a burger? What are your must-haves when it comes to burgers? I assume you vegetarians won’t be celebrating so tell us what you’d like instead?

I love hamburgers. I’d say I have one every couple of weeks. I love hamburgers with tomato, lettuce, ketchup, and cheese. Occasionally bacon slips in there too.

5. Pansies, petunias, geraniums, impatiens…of the four mentioned, which is your favorite in a patio pot? Will there be pots on your patio this spring? (Or whenever spring comes to your part of the globe?) Who does the gardening at your house?

I’m the gardener. Although, I am not much into flowers. I suppose impatiens.

6. When did you last (literally or figuratively) shout “Mayday, Mayday!”

My ex-husband’s birthday is on May 1st and I used to joke with his mother that I was just sure that she cried “Mayday” when in labor with him.

7. Say farewell to your April in ten words or less.

Good bye surgery. Let’s hope there is no more!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The seeds are planted and the sun is shining. Soon I will have little baby plants. I feel such excitement that it’s another year and another garden!

1. April showers bring May flowers…what have you been showered with this month?

Computer peripherals. My high speed internet modem and my router. I replaced the modem, and then (fortunately) took the router out of the box and got it hooked up!

2. What is the nature of compassion? Is it learned or innate? Can compassion be learned? If you’re a parent is this something you’ve purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?

I think this is a tough question. Some people have never been taught, of have the innate quality of compassion. I tried to teach my girls compassion by doing clothing drives for the poor, as well as having them go through their toys to donate to a woman’s shelter. I think it worked because Mandy is so very thoughtful and compassionate.

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama…or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?

I like romantic comedy, and I also love action flicks, but not horrific ones.  I love Bruce Willis, and his action movies always make me sit on the edge of my seat and sometimes laugh.

4. It’s April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying “A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.” Agree or Disagree?

Oh yeah! There is nothing like a hot-dog and beer at the ballpark!

5. What’s something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?

Apparently, the park trails now that it is spring. Hubby is going this weekend to help clear the trails!

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

7. April 22nd is Earth Day…do you believe there’s life on other planets? That wasn’t the question you were expecting was it?

I’d like too. How exciting!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Taken this morning on the left. Here is my after on the right!