The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here’s my x-ray question…when was the last time you felt like Superman? What’s your superpower? Explain.

This morning when I stepped on the scale and realized in 4 short months I have now lost 35.2 pounds! My superpower isn’t losing the weight, but by planning, cooking, and tracking the healthful foods that are making me work toward my goal of being healthy and slender!

2. Are you a fan of the ‘superhero’ type movies? If so what’s your favorite?

Not really, but since my grandson, Quinn wants to be Spiderman,

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 I will say the Spiderman series.

3. Have you postponed or canceled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you’ll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures?

I just had my teeth cleaned in February. Whew! I do need to schedule a mammogram and my colonoscopy. Both were canceled due to the Epidemic.

4. What’s something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel ‘not so youthful’? Tell us why.

Ha! After all this time without seeing my hair-stylist, the very gray roots on my head probably are what makes me feel older. As far as youthful, well it’s all in my mind. In my mind, I think young, but in a wiser kind of way. Oh, if only I knew then what I know now.

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, ‘Dorothy we’re not in Kansas anymore?’

Several. One was shocking! A young mother had her perhaps six-month-old baby in the grocery carriage and the baby was chewing on the handle! Ewe! Disturbing. The other was seeing a big, burly, motorcyclist, get off his Harley in leather boots, jean shorts, that had been torn to the knees, a t-shirt, with a puffy camo vest, a bandana on his face and another one on his head. Oh, and I almost forgot, his 8-inch beard was sticking out every which way! I smiled and stifled a giggle behind my own mask!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I guess my biggest thoughts right now revolve around the Covid-19 Virus and how long I’ve been away from my family and friends. I miss them all so much and I hope and pray that this will all begin to abate soon so that we can get together again.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What’s something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?

Actually, yes I have. Sitting in my chair just after Christmas, looking at pictures of myself, I really felt bad. I was so unhappy with what I saw and how I felt.

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So on New Year’s Eve, I went to the WW App and started their “Green Program” diet. I was worried I would fail, but each day I became more and more steadfast and determined. As of today, I have now lost 34 pounds!

2. Where do you go to find quietude?

I’m not sure that I actually have one place. I certainly have places that I escape to. I love to go to my hometown on Cape Cod, and just sit at Surf Drive Beach.

66009326_10157416039441499_915070128469573632_nMe a few years ago at Surf Drive Beach.

April and October are my favorite times there because the tourists are not around.

3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge…you’re only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha’ buying?

  1. Marinated chicken
  2. Macoun Apples
  3. Moussaka
  4. Meat
  5. Mandarin oranges

4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song ‘I Will Survive’, survival mode, the survival of the fittest…pick one and discuss.

I guess I have felt like I’ve been in “Survival Mode”. Making lists to be sure I have food to eat, bills paid. I’ve had all three dogs to the Vets, as they all chose this time to have one thing after another go wrong. All are on the mend, but I could have gotten along much better if they’d all remained healthy.

5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.

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

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’ve learned a lot during the quarantining of our country. I miss my family. I miss smiling at people. I miss waking up in the morning at my daughter’s home and having my two precious grandchildren climb into bed and cuddle with me.

I miss cook-outs and pool swims and playing with legos and coloring books.

There is so much in our day to day lives that we take for granted. I won’t take these blessings for granted ever again.

What’s the most important thing in life? Love, family, friends, being together.

When this is all over, we will be together again.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Once again, I am joining Joyce for The Wednesday Hodgepodge!

1. In Monday’s post, I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10, how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be. Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’ song?

Oh goodness, I have done Karaoke possibly twice in my life. I think that part of me is very shy. The other, not so much.

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen to the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

I usually listen in the car, or at my computer. I just use my music and haven’t subscribed to an app. This may change very soon. I’m thinking of doing Amazon Prime Unlimited. Yes, both cars have CD Players.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was canceled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been canceled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

The times I actually have to go out. There is real fear! I have to gather up all my courage, put on my version of a Hazmat Suit, and just do it!

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

PB & J! Or perhaps a Tuna Sandwich as I have premade tuna in my pantry.

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP…what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you don’t care for?

  • 1. Peeps. My sister loves them, but I just think they are awful! 2. Reeces Peanutbutter Cups. Jack’s favorite, but just not my thing! 3. Packaged Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yuck. I am a purist. 4. Catfish. Some people really love that, and despite the fact that I love fish Catfish is a big dislike! 5. Canned Pasta of any kind. Blech!

6.  Insert your random thought here.

My darling Anneliese is sick. She has a severe UTI and is in a lot of pain.

LisaStill my girl smiles. She is simply one of the sweetest dogs on this earth!

The Vet prescribed antibiotics and I know she will be right as rain. Wednesday night I was up with her all night long. All she did was cry. Now she has had her first dose of antibiotics and pain medication she is a lot more comfortable.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How will you celebrate Easter this year?

Unfortunately, we will celebrate home, alone. Perhaps I will make a roast of some sort.

2. Is it easier for you to receive grace offered or extend grace to another? Explain. 

It is much easier for me to extend grace. I find it quite difficult to believe that I am even worthy of the care, love, and concern of others.

3. Do you say grace before meals? If so do you have a standard dinnertime grace or is it more ‘off the cuff’? Do you say grace when dining out? Do you have a favorite grace? Any special memory associated with ‘saying grace’?

We do not say grace. My husband never did it, and I have not forced him to. In my youth, I always said grace with my parents. My Dad said some really beautiful ones.

4. What are some challenges you think the next generation will face? (Generation Alpha-born between 2011 and 2025)

I believe they will have to learn how to work for what they have. Not every child, but so many are living in a world where there every wish is granted immediately. I also believe they will need to learn to appreciate what they have.

5. Share a favorite quote or lyric featuring the word faith.

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6.  Insert your random thought here.

Now what kind of trouble do you think I could get into staying home and going nowhere? This morning I got an alert from my BJ’s Credit Card. A purchase had been made on my account in Wilmington, DE.

Now call me upset. Where have I been in the last month? Well, I got food and supplies at BJ’s on Friday the 13th of March. Now I have not been back there since.

I have a few credit cards and they are used at certain places. One for food. One for gas. (BJ’s) and one for Amazon purchases. That’s it.

Well, I must say that the Bank that handles the BJ’s Account was wonderful and they canceled the account, and will be issuing a new card.

So that is my Wednesday Hodgepodge. Truly a bunch of good questions that had me pondering the answers.

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Has spring sprung in your part of the world? How can you tell? Did March come in like a lion where you live? Going out like a lamb or something more ferocious?

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March has been a terrible month. We have had everything from Snowstorms to Thunder, lightning, and hail.

2. The last thing that caused you to spring to your feet?

It has to be something with the dogs. The Squirrels are out and Lili goes bananas!

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She loves to chase them. She has never caught one, but the exercise is good for her!

3. Do you have a spring clean to-do list? What’s one chore on the list you’ve already managed to accomplish? What spring clean chore do you most dread?

I have cleaned off shelves and sterilized them. I also cleaned out cabinets in my kitchen.

4. Tell us something you’ve learned about yourself or the wider world as a result of social distancing/the virus crisis.

How truly the human race is a social being. I look around and find how really lonely people are. People love being out. They love happy times spent with friends. I think right now their concern about this virus also keeps them away from those they love.

5. Something you love that’s the color pink?

My Tervis Tumbler Mug. It’s not just pretty, but keeps my tea and coffee nicely warm!

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6. Insert your own random thought here.

Today marks my three month anniversary with WW. I am now 30 pounds lighter!

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The Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Howdy Hodgepodge-ers. It’s kind of fun to be back, isn’t it?  The last time we met was September 2018. Tell me something big-important-happy-or sad that’s happened in your life since that date. Just one thing. We don’t know how long this current isolation situation is going to last and we might need to dole out our news bit by bit.

I took my granddaughter on a trip to my hometown on Cape Cod.

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Just me and Savannah. We walked all around the village of Falmouth, Massachusetts, stayed in a nice hotel and went to the beach each day to play and swim. It was the best

2. Might as well get this out of the way early on…COVID-19. On a scale of 1-5, how serious are you about keeping your distance? Explain. FYI-I didn’t create the scale but have seen it several places online. Also, FYI-we won’t only have virus-related questions each week, but for this first one, it feels right.

1-Not at all, living normally
2-Cautious but still going out
3-Going out as needed, mostly home or working from home, still seeing friends/family
4-Extremely limited, only going out when unavoidable, minimal contact with people
5-Full lockdown, no one in or out

Okay, We are #4. My husband goes nowhere, and I go out perhaps once a week to quickly get fresh foods.

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Other than that, we are in and that is it.

(Excuse my messy hair. It was a bad hair day for sure!)

3. Raise your hand if you think you might run out of steam in the cooking department before it’s all said and done? What’s something delicious you’ve cooked or eaten in your kitchen in the past week?

I love to cook and mostly we are stay-at-home types anyway. There are two things I’ve made that have been great! One is Cucumber Salad, made with a light oil & Vinegar marinade and Dill! It tastes great and lasts a long time in the fridge.

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The other great thing was Chicken and Cabbage Soup with lots of vegetables. Perfect comfort food!

4. What’s a television show or movie you’ve seen recently (it could be an oldie) that you liked?

Well, I am a Homeland fan and since this is it’s last season I am watching every episode. I also love This Is Us and last night was the last episode of the season.

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5. Share something funny you’ve seen or heard this week.

“It is going to snow a little but it won’t be too bad. Ha!”

20200324_0725356-8 inches of the heavy white stuff!

6. Insert your random thought here

I sure hope we get back to normal life soon. Now, I love my husband, but too much togetherness will drive a sane person mad! That being said, I am trying to stay calm and let the little things go. I think we are all on edge. Except for the dogs. They love having us around all the time!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I feel most energized when ….

I am with my grandchildren. Playing, reading to them, Even watching Savannah or Quinn’s favorite movies, Frozen, Cars or Jumanji! Just being with them is the best!

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2. Where were you ten years ago?

Right here, but in the middle of puppies. In that I was breeding Greta, getting ready to breed Anneliese, going to dog shows and really into all things Dackel!

3. July 17th is World Emoji Day. Do you use emojis? Which one’s your favorite? Your most used?

Yes, I do. I  love to emphasize my feelings with them. My most used Emoji’s are hearts and praying hands.

4. What song would you put on a wedding DO NOT PLAY list?

Love Will Tear Us Apart (by Joy Division), Another One Bites the Dust (by Queen), 50 Ways to Leave your Lover (by Paul Simon), Love Stinks (by J. Geils Band), D-I-V-O-R-C-E (by Tammy Wynette)

5. What deserves less of your attention? More of your attention?

The mindless crap in the world that seems to get non-stop coverage on the TV. The fact is, much of this stuff I have very little control over. It can only make me upset. So definitely less. More attention? Probably my husband. Lately I feel like I should be doing more.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I got great news on Monday. A few months back I found a lump under my arm. No one could tell me what it was and I’m afraid I let the worst thoughts go through my mind. I finally got a complete workup done and the results came in on Monday. It is a small fluid-filled cyst! Eventually, it will be reabsorbed and life will be as it was. But all is right in my world once again! Pass the champagne! (And he did!)

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What’s something in your house you’d like to get rid of but can’t?

Nothing really. If I didn’t like it, it wouldn’t be here. Perhaps I would rearrange things with some new furniture, but all in good time.

2. When is the last time you experienced a sense of nostalgia? Elaborate.

Today. I found out that a man that I had dated only once, but who had been a very good friend all through High School died suddenly. Our one date was on a summer night, on Cape Cod, when we walked all over our town, eventually ending up at the Town Band Concert. I remember sitting with him, on a bench near the Harbor listening to the music. On that one date, we talked and joked. It was sweet, and in the end, we remained good friends. I really liked this man and my heart is broken at his early passing. The strange thing is, he lived just down the road from me all this time, in New Hampshire. I never knew. Dear Friend, rest in peace…

3. You’re only allowed three apps on your smartphone or tablet…which three do you keep?

WAZE, Word With Friends, and Weight Watchers. WAZE is the best and it gets me where I want to go, plus tells me about traffic, speed traps and more. Words With Friends, as it’s the only game I play and I enjoy this! Lastly, Weight Watchers. I can scan in barcode, as well as track my food. Very handy!

4. July 11th is National Blueberry Muffin Day. Who knew? Do you like blueberry muffins? If you were going to have a muffin would blueberry be your choice? What’s the last thing you baked?

I love Blueberry Muffins. They are wonderful. But I don’t want to take the points hit. My favorite muffin is probably blueberry. Last week I made Chocolate Chip Muffins for the kids. I make little mini muffins for them and they love them!

5. What’s the biggest way you’ve changed since you were a child? In what way are you still the same?

I guess you could say that this answers both questions. It’s been a long time since I was a child! In the last few years, I have tried to become a better listener. I am too empathetic. By that I mean that someone will say “I have a terrible splinter” and I will say “I had the worst splinter ever when I was 15”, trying to let them know that I understand their pain. However, what they really wanted and needed was for me to listen and to say, “I’m so sorry. Did you get it out?” So this is what I am trying to do. Be empathetic, but not make it about me.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’d hoped to wake and find Anneliese all better on Tuesday morning. This did not happen. Her eye still looks bad. If she is not a little better on Thursday, I will need to call the Vet. again.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

I think we can have both. I grew up, Post Cold War, then when we were in Vietnam and supposedly fighting for freedom, and now post 9/11 where we are continuing to fight for freedom. America’s Freedom is why people are so desperate to come here. I still believe in our Country. Although right now, I feel we are a little lost in our challenge to remain free.

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

When Jack and I had our motorcoach we spent a lot of time visiting American Civil War Battlefields. So much history there. So, I guess currently the 9/11 Monument and Museum in New York City.

I had an odd happening at the Twin Towers. A few years before the attack, Jack took me there to see the buildings and have a meal at the top. As I stood outside one of the Towers, I was overcome with a feeling of dread, and I felt like a million voices were screaming at me. I couldn’t even go in. Jack then took me to The Empire State Building, and I went up to the Top and was just fine. I have always felt like my reaction at the Twin Towers was a premonition.

 

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Jack and I at the top of the Empire State Building that day.

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot-free, free for all…which ‘free’ phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

Be Free Of! I got some very positive test results back showing I am Free Of Breast Cancer! I found a lump just under my arm, and I have had so many tests run, but the last showed that no Lymph Node is involved and that the lump is likely a cyst. I have one more test to go, but my doctor is feeling very positive about the outcome.

4. Something in your frig that’s red? Something in your house that’s white? Something in your view that’s blue?

Red, Ketchup. White Plain Yogurt. And Blue A Blue Carton of Milk!

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Saltwater taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

Yes, I have visited New Jersey. I spent time in Glassboro, which is in Southern New Jersey.  My girlfriend Gail, who is visiting right now went to Rowan University there, and we made a few visits to her while she was in college! Yes, we have many Diners here in New Hampshire. Good old fashioned ones. I have never had Taylor Pork Roll. Not even sure what it is. I have played Monopoly, but not a big fan. I prefer word games. Salt Water Taffy? Oh my goodness, YES! Yum! I love to Shop everywhere! Sinatra. The man was an American Classic!

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

Yes, my dear! All have to do with the fact that they are New Jersey Delights!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

After scrubbing and cleaning, my friend arrived from Delaware (she is formerly of Salem, MA, and Glassboro, NJ). Gail and I met at a Christian Camp when we were 13. We were pen-pals all these years and now with the advent of cell phones, we text or talk almost every day. But it has been six years since we have seen each other. Last night was our reunion and now the week ahead, just being together will be awesome! And this time, I get to introduce her to Savannah and Quinn!

1. Summer is upon us this week in the Northern hemisphere. Tell us three things on your summer bucket list.

  • Go to the Beach with my grandchildren.
  • Go to Canobie Lake Park with my grandchildren.
  • Spend as much time as I can with Greta.

2. Something fun you used to do as a kid in the summertime?

  • Well, I grew up on Cape Cod, so going to the beach was my favorite fun thing. Mom would pack a basket with food and drinks, she would spread a big old blanket on the sand and get her beach chair all set, and while she read her books (that woman loved to read!) we played and swam and had a blast!

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My childhood beach. Surf Drive Beach.

  •  Riding my bike. I rode that bike all over town. Once I even rode the bike to the Bourne Bridge with my cousin, Janet. Why do you ask? Because it was there!

3. Rooftop or backyard? Why?

  • Backyard. I loved and still do love, the green, green, grass, and the trees all around. Somehow, summer isn’t summer, unless you spend a lot of time outside. Since I live in New Hampshire, we spend a lot of time inside during the winter months.

4. Do you read food labels? Place importance on them? Make an effort to find out/care about where your food comes from?

  • I am reading every label there are these days, as my Weight Watcher lifestyle really demands it.
  • Every label tells a story of Fats, Sugars, Fiber, and Calories.
  • It is so important to know the numbers.

5. A song you’ll have on repeat this summer?

  • You’re My Number One by Pilot. An oldie but a goodie. It makes me want to dance.
  • Hot Fun in the Summertime, by Sly & the Family Stone. Been one of my favorites for years

6. Insert your own random thought here.

  • I guess the biggest item on my to-do list is a bit of deep cleaning in the guest room and my utility closet. Both places have been ignored for some time, so I need to break out the dust mops, vacuums and rug shampooer, and get myself working. I think I will do that Thursday and Friday and Saturday. Today is another big test in Nashua, NH and so after Weight Watchers, I am off to have that done.

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